Feature:
I gave this a nine because it does not have an external speaker output jack. Otherwise, it is a ten. It is loaded with controls to shape your tone, some good effects, a footswitch, removable casters, and nice spring loaded handles.
Quality:
This thing is the perfect size but built like a tank. It is HEAVY but easy to manage with the quality spring loaded handles and snap in casters. This amp's build qualtiy is top notch. I was careful to inspect the entire amp upon delivery and it was flawless.
Value:
This amp lists for $979.99. zZounds had it on sale for $349.95 for quite a while. Then, they marked it down to $298.00 for about a week and I got lucky to buy a new (not b-stock) amp at that unbelievable price.
Desirability:
The amp has that great Ampeg look. It looks very appealing. The grill, Tolex covering, high quality hardware, and top panel all contribute to the appearance of the amp.
Sound:
This amp sounds incredible. The style selector knob gives you five different selections for tone. You can go from deep lows with the mids cut out, to a flat tone with good mids, to a boost in the upper frequencies with a roll off on the lows and anywhere in between. The EQ works great. This amp has fifteen effects and a bypass. I like the bypass and the SVT selections the best. The SVT tone is just about nailed. Several of the other effects sound great if you take the time to dial them in properly. The Chorus and Octavider effects are very good. The Chorus/Echo/Wah effect gives you the most otherworldly sound. The footswitch allows you to save four different effects. I saved Bypass, SVT, and two other effects. What I like most about having the bypass saved is I can use my Sansamp Bass Driver DI to provide three additional amp model tones when I have bypass selected. This gives seven footswitch options available if you have the Sansamp. The amp is plenty loud and should work fine in small to medium sized venues. The Sansamp has a 15db boost so you can get far more volume out of the amp when you are playing in a larger venue plus it has a line out for the PA if you need even more volume. I did a side by side comparison in my music room with a Fender 100/210 Rumble. The Ampeg blows it away.
Ease of Use:
I gave it a nine because dialing in some of the effects can be a little tricky. You have to be very careful not to apply too much of the Adjust and Level controls when dialing in some of the effects or they begin to sound bad. Otherwise, the amp is very easy to use.
Support:
I had some questions about the amp so decided to try out Ampeg's customer service. I got to talk to a real person and didn't have to wait too long to be connected. I wish Ampeg had a customer service function on their webpage for FAQ's and technical support. Line 6 does that on their website and it really makes it easy to get answers.
Overall:
For someone who does not want the hassle of a heavy speaker cabinet and amp head, this amp is a must to consider. It fits in the car fine. It does not take up too much space on stage. It's easy to move. Some say it doesn't sound like 220 watts. Maybe I have good luck with purchases but my amp definitely sounds like 220 watts. It doesn't matter anyway because you can plug it into the PA if you need that extra volume.
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