While we mostly review and demo pedal around here, it’s always fun to have something a bit different come rolling through. Today, we’re switching gears and talking about another fantastic subject related to guitars and pedals: AMPS. Let’d face it – without these guys, music wouldn’t be what it is today, and with so many different varieties, variations and options to choose from today, we’re living in a pretty rad time period. The Bantamp Firebrand from Joyo is a modern high-gain head that’s actually a HYBRID Solid State / Tube amp that features 20W of power. Now, 20 watts might not seem like a lot for a high-gain amp, but just get ready for this surprising little monster…
The Firebrand boasts a mix of valve and solid state technology, for a smooth and clear clean channel, plus a wicked high-gain distortion channel. Either channel is accessible via a small toggle switch on the front of the amp, with both providing some killer tones. The Clean channel just gets louder and has more sparkle as you turn the Gain and Volume up, while the Distortion channel goes instantly into high gear, sending your signal into the heavy metal stratosphere, complete with sustain and over-the-top gain. Not too bad for a 20W amp head, eh?
This orange beat also features an effects loop, for adding in outside effects (we used some delay and reverb from the awesome EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run, see demo below). There’s also Bluetooth connectivity, plus a Headphone Out that feature built-in cab speaker amp simulation, as well as silent practice without any loss of ROCK. Small but powerful, the Bantamp Firebrand from Joyo was an unexpected surprise, an amp that can really carry its weight against the big boys, carrying a nice price tag without sacrificing any of the tone. There are a bunch more amps in the BanTamP Series, so be on the lookout for more reviews and demos coming your way. Check out our demo below to hear this puppy in action, then head over to the Joyo website to see all they have to offer.
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