Trace Elliot rolls out new bass amps, flagship V8 head

Trace Elliot's enormously popular V-Type bass amplification range has undergone some exciting changes for 2000, the most significant of which is the introduction of a new flagship head, the V8.

Building on the proven formula of the award-winning V6 head (which found favor with numerous contemporary artists including Oasis, Terrorvision, Space, Castand the Robbie Williams band amongst many others), the V8 sports a new look and a host of brand new features. Although closely related to its predecessor in terms of general tone and ease of use, the V8 is much more than a modified V6. For the first time on a V-Type product the V8 features a dedicated gain boost for massively overdriven bass lines and an on-board compressor to ensure a smooth, consistent tone at all times.

These important additions to the V-Type's familiar three band EQ preamp form the heart of an incredibly flexible, versatile amplifier, suitable for the most raucous rock and deepest dub-reggae bass lines. Reliability is of paramount importance in a valve bass head of this size, and several changes have been implemented to ensure total roadworthiness.

The aptly named V8 houses eight KT88 valves, which power the head and maintain robust, stable power delivery. In the event of valve failure, each pair of valves has its own fuse and status LED - allowing the head to continue functioning on the remaining valves and indicating exactly where the problem lies. Providing the perfect aesthetic for the V8 is a new all black livery, now shared by the entire V-Type range. Heads and cabs are covered in tough black buffalo vinyl, fronted with complementary black cloth and finished with silver-gray piping.

V8 new features

Foot switchable gain boost
Foot switchable valve compression
Powered by eight KT88 valves
Separate mains fuse for each pair of valves
Valve failure LEDs
External valve bias points

New Commando Combos

The highly regarded Commando range of compact combos from Trace Elliot has received something of a Millennial makeover for 2000. The popular range sees a power upgrade for the Commando 15 to 150watts, the Commando 10 as a new addition, and an all-new front panel design in classic gloss black and 'Trace' green. The new Commando 10 is a punchy 65w performer with a powerful 10" Celestion driver and is ideal for smaller rehearsals and practice. All Commandos' are manufactured with the same commitment to build quality as Trace Elliot's pro rigs and feature stainless steel corners, rugged buffalo covering and solid cabinet construction. Something for experienced players and beginners alike, the Commando range offers a serious amplifier at an affordable price.

The Commando Range:

Commando 15 150 watt RMS combo 1 x 15" speaker
Commando 12 100 watts RMS combo 1 x 12" speaker
Commando 10 65 watts RMS combo 1 x 10" speaker

New 7 Band Range

Following the enormous success of their SMC bass amplifier range, Trace Elliot is pleased to announce the launch of the new 7 band series. The new 7 band amplifiers will feature the much admired, traditional Trace Elliot seven band graphic EQ and input/output sections, and incorporate several important new improvements. In keeping with Trace's flagship 12 band range, the 7 Band series is treated to an electro-luminescent front panel for ease of use on-stage and an input gain level LED to ensure optimum input levels are achieved. Available in the same popular configurations as the previous SMC range, the 7 Band range promises to deliver pro spec performance at real world prices. The selection of combos, heads and cabs in the range offer a flexible route to a high powered, transportable rig for club gigs, or a standalone, compact unit for rehearsals and home use.

The 7 Band Range:

AH300-7 300-watt RMS amplifier head featuring GP7 preamp
AH150-7 150-watt RMS amplifier featuring GP7 preamp
7210H 300-watt RMS combo featuring GP7 preamp. 2 x 10" speakers with HF horn
7215 300-watt RMS combo featuring GP7 preamp. 2 x 15" speaker
715 150-watt RMS combo featuring GP7 preamp. 1 x 15" speaker

The 12 Band Range

The new 12 band series is based around the GP12X preamp - the most powerful and versatile of any currently available. Familiar to those acquainted with the SMX range, the GP12X is nevertheless much more than simply an upgraded existing model. In addition to the 12 band graphic, switchable pre-shape EQ curve and dual band compressor of the SMX range, the new GP12X features MIDI control, Harmonic Emphasis, a switchable, variable valve stage and noise reduction. These new features, coupled with bigger output stages and comprehensive effects loops make the 12 band amplifiers the choice for the creative, professional bass player. It's more versatile, more powerful and more exciting than anything that's gone before. As a partner to the flagship AH1000-12 head, the BFC is a brand new cabinet containing 1x15", 4x10" and 2x HF horns. The combination of the AH1000-12 and the BFC represents the world's first all-in-one tri-ampable stereo bass rig, allowing bass players unprecedented flexibility and power.

Features

AH1000-12

1000-watt head (1000w mono, 500w per channel stereo, 500w per channel biamp or full stereobiamp - 500w low pass mono bottom and 250w per side high pass stereo top). Valve/solid state preamp section. 12 band graphic EQ. MIDI control. Harmonic Emphasis. Switchable, variable valve gain. Switchable pre-shape curve. Noise reduction. Dual compressor. Electro-luminescent front panel. Two stereo effects loops - one full range, one high pass. Pre/post EQ balanced DI outputs. Tuner output. Quad fan cooled.

The BFC

1000-watt cabinet. 1x15", 4x10", two horns. 500 watts of mono bass (into 1x15"). 250 watts per side of stereo top end (into 2x10" plus horn each side).

The 12 Band Range

AH500-12 500-watt head featuring GP12X preamp
AH300-12 300-watt head featuring GP12X preamp
1210H 300-watt RMS combo featuring GP12X preamp. 4x10" speakers with HF horn
1215 300-watt RMS combo featuring GP12X preamp. 1x15" speakers with HF horn
122H 300-watt RMS combo featuring GP12X preamp. 2x10" speakers with HF horn
All heads available in rack mount version

To see the full array of Trace Elliot amplifiers for electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, and bass guitars go here now.

To contact Trace Elliot go here. Call 1-800-4GIBSON anytime.