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Chapter 1 Amps and pedals 14
Tip: Although these amps tend toward a clean and tight sound, you can use a Pedalboard
distortion stompbox to attain hard-edged crunch sounds with sharp treble and extended low-
end denition. See Pedalboard distortion pedals on page 45.
British Stacks
The British Stack models are based on the 50- and 100-watt amplier heads that have largely
dened the sound of heavy rock, especially when paired with 4 x 12" cabinets. At medium gain
settings, these amps are suitable for thick chords and ris. Raising the gain yields lyrical solo
tones and powerful rhythm guitar parts. Complex peaks and dips across the tonal spectrum keep
the tones clear and appealing, even when heavy distortion is used.
Model Description
Vintage British Stack Captures the sound of a late 1960s 50-watt amp
famed for its powerful, smooth distortion. Notes retain
clarity, even at maximum gain. After four decades this
remains a denitive rock tone.
Modern British Stack 1980s and 1990s descendants of the Vintage British
amplier head, which were optimized for hard rock
and metal styles of the time. Tonally, it has a deeper
and brighter sound at the low and high end, with a
more “scooped” midrange than the Vintage British
amp.
Brown Stack Unique tones can be coaxed from a British head
by running it at lower voltages than its designers
intended. The resulting “brown” sound—often more
distorted and loose than the standard tone—can add
interesting thickness to a guitar sound.
Tip: The classic British head and 4 x 12" cabinet combo is ideal for ris at high gain levels. These
heads can also sound good through small cabinets, or at clean, low-gain settings.
British Combos
The British Combos capture the brash, treble-rich sound associated with 1960s British rock and
pop. The sonic signature of these amps is characterized by their high-end response, yet they are
rarely harsh-sounding due to a mellow distortion and smooth compression.
Model Description
British Blues Combo
This 2 x 12" combo has a loud, aggressive tone that
is cleaner than the British heads, yet delivers rich
distorted tones at high gain settings.
British Combo
A 2 x 12" combo based on early 1960s amps. Perfect
for chiming chords and crisp solos.
Small British Combo
A 1 x 12" combo with half the power of the British
Combo, this amp oers a darker, less open tone.
Boutique British Combo
A 2 x 12" combo that is a modern take on the original
1960s sound. The tone is thicker, with stronger lows
and milder highs than the other British Combos.
Tip: You can often use higher Treble and Presence knob settings with the British Combos than
with other amp types. If the British Blues Combo is too clean for your needs, combine it with
Pedalboard’s Hi Drive stompbox for an aggressive blues tone, or the Candy Fuzz stompbox for a
heavy rock tone. See Pedalboard distortion pedals on page 45.