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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46 illinoisentertainer. com august 2018