Hughes & Kettner Guitar & Bass Amplification User Manual

Beyond the Limits
When we set out to build guitar amps more 
than 20 years ago, three distinct breeds 
roamed the sonic jungle – those that purred 
with sparkling clean tone, those that growled 
with throaty crunch sounds, and the state-of-
the-art amp of the day that roared with feral 
rock sound. But gradually guitarists began 
to expect more from an amp. Increasingly 
dissatisfied with the limited sonic spectrum 
of these one-sound wonders, players started 
toting an array of amps into the studio. And 
soon gigging rigs followed suit, growing 
more complex and difficult to manage.

Players’ desire for more options sparked our 
vision of a new generation of guitar amps for 
a new generation of guitarists. We aspired 
to engineer advanced sound-sculpting tools 
that would unite the best of the disparate 
sonic worlds of clean, crunch and overdrive 
in a single housing. Bona fide instruments 
that impose no limits on spontaneity and 
expressive powers! 

 
The Tone of Hughes & Kettner
The last 50 years birthed but a few of 
distinctive electric guitar sounds. Like 

most guitarists, we are fascinated by the 
inspirational power of these trademark tones. 
And our amp designs are steeped in this rich 
tonal heritage.

We respect the legacy but continue to strive 
for perfection, painstakingly fine-tuning our 
amps to improve on classic sounds.
The fruits of our labors are here for all to hear: 
Every channel does what a good amp should 
– and so much more. Collectively, these 
channels deliver the versatility you expect, 
the responsiveness you demand, and the 
tone you deserve. Whatever tonal treasures 
you seek, you’re sure to find them here!