Presents for Experienced Rock Guitarists - Part 1 - Guitars and Amplifiers

Some background

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy experienced rock guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.

The experienced rock guitarist has probably changed amplifiers a few times. They've probably even changed guitars a few times, accumulating a few spares along the way unless they're one of the very few lucky guitarists who start off with their ideal guitar.

Guitars

It's time for an upgrade from that intermediate or basic guitar. The 3 main standards are Gibson Les Paul Standard, Fender Stratocaster and Gibson SG. PRS are also hot on the heels, depending on the style of music, with a number of guitars in their range to suit experienced guitarists. For more metal, fluid solos, then Ibanez score well. Unless you know the guitarist incredibly well and can afford for the guitar or amp to be ignored or sold at half price, then leave this area well alone. There's a very strong chance, you'll get the choice wrong. Remember, guitarists are fickle.

One way out is if the guitar is for a close relevative, then maybe offer an upgrade, but cap the price difference or next thing you know and you'll be paying more for the next guitar and amp than you did for your last car. It pays to do some research first so you know if your contribution will be worth anything and if the present contribution idea will backfire. The new price of the kit in this range is roughly $2000-$3500 for a guitar and similar for an amp. Any kit they have to part-exchange will be 30% of original cost at most. Probably nothing at all if it's from a bargain beginner package or has been treated badly.

1. Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar EbonyThe Les Paul Custom has long been a favorite of guitar players and collectors. The pinnacle of electric guitar elegance and beauty, this limited edition Custom features the trademark split diamond headstock inlay and lavishly bound body, chrome hardware, and 490R/498T humbuckers that are uncovered to reveal black bobbins.
2. Gibson Custom 1956 Les Paul Goldtop VOS Electric Guitar Antique Gold1956 was a big year for the Les Paul Goldtop. It was the first year that the Les Paul wore the Tune-O-Matic bridge bridge (aka ABR-1). This bridge design represented a major advance in functionality. It anchored the strings more solidly improving sustain, had adjustable saddles for better intonation, and thumbwheels allowed it to be raised or lowered for preferred action. It was in many ways the first modern Les Paul. Like all VOS (Vintage Original Spec) series instruments., the 1956 Les Paul Goldtop VOS is handcraftedfor comfort and playability in the Gibson Custom Shop. The construction, neck profile, hardware, and electronics are period accurate, and a special nitro-cellulose finish treatment gives it the patina of a gently-aged vintage guitar. Includes Gibson Custom Shop case and a certificate of authenticity.
3. Gibson Custom SG Standard VOS Electric Guitar Faded CherryThe SG originally was intended as a Les Paul redesign and addressed what many considered the 2 main issues players had with the Les Paul: weight and upper fretboard access. Les Paul himself didn't like it so the Les Paul stuck to its original style and the new Les Paul design was renamed the SG Standard. Even though Les Paul didn't approve of it, countless rockers loved it and made it one of all-time hard rockin' favorites. Like all VOS (Vintage Original Spec) Series instruments, the SG Standard VOS is handcrafted for comfort and playability in the Gibson Custom Shop. The construction, neck profile, hardware, and electronics are period accurate, and a special nitrocellulose finish treatment gives it the patina of a gently aged vintage guitar. Includes Gibson Custom Shop case, and a certificate of authenticity.
4. Fender Custom Shop Custom Deluxe Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Tone Sunburst Rosewood FretboardThe Fender Custom Deluxe Stratocaster from the Custom Shop comes in select alder and premium ash body models. Its lightly flamed 1965 C-shaped "A" maple neck has a 9.5" radius, 6105 frets, a bone nut and a choice of maple or dark hand-selected Indian rosewood fingerboards. The Fender Strat also has a custom '69 single-coil neck pickup with gray bobbin, a Texas Special single-coil bridge pickup and a hum-canceling reverse-wound/reverse-polarity custom '69 single-coil middle pickup with grey bobbin; five-way switching, Schaller locking tuners, three-ply mint green pickguard, modern headstock decal, "R" serial number neck plate, several thin nitrocellulose lacquer body finishes (specific to body wood; see specs) and a vintage-tinted lacquer neck finish.Comes with hardshell electric guitar case, strap, straplocks, cable, polishing cloth, and certificate of authenticity.
5. Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster Electric Guitar BlackGuitarist Dave Murray of seminal U.K. metal heroes Iron Maiden has been laying it down with a Fender since the mid '70s. Murray recently joined forces with Fender to create a signature electric guitar based on his own '57 Stratocaster, previously owned by the late, guitarist Paul Kossoff from the band Free. The Dave Murray Stratocaster guitar boasts a supercharged humbucker/single-coil/humbucker configuration—a DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary DP103 neck pickup, a DiMarzio Super Distortion DP100 bridge pickup, and a Fender vintage-style middle pickup. The Fender Dave Murray Guitar includes a lacquer finish, and a flatter, soft V-shaped neck with satin back.
6. Music Man Steve Morse Y2D Guitar with Floyd Rose Tremolo TobaccoburstIn recognition and celebration of Steve's years as an affiliated artist, MusicMan introduces the new Steve Morse Signature Model. Features include custom wound DiMarzio pickups and 3 exciting new signature finish options.
7. Music Man Ball Family Reserve John Petrucci 6 Electric Guitar Black Burst Flame MapleThe Ball Family Reserve John Petrucci 6 Electric Guitar was designed in conjunction with the world-renowned Dream Theater guitarist. Signature Music Man guitar features fine tonewoods including alder and mahogany. A mahogany tone block runs from under the bridge to the neck pocket. Full mahogany neck. The Petrucci electric guitar's high gloss polyester finish looks great and offers superb protection. Equipped with redesigned controls providing additional versatility and tonal options, the signature John Petrucci 6 sets the standard for the next generation of electric guitar innovation.
8. Hamer USA Monaco Superpro AmberBurstA perfectly bookmatched flamed maple top expertly joined to a Honduran mahogany body with special hollow sound chambers combine to produce a tone that is sweet, tight, and balanced with incredible presence all its own. A set mahogany neck, 25-1/2" scale, and Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece give you all the sustain and articulation you need. The body, neck, and headstock are bound with Ivoroid and the fingerboard features Hamer Victory mother-of-pearl inlays. The Superpro is powered by Seymour Duncan Custom (neck) and Custom Custom (bridge) pickups. Pickups are wired in phase with the pickup selector in middle position.
9. Hamer USA Studio Custom Electric Guitar 59 ChromeThis dazzler boasts a mahogany body and hand-carved 2-piece flamed maple top lovingly finished with 14 layers of hand-buffed lacquer. Ivoroid body and neck binding highlight the top and fingerboard while mother-of-pearl crown inlays on the quartersawn rosewood fretboard add class and sophistication. Stopbar bridge system, Lubritrak nut, and Schaller machine heads add up to granite-like stability and easy tuning. Oversize dovetail neck joint between the mahogany body and 3-piece mahogany neck provides phenomenal resonance and sustain. Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers deliver smooth and versatile tonal output. Includes hardshell case.
10. Ibanez Herman Li EGEN18 Signature Electric Guitar Trans Violet FlatThe Ibanez Herman Li Signature EGEN18TVF is an electric guitar that sounds as wicked as it looks. The Herman Li Signature guitar has a mahogany body with a flamed maple top and a 5-piece maple/walnut EGEN neck. The Edge-Zero bridge has a stronger arm action he prefers.Gold tuners and hardware highlight a stunning transparent violet flat finish. Distinctive features include a special hand grip on the top horn, a scalloped lower horn for increased upper fret travel, and a low profile middle pickup that allows unobstructed picking. DiMarzio pickups provide the tonal spectrum your music needs."The Ibanez E-Gen is THE electric guitar of the new generation. Fusing incredible diverse tones, playability and innovation into one single beautiful instrument.
11. Yamaha SBG1000 DOUBLE CUTAWAY Electric Guitar Brown SunburstCommemorating the 30th anniversary of the celebrated SG1000, Yamaha US has released the SBG1000 guitar, individually handcrafted by the highly skilled master luthiers of the Yamaha Music Craft workshop in Hamamatsu, Japan. The one new feature that has been added to the SBG series is Yamahas Initial Response Acceleration that is a Yamaha technique that accelerates the maturing process of the guitar creating tonal sweet spots and increased stability, which allows the guitar to rapid

