Q: Do Pritchard amps sonically die in a gig? Do they get lost in the rest of the band?

A: Absolutely not! Although this is a common trait of solid state amps, it is not something experienced playing a Pritchard. These amps have tonally directed sound. Instead of splattering the amps power here, there, and everywhere, Pritchard amps direct their power to the notes being played and to their harmonics. You can hear all of the notes embellished to greater grandeur. The natural “blanketing” effect of clipping is offset by a phenomenal exaggeration of the expansive life harmonics. The fantastic transient powers of Pritchard amps produce a psycho-acoustic clue. It warns your ears that something is coming. And then you hear the warm, fat, full-bodied notes. Strictly amazing.

Tyrone Shuz claims that Pritchard watts are more powerful than regular amp watts. Undoubtedly, this comes from the absolutely honest power rating system and from the huge attack power – 180 watts estimated peak distorted power.

Carlton Hobbs claims that his 60-watt Sword will easily hang with 100-watt amps. And – with the Watts Knob™ lets him hang with low-powered amp as well.

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Q: How do I get the Reverb Noise Gate not to cut in so soon?

A: The Noise Gate activates only when the first stage output level drops below a certain threshold.

By turning the "In" control up you raise the gain of the first stage which causes the Noise Gate to cut in later. Inversely if you lower the "In" control the Noise Gate will cut in sooner.

If you use a single coil guitar you should really have a problem if the "IN" control is turned down.

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Please note that the front end has a variable gain (to simulate cherry picking tubes and to marry your playing and your guitar to the amp) and consequently should have no trouble with pedals.

Additionally, the input protection should not be a problem. The input is protected at about +/- 6 volts, but the typical 9-volt power of a pedal can only deliver about +/- 4 volts at most - so this will not be an issue.

You will need pedals for creating effects that the amplifier does not do, such as fuzz, echo, and delay.

The only other thing I can say about pedals is that we have put in special input circuitry that works with the guitar's pickups so as to produce a less harsh treble. Some pedals in their Off position make a direct connection between the guitar and the pedal which then presents no disadvantage. Other pedals, however, have buffer electronics between the guitar and amp even when the pedal is off and this would make this special circuitry meaningless. But on the other hand, this may be only a small point.

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Q: What pedals are applicable to Pritchard Amps?

A: Pritchard amps are designed to take over some pedal functions, like overdrive. However there are many functions that Pritchard amps do not have, such as fuzz, echo, delay, chorus, wah, and flange.

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Q: Are acoustic instruments compatible with Pritchard amps? Do they sound good?

A: Acoustic instruments sound very good with most Pritchard amps. The best choice of voices is probably the A voice because acoustic instrument pickups tend to have excessive mid-range which the A voice compensates for nicely. So far a variety of acoustic guitars, violins, and mandolins have been tested successfully.