April, 2013 - Music & Sound Retailer

UNDER THE HOODPRS GUITARS’2-Channel Custom AmplifierBy Dan FerrisiPRS Guitars, based in Stevensville MD andin business since 1985, has become knownover the past nearly three decades—by retailersand players alike—for building some verycool, great-sounding electric, acoustic and bassguitars, as well as boutique-style guitar amplifiers.It’s renowned for its Private Stock guitardepartment and, in a similar vein, its CustomAmp Design (CAD) program, which has beenoperating for about three years. Individualscan custom order from any current or pastPRS amplifier platform. The company can thencustomize the amp mechanically, sonically orvisually to suit one’s preferences and needs.Another way to approach the program is topurchase one of the company’s CAD modelamps: the Sweet 16+, 25 th Anniversary, HXDA,“Paul’s Amp,” PRS Blistertone, PRS Dallas and,finally, the 2-Channel Custom. In this article,we’ll zero-in on the 2-Channel Custom, exploringits unique value proposition.According to Mike Clark, Amplifier SalesManager, PRS Guitars, the development ofthe 2-Channel Custom has been ongoing fora few years, really having its origin with the2-Channel H. “With that amplifier,” he began,“we wanted to offer a competitively priced twochannelamp that was hand-wired and made inthe U.S.A. We wanted to address what we feltthe primary weakness of most two-channel amplifierswas: the clean channel.” He continued,“Many two-channel amps do not offer a cleanchannel with the flexibility of their single-channelcounterparts. Generally, they are too clean,with much less harmonic content. We feel like the clean channel is a real strong point of ourtwo-channel amplifiers.”From there, PRS transitioned into the development of the Custom. Sonically, the amp isalmost exactly like the H, but boasting greater flexibility. Features, which we’ll explore belowin greater depth, include a solo boost with controls on each channel, mid shift pull switch,deep boost pull switch, presence control, LED indicators on the three-function footswitch(channel, solo boost, reverb), loop bypass whennot being used and the ability to disengage thereverb on the lead channel. “These things meetthe additional needs of the gigging musician,”Clark declared. (It should be noted that some ofthese features were actually added to H amplifiersthrough the CAD program, prior to theCustom’s introduction.) The 2-Channel Customis available as a 50-watt head, 100-watt head ora 50-watt 1x12 closed back combo (with otherwattages potentially available through a specialCAD order). “We also offer speaker cabinetsin 112, 212, 410 or 412 configurations,” Clarkadded.To dig a bit deeper into the technology behindthe Custom, and the features offered, it uses6L6s or EL 34 power tubes, with 6L6s as thestandard. The amps boast master and gain controlsand three-way EQ for both channels. Thisdelivers the maximum amount of control over each channel. The master volume and gaincontrols allow users to create their sound at any volume. Solo boost allows players to have apre-set boost for each channel that will increase their overall volume for a solo. There’s also acontrol for each channel, allowing flexibility from each. An FX loop provides the ability to runtime-based effects cleanly and seamlessly after the pre amp section of the amplifier.Another key feature, which we alluded to earlier, centers on mid shift and deep boost.These push/pull knobs allow extra tone-shaping capabilities, creating a more flexible platform.Finally, we come to hand wiring. This is a detailed, handmade platform in which allthe components are hand stuffed in the boards and soldered by hand, as opposed to solderbaths used by many manufacturers. “This creates a quality product with attention to detaildesigned to last,” remarked Clark. “For example, each amp is hand-tuned to minimize issueslike microphonics and background noise.”These versatile and articulate amplifiers are well suited for alternate tunings, although, accordingto Clark, the 100-watt version is generally preferable for this. He explained, “Thingslike Drop C tuning require increased headroom to maintain note definition. These tuningsput extra demands on both the pre-amp and power sections of a tube amp. More power—increasedheadroom—works much better in these applications. We’ve paid careful attention tothe characteristics of the low-mids and lows of the amp to maintain the ‘tight,’ responsive, butfull-sounding, tone and feel that guitarists using alternate tunings generally require.”As one would imagine, the market for a product like this is quite broad, a point Clarkunderscored by saying, “We designed the Custom to meet the needs of the gigging musicianand the hobbyist who wants a feature-packed amplifier suitable for classic rock, ’80s metal,country, blues and indie music, all in a great-looking package with top-quality components ata mid-level price point.” He also mentioned very positive feedback received this past Januaryat the NAMM show, at which the Custom made its debut. “We have also gotten a lot offeedback from artists, such as Dave Weiner who plays with Steve Vai. He’s using our 100-watt H on tour,” he added. Clark also remarked about the huge role PRS’ artists play in the(continued on page 53)54APRIL 2013