Two-Rock Crystal Amplifier Review
Two-Rock Crystal Amplifier Review
The new Two-Rock Crystal Amplifier lives up to the hype. As a Two-Rock Studio Pro owner I can vouch that the simple design of this amplifier will appeal to many while still retaining that highly sought after Two-Rock tone. The benefits of the Crystal are:
- Larger cabinet design without being “too big” in comparison to the Studio Pro 22 combo
- Two-Rock are using Celestion Gold Speakers which to me, sound a lot nicer in the highs and lows. It sounds way more balanced and open sounding without having too much low end like my Studio Pro head and box has.
- Easy and simple controls. There’s no extra “crap” like pickup loading, active effects loop, and too many push pull pots. It’s just simple, loud, and proud.
- If you’re into the high clean headroom amplifiers, this is a go-to if you’re into the Two-Rock tone.
This amplifier model is based on the John Mayer Two Rock Signature Model and I don’t think fans of JM will be too disappointed. That said, these amps are pretty expensive but they are built extremely well and will suit any style of music. Even though it has a Gain control on the front, you will need pedals to get the most out of this unless you’re into just “dead clean” tones.
Like all Two-Rock amplifiers, this baby is LOUD. It’s more than enough for just about any pub/club/bar gig you could ever do even without having to use a microphone through the PA, this is so loud. I would put this on par with a 50 watt Fender amp in terms of volume and clarity.
In this video demo of the amp above Dr Ric is play-testing the new Two-Rock Crystal Amplifier Combo at Deluxe Guitars in South Melbourne, Australia. This is “closely connected” to the Two-Rock John Mayer Signature series amplifiers that were only made in a short supply run.
This is a new model straight from the USA and we were lucky enough to be the first in Australia to demo it. A huge thanks to Michael at Deluxe Guitars for letting us demo this wonderful amp.
Two-Rock Crystal Amplifier Specs:
Speaker: 12” Celestion Gold Alnico
Output Power: 22W
Tubes: 2x 6V6, 1x 5AR4, 4x 12AX7, 1x 12AT7
Reverb: Spring
Dimensions: 20 5/8” wide x 22” tall x 11” deep
Weight: 53 LBS
Loop: Passive effects loop
Features:
Single Channel
Treble, Middle, Bass EQ controls
Contour, Gain and Master with “pull” bright on the Gain control
Famed TR reverb, Send and Return, and increased complexity and depth
Player friendly control layout
Passive Effects Loop
2 x 4 ohm outputs for 2 cabs at 8 ohms, or 8 and 16 ohm outputs
22, 40, 50 and 100 Watt designs
22 and 40 available in Large combo cab dims: 20 3/4″ wide x 20 1/4″ tall x 10 5/8″ deep
22, 40, 50 and 100 Available in Large head dims: 20 3/4″ wide x 12″ tall x 10 5/8″ deep
Carbon Fiber Tolex and a new design, look, and feel
Hey Shane, this is a great sounding amp… to my ears it out-Fenders a Fender amp. However, that being said, I have to wonder if it is really worth the money that Two-Rock is asking for it (here in the good ol' USofA, it sells for US$3300). I know this isn't part of your review (and shouldn't be) but will you be buying one to replace your Deluxe Reverbs? For me, the answer is no… I just bought a new Deluxe Reverb.
It won't be replacing my deluxe reverb amps 🙂 It sounds great, but it's not an option for me right now I have enough amps.
Hi there Shane! Enjoyed the vid as always. I bought the Studio Pro 50 head back in february, a few weeks before the Crystal was announced, and I can't help but to feel that I missed out on a better amplifier.. I'm getting less and less satisfied with the Studio Pro as I feel it can be quite harsh, especially with overdrive in front of it, and it sounds to me that the Crystal is much more sophisticated in that manner.
Do you perhaps know how the 40 watt 6v6 Crystal compares to the Studio Pro 50?
I haven't had a chance to use the 40 watt version of the amp. I think what makes the Crystal good is the fact it doesn't have a million different knobs and controls on it which makes it more plug and play. If you have a chance to try the 40, see how you feel about the tone. Are you running your two-rock head through one of their cabs?
I haven't had a chance to use the 40 watt version of the amp. I think what makes the Crystal good is the fact it doesn't have a million different knobs and controls on it which makes it more plug and play. If you have a chance to try the 40, see how you feel about the tone. Are you running your two-rock head through one of their cabs?
Intheblues I run the Studio Pro through a custom made cab loaded with two Celestion G12-65's. Although I do love the cleans on this amp, I always get the feeling that my Studio Pro doesn't like overdrive pedals. I'll try to illustrate it:
I once played over a Two-Rock CRS, and that amp sure loved pedals. It seemed like the amp "embraced" overdrive pedals, made them part of the original sound so to speak. The zendrive I have sounded so smooth and transparant. The Studio Pro however, "pushes" them away. The zendrive sounds harsh when I use some more drive, and stacking overdrive pedals didn't work either. I'm aiming for a smooth and delicate overdrive tone but what I get instead is a harsh sounding lead sound, and it really bugs me.
You are totally right about the knobs, I never used the pickup loading control, and I never use the mid or bass boost.
Just bought a Two Rock Crystal 50…..amp is amazing!
Added a ARC KLONE V2 and Jetter GS-124 D-Style
pedal and this amp sound like none I have ever played.
Seriously rocking my bones and my world.
WF
Hey Shane, this is a great sounding amp… to my ears it out-Fenders a Fender amp. However, that being said, I have to wonder if it is really worth the money that Two-Rock is asking for it (here in the good ol’ USofA, it sells for US$3300). I know this isn’t part of your review (and shouldn’t be) but will you be buying one to replace your Deluxe Reverbs? For me, the answer is no… I just bought a new Deluxe Reverb.
Hi there Shane! Enjoyed the vid as always. I bought the Studio Pro 50 head back in february, a few weeks before the Crystal was announced, and I can’t help but to feel that I missed out on a better amplifier.. I’m getting less and less satisfied with the Studio Pro as I feel it can be quite harsh, especially with overdrive in front of it, and it sounds to me that the Crystal is much more sophisticated in that manner.
Do you perhaps know how the 40 watt 6v6 Crystal compares to the Studio Pro 50?