Great review man....very thorough and well laid out. Been wanting to pull the trigger on one of these since losing my Marshall in a financial crisis; and it's awesome to get a review of this amp that is NOT detuned to bowel rattling levels and laded with death metal riffs. And thank you for addressing that drive mode on the channel!! Well done bud!! Might just get that credit card out today and take the plunge. So please keep us posted on how the amp performs at stage volumes within a band context as well.
Thanks man! I gotta say, this amp is fantastic with my band! I love that the clean chanel stays clean even when cranked up. It is great to be able to get levels between distorted tones and clean tones balanced. I don't come close to it's max volume and my drummer is a hard hitter. I keep my master at the 4.5 area and it cuts through very well. I use a Peavey 430A slanted 412 in the band and it pounds! I will happily use this as my main amp. Get one. You won't be disappointed.
Best review for any amp. If I needed this much amp - this would be first on my list. A foot switch with only one missing switch - to turn on the coffee machine. All these features and quality at this price. Incredible. Great playing BTW.
So glad I found this review. I wanted to get a dual rectifier or a Rev Generator 120 but they're so expensive. This is affordable and sounds great. Gotta start somewhere right.
Great review. Have to share this: I got a great deal on 3 of these that were damaged in shipping. Took pretty good hits. A little ingenuity, some wood glue and a few tubes and all 3 have performed flawlessly for close to a year now! Not one issue! Great amp!
Buy this amp! Then, immediately change the power tubes, rectifier tubes, and change v1 to an old GE 12ax7 with tall grey plates and a d-getter, the amp will come alive and sound just like this video. Thanks Chris Tompkins, this video made me buy this amp, I'm so glad I did. When I first got it however, it was lacking something and not very exciting to play, get rid of the bugera glass, and listen to it come alive. I'm running two Mesa str420/6l6gc tubes and two electro Harmonix 6l6eh's I started with the preamp tubes, that didn't do it, then I did the rectifier tubes, that helped more, then I popped the power tubes in it, all the bugera glass is holding the amp back, if I had more money id change the rest of the preamp tubes, but v1 right now being that old GE Tube is heaven. Using old 444 cone vintage 30 speakers BTW. Rock!
+Chris Tompkins Great review, and I must say, very good playing Chris! I have a Peavey 6505+ 112 and it weighs 70 lbs. too damn heavy to be toting around. Trirec is only 52 lbs. I have seen on YT players complaining that the Trirec breaks down a lot, is that true? If the problems have been corrected with the Trirec, I'll sell my 6505+ for the Trirec.
+OTCRock4one I really am not in a position to speak about it's reliability, whereas I've not had it for too long and have thus far only used it in band practice. No gigs with it yet...
+Chris Tompkins well is it still holding up well? Ive heard the issues occurred in the early line of these amps.. i have this amp on layaway already so im crossing my fingers.
Fantastic review. I hate when people just do clean and blues and more blues for the highest gain channel, but you have each channel justice! fantastic playing as well.
I know I'm not the first one to say this, but I'm gonna say it now. Best review of this amp on TH-cam! Also very tight playing \m/ Edit: Ordered mine today
I have a pre-Infinium 6260 Combo and I used to get that pop switching from the Lead Channel to Clean. Took it to my tech and he replaced the V1 preamp tube and it cleared right up. I recommend that if you buy a Bugera amp switch out the tubes first thing. I replace the output tubes in mine with a matched set Svetlana EL34 Soft Reds.
I give you an advice on the rectfier valves, if you use the tube rect or the both mode and exiting from the standby there is no sound and no light on pilot lamp the are blown, you can still use the amp in the diode mode, but when you change the tubes you need to replace the fuse inside the amp. Than is great amp and great value!
Great demo and playimg. Had I known how good these amps sounded I would've definitely bought one before they were discontinued and now no longer available. Oh well.
I have to be honest. This made me so mad that I just found this review. It was a GREAT review. Alot of info and different styles to play with the amp. Thank you man!
Very Nice review. I have the same Bugera Trirec. Did not know about turning your guitar down to stop that pop sound. Thanks for the info. And yes it is a Very Good Amp, . Love it !!
Donald Dishman nice man ive heard reviews saying it burns out and breaks within hours to weeks. My local music shop had one with the matching 4x12 cab that i put on layaway to pay over time. not knowing anything about this amp i looked it up after i got home to see some praising reviews but also some worrying ones. But evidently that was with the first gen of these amps so hopefully all is good! thanks for the reply :)
Nice video Chris..do you still have this amp..and if you do have you had any problems with it. Been looking at this amp for a while..getting ready to order one in a few days..sounds so good..Thanks
Great review and demo of this amplifier. I also have a question, can the Bugera Trirec take kt88 power tubes? since it is said it can take most power tubes. I'll appreciate your reply.
Chris, exceptional review/examples for this amp...I am giving it serious consideration, can you tell me if It can do direct recording like the T50 did? Thanks again man!!
do the PHAT tone switch come on this amp like on the T50.....as I haven't really seen or heard the phat switch difference. put I haven't opened up the volume level yet. So its a ligit question. Albeit that this amp doesn't need a PHAT switch if your metal on the barby. I like the harmonic tones so far. Good example of some great tone gymnastics. The middle boost gain section in the amp itself sounds spot on for modern playing. Nice follow through on the riffing as well.
Hello. Great review. Since when I watched it, I started to love this amp so badly!!! Do you think that with all of its tone controls and the power attenuator and different gain stages would be possible to get close somehow to the clean/overdriven tone of Mark Knopfler`s Les Paul without using an external pedal ? Thank you in advance for your time.