Amplifiers

As for guitar amp, we're now in the territory of the extremely fickle. Similar to the Gift Ideas for an Intermediate Blues Guitarist, be very careful about whether you buy an amp or guitar as a present. With experienced rock guitarists, we're looking for kit that will last and not need replacing because they want something better. There are a lot of boutique amps and multi-channel monster amps, but you can quickly waste money this way by buying the wrong amp as a present. I'd consider Matamp, Engl, Hughes and Kettner and Hiwatt as good manufacturers to start with. Have a look at money's no object for a quick overview of top-of-the-range amplifiers. If they're in for something on the older side of rock, then maybe the Marshall Bluesbreaker, Hughes and Kettner Statesman or even a Vox AC30 would be more suitable.

Conversely, the other end of the range is now looking very appealing, especially to experienced guitarists. You could get a small guitar combo so they can rock out at low volumes. Makes sure that it's all-valve (or all-tube). These aren't the same as the cheap, beginner practice amps that the guitarist may have started out with 10 years ago. In the last year or two, there's been a trend for very small, low power, but capable amplifiers. These are full of tone and allow for a lot of experimentation. They're not ideal for gigging on their own - not for guitarists in rock bands anyway - instead these are ideal as a second amp to keep around and play in the house. An added bonus is that you can get that cranked up tone from a small amp at lower volumes suitable for home recording. Blackstar HT-series, Blackheart and the Matamp Minimat are some names to watch out for here. There are a few others and I'm convinced it's a growing area.

