Crate Review: VFX5212

History:

Purchase: I paid $699.95 [$1100.00 list] from Guitar Trader of San Diego,CA.I really liked the many nice features and superb clean and high gain tones available.The built in digital effects are a first for an all-tube amp design.A pair of Groove Tube EL34's power the V50 with a quad of Groove Tubes 12AX7's sitting in the pre-amp section.

What I Like About This Crate VFX5212: The basic tonal voice of the VFX5212 is excellent and gives up nice harmonic detail and sustain...especially in the high gain channel.The seperate EQ sections [the presence and effects level control are shared] are quite flexible and allow great tone shaping of the clean and distortion channels.The reverb,reverb/delay and tremolo effects setting are amongst my favorites of the 15 effects modes available.The two Eminence V-Series 60 watt speakers sound very good and match up well with this combo.There is also a series effects loop,if more flexibilty is needed.A 16 ohm speaker out jack is also included.The standard easy rolling casters help to get this hefty combo around with relative ease.The included footswitch not only gives access to each channel,it allows two effects settings to be stored for both modes for easy call-up.The high gain tones are rather articulate in nature and are more smooth than nasty.It reminds me of an old vintage Marshall with it's harmonic content and smooth midrange bark and bite.The clean channel can get everything from dark and jazzy to sparkling high end shimmer and spank.The VFX5212 is a highly recommended 50 watt 2-12" combo that is reasonably priced...especially considering it's quality tones,great looks and many cool features.

What I Do NOT Like About The Crate VFX5212: It is a bit heavy at 58 lbs...but that is to be expected in an all-tube 2-12" combo.I do wish that the VFX5212 had both 8 and 16 ohm speaker out jacks that would also disable the internal speakers.

Crate VFX5212 Quality Rating: I am pretty sure that the cabinet is made from MDF and not plywood...though the speaker baffle is made from plywood of some type.The textured black Tolex looks wonderful and the chrome "V50" badge and chrome control knobs give a classy look.The heavy leather padded handle is another nice touch.The digital effects section is tucked neatly away from the heat of the power and pre-amp tubes.The overall consruction of the amp looks and feels to be of high quality.The transferable 5-year warranty gives some added peace of mind.

Review Summary: I feel that the V50 twin is a superb amp that has great versatilty and a ton of quality clean and overdrive tones on tap.If you are a guitarist that digs the British tone and vibe of EL34's and likes to use digital effects for "soundscaping"...then the VFX5212 [or the 1-12" VFX5112] could be a great choice for you in a 50 watt tube powered two channel combo.

Rating of this Crate product: 5

This Crate VFX5212 Guitar Amplifiers Review Submitted By: Edward Sousa

Review Date: 2002-09-19