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Hughes & Kettner Edition
Blue 60-R Amp |
Hughes & Kettner Edition Blue 60-R Amp
Last year I roadtested Hughes & Kettner, Edition Blue 30 watt amp and this month they have handed me the 60 watt version.The 60 watt model features :
- 2 channels: Clean + Lead, 3-band-EQ, Effects loop, Adjustable reverb effect, 12" Rock Driver Junior speaker, a CD player port and a blue lit control panel.
All Hughes and Kettner amps are nicely presented and I think the Edition Blues are particularly classy looking. As with my impression of the 30 watt model, I am still fascinated with the deep blue lit control panel that gives this amp it's namesake. It is a very classy visual effect and apart from the novelty factor, it is actually a very helpful feature that means you are not fumbling around in the dark onstage when adjusting your front panel features.
I noticed that this amp has a silver thread running through the black grille cloth which creates a nice sparkle effect I didn't note it in my review of the 30 watt, so I am not sure if that one had a plain cloth or if I was simply too engaged with the blue lit panel last time. The only drawback to the whole visual design in my opinion is the large plastic logo that is an incongruous white. All functions are easily accessible and the hardware is sturdy. The whole unit is compact and quite light making it easily transportable.
I have played a variety of my favourite guitars and effects through this amp and was quite astonished with its overall capacity. The custom made 12 " RockDriver Junior speaker packs a huge punch and is exceptionally efficient, giving a far greater volume than I would expect for the output ratio. As with the 30 watt the 60 - R captures a realistic vintage tone which allows the user plenty of artistic scope, whilst the speaker upholds a true tone at any volume.
The clean channel delivers a variety of both contemporary and classic clean tones and also has plenty of crunch when required. The lead channel has the classic British rock tones that I was looking for and also allows for a good range of styles to be accomplished easily. Lead channel also has both gain and master volume controls. The channels perform very well at both lower and higher volumes and are footswitchable.
The reverb has been placed after the FX loop allowing for it's use with external effects. It is also automated to adjust when you change between clean and lead. This is a very subtle automation that I have previously described as appropriate however with the 60 R I was looking for signs of actual intelligence here and could barely detect this feature at all. The transition was simply not evident enough to me and I wonder if this was due to the greater output levels.
Soundshaping is a pleasure with the very effective EQ section. The bass is rich and warm and as with tube amps; mids and treble controls work mutually to compliment each other, with each effect cutting back as the other is boosted.
The Edition Blue has a serial effects loop, enabling the preamp signal to be rerouted to the FX device for processing. It worked well and I didn't notice signal degradation with any effect I tried.
The CD input is a very handy feature that really puts this amp in an enviable position as the newer players choice. It allows connection to a CD player or other audio source (tape, DAT) to either jam along with pre -recordings, or those of your own making. This is also ideal for solo performers allowing a very practical and compact setup for backing tracks. You can control the input signal volume through the preamp master.
When the Edition Blue Combos were released originally in 15 & 30 watt versions they were touted by Hughes and Kettner's own volition as great line of amps for beginners. I personally thought that the 30 watt had surpassed this limited intention and I am convinced that the 60 watt, although obviously not intended for concert use, completely qualifies as an amp to suit a wide variety of professional users. Simple enough for the beginner but with sophisticated and dynamic tonal qualities, plenty of headroom and good general versatility, the 60 - R is going to cut most domestic gigs.
Once again Hughes & Kettner have produced a well thought out and finely crafted amp that is well priced within its range.