1. Engl Sovereign 100W 2x12 Guitar Combo AmpOne of the most versatile combo amps yet, the improved Engl Sovereign Guitar Amp is available here as a 2 x 12 combo. 4 channels of finest Engl tube sounds, switchable via MIDI, won't leave any doubt that you can take the pure tube tone into small clubs or on the bigger stages worldwide. No compromise in craftmanship, it is equipped with Accutronics spring reverb and Celestion speakers for top-of-the-line quality. Modern punchy bottom end sounds in a handy format.This sophisticated guitar amp marries the unrivaled tone of all-tube technology to the awesome sound-shaping might of control features powered by state-of-the-art microchip circuitry. This elegant combination puts at your fingertips a vast range of great fundamental tones and an all but inexhaustible reservoir of compelling variations, all of which may be controlled remotely via MIDI.
2. Engl Steve Morse Signature 100 E 656 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head BlackThe Engl Steve Morse Signature Amp Head features a 3-channel amp concept including a 100W EL 34 power amp section. Channel One can also deliver sparkling clean sounds to support Steve's awesome finger picking technique, but be aware: Channel One can also deliver fat crunch sounds, since it has more gain than you would expect from a standard clean Channel. Channel Two features pure rock sound, designed to respond fast. Well dressed midrange and gain structures will let you cut through any mix. Channel Three gives you the most intense sounds you might have heard so far. The new ENGL MID CONTROL MATRIX was perfectly designed to give a maximum of midrange control options. Four midrange controls that interact with each other plus a tone switch that can be used in conjunction with the controls give the player 8 different midrange sounds to choose from. The overall Hi / Lo gain switch allows the 3 channels to be played in two different gain modes which will support 6 available gain structures at a glance.
3. Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Tube Amp HeadThe Hughes and Kettner Triamp MK II Tube Guitar Amp Head offers tight, punchy output produced by 4 - EL34 tubes that feed 3 dual-channel modes. Amp 1 gives you vintage California clean, Amp 2 cranks out classic rock tones, and Amp 3 delivers tons of high gain and overtones. They're all switchable with the included stageboard. With 100W output and a switchable parallel/serial effects loop that's MIDI controllable, the Hughes & Kettner MK II is a totally pro tone amp head that gives you an incredible range of tone for live and studio dates.
4. Marshall JVM Series JVM410H, 1960AV and 1960BV Full StackGet more punch and crunch with this Marshall full stack featuring a JVM410H Tube Amp Head with a 1960AV/1960BV Full Stack.JVM410H Tube Amp Head In a nutshell, the Marshall all-valve, 4-channel JVM410H 100-Watt tube head is the most versatile Marshall amplifier ever made. It also boasts more gain than any other Marshall to date-and that's really saying something!Each of its 4 channels Clean, Crunch, OD1 & OD2 are not only completely independent of each other, they all boast 3 Modes, all 12 of which are footswitchable and feature their own unique gain structure. It makes the JVM 4-channel effectively 12 Marshalls in one!The JVM410H amp head has studio-quality digital reverb with a level control for each channel. This is also footswitchable, as are the amp's two Master Volume controls and the Series/Parallel effects loop. Resonance and Presence are equipped with master controls.Even though the head and combo both house 28 controls and 8 LED switches on their front panels, they're incredibly simple to understand because of the extremely logical layout. Each of the 4 channels has the usual suspects when it comes to controls Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble & Gain-accounting for 20 of the 28 controls right away. Take away the 4 reverb controls and you're only left with 4 Master controls-2 Master Volumes plus Resonance & Presence.Add to this an ingenious footswitch (UK patent pending) and the fact all the amp's switching (channel/modes, Reverb, Master Volume selection, FX loop) can be done via MIDI and you're looking at an incredibly flexible amp! The 6-way footswitch boasts 7 LEDs and memory, plus it connects to the amp via a regular guitar cable.From the cleanest clean to the filthiest distortion ever found in a Marshall and all points in-between, the JVM410H all-valve amp head will give you whatever tone you need right when you need it.JVM410H Tube Amp Head In a nutshell, the Marshall all-valve, 4-channel JVM410H 100-Watt tube head is the most versatile Marshall amplifier ever made. It also boasts more gain than any other Marshall to date-and that's really saying something!1960AV and 1960BV 280W 4x12 Guitar Extension Cabinet The Marshall 1960V Vintage Speaker Cabinet puts out beautiful tone at any volume. The addition of an impedance (4 or 16 ohm) mono/stereo switching mechanism has transformed the "industry standard" 1960 into the ultimate speaker cab. This 280W Marshall cab is loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers.
