Sound Pure's Take

Hand-wired point-to-point in the USA, the Carr Trail Rider is a 5-watt, single-channel 1x12 combo built with premium components, including custom US transformers, NOS carbon comp resistors, and a locally made Latigo leather handle. Powered by two 12AX7s, one 12DW7, and an EL84, it features an all-tube spring reverb driven by a 17" MOD tank and pumps through a 12" Celestion A-Type speaker.

Designed for ultimate versatility from the stage to the studio, it includes a two-position V67/T57 voice toggle and a built-in attenuator that steps power down to 1.2 watts for whisper-quiet playing. At 28 pounds, this boutique amplifier delivers rich, highly responsive tube tone in a compact, hand-crafted cabinet.

From Carr Amplifiers

The Trail Rider--all you need to climb that hill or win the race--with two classic voices, reverb, and a built-in attenuator.  Lightweight and stylish, offered as a 1-12 combo (29 Lbs) or head – the Trail Rider’s single cylinder EL84 cranks out 5 real world watts.  Home, studio, small group, or in modern live venues - you can count on the Trail Rider’s ease of use, practical features, ultra high-quality parts, and US made craftsmanship to deliver.

 

T57

 

As the Tweed amps and guitar styles of the 50s evolved, a single Tone knob did not seem enough.  Mr F worked to add more usable sonic controls over the guitar signal.  Just before 1957 the pro level Fullerton amps appeared with two new bleeding edge tone shapers, Treble and Bass. The California Sputnik of equalization.   For a few short years this adaptation of the single Tone knob (Treble) and a new low-end volume/low pass filter (Bass) guided the Tweed amps from their origins to the end of the decade with the development of the Treble, Middle, Bass tone circuit in use today.  This unique 57 implementation yields a huge range of sounds from wonderfully woolly and broodingly somber tones to ultra sharp astringent pushed highs, naturally with super usable vibes in-between. Cool cleans to extra chewy Overdrive when pushed.

 

V67

 

Later, across the sea, a different breakthrough Treble/Bass circuit arrived with Top Boost.  Mid 60s guitarists wanted more cut, more top end, and a way to stand out in a mix.  The Top Boost circuit, derived (the story goes) from unusual mid 50s American amps, offered an edgy, ‘modern’, Mid scooped and bright sound.  The V amp interpretation is known for its chime-to-grind versatility.

Power: 5 Watts full Attenuated 1.2 watts to a whisper

Construction: Hand wired point-to-point in the USA

Components: US made custom transformers, US made signal caps, NOS carbon comp resistors, French made polypropylene power supply caps and more!

Channels: One

Tubes: two 12AX7, one 12DW7, one EL84

Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Attenuator

Switches: Two position V67/T57 Voice Toggle, Attenuator in/out, GO on/off Switch

Features: All-tube spring reverb, built-in attenuator, 8-Ohm speaker out

Cabinet: Hand-crafted from premium plywood and uniquely styled

Locally made Latigo leather handle

Speaker: Celestion A-Type 12"

Reverb: MOD 4AB31C 17” tank

Weight & Dimensions: 1x12" combo 20.5" (W) x 15.75" (H) x 9" (D), 28 lbs

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

Try Before You Buy: 48-hour audition. Program details →

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.

$2,990