Ceriatone Forum

It has been about one month since I took possesion of this, I bought the completed head in a cabinet.

I couldn't be happier, I love this amp, the build is excellent, sounds just like my 1987 plexi, only now I can run the power tubes full out!

It is less creamy- more punchy, if that makes sense, than the "Bluesbreaker" type sound. 

I run everything on 10, and use a TS 808 reissue with the gain down and level jacked.

This is my B side of my A-B rig, kind of using it as my distortion channel.

It is paired with one Celestion V-30, and one GH-12, closed back cab.

Anyway sorry for the length but I wanted to give a review from a players p.o.v., as I am not a builder. It was just as described and I believe that this is a tremendous deal, Nik is the greatest and the product exceeded all my expectations.

I will be placing another order in the future.

Thanks
Steve

I agree on the "punchy" note. I tried a Marshall 20W a few years ago and was amazed how it nailed the Tone of my Marshall 1986 50W bass amp from '74, only less ear-splittingly loud. I'd describe it as a clean distortion, if that makes any sense. You have to hear it to believe it I guess, but maybe the relatively clean bass channel does the trick? Oh yeah, a patch cord between the channels is mandatory. You get to use all FOUR dials then! :-D

Also, I tried a Marshall 18W combo recently; not as punchy and I'd guess more Bluesbreaker-like. I was not as convinced. There are TubeScreamers to do that creamy thang.

Anyway, I just received a Ceriatone 20W and I am now in Tone heaven! My neighbours may agree. Or not.

Hey Pastor,
I think we are the only two people in here.

I agree with you 100% on the jumpering.

What type of guitars do you use? How about the speaker and cab rig.

I am looking for any tips or tricks with this, I love it more each day!

I bought it to keep at home, I leave my performing rig at our rehearsal space, and now find instead ofsolving the problem of hauling equipment back and forth I have actually created the same problem only it's my 20 watter that I end up taking to practice!

I better get back to work, check on later.

Peace Steve

Starfield Altair SJ Classic (don't mention the colour, yummy!), Marshall 1936 JCM900 2x12 cab, original speakers. I've had that cab for many years and it sounded great with my 1986 monster Marshall too!

I boost the Beast with a VoodooLabs Sparkle Drive. 'Nuff said (a TubeScreamer would also do). Just back down on the "Drive" and max the output on the pedal. The Sparkle Drive has a blendable clean boost, a very neat trick to put some punch back.

The guitar sounds like a much larger Strat than it really is!  ;D

Cheers,
/J

Hello,

  I think the 20W is a neat amp. But not as famous or well known, I guess.

  It's an excellent platform for pedals, IMHO, as you two have found out!

  Thanks!

nik

Hey guys, I just signed up here on the forum.  I have been a regular at Lick Library and have expounded on the benefits of going the kit route especially with Ceriatone as there are so many models to choose from at excellent prices.

Getting back to the subject,  I have been a owner of the Marshall 2061X head and 2061CX cabinet for awhile now.  I jumper the channels (always) and have experimented with different patch configurations to change the amp's voicings.  I own quite a few guitars and am a lefty.  This amp accepts and plays well with all my guitars (strat, tele, PRS, SG, ES-335, Les Paul, Gretsch G6120 Brian Setzer, etc.) I'm always hearing guys saying I turn up to 10 but with a decent overdrive there's really no need.  You can place the volume level prior to breakup and use a good overdrive and be in Marshall heaven real quick.

Four years later and love it even more!
I since purchased a jtm 45 BB and a JCM 800 style. From Nike and in LOVE with all of them, but this little firecracker still is neatest my heart.

It just does it for me clean to mean and dirty in between.

If anyone is contemplating a 20 watter - do it I give it a 11 out of 10 lol.

Nike cheers to you its like fine wine-up back to my Stratocaster

Peace
Steve

Sorry about grammar and spelling -stupid auto fill on phone and its late.

Still a great rig, hats off to Nik not Nike

Steve

I own a Keeley modded Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive and it sounds great with the 20 watt Lead & Bass however, for some time I've been using the Keeley/Boss BD-2 Blues driver pedal to astounding results (along with jumpering of channels).