I'm embarrassed to say that I'm not too familiar with Mark Knopfler's Les Paul tone... I know he is a monster player though. I'm a bit familiar with the Strat tones he got though. This can get you pretty close to that sound. :)
Thanks for this review dude. You made me order one from Sweet Water and it sits in my living room as we speak. Got high hopes for this thing. Any feed back as to reliability yet? Have any problems so far?
I bought the Trirec and the 1960 both at same time from Sweetwater along with the Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 cab. The Trirec is a tremendous amp in every way. I bought the 1960 because why wouldn't you buy a 150 Watt hand wired Plexi Clone for $400 if you could !
Yeah, it's totally stock. 6l6's. after a couple weeks using it, I am still loving it! There has not been a tone that I can't dial in. Worth twice the cost.
That's great to hear Chris. I want it but I live in an apartment... Don't play out much so volume is a concern. I also wish it had an emulated out DI for recording. So a big question is, can you really get bedroom volume from it? Thanks for all your input. Great playing by the way. Good to see someone hitting so many genres of music...really showing off what this amp can do.
Great review! I know it's over a year old now, but that "Varipower" knob... It's not "like" an attenuator. It IS a built in attenuator circuit. Semantics, I know. Other than that, this amp rocks, and you play very well!
Hey man, thanks for the updates on this amp over the last year. I guess Bugera suffered some "teething problems" when they first got up and running, but a bunch of guitarists I communicate with seem to agree that those initial QC issues seem to be pretty well ironed-out. Quick question regarding the "Gain" channels (2&3?)-- do they have the same gain levels and voicing? Or are they voiced differently (different "baked-in" EQ curves)?
I just subscribed, this is the best review I've seen of an amp in a long time. I really like what I hear from this amplifier. I like playing 80s metal, like RATT , and I think this model will make me happy. Do you agree? Thanks man
Hi Chris, thanks for your wonderful video. I have a question regarding your Trirec. How long does it take to produce any sound from startup? Mine takes about a minute after turning the standby off. Is this is a fault in my Trirec or is this normal due to biasing? Thanks in advance!
With any Tube Amp, you should always allow the tubes to warm up before using them. I always give my tube amp's about a minute or 2 before I try using them. I learned this very early on in my tube amp life, so I've never tried to see how long it takes before they make any sound. I highly recommend that you allow them some warm-up time. The tubes will last longer. I don't think its a fault. I am certain that they have a warm-up period before they are physically able to generate a strong enough signal.
I live in a single family house so volume isn't a huge issue for me. However, I do play at apartment level volumes and this amp sounds excellent at any volume level. :)
+Alban Lefevre Yeah, this amp sounds excellent at very low apartment bedroom volumes. It's a huge plus! Mine is used both at home and at rehearsals and is holding up very well. I love it.
+Chris Tompkins I received mine today. I'm not easily impressed with anything. But this is one amazing amp! I am with you 100 percent on channel 2 being the perfect channel on this amp. Channel 3's gain is almost too much dare I say it. Seems it works best by darkening and compressing it in channel 3. Channel 2 has a very organic and open sound that is just so full of character. Blown away. Plenty of push. The louder it gets, the more I giggle. The clean channel is also awesome. I have yet to experiment with the loop and other options, and like you, I havent moved from the tube rectifier yet. I just dont even want to! It took me literally 15 minutes to set up all three channels to my liking with equal volumes. The varipower is a HUGE feature and seems to have great sweet spot right at 3 or 4 where there seems to be that "volume hump". That's the spot where it gives this crazy-good projection. Wow. And the reverb...at first I was disappointed, but in reality it gives JUST ENOUGH reverb to be perfect in any situation. I noticed the reverb is also volume sensitive almost. Easily one of the top 5 greatest sounding amps I have ever had. I'm extremely happy with this amp. While it appears to be a copy of SOMETHING, I think it really is one in its own. It's a great sound and a lot of the sounds this does cannot be done by what it claims to imitate. But it can nail several other amps pretty damn close and in some cases, better. And as far as aesthetics are worth, it's a gorgeous amp as well. Thanks for your great review. It was what made me dare to drop the cash. And for the price, there is nothing that can beat it. Nothing.
Hi:) How about ur Bugera? Is it still working? I've read and heard about millions reviews, comments and still need some info :) Are you gigging with it? How often do you travel with it etc. :) Would appreciate response :)
+Feeleeppo87 Hi, I use this amp about 5 hours a week in 2 different bands. I am super cautious with my gear and take really good care not to bump it hard or anything. Having said that, I've not had a single issue with this amp. I love it. Peace!
Hey, can we get any example of how does it sound in the mix from you? Englund, Serga, Fluff etc. played on them in drop A tuning, ao I still don't know how does it actually sound... Cheers!
When you say the 2x12 cabs,. Is that 1 cabinet or two. And I'm going to agree with every comment on here that this is the best review on this amp that I have seen. I was looking at a Randall RG 20 and the Joyo hi game amplifier when just for a little bit more money I can buy one of these off of Reverb yep I'm sold and I have the two by 12 Bugera cabinet also. I have been running up Bugera V5 into that cabinet and it's pretty incredible that way with an rp500..
Chris Tompkins cool. How's it sound with one set? I just saw a CRATE 4x12 dirt cheap at a pawn shop. So tempted, but no room. Or,,,,,,, move 2x12 and V5 to guest rig and drop 4x12 on .... Upgrade to celestions.... Hmmmm😀
thanks for your reply man definitely a great buy and great to know its holding up with so many people worrying about quality issues. BTW your reviews are awesome!
