Voodoo Amps Hex Head

It's based on an old Bogen PA head (vintage "birdcage" look). It has Trace's Brutal/Savage switch, gain, treble, mids (with a pull-boost feature), bass, and master (that also serves as on/off switch). No fx loop, no channel switching, no bull...this amp is a pure tone machine! I'm giving it a 9 because for what it does, it's VERY versatile, but it can't quite do everything. I'll get into that below...

I mainly use Gibson Les Paul Standards, and I run the Voodoo head through a Marshall 1960 A cab w/ G12T-75's. The tone that this head achieves is nothing short of phenomenal. The gain stays clear and articulate even when pushed to 10. Brutal mode is 4 gain stages and is capable of everything from cranked Plexi sounds to more modern "Marshall-ish" high gain, Savage adds a 5th and can get you in Mesa-Rectifier/Mark series territory with ease while still retaining pure note clarity. I can get any sounds from early Van Halen & AC/DC to Metallica, Dream Theater with no problems whatsoever just by flicking the Brutal/Savage switch.

The tone controls are straight forward, treble...mids (with pull boost)...bass...very simple, very flexible.

I must also say that when I say this amp has articulate gain...I MEAN IT! I can make some complex chord voicings with the gain cranked to 10 and you can hear every note...I can't begin to stress that fact enough! It's also VERY sensitive to playing dynamics. Turn the volume down on your guitar, or simply play with a lighter touch and it cleans up nicely...then slam it hard again for the good stuff!

Now, the reason I gave it a 9 for features/versatility is this...it because it can't achieve a pristine clean sound...even though it does "clean up" with a lighter touch, it doesn't get clean with the gain turned way down...it's a gain-based amp...so it's not a big deal. It's made for ballsy, raunchy rock/metal.

I'm giving it a 10 because every sound this amp is capable of is phenomenal and cuts through a band mix like you wouldn't believe!

Very dependable. Trace installs HT fuses in the chassis that sacrifice themselves to save the output tranny's in the case of power tube failure (this is a nice security device).

Trace is not only a talented amp builder, but he's also a great business man, and he's also now my friend. After talking with him for about a year trying to find out just what I was looking for in an amp, he and I have gotten to be buds and I honestly can't say enough good things about him. E-mail him or call him for yourself and you'll agree! He will do anything within his power to make sure his customers are satisfied.

Trace offers amps that could EASILY compete with Bogners, Diezels, etc...and he does it for WAAAAAY less money. I just can't wait for his production models to come out.

I've been playing guitar for around 12 years or so now, and I've played a LOT of different amps looking for "the one." And I honestly don't want to play anything BUT a Voodoo Amp now. Trace does amazing work, and I thoroughly believe in what he does and support him totally.

If ANYBODY wants some advice/help or if you're thinking about getting your amp modded by Trace or if you're thinking about buying of of Trace's amps...please feel free to contact me if you'd like for a reference. Trace WILL end your search for the "perfect tone!"