Originally designed in 1996 as an exclusive top for guitar guru Ritchie Blackmore, the legendary amplifier hit the market like a bomb. Based on the E650, the two-channel with EL34 power amp tubes is easy to operate with maximum performance. For fans of more classical design, the amp forge from Tittmoningen now offers the cult legend in vintage design.
The ENGL Artist Edition in vintage look.
Two channels, 50 watts: The ENGL Artist Edition E653.
Powerful Brit sound
The Artist Edition is straight-ahead with a 12AX7 quartet in the preamp section and two further EL34 power amp tubes. In total, the Bolide provides 50 watts of output power, making the amp sufficiently assertive from samples to larger venues. Two separate Master A and Master B controls adjust the volume levels for clean and lead channel;
Sounds with a British touch and a powerful punch await the player, which can be further adjusted via the extensive 3-band tone control in bass, midrange and treble as well as the built-in Bright and Shape switch;
Absolutely roadworthy
The Artist Edition has been equipped with some useful features as a top part suitable for touring. Besides the classic cab outs to 4, 8 and 16 ohms, the E653 offers the traditional integrated English noise gate for the lead channel, as already used by colleagues Powerball and Feuerball. In addition, S.A.C. Port Engls Z-9 Footswitch or the external Z-4 Noise Gate can be used. Finally, serially/parallel FX loop effect units can switch between preamp and power amplifier.
Less is More
On the front, however, the Artist Edition remains simple and puristic: in addition to the tone control options and two separate gain knobs for clean and lead, the amp is blessed with a simple control panel that promises simple operation and appropriately underlines the straight-ahead character of the striking amplifier.
The ENGL E653 Artist Edition Vintage at a glance:
Full tube top part
Power: 50 Watt Class A/B
Tubes: 2x EL34, 4x ECC83
Channels: 2
Controls: Clean Gain, Lead Gain Tone control: Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume, Master A, Master B