check out this hotness

Crate GFX-212 amplifier. 120 watts. It's beautiful and it sounds beautiful.

I'm a big believer in checking out a lot of different amps, including odd ones not made by the big name manufacturers - the sound you want can be found in the most unlikely of places. I almost passed right by this on my way to the Vox Valvetronix I've had my eye on for a while (I've always been a fan of Vox - you can see my trusty little Pathfinder 15R on on top of the Crate in this picture) - but I'm glad I stopped and decided to check it out. It's got a big, bold sound, and the clean channel is as crisp and clear as a Fender three times its price. This baby's over a decade old but it sounds like it shipped here straight from heaven.

The best part? Since it was used gear, it was cheap as dirt.

I should do an entry sometime about making music on a tight budget - like tips in tricks on where to go for good deals on secondhand instruments, as well as recommendations for off-the-shelf stuff that's high in quality but low in price.

Incidentally, I've got two singles coming out this month and an album to follow early this summer. I'll toss a link up here when they're available, for anyone who's interested.