SWR California Blonde Acoustic Amp
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.
Overall User Ratings (based on 54 ratings)
Submitted June 20, 2005 by a customer from cox.net
"A Powerful and Hot Little Blonde, but a Little Pricy."
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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 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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Submitted June 19, 2003
"This amp makes a crappy guitar sound great, and a good guitar sing."
Sound
I have been playing the Cali for about 5 months. This amp has the very best sound you could ask for when playing an acustic guitar. I play it with my Gibson Songbird Deluxe and my Ovation. (Mostly the Gibson) I liked this amp so much that I went out and ordered the Blonde on Blonde two weeks after I bought it. Being the Cali has the potential to operate in sterio I could not resist. I use a 6 channel mixing board to run, two mics, two guitars and a cd player all at once. This thing has endless power. I use the mixer as it is easier to balance the sound and you can also add mics, Ect...
Features
I love all of the features, but it would be nice if both channels had the aural enhancer. It is not a big deal until you want to play it in stereo with the blonde on blonde. The second channel still sounds great without, but it would be nice. I also Like the fact that I can use this amp in stereo, or mono with a second amp. TWO TIMES THE POWER!!!
Quality
This unit is very well put together. It seems to be very sturdy. I would not recommend dropping it, but it seems to take the abuse that comes with traveling very well.
Value
This amp is spendy. There is no question about that, but I compared to all of the other amps I have played, this is no doubt the best.
The Wow Factor
I chose ten because I already have it. I wouldn't trade it for anything else. I have been playing guitar with my dad for years and when he saw and heard this one, he said "I'm should just go home and throw my fender in the garbage."
Musical Style:
Anything Acustic
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