Voodoo Amps Rivera Knucklhead 2 Mod

This amp was made at the end of 2002, and delivered to me in early 2003. It's a 2 channel 100 watt tube amp with lots of push pull pots to alter the tonal qualities of each channel It also has an effects loop which I dont use, but its always nice to have the option down the road. The amp is modded but the features all remain in tact. I'll give it a 10 being that it does offer a lot of different sounds between the 2 channels and their respective push pull knobs.

Remember this is a modded amp so all of my comments will be describing how it sounds now.

I use a variety of guitars (McInturff/Jackson/ect) and this amp really compliments them all quite well.
On the clean channel ( this channel was not tweaked too much as I did like it in its stock form), you can get some really nice Fenderesque clean tones. It really shines with single coils, but I can get some good tones with split humbuckers. With humbuckers it sounds OK, but I always preferred single coils for the crystal clean stuff. This channel has the ability to stay super clean at high volumes, or you can add gain or boost it to get some grit as well. I usually prefer to keep it super clean, and just work the high gain channel, and my guitars volume knob for the grit.

Now onto the high gain channel. This is where the mods made a big improvement. I was looking for a modern sounding amp when I made this purchases, and from what I had heard from the few that had tried it (mind you mine is one of the first units to ship---Paul Rivera has since changed a few things in the manufacturing of these amps in many of the areas I had tweaked), this seemed like it would fit the bill for reasonable $. When I fired it up, I heard what could potentially work for me, but the bottom was way too much, and not focused enough. Also the top end sounded a bit shrill. After spending about a week with it, I decided that I would send it off to Voodoo Amps , and have it tweaked to exactly what I needed. I heard the potential, but just need it to be brought out. I asked Trace to tighten up the low end, smooth/sweeten the top end, and along with punching up the mids. What I got back was truly an inspiring amp. All of the extra tonal shaping features were kept in tact, but were so much more usable. Chords were clear and focused, yet the girth was still there. Leads and everything seemed to come alive now with harmonics jumping out at ya. Sounded like the blanket was lifted and the amps full potential had been realized. This is the most verstile amp I have ever owned. I generally use it in a rock/metal context, but it can cover practically any ground with the extensive tweakability of the channels. The great thing is no matter how dirty you make this amp, its never noisy, and always clear.

Would not relate to Voodoo Amps since this was made by Rivera, but I have heard nothing but high praise for Riveras build quality. Also, Trace has done work on a few other amps of mine and I have never had a problem. If I did, I know hed jump in and fix it asap.

Dealoing with Trace numerous times, I can say nothing bad about the man and Voodoo Amps. Always went way beyond the call of duty to make me happy. If I am not satisfied, they treat me like I am their #1 priority.

I've been playing on and off for 15 years. I currently own a Voodoo Amps Hex and Witch Doctor along with a Voodoo Modded TSL 100 and the KH2. All these amps sound great, and have a vibe to em which I really like. They have similar traits in that they are all very articulate, and complex sounding, along with making you the player and your gear shine through, yet all sound different. I would not change a thing about this modded KH2, because I love it just as it is. I really can not think of anything else I'd like to have. Its a great amp for the studio, and gigging.