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10. RECTO
This bad boy is based on the “Modern High Gain” channel of a brutal, 100 Watt,
armour-plated beast hailing from California. Its deep, dark, loose low-end, some
what “fizzy” top and Monster-like gain has made this all-tuber a mainstay for many
modern, metal acts who either tune their guitars down as low as they can possibly
go, or wield 7-string axes.
At low GAIN settings, RECTO produces a distinctive, bright clean sound
bolstered by some rich, upper harmonics that add fullness and dimension. This
said, RECTO is definitely not recommended for Country “n” Western picking. But,
if you play slamming, “nu-metal” that’s tuned lower than whale droppings, then
RECTO could well be the only way to go!
Original’s tube compliment: 5 x 12AX7s in the preamp, 2 x 5U4G rectifier
tubes, 4 x 6L6s in the power amp.
11. US HIGAIN (US HI-G)
This is modelled on the Overdrive Channel of an all-tube, 100 Watt head built in
1991 and covered in snakeskin! This high gain, power house was designed by a
guy who also builds and drives Hot Rod cars so it should come as no surprise that
the originals controls all go to eleven - after all, “that’s one louder innit!” (© Nigel
Tufnel!)
US HIGAIN is capable of a powerful, heavily saturated sound that com-
bines an open low-end with compressed mids and highs. The result is a tone that
remains focused and well defined at even the most extreme gain settings. These
attributes have made this head a favourite with several of the world’s leading play-
ers, and its versatility make it ideal for a wide variety of purposes and styles.
Original’s tube compliment: 4 x 12AX7s in the preamp, 4 x 6L6s in the
power amp.
12. BOUTIQUE OD (BTQ OD)
For this one we modelled the Overdrive channel of a very rare, very expensive and
very respected 100 Watt head named the Overdrive Special. This custom-order,
hand-wired beauty has a spectacular overdriven sound that’s perfect for sax-like,
legato soloing. With its GAIN control wide-open, BOUTIQUE OD produces a stun-
ning sustain which is very smooth and very soulful - can you say “woman tone!?”
Original’s tube compliment: 3 x 12AX7s in the preamp, 4 x EL34s in the
power amp.
13. BOUTIQUE CL (BTQ CL)
For this amp type, we modelled the Clean channel of another very expensive,
hand-wired, custom amp made by the same boutique builder as BOUTIQUE OD.
We auditioned several top-shelf boutique amps for this model but this amp was the
clear winner. Even though its garish, fuzzy red covering wasn’t to everyone’s taste,
it’s beautiful clean sound was! Its beautifully rounded low-end, delightfully transient
mid-range attack and sweet treble make it the perfect partner for single-coil pick-