There was a literal ton of under-20w amps at the NY Amp Show this year.
There were perhaps 3 that didn't SOUND like "little amps".
The one that jelled with my playing the most was the East Studio 2. When we popped into the room, I was immediately drawn to the LOOK of the amp; there were so many UGLY amps at the show! I peeked into the back of the amplifier and saw one large valve and assumed it was a 5-10w thing. I asked Jeff and he said "Just try it out".
Little did I know that I was looking at the rectifier! Nor did I know that I was playing the amp at the edge of its output. It was at a very serviceable level for at-home playing (perhaps even too loud for that) or studio recording. In other words, LOUD, but I don't think it would've worked at a gig as-is. As it turns out, there is a way around this using some clever technology in the amp itself.
Well, I dunno how long I spent playing that amp. It was magical. 20 minutes is my guess, maybe a bit more. The amp can do everything.
I stopped playing and Phil, Erik and Jeff were all talking over each other trying to be the first to blurt out "That's only 2 watts!" I honestly could not believe it.
Both of the East amplifiers fill the space somewhere between the Splawn and Bumbox, somewhere in the Budda/Victoria/Carr/Black Cat/Bruno/Komet area of tone.
Well, maybe not Carr/Black Cat/Victoria ... both amps have a bit of hair on em with humbuckers even when played at their cleanest settings.
We returned back to the room at the end of the day after trying out a few more things and a couple pints. The amp still delivered the goods.
Best, most expressive amp I've ever played? There are several that fit into that category, but the Studio 2 is certainly among them. There is no question that I will be getting one of these amps in the future.
