By David Gedge
MAGICAL MYSTERY AMP
Mini Beetle
VOX Superbeetle 25
Mini and mighty like a Beatles Hamburg-era power chord , the all-new VOX Mini Superbeetle 25 inherits the iconic look of 60 ’ s Vox design and adds allnew analog NuTube circuitry for authentic tube tone . Complete with the Vox ' s iconic chrome stand and distinctive mod-era styling , the Mini Superbeetle delivers the sounds of a classic Vox amp in a compact , cool package that ’ s the perfect addition to
any guitarists ’ home .
" Nutube " is the new vacuum tube developed in a collaboration between Korg and Noritake Itron . This new device uses vacuum fluorescent display technology to obtain the same vacuum tube sound and response , while eliminating the problematic aspects of a vacuum tube , and has begun being used by Vox as well as other musical instrument manufacturers in the last couple of years . The Nutube is used in the Mini Superbeetle , reproducing the tonal
character of Vox ’ s flagshipAC30 . The sparkling , chimey sound that has captivated guitarists for more than fifty years is alive and well in this new amplifier . Additionally , the traditional tremolo effect has also been included . The amplitude of the tremolo also changes the depth of distortion , varying the sound , resulting a true tube driven tremolo effect . Also provided is a digital reverb that simulates a classic spring reverb , dramatically improving the potential for shaping your sound . An extension speaker cabinet can also be added to this package for more volume when you need it . The Mini Superbeetle is not merely a reproduction of the classic stack ; it is a true re-imagination of the amp that has been updated to meet the needs of today ’ s players .
Vox press materials say " it boasts a sophisticated sense of design that is unmatched by any other guitar amp manufacturer . From a historical point of view , there is no other guitar amp that resonates so strongly with music aficionados in both looks and sound ."
Throughout the company ' s history , the AC100 stack set , wrapped in its chrome frame stand , stands out as one of the amps that exemplifies lasting impact on pop culture during the height of the British Invasion . The Mini Superbeetle " emanates the spirit of that shining history , and is the rare amp that you ’ ll enjoy not only while playing it , but also as décor . It ’ s a privilege that ' s backed by more than sixty years of VOX history ," according to the com .
Street price on the Superbeetle is $ 330 . For details visit voxamps . com or your local dealer .
How Low Can You Go ?
Acoustic B25C Classic Series Bass Amp Acoustic Amplifiers ' new Classic Series bass combo amplifiers deliver good performance and tone in a compact design that pays homage to tried-and-true Acoustic amps from decades past . The Classic Series debuts with three featurepacked amps : the B25C , B50C , and B100C bass combo amps .
An ideal choice for the bass player who needs enough power for home practice and rehearsal without compromising on tone , the 25-watt Acoustic B25C features an 8-inch , custom-voiced , ferrite speaker and a tilt-back cabinet design that ensures you and your bandmates can hear your performances , even at low volumes . The re-designed three-band EQ , Shape Switch , and adjustable Overdrive circuit with Blend control , along with lots of clean headroom enable a wide variety of tones , making the B25C well suited for many musical genres and styles . The 1 / 8-inch headphone output is ideal for private practice , and a 1 / 8-inch Aux In allows you to connect external music devices for convenient play-along and practice .
Acoustic ' s Classic Series bass combos and bass cabinets are available at Guitar Center , Musician ' s Friend , Music and Arts , and Woodwind & Brasswind .
MSRP for Classic Series amps start at $ 99 ( B25C ). For more information visit www . acousticamplification . com .
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