Description
Designed by Mark Sampson, this 30-watt Class AB all-tube Bad Cat represents boutique amplifier design at its most uncompromising. Its true point-to-point hand-wired construction, carefully selected components and sophisticated dual-channel architecture are designed around one fundamental goal: preserving the connection between the player’s hands, the guitar and the amplifier.
At the heart of the design are two distinct yet complementary preamp voices. The EF86 channel features a six-position DEPTH control together with a dedicated TREBLE control, delivering an exceptionally immediate, harmonically rich response with remarkable sensitivity to picking dynamics. The 12AX7 channel offers linear BASS and TREBLE controls for a more familiar and highly versatile tonal foundation. Engage the parallel BLEND function and both channels can be combined, creating complex, dimensional tones that draw character from both preamp circuits simultaneously.
Each channel features its own GAIN and pre-phase-inverter VOLUME controls, while a global post-phase-inverter MASTER allows precise control over the relationship between preamp drive, phase-inverter character and overall output level. The buffered effects loop can be completely removed from the signal path through true bypass, preserving the purity and immediacy of the amplifier when the loop is not required.
The valve complement consists of one EF86 and three 12AX7 preamp tubes, a 12AX7 phase inverter and four cathode-biased EL84 power tubes, together with a 5AR4 tube rectifier. DC filament preamp heaters help maintain a quiet operating environment, while the custom Bad Cat transformer set manufactured by Pacific Transformers further reflects the attention given to every part of the circuit. The result is a remarkably expressive amplifier, moving effortlessly from detailed, three-dimensional cleans to harmonically complex natural overdrive while retaining definition and dynamic response.
A heavy-duty aluminium chassis and void-free Baltic birch cabinet provide an equally uncompromising foundation, while dual speaker outputs and selectable 4-, 8- or 16-ohm impedance make the amplifier highly adaptable to different cabinet configurations.
Its Custom Antique Green “Heidi” Tolex is complemented by a gold grille and gold piping, together with a tan leather handle and matching tan leather corners. The result is a sophisticated vintage-inspired appearance worthy of the craftsmanship found inside. Designed and built in Costa Mesa, California, it includes a custom-fitted slip cover and a two-button footswitch controlling 12AX7/EF86 channel selection and BLEND on/off. An exceptional boutique amplifier for players and collectors seeking true hand-built craftsmanship, distinctive character and world-class valve tone, available in Italy and across Europe through Guitar Sauce.