@@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear That's cool/. I just picked up a kick ass deal today. I went onto Craigslist and $500.00 a Marshall DSL HR 100 watt head was sitting with footswitch. It rocks. But I was seriously thinking about this amp being with 6l6's and all. Was it a good amp though?
I never swapped out the tubes. I like the sound I get with the stock tubes. However having never changed them out, I can't compare the sounds to other tubes.
Koki Zuniga.Why not use them until they are finished, and then put new ones, and the ones you want later? Replacing tubes is a waste of money and nonsense IMO, especially when you buy new, now used is a different story no offense.
I've never tried it. But, that's a really cool thing about the "Infinium" tech in these amps. you can swap tubes and the amp will automatically adjust the voltage for you. So, as long as the KT77 pinout is the same as the 6L6's, try it.
I got the 100 Watt head version. I run it through 2X12 cabinets. The gain is extremely good. It goes from whispers to gargantuan Roars of doom! I've had so many amps in my 30 years of playing and the Katana is by far the best I've ever owned. The fact that it only costs $349 brand new is mind boggling to me. Don't let the short price trick you into thinking that it's cheap junk. This amp rules! :)
I work with a guy who is a professional guitarist and he said a lot of studio players in Nashville are going to the Katana. I wonder how it would sound going into my Randall 4x12 cab? I have a Randall solid state head that I love, but only one cab. Do you know if they make an amp switcher where you can switch between two heads sharing one 8 ohm cab, if I decide to get the Katana head?
Wonder how close this trirec can come tone wise, to the Mesa Triple Rec? It's a third the price, but I bet it isn't a third of the amp! From this review it sounds badass! Thanks dude
It's at least half the amp.... ;) Seriously though, this is a great amp and is NOT a Mesa Boogie replacement. The Mesa is much better. Mesa gets a tighter tone and has it's own sound. But I'd happily pay for 2 of these amps before I'd pay a Mesa price. But I like the cleans on this amp actually better than the Mesa's. :)
I had a Mesa Triple Rectifier back in 04/05 as my gigging rig, I absolutely loved that head. Really wish I hadn't got rid of it. I'm really getting back into playing alot again now that I'm teaching my oldest son. But I'm with you on not paying what a Mesa will set you back. I really want to get something close though, and I may have just found it! Thanks again dude!
What are your thoughts on the Bugera speaker cabinet ? I'm considering getting this amp as well as the 1960 Plexi and was wondering if the 2x12 or 4x12 is really worth having with those heads or if i should go deep and buy a Marshall 1960A 4x12 instead. Mind you this will be primarily for home use with occasional forays out into the world for further mischief.
These cabs are amazing for the price. But, my absolute favorite speaker cab, is the egnater tourmaster 2x12. It's an oversized 2X12 so the low end is excellent. That's the go to cab for me in any situation.
Since it is a stereo cab i can and will try using both amps at same time thru it and see what that is like. I have never done that before so it will be interesting to mess around with. My wife thinks i'm nuts, she's probably right too ! lol
I have the Bugera and a (Peavey) 4X12. cab I also have a 2x12 cab ( Eminence Patriot and Screaming Eagle) and will stick with that. What I mean is, that 2x12 are more versatile. I may cut the 4x12 in half( or sell it and make 2- 2x12). I've been playing for 40 yrs and been in ALOT of different situations and venues. Schlepping gear is part of it and large heavy gear is NOT cool. With the 2X12, I can custom tailor a gig. MOST of the time all you need is a 2x12( if they have a house PA, even a 1x12. I go to a lot of open mic nites and use a Fender G-DEC, which is a 1x8), but anything larger( rare), I can stack 2( or 3 or 4)- 2X12. A whole 'nother subject, is tube amps. IN my 40 years I have spent literally thousands of dollars, to amp techs. Back in the day , if you needed ( or wanted) new tubes, you had to go to a amp tech and pay them to instal and bias, etc. If your amp started making noise or acting up( like shock the shit out of you, etc), you had to take it to a amp tech and pay through the nose. Take it from me,. the Auto biasing is PRICELESS. Now YOU, the guitar player, can slap ANY tube you want and it will bias itself. THAT IS PRICELESS. Not only that , but ALL the while you're playing, it will AUTOMATICALLY scan itself and keep itself at optimum performance and then NOTIFY you if anything is wrong, meaning it tells you when a tube is going bad, etc. Lastly the Vari Power is a built in power soak For those that don't know, imagine cranking everything up to 10, but then turning down the actual volume to bedroom volume.. PRICELESS. This hand wired amp is the Holy Grail of amps.
that's alright. i gotta tell you: this is one of the best reviews out there and you make them spot-on. i really apreciate the reviews that show me what and how can be played in which situations unlike the others reviews that just show me how the amp sounds at different settings or just tell me what are the options of the amp. i would love more reviews from you, specially if you get the chance to make one on the 333XL, would help me make up my mind. although this review helped me get a better idea of the trirec. i gotta be honest, i really tend to go for the 333XL. cheers, mate - great video review.
