Amp Reviews

Latest Amp Reviews

A MesaBoogie Mark VII 1x12 Combo tube amp in a studio
We review the Mesa/Boogie Mark VII 1x12 Combo tube amp

By Matt McCracken Published

Mesa's all-encompassing 3-channel tube monster delivers Fender cleans and Mesa high gain in a gig- and studio-ready 1x12 combo

Amps
Close up of the top panel of Fender Blues Junior IV tube amp on a wooden floor
"If you want classic Fender tube tones, the Blues Junior IV remains among the cheapest ways of achieving them." We review the Fender Blues Junior IV tube amp

By Connor Godfrey Published

Does one of Fender's best-selling amps remain the gold standard for portable, all-tube tone? We find out

Amps
A photo showing a detail of the Supro Airwave 1x12 combo
“A straightforward tube combo hiding serious 21st-century tech.” We review the Supro Airwave 1x12 combo

By Dave Hunter Published

The new Airwave blends classic Supro tube tone with onboard Two Notes DynIR cab simulation, letting players record direct, practice silently or run straight to front-of-house.

Amps
A photo of the Cutthroat Audio Fullerton 5G9 1x12
We review the Cutthroat Audio Fullerton 5G9 1x12, a modern re-creation of a storied Fender combo

By Dave Hunter Last updated

Ron Westwood puts his passion for this late-era tweed wonder to work in a faithful re-creation that’s also suited to today’s players

Amps
"Blends classic tube simplicity with a few modern features that genuinely add value": We review the tiny tube tones of the Marshall DSL1CR

By Ross Holder Published

Marshall's mini tube amp delivers the spirit of the stack in a tiny 1-watt format

Amps
A photo of the Bartel Amplifiers Swingland 1x12 combo
“This amp’s dynamics are off the charts.” We review Bartel Amplifiers’ Swingland 1x12 combo and find a low-watter that delivers high-wattage tone, response and feel

By Dave Hunter Published

The Swingland is designed for studio/home use to deliver like a cranked vintage amp at low volume

Amps
A photo showing a ToneWoodAmp2 in position on the back of an acoustic guitar.
“The coolest acoustic-electric guitar gadget of the past decade is now better than ever.” We review the new ToneWoodAmp2 Portable Effects Processor for Acoustic-Electric Guitars

By Jimmy Leslie Published

A built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, multieffects and the free ToneWoodAmp Remote app are among the many upgrades

Amps
A photo of the PRS Archon Classic amp head
“It’s one of the most capable two-channel amps around.” We review the PRS Archon 50 Classic head

By Art Thompson Published

An update of the original 2013 model, the Archon 50 Classic proves versatile across genres, making it a straightforward, reliable amp for stage and studio.

Amps
A Decker Hummingbird 15 in Valentine Red
We reviewed the Decker Hummingbird 15 tube combo and decided less is definitely more

By Art Thompson Published

Boasting top-notch build and minimal features, it's an ideal pedal platform and a solid performer that morphs from rhythm to lead via your picking or guitar volume

Amps
Mitch Colby poses with an original Elpico AC55 combo (center) and his Colby Elpico AC55 1x12 combo.
Mitch Colby resurrects the amp that gave Paul McCartney his start and put the Kinks on the hit parade

By Dave Hunter Published

The Colby Elpico AC55 1x12 combo is a modern take on the 1950s/'60s Elpico AC55 that launched young British guitarists into the world of rock and roll

Amps
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