Crate VFX5212 V-Series Guitar Combo Amplifier (50 Watts, 2x12 in.)

Feature:
I wish the effects were adjustable aqand if only you could switch between class a and a/b circuitry.

Quality:
It's solid and made well in the USA, I have owned it less than 6 months but I have accedently left it on for almost a week when going on vacation and no problems yet.

Value:
for the price, you will not get a better sound/features. I was bent on the fender hot rod deville which sounds damn good, but this crate sounds way better all the way around and has great effects to boot. The crate is cleaner,twangier,louder,ballsier and can be dirtier than the fender. For all you hard rockers, put it next to your favorite marshall or boogie and you will be shocked, the cool thing is that Malcolm Young AC/DC sound is almost effortless

Desirability:
looks totally vintage/botique

Sound:
This iss the best sounding amp I have ever played for the price, I own lots of vintage amps even a matchless c-30 and I never thought of crate as a quality amp. I strted reading reviews on the new v series, I was wanting to buy a combo and willing to spend 2k or more for a "ROAD" amp. I played the v-30 palomino and I was shocked, what a great sound and cheap too. I read ABOUT THE VFX5212 and it sounded like just what I was looking for, I ordered one on a whim and I have to say this thing is one of the best sounding amps I have ever heared......at any price! It sounds like a marshall plexi yet it has almost a mesa balls yet like a xox ac-30 or almost like my matchless not quite but very close. The clean channel is sweet afender twang and crystal clear sparkle and with the dig effects like an old roland jazz chorus. I cant beleive I got it for 670.00 out the door it even looks good, there is no "crate" name anywhere to be found on the visable parts of the amp. The digital effects are pretty good, although not adjustable they are close to what I would set them at and they sound pretty damn good. At higher volumes and using the effects there is a bit of noise which is the only "con" I can find for this amp. My matchless cost me almost 3k and for the money this amp would be my first choice, if I only had 3k to spend for equip I wouuld buy the crate, a epiphone LP 56 goldtop and an epiphone firebird v and I'd still have a good grand left over. I've been playing 30+ years and have also done reec engineering and I take pride in getting killer guitar tones in the studio. I have to say if you think crate is crap like I did, try a v series and you will pee your pants I am still amazed at what a great verstille sound that the v series gives. I've already sold a couple fenders,marsshall,musicman and silvertone amps I owned. I dont need thewm anymore as this amp covers all those tones and more. I have let a few of my critical guitar buddies play thru it amd they were very impressed as well. I'm still keeping my matchless and my line 6 vetta though but this is my new "gig" amp.

Support:
NA

Overall:
in 30 years I havent found a better value.

Feature:
I was skeptical of the built in effects but have them to be as good or better than any stomp box out there with the exception of the high dollar units. I also like the fact that you can program two seperate effects for each channel. I have boxed up all of my other effects and now just use the amp! Makes setup a breeze!

Quality:
I have owned mine for 1.5 years and it has performed flawlessly. I have not had to touch the amp other than to plug in and play.

Value:
This has to be one of the best 50 watt 2x12" tube combo amps on the market for the money. Sure you can spend more, but what are you paying for?

Desirability:
This amp has a classic look to it, from the chrome V50 emblem to the grill material and silver piping around it. Most people have not seen nor heard a V5212 and are really surprised to learn it's a Crate.

Sound:
Both channels on this amp sound great. The clean channel is very crisp and produces a very full tone with a great bottom end. The distortion channel has a very wide range of tones from a very good bluesy overdrive to marshall crunch and heavier. In live situations this amp has more than enough power to drive most clubs.

Support:
Have not had to use them.

Overall:
Overall I have to give this amp a 10. It has never let me down, looks cool and sounds great. I hope Crate keeps making this amp because when this one wears out, I'll buy another.