ENGL Steve Morse Signature E656

It is probably not necessary to describe the sound of this guitar giant for which the Engl E656 was built. And if you like this sound, this is the right choice for you. Although it may not seem like it at first glance, this is a very versatile amp for which nothing from crystal clear sound to very strong distortion is a problem. All this in a package with really simple controls.

The power output of this machine is 100W and it is supplied by a power amplifier fitted with four EL34 tubes, the preamplifier contains four ECC83 tubes and is designed as a 3-channel. The first channel is built to produce a crystal clear sound and, when you dial in the gain, a juicy crunch with surprising distortion. Channel two offers a sound suitable for rock riffs that cut through any band, and channel three has a beautiful harmonically rich tone for soloing. Combined with the Hi Gain switch, you can get up to 6 distinct sounds. Where this signature sets itself apart, however, is the variability of the midrange settings and their texture just on channel three. On the front panel you'll find two rows of potentiometers. The first and second channels have their controls in the top row - each has its own gain, volume and 3-band EQ for adjusting mids, bass and treble. The third channel's potentiometers are in the bottom row. These are the standard gain, bass and treble controls. And here we come to the Steve Morse Signature's specialty - firstly it has two volume controls that switch depending on when Lo or Hi Gain mode is engaged, and then it has a special midrange control. These are divided into higher and lower, and there are 2 potentiometers to control each of these two frequency fields, which can be switched between. You're unlikely to find an instrument with more precise EQ settings.

Common to all channels are the Presence and Depth Punch potentiometers (to accentuate the treble and bass) and Master volume A and B (which can be switched between, useful for e.g. boosting to solo). The Hi Gain (adds distortion), Tone (changes the texture of the mids), FX Loop I/II, Noise Gate and Master A/B switches also affect the sound of all. In addition, there's a Write/Copy switch for setting MIDI footswitches (this can switch channels, Master A/B and loops, and toggle Bright, Noise Gate and Mute).

On the back there are MIDI-in and -thru for footswitches and two dual footswitch inputs (Z-9 or 2x Z-4), inputs, outputs and settings for two parallel effect loops, a loop threshold potentiometer, Tuner-out (active in Stand-by mode), and speaker outputs - 2x 4 Ohm, 2x 8 Ohm and 1x 16Ohm.

The Engl Steve Morse is exactly what you're looking for if you want to get the sound this guitar great is famous for. The entire amp is built exactly to his specifications, so you can be sure it will satisfy the needs of any, and even the most demanding, guitarist.