This amp should last me for years. I might eventually add an effects box like the Andrenalinn II but other than that I won't be looking for another guitar amp. If I wore it out or if an accident were to destroy it. I would buy another one without hesitation. In my humble opinion, there are no other amps that sound better then the 36M in its price range. And when you compare its features versus price it's the clear winner hands down! I really can't think of anything I dislke about the amp. For on stage, a lighted display for the dials might be nice but other than that I would be nit-picking. By the way, if you're planning on buying this guitar amp on-line. Buy it from ZZounds! They really do stock more items than anyone else in the U.S. I made the mistake of purchasing this amp from a competitor and it took nearly 3 weeks for them to get it to me. The other online companies don't stock nearly as many items as ZZounds does. Instead, they take your order and then have a "fulfillment house" send you the product if they are out. Which usually ends up being the case. What's a fulfillment house? That's basically a wholesaler who dropships the item for them. ZZounds, on the other hand actually stocks multiples of everything they sell. They delivered a behringer headphone amp (which I ordered at the same time) to me in 5 days. I'll be buying future on-line purchases ONLY from ZZounds!

Sound
Sounds pretty damn good to me. Just about every sound… read more you could possibly want. It can go from soft and quiet to loud and screaming if that's what you want. You can tweak practically any individual sound until you get it just right. It can emulate the sound of most other amps. And what does this currently cost you as of 1/15/05. $229.00? Incredible ...

Features
No accessories came with the amp but I'm not going to complain. A footswitch would have been nice. But I'm probably better off purchasing exactly the footswitch I want, rather than have them give me something I probably wouldn't use. Features galore: I won't bother listing all the amps and effects boxes it emulates but it really provides a "powerhouse" of effects and sounds. The built-in tuner and ZNR (zero noise reduction) are handy features to have; especially if you're planning on using the amp for recording. That brings up another point. The direct out XLR from the amp is perfect for recording. The built in mics are also handy to have. I really like be able to push a button and get right to the sound I want (or stored). I know it's going to save me a lot of time not having to fumble around to get the right setting. The case appears to be plywood but that's pretty standard. It's wrapped in a very tough to tear or damage vinyl and comes with solid rubber feet and plastic corner protectors. It should take most bumps and bruises without much sweat. Just don't drop it off the stage or out the back of your truck. Probably the feature I like the most about this amp, besides its incredible array of sounds, is the headphone plug in. It makes practicing late at night a real joy. I can play as loud as I want without waking up the neighborhood (or my wife).

Quality
Yes, this amp is well made. While it's not built like a tank. It will take some abuse without folding up on you. I love its overall look. Clean, precise and no loose parts. The knobs aren't the heaviest and sturdiest I have seen. But if you are reasonably careful with your equipment you shouldn't have any problems. If you plan on gigging a lot with it, then a hard shell case is a must. I play out once or twice a month and don't expect to have any problems. Barring a major accident, it should last for many years. Considering the size of its speaker 25 cm (just under 10 inches). It can get surprisingly loud. Unless, you're into heavy metal or tend to play in open air venues. I doubt you will ever need much more volume than this can provide.

Value
In this price range it blows everyone else away. I tested amps costing twice this much and liked them only half as much. I know ZOOM gets a bad rap as being the low-cost alternative to other name brand products. But damn ... anybody who can pack this much quality into such a small affordable package has my support. (Behringer is another company I suport for the same reasons.) You can pay a lot more for your amp and feel good about the name on box or save the bucks and use them for something else ... like food. The few amps I did like better cost nearly 3 times as much and they were going to be a lot heavier to lug around. Speaking of which here are some specs: 36 watts RMS, speaker 25 cm (just under 10 inches), weight 12 KG (26.5 pounds), dimensions: 485mm 19.1" (W) x 240mm 9.4" (D) x 410mm 16.1" (H).

Manufacturer Support
Haven't had any contact with them on this product. But I have contacted them in the past on other items I have purchased. They have always been good about getting back to me within a couple of days.

The Wow Factor
I really like the Zoom Fire 36M! It's aesthically pleasing to look at. Easy to use and is helping me expand my horizons far beyond my acoustic background. It's amazing how far guitar amps have come in the past 20 years. In one small guitar amp you have sounds that would have cost you thousands of dollars to acquire only 15 years ago. I have always wanted to dip into the electric side but didn't want to give up my acoustic in order to do it. This amp, along with the Trinity Western Acoustic guitar pickup I installed, allows me to play my acoustic and still get the electric sounds I want without switching guitars. Now, I'm not bad mouthing electrics. I just love the feel and touch of my Martin D35. I realize I won't be able to do everything that I might do with an electric. But then I don't need to, at least for now.

Musical Background:
Active musician, recording engineer.

Musical Style:
Country, Rock, Acoustic Rock, read less