Amazing Gains!! I love Channel 2 Classic Mode!!! and I love the Channel 3 on Classic and Mid Gain Levels for some Authentic Van Halen Solos!!! Helpful Hint, Cut the Presence, Mid and Gain Knobs as well as Reducing the Boost as well to 4 to More Accurately Produce Authentic Classic Brown sound Plexi Tones... I love it. Does not seem to have (Classic, Vintage, Modern) Selections on the Foot Pedal, hopefully they Have a More advanced Pedal available for switching in between Modes in the 3 Channels , To Complement Live Situations. Excellent Price for such Hi Watt Amp, loaded with Power and Preamp Tubes. Again,... The Presence sounds Incredible at High Levels for Channel 3 Mode Classic, Replicating Van Halen quite well, however it does not translate well on Channel 2 on the "Classic" Mode. Very Versatile, Covering a Array of Tones, again, I would love to Hear Channel 2 Dialed back with Lower Gains and Boost Levels to determine if it can Produce my Beloved Classic sounds. Great Recording as well, Vivid and Clear. I am...Like many, Smitten by this Versatile All Tube Head. *Side note Could the Solid State/Valve Adjustments work as a Fail safe if in fact Tube failure Ever Occurs, You could Utilize the Solid State Feature?
What an ON demo! Even the talk ... even in the beginning ... was cohesive. ... Bugeras are not the problem. Its the mediocre demos. Behringer, I mean Bugera ... shh ... should be paying you. This convinces me to hold on to my own Bugera ... solid state bass amp.
This is hands down the best trirec demo on youtube. Excellent job; thanks for all the useful info!
Hands down the best review of this amp on TH-cam. Thanks so much.
Id like to see you cruise on over to The Tone King's abode...and teach him a few REVIEW techniques & many guitar playing lesson's. Please.
Hahaha. The tone king. Love his collection of charvel Jackson guitars.
Great review man....very thorough and well laid out. Been wanting to pull the trigger on one of these since losing my Marshall in a financial crisis; and it's awesome to get a review of this amp that is NOT detuned to bowel rattling levels and laded with death metal riffs. And thank you for addressing that drive mode on the channel!! Well done bud!! Might just get that credit card out today and take the plunge. So please keep us posted on how the amp performs at stage volumes within a band context as well.
Thanks man! I gotta say, this amp is fantastic with my band! I love that the clean chanel stays clean even when cranked up. It is great to be able to get levels between distorted tones and clean tones balanced. I don't come close to it's max volume and my drummer is a hard hitter. I keep my master at the 4.5 area and it cuts through very well. I use a Peavey 430A slanted 412 in the band and it pounds! I will happily use this as my main amp. Get one. You won't be disappointed.
Bro, you got chops man!😂 You still using this amp, been what 7 years lol? I just got me a uses one, loving it!
Best review for any amp. If I needed this much amp - this would be first on my list. A foot switch with only one missing switch - to turn on the coffee machine. All these features and quality at this price. Incredible. Great playing BTW.
So glad I found this review. I wanted to get a dual rectifier or a Rev Generator 120 but they're so expensive. This is affordable and sounds great. Gotta start somewhere right.
The fist few notes are a wow moment for me. Glad I found your channel.
Great review. Have to share this: I got a great deal on 3 of these that were damaged in shipping. Took pretty good hits. A little ingenuity, some wood glue and a few tubes and all 3 have performed flawlessly for close to a year now! Not one issue! Great amp!
Dude, great review, great examples for sound, great guitar playing!
Buy this amp! Then, immediately change the power tubes, rectifier tubes, and change v1 to an old GE 12ax7 with tall grey plates and a d-getter, the amp will come alive and sound just like this video.
Thanks Chris Tompkins, this video made me buy this amp, I'm so glad I did. When I first got it however, it was lacking something and not very exciting to play, get rid of the bugera glass, and listen to it come alive.
I'm running two Mesa str420/6l6gc tubes and two electro Harmonix 6l6eh's I started with the preamp tubes, that didn't do it, then I did the rectifier tubes, that helped more, then I popped the power tubes in it, all the bugera glass is holding the amp back, if I had more money id change the rest of the preamp tubes, but v1 right now being that old GE Tube is heaven. Using old 444 cone vintage 30 speakers BTW. Rock!
Thanks for the video man!. Best trirec demo i have seen thus far.
Great review of this amp and playing. Lots of amp specs you explained and demo'ed, very easy to comprehend.
Thx for posting. Excellent guitarist!
Thanks! :)
+Chris Tompkins Great review, and I must say, very good playing Chris!
I have a Peavey 6505+ 112 and it weighs 70 lbs. too damn heavy to be toting around. Trirec is only 52 lbs. I have seen on YT players complaining that the Trirec breaks down a lot, is that true? If the problems have been corrected with the Trirec, I'll sell my 6505+ for the Trirec.
+OTCRock4one I really am not in a position to speak about it's reliability, whereas I've not had it for too long and have thus far only used it in band practice. No gigs with it yet...
Chris Tompkins Thanks for the reply
+Chris Tompkins well is it still holding up well? Ive heard the issues occurred in the early line of these amps.. i have this amp on layaway already so im crossing my fingers.
Outstanding demo👍
Great job great review. Mine is coming tomorrow. Can't wait. I also have the Bugera 2x12 and the G5 great small amp also.
So sad they discontinued these
Fantastic review. I hate when people just do clean and blues and more blues for the highest gain channel, but you have each channel justice! fantastic playing as well.
+AJ Brown Thank you Sir! :)
BTW...one of the best overall reviews I have seen. you might/maybe want to go to work for Bugera America.
Yeah he sold me lol, bought one! And looks like everyone else has also. They should pay this Cat that paper
@@glenandangie how's it hanging on you?
Was stuck between the T50 and the trirec. You reviewed both extremely well and it looks like I’m going with the trirec
excellent review! been playing the 333xl for years and just ordered the trirec!
Mike Ruppe Hi, do you still have the trirec? Any problems with it?
Great demo, and AWESOME plyaing
I know I'm not the first one to say this, but I'm gonna say it now.
Best review of this amp on TH-cam!
Also very tight playing \m/
Edit: Ordered mine today
Josua Stangl Did you get it? Is there a pop noise when you switch channels?