5. Marshall JVM Series JVM410C Tube Combo AmpIn a nutshell, the Marshall all-valve, 4-channel JVM410C 100-Watt, 2x12" combo is the most versatile Marshall amplifier ever made. It also boasts more Gain than any other Marshall to date and that's really saying something!!Each of its 4-channels Clean, Crunch, OD1 & OD2 are not only completely independent of each other, they all boast three Modes, all 12 of which are footswitchable and feature their own unique gain structure. It makes the JVM 4-channel effectively 12 Marshalls in one!The JVM410C has built-in, studio-quality digital reverb with a level control for each channel. This is also footswitchable, as are the amp's two Master Volume controls and the Series/Parallel effects loop. Resonance and Presence are equipped with master controls.Even though the head and combo both house 28 controls and 8 LED switches on their front panels, they're incredibly simple to understand because of the extremely logical layout. Each of the 4 channels has the usual suspects when it comes to controls Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble & Gain accounting for 20 of the 28 controls right away. Take away the 4 reverb controls and you're only left with 4 Master controls 2 master volumes plus Resonance and Presence.Add to this an ingenious footswitch (UK patent pending) and the fact all the amp's switching (channel/modes, Reverb, Master Volume selection, FX loop) can be done via MIDI and you're looking at an incredibly flexible amp! The 6-way footswitch boasts 7 LEDs and memory, plus it connects to the amp via a regular guitar cable.From the cleanest clean to the filthiest distortion ever found in a Marshall and all points in-between, the JVM410C all-valve combo amp will give you whatever tone you need right when you need it.
6. Marshall JTM45, 1960AX and 1960BX Full StackThis full stack includes one JTM45 amp head, one 1960AX angled guitar extension cab, and one 1960BX straight guitar extension cab.Marshall JTM45 Amp Head A lovingly created reproduction of Jim Marshall's first amplifier. Now the classic JTM45 amplifier head is accessible to all who enjoy its glassy, clean tone and fluid, warm sustain.By including GZ34 valve rectification, as found in the original, Marshall has ensured a faithful recreation of the JTM45's glorious sound. The GZ34 rectifier valve interacts with the rest of the valves causing subtle harmonics to shift and smolder beneath every note you play.Marshall 1960AX & 1960BX 100W 4x12 Guitar Extension Cabinets Each speaker cab consists of 4 separate birch ply enclosures, each loaded with a Celestion G12M Greenback 12" speaker and has a 100W power handling rating. Tonally, these speaker cabinets fall between the 1960A's brightness and the 1960TV's warmth. Greenback G12M speakers have a very distinctive sound with a fast, snappy response that adds detail and dynamics to both clean and distorted playing. These cabinets use the early '70s LC checkered grille cloths and a less-textured vinyl covering
7. Vox Custom Classic AC30CC2X 30w 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp with Alnico BluesThe Vox AC30CC2X 30W 2x12 Custom Classic Combo with Vox Celestion Blue Speakers was made for great vintage sound. 2 blendable channels feature fully variable tremolo with footswitchability, a custom EQ switch on the Top Boost channel, and Brilliant switch on the normal channel. Spring reverb with dwell switch, footswitchability, and tone control; plus an effects loop with full bypass and level control give you precision command over a broad range of sounds. Boutique features include switchable cathode bias for lower power and longer tube life plus switchable smoothing filter values for looser or tighter feel. Baltic birch cab, vintage-style transformers, tone cut control, and included dual footswitch.
8. Egnater Tourmaster 4100 Guitar Amp Head and Tourmaster 412A Half StackGet the Egnater Tourmaster 4100 Guitar Amp Head and Tourmaster 412A 4x12 Guitar Extension Cabinet together now at one great price.Tourmaster 4100 Guitar Amp Head Each of the Tourmaster 4100 amp head's channels has an identical set of controls, but that is where the similarities end.Clean/Vintage 1 is the cleanest of the four. Within this channel lives a range of Classic tones ranging from pristine sparkle with the voicing switch set to MODERN to a punchy, aggressive drive (think clean JTM) in the CLASSIC mode. Pressing the button to activate the CONTOUR control opens an entire new range of beautiful clean, almost acoustic, tones not often found in a tube amplifier.Clean/Vintage 2 has a very similar voicing to the Clean/Vintage 1 channel. This channel has more gain, so it can be pushed into mild overdrive. Sweet blues and classic rock tones are easily coaxed out of this channel. The contour knob adds another level of unique flavors.Overdrive 1: From AC/DC crunch to modern rock, this channel covers a lot