Category Archives: Product Reviews

Bad Cat Amplifiers Introduced “The Ultimate Blackface” Amp for $1,299 and Didn’t Tell Us

Posted on July 11, 2017 by tonesmiths

<img src="” /> Boutique Roots Bad Cat Tube Amplifiers was founded in 1999 on the basic principle Mark Sampson brought over from Matchless Amplification, to hand-craft classic circuits using superior components and materials. Many of the early Bad Cat amps … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Cat Classic Pro, Bad Cat PCB, Best Blackface, Classic Pro 20R, Product Reviews, Uncategorized, USA Player Series | Leave a comment

Bursting the Boutique Bubble

Posted on April 2, 2016 by tonesmiths

The Bad News Those who have attended the NAMM show over the past decade have noticed a disturbing trend amongst manufacturers of boutique guitars and amplifiers. It seems that rather than applying the global principles of efficiency that are essential to survival … Continue reading →

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Bad Cat Cub III Review

Posted on February 8, 2014 by tonesmiths

The other day I had an opportunity to demo the final version of the Cub III 40. As a Bad Cat beta tester, I’ve had the privilege of sampling the Cub III series throughout it’s various developmental stages, as well … Continue reading →

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Don Mare Pickups – “The Real Deal”

Posted on April 13, 2013 by tonesmiths

The Truth I see guys talking about a lot of different pickup manufacturers on the many forums I participate in. But, I don’t see Don Mare pickups getting the attention they deserve within the P&W community. The top guitarists in … Continue reading →

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PM Tubes – The Best 12AX7 on the Market

Posted on April 4, 2013 by tonesmiths

Those Magic Tubes Once upon a time I had a small stash of NOS Sylvania grey plate 12AX7s that made every amp I placed them in sound better, Especially in the V1 position of my dad’s old 1965 Deluxe Reverb. … Continue reading →

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Bad Cat: “The Sound of Modern Worship”

Posted on March 30, 2013 by tonesmiths

Is it just me or is everyone in the P&W world talking about Bad Cat amplifiers these days? These precision creations that have been a long time favorite for an endless list of top secular guitarists have slowly become the … Continue reading →

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