The Fuchs JB-ODS - Joe Bonamassa Signature Amp

The Story:

Joe Bonamassa is globally renowned for his unrivaled guitar-playing prowess and also as a world-class guitar and amp collector. Joe is a longtime fan of Dumble© amplifiers, which are prized for their beautiful clarity, sustain and touch sensitivity. Joe initially approached Andy about making him an amp "for studio and small local club gigs". He is a longtime JB fan and is considered by many to be one of the most respected modern-day disciples of Howard Dumble's amps. As such, Andy was duly honored and inspired by the opportunity.

While  Fuchs amps do reflect the Dumble inspiration, they also feature their own unique qualities - many of which were born from Andy's experience as a working musician. The original Fuchs Overdrive Supreme evolved into the ODS-Classic, from which Joe's JB-ODS is derived. By carefully selecting both the type and value of various components, Andy tuned the amp to what he felt would best represent Joe's preference.

Remarkably, when the amp was delivered to Joe at NY's Bitter End, his initial impressions were off the charts! Andy was both shocked and pleased that the amp didn't require any further tuning. Joe requested a second amp, which perfectly mirrored the first. Joe was so pleased, he decided to have Fuchs produce this very special amplifier to be marketed exclusively thru Joe Bonamassa's Online Store.

The Amp:

While it shares the chassis and basic execution of the ODS-Classic, the JB-ODS 1x12, 100-watt combo features Joe's signature Celestion model JB-85, 12-inch speaker. The amp has two gain boosts - one of which kicks the front end harder and retains the tone controls in circuit and a second boost that bypasses the tone controls. A three-position brite switch provides two distinct EQ curves with a central "off" position. A deep switch helps to warm up single coil pickups while a three position EQ switch includes two EQ settings with a bypass option. The amp features high, mid and low controls with a selectable mid-boost frequency. Also standard is a full-time effects loop which can be operated in series or parallel with either pedal or line level effects. Speaker outputs for 4, 8 or 16 ohms are on the rear panel. The aluminum chassis is cooled by a DC fan, which runs quietly and keeps the amp cool all night. Under the hood, the amp is a combination of PC board and point-to-point wiring.  The power supply board features high speed rectifier diodes and a screen regulator for extended power tube life and greater dynamics. Each power tube has an independent bias control for optimum tube life and sound quality. All preamp tube filaments are run on regulated DC for lowest noise. All switching is by DC powered relay switching. The digital 16-Bit reverb is via a Spin Semiconductor chip (the finest modern digital reverb available) and has an adjustable dwell control. All tubes are Ruby Tubes selected JJ's. Each JB-ODS amp is tubed, biased, measured and play tested by Andy to match the shop prototype.  The cabinet is constructed of white pine with a black tolex covering and is fitted with premium hardware, Joe's choice of grill cloth and a Fuchs logo. The amp comes with a 2-way footswitch, but since it is equipped with an ethernet connector, an Artist footswitch can be ordered through Fuchs separately if desired. The rear panel features a label signed by both Joe and Andy.

Features:

• 1x12,100-watt combo
• Comes with one Celestion JB-85, 12 inch 8-ohm speaker
• Dual gain boost system
• Selectable mid-boost frequency
• Full-time effects loop
• 16-Bit Spin Semiconductor Reverb
• Quiet DC fan-cooled aluminum chassis
• DC powered relay switching & regulated filaments
• Ruby Tubes selected JJ's
• Cabinet is made with white pine with a black tolex covering
• Amp is tubed, biased, measured and play tested by Andy to match Joe's prototype
• Rear panel features a label signed by both Joe and Andy