of bases all by itself. Dial down the gain and the feel is pure classic rock. Push the gain and enter into more modern, saturated territory. Scoop the mids with the CONTOUR control for monstrous metal or set it for classic British rhythm.Overdrive 2: The Tourmaster's most intense channel, you'll find ferocious gain with a wide range of tones to suit the '80s shredder as well as the heaviest modern metal player. Scoop the mids with the powerful CONTOUR control for massive crunch or push the midrange for a solo tone that cuts through with serious authority.Power Grid: This is a really cool feature you will only find on the Egnater Tourmaster amps. Using a group of 5 slide switches on the rear panel, you can set the power output for each channel individually. There is a 3-position slide switch corresponding to each of the four channels and a single FULL POWER/ HALF POWER slide switch. In FULL POWER mode, you can choose between 100w, 50w or 25w per channel. In the HALF POWER mode, you can between choose 50w, 25w or 10w per channel.With the Tourmaster 4100 amp head, you not only have a wide array of tones available from the preamp channels, but with the Power Grid you can introduce any amount of power tube distortion you wish to each channel: all preset, all automatic.Tourmaster 412A 280W 4x12 Guitar Extension Cabinet The Egnater Tourmaster 412A is a Vintage 30 loaded speaker cabinets built for the rigors of the road with birch construction, metal handles, metal corners, rubber feet and heavy-duty detachable casters. The terminal plate uses a patent pending automatic impedance sensing circuitry so you can plug and play without worrying about confusing impedance switches. The Egnater Tourmaster 412A or 412B are Vintage 30 loaded speaker cabinets built for the rigors of the road with birch construction, metal handles, metal corners, rubber feet and heavy-duty detachable casters.
9. Randall RM100C2 100 Watt 2x12 Tube Combo Amp with Blackface, Plexi, and XTC Preamp ModulesIncludes all-tube Blackface, Plexi, and XTC plug-in preamp modules. A pair of Celestion G12T-75s translate all that tubal purity into rich tone! Cab comes fully closed-back with removable panel to make it semi-open back.This highly versatile 3-channel combo melds tradition and technology. 3 independent channels can be loaded with your choice of any of the available tube preamp modules. Set this head up with tones that exactly fit your needs, then expand your arsenal anytime you like. Enjoy the ease of replacing your power tubes anytime you like, with the very user-friendly power tube bias section. If a tube fails, no problem, the amp will kick that tube out of the circuit, and a small LED will light by the tube that fails.Connect your RM100B to any MIDI-capable external processor and program individual effects to each channel. With the MIDI in/thru, simply select your channel and external effect, using the included RF3 MIDI footswitch. The footswitch will select both the RM100 channel and effect you want at the same time.So, if you need the volume and power only a head will offer, choose one that will adapt to your styles.All modules include 2 - 12AX7 preamp tubes, 3 band EQ with bright switch, and level control.See recommended accessories on this page to choose from the following modules to build your own custom combination of tones:Ultra Module Brown Module Clean Module SL+ Module Plexi Module JTM Module Top Boost Module Tweed Module Blackface Module DLX Module
10. Blackstar Artisan Series 30 30W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp BurgundyThere is something undoubtedly magical in the sonic qualities of the 30W EL84 power stage driving a pair of classic British speakers. The Blackstar Artisan 30 guitar amp takes the tone and carefully distills it, taking it to a new level of tonal purity. One channel is built around an EF86 with a 5-way Bass Shape switch and the other an ECC83 with the addition of a Voice control for extra tonal flexibility. The Master Volume delivers the pure, natural crunch that you would expect from an amp of this quality.The Artisan Series of hand wired amplifiers represents the absolute highest standard of craftsmanship and boutique tone. With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic purity, every feature on these guitar amplifiers has been refined to provide the musician with the widest range of reference vintage tones. Point-to-point tag board construction, welded steel chassis and finger jointed birch-ply cabinets are complemented by beautiful vintage red Tolex and etched aluminum panels.
11. Rivera K-TRE 120 212 120W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp BlackRivera Amplification unleashes the latest in its Knucklehead series of guitar amplifiers – the Knucklehead Tr&233; Reverb Combo. The K-Tr&233; 120 tube amp has a completely revised design: high gain, unlimited sustain, massive bottom end, gigantic headroom for rhythm, assignable effects loop, footswitchable reverb, amazing Foundation control, distortion with definition and edge, highs without harshness but with full body. It has the sickest gain and thickest low end you can imagine. The Eminence Swamp Thang 12" speaker was employed to handle the extra lows without folding!