Nice Playing man. I like the way you attack the strings. aggressive sounding. Nice review. I too returned the T50 am now going to this. Thanks.
Best review of this amp on U toob. Thx!
great review. I subscribed. I hope you make more gear videos. keep up the good work.
I love them cleans!
Excellent review, thanks. Who needs a Kemper anyway, huh!
Great review man! And great playing.
A little slice of comedy gold at 13:00...
I have a pre-Infinium 6260 Combo and I used to get that pop switching from the Lead Channel to Clean. Took it to my tech and he replaced the V1 preamp tube and it cleared right up.
I recommend that if you buy a Bugera amp switch out the tubes first thing. I replace the output tubes in mine with a matched set Svetlana EL34 Soft Reds.
Thanks it Cranks!
that channel 3 sounds like the amp of doom lol not bad sounding coming from a phone camera
I give you an advice on the rectfier valves, if you use the tube rect or the both mode and exiting from the standby there is no sound and no light on pilot lamp the are blown, you can still use the amp in the diode mode, but when you change the tubes you need to replace the fuse inside the amp. Than is great amp and great value!
skankg17 Witch fuse are you talking about? There is more than one inside the chassis. Thanks
Nice review and great playing man
Great review and demo.
Great demo and playimg. Had I known how good these amps sounded I would've definitely bought one before they were discontinued and now no longer available. Oh well.
Got one and so far I`m more than satisfied for the money you can get this what do you want more at the end!
nice playing brother- i enjoyed listening
I have to be honest. This made me so mad that I just found this review. It was a GREAT review. Alot of info and different styles to play with the amp. Thank you man!
Awesome sound quality for a cell phone camera. Good review. Have any problems with the trirec yet?
Thanks! TriRec is still pounding away. No issues at all. :)
Very Nice review. I have the same Bugera Trirec. Did not know about turning your guitar down to stop that pop sound. Thanks for the info. And yes it is a Very Good Amp, . Love it !!
+Donald Dishman Still running good?
+WlatDsieny yep
+WlatDsieny Just got through playing on it right now. This Bugera Trirec is sounds really good .
Donald Dishman nice man ive heard reviews saying it burns out and breaks within hours to weeks. My local music shop had one with the matching 4x12 cab that i put on layaway to pay over time. not knowing anything about this amp i looked it up after i got home to see some praising reviews but also some worrying ones. But evidently that was with the first gen of these amps so hopefully all is good! thanks for the reply :)
Noise Gate helps with the channel pop too
Thanks
The pops happen only if you set modern on a channel, i think because there is a huge different in gain
Great review! I'm buying a used one from a friend! Can't wait! Also, do you have video guitar lessons? You rock!!
Nice video Chris..do you still have this amp..and if you do have you had any problems with it. Been looking at this amp for a while..getting ready to order one in a few days..sounds so good..Thanks
Still purring like a lion!! No issues at all. :)
Chris Tompkins Thanks for the quick reply..cant wait to get it..KEEP ROCKIN..New Sub
Great review and demo of this amplifier.
I also have a question, can the Bugera Trirec take kt88 power tubes? since it is said it can take most power tubes.
I'll appreciate your reply.
I've never tried. But, I think it can. As long as it has the same pin configuration as the socket.
+Chris Tompkins Thanks bro.
You still own this amp... Just wondering about the longevity... I have owned mine for about 7+ years with no problems.
I don't have it any more. The power tubes burned out, after about a year or so. Sold it shortly there after.
YES!!! I want it.
Chris, exceptional review/examples for this amp...I am giving it serious consideration, can you tell me if It can do direct recording like the T50 did?
Thanks again man!!
It does have a line out. I have not tried it though .
OK, thank you for taking time to reply my friend.
Hey mate :)
Whats the song at 3:50?
And awesome review :)
It's an original song of mine. I have yet to finish it.... One day... :)
Chris Tompkins
Oh wow, sounds very nice .:)
do the PHAT tone switch come on this amp like on the T50.....as I haven't really seen or heard the phat switch difference. put I haven't opened up the volume level yet. So its a ligit question. Albeit that this amp doesn't need a PHAT switch if your metal on the barby. I like the harmonic tones so far. Good example of some great tone gymnastics. The middle boost gain section in the amp itself sounds spot on for modern playing. Nice follow through on the riffing as well.
great review. a players review. bravo
Hello. Great review. Since when I watched it, I started to love this amp so badly!!! Do you think that with all of its tone controls and the power attenuator and different gain stages would be possible to get close somehow to the clean/overdriven tone of Mark Knopfler`s Les Paul without using an external pedal ? Thank you in advance for your time.
I'm embarrassed to say that I'm not too familiar with Mark Knopfler's Les Paul tone... I know he is a monster player though. I'm a bit familiar with the Strat tones he got though. This can get you pretty close to that sound. :)
Thanks for this review dude. You made me order one from Sweet Water and it sits in my living room as we speak. Got high hopes for this thing. Any feed back as to reliability yet? Have any problems so far?
I bought the Trirec and the 1960 both at same time from Sweetwater along with the Marshall 1960A Lead 4X12 cab. The Trirec is a tremendous amp in every way. I bought the 1960 because why wouldn't you buy a 150 Watt hand wired Plexi Clone for $400 if you could !
Mine has been a tank. Always sounds great. :)
Hi, do you still have the trirec? Any problems with it?
i really like that riff which starts at 3:50 :)
this really sounds good
what does the head and cab specialized for this head cost chris. This is interesting.
Hey Chris…do you still have this amp? If you do, how’s it held up over the years? Thanks in advance! Cheers!!!
