THE GUYTRON GT-100 & GT100-FV

Guytron's flagship model, is now the GT100-FV and has been shipping since 2003. But for those of you who may not this know already, it is actually a (multi-voiced) version of the original GT100 amp from 1995. There are some other refinements as well such as the "All Stainless" chassis, etc. We will be updating the manual at some point (just because), but for now please download the following PDF documents.

Download GT100 manual
* Original 1997 GT100 Owners Manual (Pre FV)

Download Tube Chart And Block Diagram
* Shows what does what. Good for Troubleshooting and Tube Swapping!

Download FV Addendum
* Describes the basic effects of the new FV switches.

The FV stands for "Focus" & "Voicing" which was added in response to mod requests over the last 8 years. In addition to several production updates, like a solid "Stainless Steel" chassis, switchable effects loop level, etc. The GT100-FV now allows the player to mod his amp "On the fly". Best described as "character switches", these two (4 position) rotary switches, change the tonal character and feel of the amp, while keeping the original charm, and simplicity of the ground-breaking GT100 design in tact. Since the GT100-FV gets the same sound as the original GT100 with the FV switches both in the 12 O'Clock positions, and otherwise, only adds to the versatility of the design, we therefore have elected to discontinue straight GT100 production, but the original descriptions below still apply as the pre-amp itself has not changed.


Channel "A", favoring the 50's to 60's stock amp tone, starts out crystal clear at low gain settings, progressing smoothly up to a ‘cranked up’ stock amp type of overdrive. The channel "A" tone control involves the gain structure and the amp picks up more gain in the treble range as you turn it clockwise, yielding a progressively more ‘English’ tone along the way.

Channel "B" takes over where channel "A" leaves off, encompassing most of the favored tones of the modded amp era, mid 70's, to present. The gain control in Channel "B" is a monster, by utilizing a dual pot it controls two stages of gain simultaneously, allowing a continuous sweep from warm and clear to over the top gain and distortion. The tone control on channel "B" is a post gain type, and serves as a treble gate to the power amp, it has no effect on the gain structure. (unlike"A"). It serves well when setting the relative brightness of the two channels, ultimately adding to the versatility and allowing you to get a warm distortion with a variety of power amp settings.

A master tone section is provided to shape the final sound before it gets delivered to your speaker. The master tone section is integral to the 100 watt all tube output section, utilizing four EL34's running in class AB2. It can be used to adjust for different rooms, as well as emulate the tonal characteristics of different amp types, speaker configurations, etc. It is also at this stage that effects can be added to further enhance the tone.

Effects loops are transformer driven at +3 and -10 dB, and can be run simultaneously. Effects are then blended in with the dry signal to taste, via the effects control on the front panel, without interrupting the dry signal unless intended.

The tone controls are set for emphasis and musicality, not to impress you with the wide range of their sweep, but to add or subtract emphasis on certain frequencies, without crossing into a non-musical realm. The amp does, however, faithfully deliver the usable feel and sound of all my favorite amps, and at the widest spread of listening levels ever available in a single package.

The cabinet and head are kept separate for a minimum of sound coloration and maximum tube life, and are equal in weight to facilitate carrying and minimize back strain. The GT-212-CB cabinet is a sealed back, 8 ohm, "Complimentary 2 x 12" enclosure with an angled front baffle. It was sized, voiced, and configured to produce a smooth resonant frequency and a big clear sound not unlike your favorite 4 x 12.

The GT212-OB (Open Back) cabinet has evolved out of the needs of players in smaller venues needing a more "Omni-Directional" cabinet to fill the room. It can also be ordered with the new HLB feature for even more versatility and convenience in all situations. The GT212-OB comes standard with the new Guytron BigTone 55 speaker which is voiced like an old English speaker that can handle more wattage. Sweet!


concept_page
Guytron Amplification - "Better Tone Through Innovation!"
Site Last Updated: September 15th, 2008