YCS100H Custom Special 100H 100W Guitar Amp Head

The Custom Special 100H's true three-channel architecture offers full control of each and every channel. No shared EQ's or pseudo "channels" here. Every channel on the YCS100H amplifier head has individual gain and volume controls, a full three band EQ, boost level and its own effects return and reverb settings.

Powered by four EL34EH's the YCS100H has two power levels, a true 100-watt Class AB mode, and a more manageable 30-watt Class A configuration ideal for recording or rehearsal. Four 12AX7A's make up the all tube pre-amp stage. To ensure maximum versatility, the YCS100H has an in-line pre-amp send / power amp return for in-line effects, and a side chain effects send with individual effects return level controls for every channel.

The Traynor YCS100H amp head's master section includes a Master Volume, Presence and Resonance controls. The unique Resonance control, when used with a high quality and responsive loudspeaker enclosure, like the Traynor YCS412, allows the player to dial in the exact bass response from their rig that they want to hear. It's easy to get any sound from a tight and punchy tone to a looser, more vintage-tube sound with the YCS100H. The Resonance control actually controls the damping factor of the amplifier's output stage, and allows the player to take full advantage of the cabinet's "tone".

An XLR direct output with speaker compensation ensures the Traynor half-stack can be easily fed to a live PA without having to mic the cabinet. The headphone output has speaker compensation and its own level control, independent of the amplifiers master volume, and can even be used when the amp is in standby mode for silent recording and practicing.

A solid plywood cabinet construction with all-metal chassis protects the YCS100H's glass epoxy circuit boards, tubes and wiring, ensuring years of road-readiness and unmatched reliability. The fourth button on the custom four-button footswitch controls an overall master lead boost level that kicks any channel up for solos, as well as instant access to any channel with a single stomp¦ no more tap dancing for a live sound.

Made famous in the 60's and 70's, Traynor Tube Amps were a hit among both professional and hobby guitarists, and were known for their affordability and great tone. And they were tough as nails!! Legends abound about co-founder Pete Traynor's rigorous Quality Control measures that, at times, involved dropping things from the factory roof¦ if it didn't survive the fall and still work after, it wasn't up to spec and had to be reworked some more. The legends are true, and although Traynor doesn't make a habit of throwing guitar amps off of the roof anymore, they still build them to that high level of standards.

The runaway hit that is the Traynor Custom Valve series sent engineers back to the drawing board to answer the demands of devoted followers¦ users who demand the high quality tone, construction and affordable price synonymous with the Traynor name. They stepped up to the challenge and answered the call with the Traynor Custom Special series.

The Custom Special series made things bigger and louder. For one it features the first 4x12" cabinet that Traynor has made since 1973, not to mention being the first three channel, 100-watt all tube guitar amp that they have ever produced. Not for the meek of heart, the Custom Special series can run the gamut from crystal clear rhythms to heavy crunching leads, Classic Rock to Modern Hi-Gain Metal and everything in between.

But does it go to 11?

Designed by musicians for musicians, Traynor Custom Special amplifiers are built for maximum versatility but are still simple to operate. It's always easy to get a great tone from a Traynor amp, and with the Custom Special series, they made it even easier by moving the controls to the front and adding an array of tone sculpting options like "Scoop", "Bright" and "Modern" voicing switches, "Resonance" and "Presence" controls, and yes, with the addition of a Solo Boost knob, these amps truly do go to 11. On the YCS100 alone there are no less than 9 different voicing switches, separate Reverb and effects loop level controls on all 3 channels, global Resonance and Presence controls and a user definable Solo Boost control that brings the amp to 11¦ on all 3 channels no less!!

The DynaSound direct headphone and line level DI output makes the amp sound much more like a miked cabinet for recording. DynaSound speaker simulation is on both the XLR direct line output and the stereo headphone output for a more authentic headphone tone. Placing the amp in Standby mode will silence the output to the speaker cabinets, while keeping the headphone jack active for silent practice or silent direct recording.

The Custom Special series is up to the tough standards set out by Pete in 1963, marrying those high quality standards, familiar vintage style logo, and "chicken beak" knobs with more modern features like tough, all-metal grilles, bar handles, corners, removable casters, black Nubtex covering, all plywood construction, and of course comes with Traynor's famous two-year (even if you break it!)* transferable warranty.

*Warranty valid in Canada and USA only