Sorry, I haven't had this for several years now...
How was the reliability on this amp? Still have it?
Great review! Best on this amp. Question though, this ships and was reviewed with 6L6 power tubes? It sounds like EL34's in places.
Yeah, it's totally stock. 6l6's. after a couple weeks using it, I am still loving it! There has not been a tone that I can't dial in. Worth twice the cost.
That's great to hear Chris. I want it but I live in an apartment... Don't play out much so volume is a concern. I also wish it had an emulated out DI for recording. So a big question is, can you really get bedroom volume from it? Thanks for all your input. Great playing by the way. Good to see someone hitting so many genres of music...really showing off what this amp can do.
+Winston Waldemayer This amp has a built in attenuator that can go from 100 watts to 1 watt for bedroom volume or lower volume trust me.
Winston Waldemayer. You realize he's changes channels right? Every channel sounds different, and that's the beauty of this amp.
Great review! I know it's over a year old now, but that "Varipower" knob... It's not "like" an attenuator. It IS a built in attenuator circuit. Semantics, I know. Other than that, this amp rocks, and you play very well!
sup man, awesome review. i have a cuestion, the pops are louder with louder volume (or gain) settings? or is always the same pop? thanks
Hey man, thanks for the updates on this amp over the last year. I guess Bugera suffered some "teething problems" when they first got up and running, but a bunch of guitarists I communicate with seem to agree that those initial QC issues seem to be pretty well ironed-out.
Quick question regarding the "Gain" channels (2&3?)-- do they have the same gain levels and voicing? Or are they voiced differently (different "baked-in" EQ curves)?
The gain stage is hotter on channel 3.
Nice review , thanks.
I just subscribed, this is the best review I've seen of an amp in a long time. I really like what I hear from this amplifier. I like playing 80s metal, like RATT , and I think this model will make me happy. Do you agree? Thanks man
This AMP is PERFECT for 80's metal!!! I use it for that as well!! :)
Thanks Chris
Hi Chris, thanks for your wonderful video. I have a question regarding your Trirec. How long does it take to produce any sound from startup? Mine takes about a minute after turning the standby off. Is this is a fault in my Trirec or is this normal due to biasing?
Thanks in advance!
With any Tube Amp, you should always allow the tubes to warm up before using them. I always give my tube amp's about a minute or 2 before I try using them. I learned this very early on in my tube amp life, so I've never tried to see how long it takes before they make any sound. I highly recommend that you allow them some warm-up time. The tubes will last longer. I don't think its a fault. I am certain that they have a warm-up period before they are physically able to generate a strong enough signal.
Great review man, great playing too! A joy to listen to. What's your living situation and how would you say this amp sounds at low volume?
I live in a single family house so volume isn't a huge issue for me. However, I do play at apartment level volumes and this amp sounds excellent at any volume level. :)
Sounds okay. This amp is in my crosshairs.
I do think that the bugera legacy is becoming a really awesome metal amp in the trirec....Its a good amp for new to shred folks for sure.
This has a nice country twang opening the video tone examples up
nice review! I anted to get one of those panama amps but I might just get this one.
Thanks for the review. Any problems with it since you have it? Does it seem reliable? How does it handle high volumes?
+Shinra Kazuya I have not had any problems at all. It more than handles the needs of my metal band. My drummer is a heavy hitter too. I love it! :)
Hey! nice video :-) Is this playable at really low volumes ? I know it has that varipower thing, but it doesn't seem to act as an attenuator
+Alban Lefevre Yeah, this amp sounds excellent at very low apartment bedroom volumes. It's a huge plus! Mine is used both at home and at rehearsals and is holding up very well. I love it.
+Chris Tompkins Thanks :-) I'm feeling the next gear addiction crisis coming :-P
Have you had any problems with it? Mine will be here tomorrow. I'm excited!
Great review BTW. One of the best out there.
I have not had any problems with it. I haven't had it for very long though so, we'll see.
+Chris Tompkins I received mine today. I'm not easily impressed with anything. But this is one amazing amp!
I am with you 100 percent on channel 2 being the perfect channel on this amp. Channel 3's gain is almost too much dare I say it. Seems it works best by darkening and compressing it in channel 3. Channel 2 has a very organic and open sound that is just so full of character. Blown away. Plenty of push. The louder it gets, the more I giggle.
The clean channel is also awesome. I have yet to experiment with the loop and other options, and like you, I havent moved from the tube rectifier yet. I just dont even want to!
It took me literally 15 minutes to set up all three channels to my liking with equal volumes.
The varipower is a HUGE feature and seems to have great sweet spot right at 3 or 4 where there seems to be that "volume hump". That's the spot where it gives this crazy-good projection. Wow.
And the reverb...at first I was disappointed, but in reality it gives JUST ENOUGH reverb to be perfect in any situation.
I noticed the reverb is also volume sensitive almost.
Easily one of the top 5 greatest sounding amps I have ever had. I'm extremely happy with this amp. While it appears to be a copy of SOMETHING, I think it really is one in its own. It's a great sound and a lot of the sounds this does cannot be done by what it claims to imitate. But it can nail several other amps pretty damn close and in some cases, better.
And as far as aesthetics are worth, it's a gorgeous amp as well.
Thanks for your great review. It was what made me dare to drop the cash. And for the price, there is nothing that can beat it. Nothing.
Fantastic! Glad to hear it. :)
Hi:) How about ur Bugera? Is it still working? I've read and heard about millions reviews, comments and still need some info :) Are you gigging with it? How often do you travel with it etc. :) Would appreciate response :)
+Feeleeppo87 Hi, I use this amp about 5 hours a week in 2 different bands. I am super cautious with my gear and take really good care not to bump it hard or anything. Having said that, I've not had a single issue with this amp. I love it. Peace!
