I’ve mentioned in a few articles this year that I currently derive a lot of my tone through my pedals. It’s the method I’m used to. I also love experimenting with pedals to experience different sounds and styles. Therefore as I continue to research the amplifier that will become my first all-tube amplifier, it’s encouraging to find an amplifier that claims to be for players who love their pedals as much as their guitars. That’s me! Bring it on Dr.Z. I think I’m a fan of the philosophy behind the M12.
The M12 is available in a few configurations, but I’m keen for the 12 watt head. It comes in blonde, red and black which of course means I’d go for black. Interestingly the amp claims to have a lot of clean headroom. Headroom … colours based on hair types … I’m sensing a pattern. Whether this is suitable for hairdressers or not I can’t say, but I can say the feature list impresses me.
- 12 watts
- 2 x EL84 Poweramp tubes
- 1 x EF86 and 1 x 12AX7 Preamp tubes
- 1 x 5Y3 Rectifier
- Volume, bass and treble controls
- 4, 8 and 16 ohm speaker outputs
Two different preamp tubes and a tube rectifier. That’s pretty impressive on a smallish amplifier head. Not many of the amplifier heads I’ve looked at so far seem to offer that. All tube. I just like the sound of that.
Speaking of sound, this amplifier seems to provide some impressive tones even without a pedal or ten plugged into it. This impressive video showcases the M12 using a Telecaster. There is quite a range provided in that video. Then there’s this video review that showcases the tones available through a Les Paul. That video uses the combo configuration, but I’m sure you could replicate those tones with the head plugged into an appropriate cabinet.
There you have it really. Simple looking amplifier. Simple review. Simple reviewer. Seems like a perfect match to me. Pity it seems to be so expensive in Australia. It does have a lot of tubes though …
Disclaimer: I’ve not played through this head. I have not experienced the sound or tone of this head other than through video. That doesn’t matter. It looks awesome, it’s obviously played by winners and I want one.
