First of all, what is a D style amp? In a nutshell, it is an amp made by a now deceased builder who managed to design an amp with a wide range of clean tones coupled with one of the smoothest switchable lead tones we’ve ever heard. Countless recordings have been done with these amps for the last 50 years or so. Originals are so desirable they command the price of a small single family house. The bar has been set very high.
The Shaw D/Gas makes no claim to being a “clone” of any amp. We set out to build a practical, gigable amp that would inspire and challenge today’s electric guitar players and also give them the sound palette to achieves those classic D style tones.
A great effort was made to get the clean tone just right in the Shaw D/Gas. Beefy Mercury Magnetics transformers, above average filtering, a world class 12v DC heater supply, and heavy duty rectification contribute to a tight, well defined clean that today’s working musicians demand.
What about that smooth overdrive and sustaining lead tone? Well, the solid clean tone lays the foundation when the Drive channel introduces two more gain stages. After dialing in the desired clean tone, engage the Drive channel and set up for the desired amount of overdrive. If that is not enough, we’ve given you a foot-switchable midrange boost that is just perfect for stepping out in a band mix and adding that last bit of “singing” sustain we have all come to expect in a D style amp.
Here is a rundown of the front panel controls:
Volume- adjusts the volume of the second tube stage after the tone controls. Consider adjusting this as high as possible while still retaining acceptable clean tone. This control also affects the drive channel.
Bright switch- two available brightness contours with the center position being off.
Rock/Jazz- changes the overall Eq range of the tone controls. Consider an overall readjusting of the amp controls when changing this switch. It’s like having two different amps. Rock setting will allow classic blackface and British rock voicing a while the jazz setting will allow an even cleaner palette.
Treble – Rolls off high frequencies
Middle – adjusts midrange level
Bass – Rolls off bass frequencies
Drive- adjust the amount of overdrive
Range- sets the range of the overdrive. Lower levels of the range control allow a cleaner range of overdrive. The drive channel can actually be set for a fairly clean tone with just a hint of edge and touch sensitivity if so desired.
Level- Used in conjunction with the overall Master to balance volume levels when switching between clean and drive.
Master- Sets the overall volume level of the amp.
Presence – used to adjust the overall high frequency response of the amp above the frequencies of the Treble control.
