With the big, powerful amplifiers of the golden age of guitar tone ever harder to use on stage and in the studio, the Carr Bel-Ray reconfigures three legendary ’60s to early ’70s sounds from across the pond into a portable, club-friendly package that dishes out classic British chime, crunch, and kerrang in a format today’s player can actually use.
Fronting a dual-EL84 output stage that generates 16 watts of power, the Bel-Ray sports a front end of two 12AX7s plus a fat British-voiced EF86* pentode tube in a triple-threat preamp that delivers Top Boost chime, Plexi grind, and H-Watt punch at the twist of a switch.
Juicy, tactile dynamics and multi-dimensional playing feel are ensured by tube rectification courtesy of an EZ81—an essential part of the power supplies in the smaller ’60s AC combos and 18-watters alike—and atmospherics are maximized by a tube-driven, bias-modulated tremolo circuit that oozes a warm, lush, swampy throb.
Atop this versatile foundation, the Bel-Ray carries the kind of feature set that has made Carr Amplifiers famous for their ability to deliver vintage-caliber tones to modern playing situations. The Level (aka Volume) control is coupled with a High/Low volume-taper toggle which selects between a direct signal or one with a partial Master Volume inserted after the following EF86 stage. In High, the volume comes on fast and furious, hitting the output stage harder for increased crunch. Set to Low, the volume rolls up gradually and drives the EL84s less aggressively, perfect for at-home nighttime playing and quieter settings.
The Bel-Ray’s decibels are further dialed in with Carr’s acclaimed built-in attenuator: a toggle switch flips between the full 16 watts and anywhere from 0 to 2 watts of power. And behind it all is Carr’s hand-wired, point-to-point circuit construction, acknowledged as among the finest in the business, using military grade power components, signal elements from the golden age of analog amplification, and other high-end parts to optimize clarity, depth, and playing feel.
The Bel-Ray — legendary British tone via top-flight American engineering.
*Note: You might hear some pinging sounds as you manipulate the panel controls or tap the chassis, which is entirely normal. The EF86 is a very sensitive high-gain tube (which we carefully select for low-noise examples) and these artifacts go hand-in-hand with its thick, lush sound, but any such mechanical noises won’t be heard once you start playing!
Specs
- Construction: Hand wired point-to-point in the USA
- Components: Custom USA made transformers, Solen Fast Cap electrolytics, Carbon comp resistors, US-made Jupiter signal capacitors, and more
- Power: 16 watts
- Channels: One
- Tubes: two 12AX7s, one EF86, two EL84s, one EZ81 rectifier
- Controls: Level, Top, Mid, Bass, tremolo Speed and Depth, Attenuator
- Switches: High/Low taper, V66/H73/M68 voicing, 16W/attenuator, on/off/standby
- Features: Tube-driven tremolo, built-in attenuator, 8-Ohm speaker out
- Cabinet: Hand-crafted In-House from Euro Birch cabinet grade ply, and uniquely styled
- Speakers: Fane F25 12″
–
Bralette Cosabella
Tamron Lens Hood RHAFA06 Tamron
EBC 05-09 Chrysler 300 2.7 USR Slotted Front Rotors EBC
Wilson Team Backpack (Red/Grey) Wilson
Set of 2 universal fit, United States "American Eagle with Logo" veteran car seat covers Marine Corps Galaxate
Rum & Bones: Blutrausch Legion Expansion (Kickstarter Special) CMON
Hydrating Facial Cream Proraso Aloe & Vit E (100 ml) Proraso
Size 8 | Turquoise Oval Ring Ciara Easterling
Recycled Tech Mini Tote A4920 – Black – GANNI GANNI
GOLLY #2 IMAGE COMICS
Vizari Vallejo Goalkeeper Jersey Vizari
Impeller for Suzuki 90-200 hp 4-stroke Poseidon Marine
Kitchen Sink Tidy Versa Grey Ceramic 12 x 10 x 12 cm Dolomite Versa
Smooth Ambler Contradiction 46% 700ml whisky grotto
Zelos Horizons GMT Slate Grey Zelos
Nah Playmat CatCoq
Black Cape Smiffys
1/2" x 60 yds. 3M 8898 Poly Strapping Tape 12/Case 3M
2-Pack GE MSWF Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Denali Pure
Bach Mellophone Mouthpiece Volkwein's Music
RIOBEL PX3BG Paradox Toilet Paper Holder – Brushed Gold RIOBEL
Bridesmaid Sash ~ Antique Rose Chiffon Show Me Your Mumu
Chemise Cosabella
Battery for HP Pavilion dv6165EA AHL03002111, AHL03003095, CR2032-2E31R, CR2032- Cameron Sino
Linen Silk Tweed Half Sleeve Shirt Brown Auralee Mens
Augusta Tri-Color Drawstring Backpack Augusta
Chike Nutrition – Protein Iced Coffee – Cinnamon (14 Servings) Chike Nutrition
Betty Basics Houndstooth Ponte Legging – Black Houndstooth Betty Basics
Merelle Bluse – Bright White – Baum und Pferdgarten Baum und Pferdgarten
1986-2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R EX250 Swingarm License Plate Bracket Black Path