Everybody knows that Paul Reed Smith can make a guitar bursting at the seams with tone and style. However, not as many are aware that the company has accrued a formidable line of amps capable of running with the best of the boutique world.
For NAMM 2017, PRS is introducing their newest staple into their amp roster: the Sonzera. Available in the 20W combo we’re demoing and a 50W head/cab pairing, the Sonzera is built on a dual-channel design that brings pristine and searing voicings together in one package. For the guitarist on the hunt for a range of quality tone, this makes for an excellent candidate.
With two 6L6 power tubes, three 12AX7 and one ECC83 preamp tubes, the hefty power/preamp section is housed in a steel chassis for roughneck durability when in transit. For the speaker, PRS opted for a 12” Celestion model to emphasize voice and clarity even when pumping out high volumes.
The control side is where the versatility really comes into play. Global reverb and presence knobs fill out your sound and add just the right amount of bluesy push without muddying up your natural tone. This translates to a sound not far from full-bodied vintage tweed models with the headroom craved by the pedal junkies among us.
But the Sonzera’s real draw is the combination of a master volume, independent drive control, and nuanced three-band EQ. Between these features, decades of tone are available with the flick of a wrist. As Ryan demonstrates in the video above, warm bluesy breakup, early ‘80s Yngwie power, and all-out modern snarl are within easy reach after just a couple of minutes of tweaking.
Check out our video above to get the full rundown on the Sonzera and click below to buy one of your very own.
PRS Sonzera AmpsSee more Guitar & Bass News from Winter NAMM 2017