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Electar Century 30DR Review  Ironically, this example of Gibson's imported Electar line (distributed by MusicYo.com) is the most retro looking of this month's bunch - ironic because it's the least vintage in design, combining a tube preamp with a solid-state power section. It's also the smallest, lightest and cheapest of the three, making it an appealing practice companion. With 30 watts pumped into a 12-inch speaker (in an enclosed cabinet), the channel-switching Electar provides ample power for small gigs and studio use. Other features include built-in digital reverb, effects loop, extension cabinet out, headphones jack and a connection for a channel-select footswitch. Controls and Sound Front-panel controls include a channel-switching button, clean volume (which governs volume when the amp is in Channel 1), lead gain and volume (for Channel 2), reverb and a three-band active EQ. The Century's EQ was more powerful than that found on some tube amps. The treble control is voiced a little higher than that of some guitar amps and does an especially nice job of adding sparkle to rhythm tones. Perhaps due to its solid-state powerhouse and 12AU7 preamp tube (as opposed to a higher-gain 12AX7), the Century's clean channel has headroom up to moderate volumes. It's especially effective when dealing with complex, mellow jazz voicings or sharp country licks. Even with the distortion kicked in, the amp offered nice definition, good for crunch rhythm. The lead tone - if not quite as warm as that of a true tube amp - does offer its own modern signature. Unfortunately, the distortion control has a very rapid curve - you reach serious saturation at about a 25 percent turn. Another annoyance: the Electar lacks a channel indicator light. That's one of those small details we take for granted until it's missing. The Bottom Line As a practice amp, the Electar Century 30 offers a fine combination of compactness, versatility and economy. It may not have the soul of a tube amp, but it does offer some distinct and useful tones, especially for clean jazz stylings. |