SWR California Blonde Acoustic Amp

No longer available at zZounds

The Acoustic Amp was specifically designed for use with acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. The 120-watt amp has a solid-state front end, 2 independent channels, mono and stereo input, spring reverb, custom 12" speaker (Celestion), and high-end super tweeters. All together it produces sound quality unsurpassed by other amps.

Features
2 Independent channels
Mono and Stereo Inputs
Master Volume Control
Foot-switchable Spring Reverb with Master Reverb Control
Stereo Headphone Jack
Discrete Solid-State front end
Side Chain Effects Loops
Blend Controls for each channel
Balanced Line Out
Tuner Output
Tilt Stand for easy angling
Top Handle
Chrome protective corners
Bottom Slot Port
Blonde Tolex Covering
Vibration-free speaker grill
Tweeter Attenuator Control (available on S/N 4000 and greater)

Speaker Compliment
(1) Custom 12" speaker from Celestion
(1) High-end super tweeter

Power Output: 120 watts RMS

Enclosure Impedance: 8 ohms

Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 16 KHz

Dimensions (H x W x D): 24 x 14.5 x 14.5 in.

Weight: 50 lbs.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 480-596-7195

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. (54 ratings)
Submitted June 20, 2005 by a customer from cox.net

"A Powerful and Hot Little Blonde, but a Little Pricy."

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I liked the amp fine. I primarily used it for bass guitar but I did run an shallow-body Ovation through it followed by a full bodied Fender acoustic guitar. The Ovation sounded fine but I had difficulty controlling the low end rumble on the Fender. It is probably best for practicing and small gigs. It's heavy for its size and the one I was using had some corrosion on the grill. I prefer something with a better eq and the ability to switch between channels while playing. I wouldn't mind owning one if the price was right. The small size would make it much easier to rehearse with rather than my Yorkville 4x10 cab and amp.

Sound
Good sound for bass guitar and shallow-back acoustic guitar. I'd prefer a sweepable low frequency control to have more control over the low tones in a full body guitar and bass. I play with active EMGs on a Schecter bass and I got more volume out of the amp than I expected.

Features
Reverb sounds nice but too much makes it muddy. I like the 2 separate channels and the FX loop in the back. Wish it had a channel change footswitch though. I didn't like the fact that 'channel 1 out' on the back cuts out the speakers. Should have a choice. I like the phase switch on both channels and the ability to defeat the horn. I didn't use those features but they seems like a nice features. Oh, and the handle on the bottom (if it comes with the amp) is very helpful. Don't know if the owner of read more the amp added it himself or not.

Quality
It seems well made. The grill on the front of the one I am using has some corrosion and I don't believe the ammp is that old. I believe the serial is #0564. I am concerned about the large knobs on the front of the amp. They seem like they might crack or break easily if they get banged around at all during loading and unloading.

Value
I didn't buy one, but I have priced one and it seems high for a 120 watt combo amp. Other similar combo amps I have played recently that had similar features were priced 25% to 30% less.

Manufacturer Support
This is pretty much non-applicable. But, the company's reputation is pretty good for the support they offer so I give it a 7.

The Wow Factor
It doesn't knock me over or anything. It's a nice looking amp in blonde.

Musical Background:
Active musician, recording engineer, and producer.

Musical Style:
Classic Rock, Dance, Country, Acoustic Rock, and Environmental / mood music
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