Tone Report Weekly Issue 140 | Page 54

Hughes & Kettner Edition Blue 60 H&K is primarily known for its glowing, blue-hued, tube-based things, like the aptly named Tubemeister series, the Tube Rotosphere, and the Tubeman preamp, among others. The company does offer a small line of solid-state products as well, though, called the Edition Blue series. The 1x12, Celestion-equipped Edition Blue 60 in particular has developed a reputation as a top-shelf solidstate combo. It is outfitted with an analog 60-watt power section and a respectable complement of digital effects, including reverb, 54 TONE TALK // delay, chorus, and flanger. That being said, most pedal people will probably eschew the onboard effects, as they’re not nearly as flexible as a dedicated stompbox. It’s cool though, because this amp’s gorgeous, loud, clean tones and its penchant for elegantly translating any pedal you throw at it are what make it a next-level solid-state combo. One can easily find an Edition Blue 60 used for under 300 dollars, and it makes an excellent, low maintenance, highly portable recording, gigging, or backup amp. Solid-State Sweethearts: 5 Perfect Pedal Platforms