Sound:
This amp is definetly a "bright" amp however just keep the clean channel treble at 9:00, bass at 10;00, mids at 12;00, and for most p/u's and type of guitar played, it should sound warm with a hint of frost. From here, the volume knob needs to be dialed with extreme caution, c'os this is one LOUD amp. I haven't played live with the BV however once, and only once, I dialed in around 12;00, stepped on my Metal Zone and..........well, I may as well have stuck my head inside an F15 Tomcat's rear end with afterburner fired up. The tone was as close to Dimebag as I dare even admit. In a studio with top dollar acoustic treatment, I can only imagine brute force euphoria. Now, I play a red Guild Aviator, HB / SC / SC config with tone knob pull up split to SC feature. MY GUESS IS NO ONE HAS A CLUE WHAT A GUILD AVIATOR IS. Hmmm, maybe a Jackson Dinky, I dunno. Next, my homemade stomp box board houses Boss pedals: Digital Tuner / power supply in one, Noise Supressor, Compressor, Ernie Ball wah wah (the newest version, very very cool wah with bright green led's when on) Flanger and finally the Metal Zone. Yeah, I know, most would put the Flanger after the MT, however I love the sound, its Hendrix / Robin Trower, Bill Nelson. I've learned how to step on both pedals simultaneously which shuts the Flanger off, MT on and visa versa, or both on. Oh, and channel switcher, latch type (Boss). The dirty channel is great for AC/DC, Stevie Ray Vaughn etc. rhythm and solo's however won't do molten nu-metal. Use clean ch and your favorite distortion pedal for that.
Feature:
Dual reverb is cool. I haven't tried running my pedals through FX loop, I'm hesitant to try don't know why. Some say it cleans up the overall sound and the extra db boost switches on the BV's front panel do provide more volume SOMETIMES a problem, depending on type of pedals. Some guitarists use all different brands, which is a tonal nightmare, requires separate Power Supply for each pedal and yes, will affect the volume straight and FX on. Be consistent if ya can.
Ease of Use:
I'm running this monster into a Crate 4X12S I purchased brand new in 1999, has the same "large font" name plate as the BV except the amp's is a Gold color, the cab's silver. I've heard this cab is a rarity now, sought after for whatever reason. Its stereo, like the newer models, but how do you run stereo unless you have a true Stereo Head? The Flexwave is advertised as "raw stereo power" but how?
Quality:
I LOVE THE 'OL SILVER, METAL MANHOLE COVER FINISH LIKE THE MESA BOOGIE RECTIFIER, BUT WILL CRATE GO FOR THAT? PLEASE DO, I'M SURE IT WOULD ADD ATTITUDE. LOVE THE REFLECTIVE BACKING PLATE, TUBE GLOW AND ABLITIY TO SEE WHEN THEY ARE ABOUT TO GO SUPERNOVA.
Manufacturer Support:
Ain't used it yet.
The Wow Factor:
I'M THINKING ITS JUST ORIGINAL IN ALL ASPECTS. WHAT I WANT TO ADD TO IT IS THE CRATE "V"S THAT YOU NEVER SEE EXCEPT IN THE "ARTISTS" PART OF THE CRATE MENU, THOSE TRIPLE EQ KNOBS CH 1, 2, 3, 4 - WHAT ARE THOSE BEASTS?
Overall:
I will keep it as long as it keeps on glowing. I'd like to add a 4X12 straight front cab, then build on those super high end V's or whatever they are called. As mentioned above.
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Sound:
It doesn't matter if I play my Fender, Peavey, or Kramer. This thing sounds good. the clean channel sounds just as good as the dirty channel.
Feature:
Thank God they took vacuum tubes out of TV's, but still use them in amps. I've never heard a solid state amp sound as warm. Seperate reverb for each channel is nice. Foot switch for channels & F/X loop is very useful. The foot switch is very rugged, it would have been nice if the switch would have been American made like the head.
Quality:
The fit and finish is excellent. I bought a Blem and had to look twice to find the small marks in the face plate. It travels well, but you have to respect the tubes. IMO, anyone with a tube amp should carry a spare...no. Anyone who travels, should carry a spare. This Crate travels like a tank. I've had no problems.
Value:
An American made all tube head, at this price...WOW. I could have got a Marshall at twice the price, with the same sound.
Manufacturer Support:
Nothing as of yet.
The Wow Factor:
The metal grill that lets you see the glowing tubes just says...cool. Plus you can see when the tubes need replaced.
Overall:
I looked at a Marshall in the same price range, only it wasn't all tube and the matching cabinets looked like over grown Microstack units, if you put 4x12's in a wooden box...put casters on it. Hopefully I'll be adding a second cabinet soon. I'll keep this thing till I can't get it fixed any more, then I'll see what's available, by then...Crate should be "The American Made Marshall" known the world over as the best money can buy, only not as much money. lol.
Sound:
I play Black/Death Metal and this amp allow me to have a great metal sound. With the amp's gain you can play metal without problem, but if
you want to play death or black I counsel you to buy a metal distorsion pedal like a METAL MASTER made by Digitech , a DEATH METAL made by Dod or any others pedal with High Distorsion. I have an effect
pedal, the Digitech RP100 with my BV120H and the sound is AWESOME. I can make any kind of metal. With the Groove Tubes of the BV120H I can have a great sound nearly like a Marshall or Mesa Boogie who cost twice. Maybe not as excellent as them but for the price it's very surprising. I talked about metal sound but you can do any kind of music with a very good sound with tubes of the BV120H.
Sound:
This amp shines as lead amp, but is not always the best sounding for distorted rhythm playing, although a Nu-Metal crunch is easily attained, the classic metal grind is somewhat lost to the spongy feeling and the rolled on the edges low end sound. Pickups make a hell of difference with this amp. Cheap pickups sounds really cheap through it. Pickups like the JB and 500T sound great through it.
The best sound inprovement comes from putting a 12at7 into the V4 driver preamp tube socket. Also, having the bias set so the tubes run hotter.
Feature:
This amp has everything you need. The effects loop sounds great.
Quality:
The amp is rugged and dependable. The tolex scuffs easy, though.
Value:
This is a great amp for the price. It really kicks ass once you get it dialed in and have your chops really down well.
Manufacturer Support:
Crate is way helpful and willing when it comes to customer service.
The Wow Factor:
It's a great amp. The lead tone is priceless. Use a metal zone if you want metal grind for your rhythms.
Overall:
I played this amp all the time. It really is a great amp. If you like to play solos, then this amp rules.
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