Guytron GT100 F/V Head & Cab Red Tolex

• This is a used amp head and cabinet in excellent condition.
• This is a consignment item.
• Footswitch and amp head cover included
• Observations: Wow! This package packs a TON of tonal options, combining Vox tones on one channel and Marshall tones on the other, and includes an effects loop.
  • The speaker cabinet has a built-in internal Sennheiser mic system, and is loaded with Austin Speaker Works (ASW) speakers.

$2,799.00 plus $100.00 shipping (consignment item)

• Power: 100 Watts
• Tubes: EL-84 (x2), EL-34 (x4), 12AX7 (x7)
• Controls (front): 
  • Channel 1: Gain, Tone, Level
  • Channel 2: Gain, Tone, Level
  • Shared: Volume, Treble. Midrange, Bass, Effects, Presence
• Controls (back):
  • FV Module: Focus (4-postiion rotary switch); Voicing (4-postiion rotary switch)
• Speakers: ASW Crossroads and Elegante

Guytron's flagship model is the GT100-FV and it has been shipping since 2003. But for those of you who may not know this already, it is actually a (multi-voiced) version of the original GT100 amp from 1995. There are some other refinements as well such as the stainless steel chassis, fully enclosed for low noise, etc.

The exclusive patented design delivers that “On 10” sound at any volume (without external power attenuators), restoring power amp distortion and harmonics missing from conventional master volume technology. The GT-100 is a two channel, 100 watt, pure tube amplifier with vintage tones and modern features, all hand built in the U.S.A.

The heart of the tone generation is in the unique foot switchable pre-amp design that incorporates two EL84's running in “Class A” configuration. Class A is the oldest and purest way of amplifying a signal. Naturally, there are raging disputes among audiophiles as to what is Class A and what is not, but this section of the amp is Class A, and that is where the feel and basic tonal character get established.

The signal does however make a transition into the Class AB arena and that is one of the secrets of the Guytron tone. Channel “A”, favoring the 50's to 60's stock amp tone, starts out crystal clear at low gain settings, progressing smoothly up to a ‘cranked up’ stock amp type of overdrive. The Channel “A” tone control involves the gain structure and the amp picks up more gain in the treble range as you turn it clockwise, yielding a progressively more “English” tone along the way. Channel A has become very popular and is known for its unique brand of sparkle, and punch.

Channel “B” takes over where channel “A” leaves off, encompassing most of the favored tones of the modded amp era, mid 70's, to present. The gain control in Channel “B” is a monster, by utilizing a dual pot it controls two stages of gain simultaneously, allowing a continuous sweep from warm and clear to over the top gain and distortion. The tone control on channel “B” is a post gain type, and serves as a treble gate to the power amp, it has no effect on the gain structure, (unlike Channel A). It serves well in setting the relative brightness of the two channels, ultimately adding to the versatility and allowing you to get a warm distortion with a variety of power amp settings.

A master tone section is provided to shape the final sound before it gets delivered to your speakers. The master tone section is integral to the 100 watt all tube output section; utilizing four EL34's running in class AB2. This configuration can deliver massive amounts of power on demand. The master tone controls can be used to adjust for different rooms, as well as emulate the tonal characteristics of different amp types, speaker configurations, etc. It is also at this stage that effects can be blended in to further enhance the tone.

The new GT100-FV contains all the sounds of the original GT100 design, but differs from the original model in this way. There are two 4 position rotary switches on the back of the amp. One called “FOCUS”, and the other is called “VOICING” offering a total of 16 different combinations of switch pre-sets. They alter the character of the amp in order to expand the available pallet of amp tones. They do this by simultaneously controlling several areas of the circuit while at the same time keeping the operation of the amp and it’s various controls balanced and ergonomic.

The one called “FOCUS”, deals primarily with a combination of the attack envelope of the note, and the overall feel of the amp. It also has an effect on the frequency response and the smoothness of the tone. While the one called “VOICING” deals with the frequency parameters of various parts of the circuit including the operation of the master tone controls. This also effects the overall smoothness of the amp in a different way from what the “FOCUS” control does.

** BOTH CONTROLS SET AT “12 O’CLOCK” POSITION ARE LIKE AN ORIGINAL GT100 AMPLIFIER.

This would represent setting (1) on the switch. Turning the switch clockwise, switch setting (2) occurs at 1 o’clock, switch setting (3) occurs at 2 o’clock, and switch setting (4) will occur at the 3 o’clock position.

FOCUS SWITCH SETTINGS: 1) Stock Amp 2) Almost Stock But Without As Much EL84 Fizz 3) Warm And Smooth With Reduced Compression 4) Clear and Clean With Lowest Compression Like A 6L6 Amp

VOICING SWITCH SETTINGS: 1) Stock Amp 2) More English Type Tones (upper mids and highs) 3) More American Tones (round highs and true mids) 4) More American Tones With Low Mid Boost.

The overall effect of these switch combinations can range from drastic to subtle, yet distinct. However, at all times they remain musical and useful; they get the job done without calling attention to themselves.