Hey, can we get any example of how does it sound in the mix from you? Englund, Serga, Fluff etc. played on them in drop A tuning, ao I still don't know how does it actually sound... Cheers!
good video, how is the amp holding up so far? Any problems?
6 months, no issues at all. :)
+Chris Tompkins that's great. I've heard of people having issues with radio interferences, have you experienced that with this amp?
Isaac Heyn No not at all. Maybe I got lucky... :)
great upload !!!
When you say the
2x12 cabs,. Is that 1 cabinet or two. And I'm going to agree with every comment on here that this is the best review on this amp that I have seen. I was looking at a Randall RG 20 and the Joyo hi game amplifier when just for a little bit more money I can buy one of these off of Reverb yep I'm sold and I have the two by 12 Bugera cabinet also. I have been running up Bugera V5 into that cabinet and it's pretty incredible that way with an rp500..
yes, I was running this through two 2X12 cabs in this demo.
Chris Tompkins cool. How's it sound with one set? I just saw a CRATE 4x12 dirt cheap at a pawn shop. So tempted, but no room. Or,,,,,,, move 2x12 and V5 to guest rig and drop 4x12 on .... Upgrade to celestions.... Hmmmm😀
The sound doesn't change, because its 2 identical cabs. The size of the sound is reduced...if you know what I mean...
Have you changed tube brands or had to change any tubes yet!
Nope. Still cranking with stock set. Awesome Amp. :D
Does this amp have any built in noise gate? I know the 333 does.
This does not.
What kind of guitar are you using??? Is it a hollow body?
It's a PRS S2 30th anniversary custom 24 guitar, loaded with Seymour Duncan " Whole Lotta humbucker " pickups.
do you still have this amp? how is it holding up?
thanks for your posts
Still going strong! Still the stock tubes too. Still sounds awesome. :)
thanks for your reply man definitely a great buy and great to know its holding up with so many people worrying about quality issues. BTW your reviews are awesome!
Thanks Brother!! :)
How is this amp lasting since 2015 ?
Sold it in 2017...
@@ChrisTompkins-Music-And-Gear That's cool/. I just picked up a kick ass deal today. I went onto Craigslist and $500.00 a Marshall DSL HR 100 watt head was sitting with footswitch. It rocks. But I was seriously thinking about this amp being with 6l6's and all. Was it a good amp though?
have you swapped the stock tubes in it ? if you didn't , what are your thoughts on them
I never swapped out the tubes. I like the sound I get with the stock tubes. However having never changed them out, I can't compare the sounds to other tubes.
Koki Zuniga Ryan Bruce has a tube shootout with this amp if u haven't already checked it out
Koki Zuniga.Why not use them until they are finished, and then put new ones, and the ones you want later? Replacing tubes is a waste of money and nonsense IMO, especially when you buy new, now used is a different story no offense.
I read about a channel switch pop noise. Any input on that?
It happened some times. Not all the time. I really couldn't put my finger on the circumstances that would cause it...
There’s someone selling one for 500. I’m on the fence about getting it. I’m a bedroom shredder and not a stage one. I’m not sure I need all this amp.
So how is the gain compared to the 6262? Does it have alot of gain?
never played through a 6262. But, this has more gain than I ever needed. :)
Chris Tompkins ah ok cool i got screwed on the 6262 so i had to get one of these. Nice review btw
Hi. How loud is at the bedroom level? At 1W.
It goes from whisper quiet to hearing it with a "decaf" drummer loud.
Do you still have this amp? If so how has it held up
Don't have it anymore. had to replace the power tubes after about a year. Replaced this with my Boss Katana head. So glad I did! :)
Chris Tompkins awesome video though. Oh yeah on the Katana - those are beasts. I hope you get a chance to demo the katana artist amp
How low volume is possible to play? Can I still use it in my apartment with that varipower function?
Absolutely. It gets whisper quiet and still sounds good.
Any idea if this amp will take KT77 tubes?
I've never tried it. But, that's a really cool thing about the "Infinium" tech in these amps. you can swap tubes and the amp will automatically adjust the voltage for you. So, as long as the KT77 pinout is the same as the 6L6's, try it.
Yes it will. It will do 2 kt88s in outside spots. 4 wont fit. Kt 77 will fit in all 4 slots
is this amp still kicking I've heard they crap out fast?
Still Rocking. Zero issues.
Bugeras are built so much better now.
Is the amp still going strong with no problems?
BIGATT1969 I no longer have this. My Boss Katana replaced it.
What size Katana and how is the gain in it?
I got the 100 Watt head version. I run it through 2X12 cabinets. The gain is extremely good. It goes from whispers to gargantuan Roars of doom! I've had so many amps in my 30 years of playing and the Katana is by far the best I've ever owned. The fact that it only costs $349 brand new is mind boggling to me. Don't let the short price trick you into thinking that it's cheap junk. This amp rules! :)
I work with a guy who is a professional guitarist and he said a lot of studio players in Nashville are going to the Katana. I wonder how it would sound going into my Randall 4x12 cab? I have a Randall solid state head that I love, but only one cab. Do you know if they make an amp switcher where you can switch between two heads sharing one 8 ohm cab, if I decide to get the Katana head?
Radial Engineering makes the "Headbone VT" Amp Head Switcher.
