So, how does it sound? Well, this is a recreation of an early 60s valve head, so it’s no high gain, preamp distortion amp. Also, it’s a Matamp, with a Baxendal tone stack. It doesn’t sound like a plexi – it can get close, but it’s always Matamp – and that’s a good thing. This is all about the output tubes. Crank it up and you get that great British crunch and overdrive that just sings, with that sweet edge and chime that Matamps have. With the EL34s engaged it’s warm and woody with the trademark early breakup and smooth, sweet overdrive. Engage the KT88s and it hangs onto the cleans a little longer and barks a bit more aggressively when wound up – this amp is good for Malcolm Young-esque rhythmn, Peter Green blues, Angus style rock and all sorts of other good stuff too: back off on the guitar’s volume and the amp will clean up nicely; or use a lower ‘Drive’ (preamp gain) setting to get that classic warm, hi-fi Matamp clean. Add reverb to taste - the reverb, in true Matamp style, will go from subtle to over the top happily, or can be disengaged completely if you prefer it dry. The ‘Depth’ control is basically the same as the current Matamp ‘Voice’ control – progressively adding more bottom end and gain as you turn counter clockwise – although it’s more complex than that – this control can really change the character of the amp. Boost adds a kick similar to a treble boost and the presence adds that upper mid kick that just adds a little more, well, presence! All of this with the trademark Matamp responsiveness and super fast attack. These amps are super sensitive to picking dynamics and will make every other amp you’ve ever played feel slightly dead in comparison.