Re: Somebody tell me about Cornfords
The impression I get about these amps is that they're well-made, toneful equipment, but other than that I know nothing of them.
It seems like they're mostly played by metal guys but I wouldn't want to pigeon-hole them in that way without hearing them.
Anybody play Cornford and want to chime in?
Hey, I play thro' both an MK50 and a Hellcat. The Mk50 is a 50 watt (very VERY loud 50 watts)using 6L6's, and the Hellcat is 35 (loud) watts using EL84's. I play in a classic rock band and the heaviest we get is Armed and Ready, Crazy Train and Enter Sandman.
Both amps are great for what we do... but apart from the output being the obvious difference, the MK50 is a raw sound... very toneful... imagine a the best Marshall you've heard but with a twist. Personally I love this amp, it really is a big fat sound but it cuts thro' the mix easily. I use this amp through an old Orange 4 x 12 with greenbacks... it's a really nice big raunchy yet warm sound. This amp has no reverb, but once you play through it you may agree with most that it doesn't need it as it seems to have it's own ambience anyway.
The Hellcat.. it's like an AC30 on steroids! Great great sound.. vintage channel that's goes from nice clean to crunchy 70's rock, modern channel that just rips it up. I've heard it said that this amp can do metal... I woulod disaggree with this 'coz there just isn't enough bottom end, but that said it's a really sweet, warm and smooth sound... maybe too nice for a player like me who's NOT so technically gifted. Search YOUTUBE for Guthrie Govan to find out what this amp can do. It has quite a good reverb too if that's your thing. I use this amp through a Cornford 4 x 12 with V30's... and it's Smoooooooth!
Both amps have exceptional build quality, attention to detail is superb. I have called Cornford a few times and I have always been treated repectfully.. however technical or non technical my question. With both amps what you get is a simple layout that is just great pure valve tone, they have made me play better.. 'coz although the gain can be high, I've never heard such clarity and note defininition from the built in drive from any other amp... it NEVER gets muddy. The only downside for me to start with was that if you play sloppy you just can't hide it!!
I can't recommend these amps enough... the ONLY amps I would consider trying now is a Bognor (GearJonsers fault!!) or a Splawn. I'll probably never change now though... with these two I can get all the sounds I will ever want or need.
