I have owned this amp for almost three years, and the effects are fantastic. It's loud enough for small venues and the effects are versatile enough for any playing style. I have used it for metal shows, rock shows, jazz concerts, etc. This is a terrific amp for the price. It has never let me down and I would strongly recommend it for anyone who wants quality sound that regularly tours small venues.

I gig weekly, and this amp is the only constant in my rig. I use 335s, LPs, and a Tele for guitars, and few pedals (a delay and a distortion on occasion). If you are looking for a versatile performer that is built like a tank, this is a winner on all counts. Now for technical stuff...

Models are generally good - I prefer the Fender models (65 Twin, Blackface, Bassman, etc) and the Vox models, but the Marshalls (especially the JTM45)and Mesas are good also, just not really my thing. The effects are OK, but if you are really into textures and delays/reverbs, consider some pedals. A warning on overdrive pedals, too - this amp does not really like my Tubescreamer, not sure why. Distortions, though, work like a charm, as do fuzz pedals.

I love the fact that I can be cranking along with a dimed 65 Twin, and then blast over to a JTM45, and then end with a Vox chime... bang for the buck is unbelievable. If you only need to have 1 good sound, then this might not be for you. If, like me, you need lots of good tones that are easy to access, then grab this and a Shortboard - you'll be set.

A note for the church musicians out there - I lead worship at my church a lot, and play every Sunday morning. This amp is killer for this kind of gig, too - you can control your volume at reasonable stage levels, get a great clean or drive... this amp is even better for us than it is for bar bands.

I bought this amp previous summer and I am extremely satisfied with the sounds I get. Really a crystal-clear sound and a crancked up overdrive/distortion. And if you want to, you can get some real over-the-top-effects!!!

The only reason why I gave 'Value' a 4.5 is becouse I bought it for 800 Euros and that's a lot of money for me. :)

Definatly to be recommended for blues and rock players!!!

I'm mostly a bass player. Primarily studio work--2nd call guy and some production. I play out to supplement my income, usually as a sub. I got a medium-term rhythm guitar gig a few months back with a cover band. The house amp is a flextone III. At first I hated the amp, then the sound guy taught me a few things. I'm amazed at what this thing can do. What do you want? It can give it to you! There's a sharp learning curve here and it takes some work, but it's worth it. Most versatile amp I've ever played!

I have to say that this is a great amp, although I paid quite a bit more (~$300)for it in May 2003. I agree with the others that it may take a while to tweak the sound that you prefer, but the problem could be that there are so many to choose from. The only rating I gave less than 5 was quality because of some booming that is pretty tough to get rid of on some model combinations. You also GOTTA have the shortboard or the amp does you no good gigging. This amp has been very dependable and everything is the way it was when I first got it, even the cable to the shortboard. I love my flextone III in combination with my american deluxe tele and BBE sonic maximizer(this really brings the amp to life).