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Grainger Blues Twin
A Valve Combo for under £300!! When I tried the Grainger Blues Twin I didn't have high expectations, after all, a valve combo at such a cheap price, surely the sound had to reflect that! But my illusions were soon shattered. This is a superb combo, equal to much more expensive models and at a price within almost every guitarist's pocket.With twelve AX7 pre-amp tubes and EL34 power tubes you get the quality of combos that cost up to three times the price and it has tube rectifier circuitry, normally available only in the most expensive competitors. To deliver the sound the combo has two special design Eminence Lady Luck speakers, which offer great tonal range. So what about the sound quality? You have a choice of two channels, both with shared 3 band equalizer plus master volume, while the second channel also has a mid-tone control, which adds to the range of sounds you can get. At 30W using the first clean channel (pentode operation) you get a variety of tonal options, from sharp natural to great blues tones, just as the name suggests and the 30W delivered is powerful enough for any pub, or small club gig. I tried it with a strat and found the amp both flexible and responsive. Having the two speakers also makes a great difference to the sound, more flexible, much warmer and with greater depth than the usual one speaker option with most 30W combos. Switch to the second 'hot' channel (triode operation) and you get a gutsy 15W delivery with great overdrive sounds, plenty of sustain and a mid channel control that lets you dial in hard hitting definition. The build quality is also very good with an 11-ply casing, that is certainly weighty enough, 16 gauge bent and spot-welded chassis and the design is a great retro styling that is very distinctive. Most of all, what I can't get over with this combo is the price, currently £299 and, at present, exclusive to Sound Control stores and their website. It really is a steal at that price and I would strongly advise anyone looking for a 30W combo to consider it, especially since most comparable combos in the price range are not valve and usually have just one speaker too. If you have a Sound Control near you pop in and try one - I warn you it will be hard to leave without buying this combo, though you can justify the money by the fact you are getting quality normally much more expensive to come by. In parting I have to share a thought - would I rather have a Vox AC 30 - only to sell and buy a Grainger Blues Twin, then I'd be quids in! |
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