Feature:
Footswitch works. It isn't just an "added feature" to sell the product, it's totally functional and is like icing on the cake. The instruction manual (if you actually use one) could use a little meat as it's pretty thin; but I think most of us just want to plug it in and start playing anyway, so 'nuff said.
Quality:
Definitely high quality stuff here. Although it feels lighter than the advertised 50 lbs to me, it's sturdy and the handle feels secure as well. Don't think you'd have any problems traveling with it as long as reasonable care was taken. Wouldn't want to use it as a jack stand while changing a tire, but sitting on it has already become second nature. It arrives flawless, of course, so I guess the first dink'll be traumatic...
Value:
For the price I don't know of an amp that'd be a better value. I was thinking of a modeling amp or a short stack - oops, that's pancakes; I mean a half stack - but this is unobtrusive, storable, fits in a car instead of a van or truck, etc. And it rocks! (I've had folks in our living room grabbing their ears and yelling, "turn it down!" if that's any indication.) It's sturdy, loud, versatile, and mobile; what else do you need?
Desirability:
Hey, it's a good-looking, tho somewhat conservative, Fender amp with 100 wats and two 12s. I'm a stack guy myself so if it ain't tall, it ain't sexy. But, the effectiveness of this setup is amazing. Maybe I'll just set it on something! Don't get me wrong, tho, it is cool, it is classic; to me it's kinda retro toward old rock and blues. I can picture Clapton sitting on a stool in his jeans and t-shirt plugging his strat into this amp at some small club, if you know what I mean. Sort of an understated class that doesn't demand respect upon arrival, but earns it shortly thereafter.
Sound:
Don't think about it any longer, just buy it! From Zep to Cars to Eric Johnson to America to Wishbone Ash I've been able to hit the sound I've wanted. That was in the first 5 or 10 minutes. I haven't had it out in the open so I'm not sure how it'd handle clubs and gigs really, but it seems plenty powerful and loud. I plugged-in my Les Paul, flipped the power switch and it started howling (that's a good sign in my book.) It cleans up so sweetly! I was amazed that both sounds came from the same amp; I could've been doing an accoustic set after just a stomp on the pedal and a flip of a switch. Good stuff!
Ease of Use:
Gotta go with the 9 here just because I thought the manual was a bit lame. The amp itself is intuitive enough and with a "new toy" the learning process is fun! Allowing for time spent getting carried away and playing a complete tune or two, you could spend the better part of an afternoon experimenting with this amp, especially if you're fond of multiple devices, software, and the like.
Support:
Haven't needed 'em yet; hear good things about 'em, tho.
Overall:
Outstanding quality. Big sound, little box. Versatility and poerformance without breaking the bank. I don't see myself needing to replace this anytime soon. It does seem to prefer lower volume for clean and higher volume for otherwise, but then that kinda makes sense, doesn't it? If my house burned down tomorrow I'd buy another one of these amps if only because I haven't found its limits yet and I'm curious. I'm a very satisfied customer at this point.
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