12. Hiwatt Studio Stage MKII 40W 2X12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp BlackUsing a specially wound output transformer, the Hiwatt Studio Stage Combo can switch from 20 watts to 40 watts of power, while retaining its pure Class A tone. Features include High and Low sensitivity inputs, Gain with switchable boost, Bass, mid, Treble, full size Accutronic spring reverb and master volume control. Equipped with 2 Fane 12" speakers all assembled in an 18 marine ply cabinet.Boasting the classic design that brought Hiwatt to the forefront of amplification, the Classic Series tube amps feature the point-to-point, military specific design based on Dave Reeves' original amplifiers. Hiwatt Custom amplifiers use only the best quality components, including hand-wound Partridge transformers and marine birch hand-built cabinets.
13. Koch Powertone II 6550 120W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp BlackThe Powertone II amplifier offers three channels and two separate Master Volumes for setting two different volume levels, Rhythm and Solo, on each channel. The Clean channel offers luscious clean tones, rich open and well defined. The Gain channel has 4 tube stages and its improved dynamics and pressure make this channel the best chords-channel for every blues and rock style.The Ultra-Gain channel goes further than many people think possible. Its 5 tube stages bring you high gain and harmonically rich and singing lead tone while still having excellent chord definition.The completely redesigned 120-Watt power amp produces an incredible amount of push in the Low End, has more headroom and greater transparency. The Powertone II guitar amp also offers 3 Speaker Damping levels: High, Low and Ultra Low. The Ultra Low damping makes the amp sound incredibly open and powerful. With all these features the Powertone II will give you a superb sound for every music style on every volume level, from not-to-loud small club level to a feel-it-in-your-stomach grand stage level. The Powertone II tube amp's simple and intuitive user interface allows you to easily create, control and refine all the tones you've ever desired. From a sparkling, open and very detailed clean tone through a rough and grungy rock tone to a lead tone with an almost unlimited amount of gain, it's all there.
14. Hughes & Kettner Statesman Series STM Dual 6L6 60W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp BurgThe Hughes & Kettner Statesman Series STM Dual 6L6 tube guitar amp carries the Californian 6L6 gene in a classic 2 x 12" chassis, and adds a generous helping of Clean channel headroom. You get bigger, bolder funk, blues, and country tones on your plate. And if you want even more than this 2 x 12" rig serves up, simply super-size the Dual 6L6 with an added STM 212 speaker cabinet.Beauty and the Beast Sinfully sweet American clean with a touch of hillbilly twang and rough-and-ready British rock in one amp? They said it couldn t be done; the sonic divide was simply too wide. They said if you want both worlds of tone and are unwilling to settle for less, you would have to take 2 amps to the stage. They said the warm airy tone of an open back combo and the fat, focused power of a 4 x 12 rock rig were incompatible—beauty and the beast, never to be caged together. And they said this wish, long harbored by players seeking a more versatile rig, would forever remain unfulfilled.German Attention To Detail What makes the various breeds of vintage amps shine is the trademark tone produced by a particular design. At its heart is circuitry that stretches the boundaries of tube technology: Switching from Clean to Drive restructures the preamp circuits completely. What s more, current feedback is also switched, tailoring the power amp s characteristics to suit the given preamp channel. The Statesman s housing translates this revolutionary tube technology into sound pressure. It s a classic case of applied physics culminating in art: This housing, in combination with the Eminence speaker custom-designed for the Statesman, delivers both authentic combo and stack tone. By employing cutting-edge engineering and wedding it to classic tube craft to create today s most advanced classic amp design, Statesman stands as a testament to Hughes & Kettner s Technology of Tone.Total Tonal Freedom! The elegant Statesman s many custom features make it a boutique instrument. Dedicated Reverb Balance knobs match the built-in Accutronics reverb to each channel. A push of the Clean channel Twang button takes you from the sound that sparked the British Invasion to star-spangled California clean. The Drive channel's Boost button sweeps from the throaty rasp of the early rock 'n' roll years to the raging rock of the high-octane '80s and beyond.

More to come

Presents for Experienced Rock Guitarists - Part 2 - Accessories