Inside Connetion, - May 2004 Issue

Pritchard Amp / Sword of Satori
Tone Junkies Beware! - by Chris Randazzo

From Berkeley Springs, W.Va., comes the Sword of Satori, part of the new line of boutique amplifiers from master designer Eric Pritchard. Among other models the Sword is a solid-state combo featuring patented state-of-the-art XGPA technology as well as a cool retro appeal.

Don't let the lack of tubes fool you. This amp has a versatile, refined tone with plenty of headroom. This particular model peaks a total 180 watts of peak distorted power (60 watts clean) through a 12' driver. It also comes with patented Tunnel Back™ and closed back cabinet designs, separate Clean and Boost channels, as well as the choice of eight distinct voices. Each channel has a voice knob with six options: A (Airy), S (Smooth), F (Flat), M (Moderately Bright), V (Very Bright), L (Lead), B (Bass Boost) and finally P, a great bass guitar tone. These voices span a wide range of tonality, anything from S smooth jazz tones to L combinations of American and British tones. This amp is even capable of handling acoustic instruments. To no surprise, the Sword really cut through on the lead channels with lasting sustain. Its range includes classic American and famous British tones, as well as Pritchard's own unique voicings. These settings cater to an array of musical styles.

The user-friendly front panel contains Boost and Channel (Crunch on single channel amps) switches, Universal Input Gain, and a three-band EQ for each channel. This amp comes equipped with an electromagnetically shielded Spring Reverb and Noise Gate. If that wasn't enough, it also has features like Enhanced Sag and Compression, Silent FET Switching, Dual Direct Outs (speaker emulator and external amp) and an XLR input. A really cool feature is the Watts Knob™, which maintains the output stage interrelationships so that the tone of the output stage remains constant as the volume is changed. If you want to play screaming leads quietly, it even has a speaker jack option for Gigs or Practice (tone compensated attenuation).

For our playing tests we used several 12-string acoustic guitars with beautiful results. It reproduced a natural, warm sound that rivaled the instruments themselves. We even tested a vintage BC Rich with Dimarzio Humbucking pickups and coil tap switch. In a tapped neck pickup configuration the amp reproduced thick, clean and smooth jazz tones. Rocked back to the bridge position with the lead channels engaged and boosted, it had a powerful, huge sound with great resilience. Sultry and rich overtones with great harmonic nature, these designs definitely break the mold with sensory character. Every picking nuance is captured and reproduced with great articulation, a sound investment for the discerning player.

These beautiful instruments come with 12-millimeter box jointed multi-ply Baltic birch cabinets covered in two-tone Green/Black Tolex, complete with retro-looking wicker cane grill and gold rope bead trim. They're also super portable, weighing in at no more than 50 pounds! Cleverly etched on the back panel of the amp are the words "Soul Candy," perhaps a reminder of why we play music. So if you desire a master-crafted versatile amplifier with super-vintage character and modern technology, inquire with Pritchard Amps at 1-8-SSSO-COOOL or visit their website at www.pritchardamps.com.