Chris Joyce from Plymouth,MA USA
chrisjoyce101@gmail.com
Subject:
JCM900 clone with more gain!
Quality:
To be able to sell 120 watt all valve heads for $450,lesser quality parts have to be used sometimes. This is first obvious with the tubes. They are not very good sounding and are usually unreliable. The good thing is that when it is retubed,the amp really comes to life. Bugera has a reputation of internal problems with earlier models (melting plastic clip in the 333,for instance) this supposedly was an easy fix though and it is said that these issues have been amended. But with the first amp dying in two weeks...Who knows?
Sound:
OK this is the deal-Channel 1- Clean and glassy with the gain knob on 3,blues around 6-7 and an AC/DC-like tone on 11...yep,gain goes to 11! -Channel 2- Gain knob goes to 22! This channel is Marshall-like high gain heaven! That means Judas Priest/Maiden/early Metalicca,Slayer & Megadeth high gain,no brootz without using an od or distortion pedal out front. I'm using Duncan JB and EMG 81/85 equipped guitars,a T.C. G-Major multi-fx unit running through the effects loop with a Crybaby & Fulltone OCD,mostly for leads, running through the front end. I love the sound I get. A very dirty,mid heavy grind. I find myself using this amp more than my Carvin V3 lately and the Carvin is a SICK amp!
Reliability:
This is a replacement. The first 1990 I got lasted two weeks and stopped working suddenly. AMS had a replacement sent to me in a few days. Excellent service!
Overall:
This is a very good sounding,but questionably reliable,120 watt,hi-gain,all tube head.
Playability and Feel:
Pretty heavy head about 52 lbs. Feels pretty solid. Time will tell.
Tone:
The overdrive channel on this amp is quite bright and mid heavy. Using hotter EMG pickups sound better than the Duncans on the dirty channel IMO. I don't use the reverb much though I occasionally do on the clean channel to give it some air.
Finish:
Black tolex with metal corners.
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Do you own this product?:
I own it
5150axe from Hampton, VA
Subject:
Awesome tone...when it works
Quality:
Metal input jacks, plastic knobs (like everyone else) solid construction...but it keeps shutting down...terrible.
Sound:
Perfect copy of the Marshall JCM900
Reliability:
Not good AT ALL. I played it 5 times and 4 of those times I got a distorted squeeling sound for 5 seconds then the channels shut off. It had power and the tubes were still glowing, but no sound. Turn it off and back on, 10 minutes later....same thing. I only had it a couple of weeks and had to return it. I almost didn't, hoping I could get it fixed permanently...I liked the tone that much. So much for inexpensive, Chinese constructed equipment. Not again.
Overall:
This amp had EXACTLY the tone I've been looking for. I maxed out the gain on the clean channel and got great rock rhythm and clean when I rolled the guitar volume back. The lead channel was killer for rock riffs and solos. Not for metal heads.
Playability and Feel:
n/a
Finish:
Looks pretty cool.
Do you own this product?:
Returned for refund