Wonder how close this trirec can come tone wise, to the Mesa Triple Rec? It's a third the price, but I bet it isn't a third of the amp! From this review it sounds badass! Thanks dude
It's at least half the amp.... ;) Seriously though, this is a great amp and is NOT a Mesa Boogie replacement. The Mesa is much better. Mesa gets a tighter tone and has it's own sound. But I'd happily pay for 2 of these amps before I'd pay a Mesa price. But I like the cleans on this amp actually better than the Mesa's. :)
I had a Mesa Triple Rectifier back in 04/05 as my gigging rig, I absolutely loved that head. Really wish I hadn't got rid of it. I'm really getting back into playing alot again now that I'm teaching my oldest son. But I'm with you on not paying what a Mesa will set you back. I really want to get something close though, and I may have just found it! Thanks again dude!
Kevin Jordan imo it destroys the duel idk bout triple
Would a maxon overdrive pedal fix the lack of tightness?
whats the first music??
It's an original of mine.
What are your thoughts on the Bugera speaker cabinet ? I'm considering getting this amp as well as the 1960 Plexi and was wondering if the 2x12 or 4x12 is really worth having with those heads or if i should go deep and buy a Marshall 1960A 4x12 instead. Mind you this will be primarily for home use with occasional forays out into the world for further mischief.
These cabs are amazing for the price. But, my absolute favorite speaker cab, is the egnater tourmaster 2x12. It's an oversized 2X12 so the low end is excellent. That's the go to cab for me in any situation.
I pulled the trigger and just bought the Marshall 1960A Lead Cab 4X12 along with the TRi Rec & 1960 150 watt head as well !!
Rich Firyn
NICE!!! :)
Since it is a stereo cab i can and will try using both amps at same time thru it and see what that is like. I have never done that before so it will be interesting to mess around with. My wife thinks i'm nuts, she's probably right too ! lol
I have the Bugera and a (Peavey) 4X12. cab I also have a 2x12 cab ( Eminence Patriot and Screaming Eagle) and will stick with that. What I mean is, that 2x12 are more versatile. I may cut the 4x12 in half( or sell it and make 2- 2x12). I've been playing for 40 yrs and been in ALOT of different situations and venues. Schlepping gear is part of it and large heavy gear is NOT cool. With the 2X12, I can custom tailor a gig. MOST of the time all you need is a 2x12( if they have a house PA, even a 1x12. I go to a lot of open mic nites and use a Fender G-DEC, which is a 1x8), but anything larger( rare), I can stack 2( or 3 or 4)- 2X12. A whole 'nother subject, is tube amps. IN my 40 years I have spent literally thousands of dollars, to amp techs. Back in the day , if you needed ( or wanted) new tubes, you had to go to a amp tech and pay them to instal and bias, etc. If your amp started making noise or acting up( like shock the shit out of you, etc), you had to take it to a amp tech and pay through the nose. Take it from me,. the Auto biasing is PRICELESS. Now YOU, the guitar player, can slap ANY tube you want and it will bias itself. THAT IS PRICELESS. Not only that , but ALL the while you're playing, it will AUTOMATICALLY scan itself and keep itself at optimum performance and then NOTIFY you if anything is wrong, meaning it tells you when a tube is going bad, etc. Lastly the Vari Power is a built in power soak For those that don't know, imagine cranking everything up to 10, but then turning down the actual volume to bedroom volume.. PRICELESS. This hand wired amp is the Holy Grail of amps.
hey han. do you happen to know to tell me some specific differences between 333XL and Trirec? i'm not sure which one to opt for. thank you very much
I have played through the 333XL at a store and it sounds great too. Not sure about the specs it has compared to this amp. Sorry.
that's alright. i gotta tell you: this is one of the best reviews out there and you make them spot-on. i really apreciate the reviews that show me what and how can be played in which situations unlike the others reviews that just show me how the amp sounds at different settings or just tell me what are the options of the amp. i would love more reviews from you, specially if you get the chance to make one on the 333XL, would help me make up my mind. although this review helped me get a better idea of the trirec. i gotta be honest, i really tend to go for the 333XL. cheers, mate - great video review.
Amazing Gains!! I love Channel 2 Classic Mode!!! and I love the Channel 3 on Classic and Mid Gain Levels for some Authentic Van Halen Solos!!!
Helpful Hint, Cut the Presence, Mid and Gain Knobs as well as Reducing the Boost as well to 4 to More Accurately Produce Authentic Classic Brown sound Plexi Tones... I love it. Does not seem to have (Classic, Vintage, Modern) Selections on the Foot Pedal, hopefully they Have a More advanced Pedal available for switching in between Modes in the 3 Channels , To Complement Live Situations. Excellent Price for such Hi Watt Amp, loaded with Power and Preamp Tubes. Again,... The Presence sounds Incredible at High Levels for Channel 3 Mode Classic, Replicating Van Halen quite well, however it does not translate well on Channel 2 on the "Classic" Mode. Very Versatile, Covering a Array of Tones, again, I would love to Hear Channel 2 Dialed back with Lower Gains and Boost Levels to determine if it can Produce my Beloved Classic sounds. Great Recording as well, Vivid and Clear. I am...Like many, Smitten by this Versatile All Tube Head. *Side note Could the Solid State/Valve Adjustments work as a Fail safe if in fact Tube failure Ever Occurs, You could Utilize the Solid State Feature?
nevermind the amp, that samsung camera and mic = awesome hehe
this or the 333xl? hmmm
TriRec
What an ON demo! Even the talk ... even in the beginning ... was cohesive. ... Bugeras are not the problem. Its the mediocre demos. Behringer, I mean Bugera ... shh ... should be paying you. This convinces me to hold on to my own Bugera ... solid state bass amp.