The Cruncher Harp Amp Reviews
Matyas Pribojszki – Budapest, Hungary
Today is my birthday….and 10 minutes earlier I got my Cruncher! I couldn’t wait…I tried it with one old Astatic (cr) and with a Marine Band Classic in the key of C.
What I felt after the first note?? Ohhhh my God….the sound is incredible! I’ve never heard this great amplified harmonica sound.
I have 3 gigs this weekend with my band and we are going to play at the Budapest Blues Festival on Saturday, so I can make a lot of tests. I will talk to Kellie Rucker about your great amp too, because she will be my guest at the Budapest Blues Festival.
Thank you so much, Sonny!!!
Philip Dabney – Springville, AL
How to describe my “new love”? I could say that this amp produces incredibly delicious tones with very little effort. I could talk about how it has changed my harp style due to the responsiveness and inspires me to be the best I can be. I love the horn- like creamy tones that sometimes almost mimic a trombone. I also think my harps will last longer because now I have the power to let the amp do the work whereas before I tended to play too hard. Yes, this amp is my new love.
Will Rhodarmer – Nashville, TN
First off, this amp is beautiful. It is a well-crafted piece of equipment, but then you play through it and the heavens open with a hell of a sound.
You nailed what I have been looking for since I first plugged in. I have been playing for over thirty years , and have , like most players, played through many amps. My ’59 Bassman doesn’t have the attack or sensitivity of The Cruncher.
I began with your start up settings and was floored by the total package of tone and playability. I then tried the bridging options and a few other ideas and put it through the paces for a couple of hours. You are the guy!
I agree with Charlie…..this is the best amp I ever played.
Lozelle Jennings – Seal Rock, OR
Got the Cruncher on Monday evening . . . so far it’s been great . . . have been working through the possibilities.
I like pretty much all the options, just different tones is all. Tried my mag in normal 1 and bright 1, then a ceramic and a crystal through bright 2 and got a cool squall out of it . . . haven’t done the bridge thing yet;
still working with fine tuning the other settings. So far the mag through bright one has been most responsive for me and makes third position stuff sound very strong in the top end.
This amp’s got big guns . . . thanks.
Anthony Masson – Lamberesart, France
Yes, I have this luxurious amp in very good condition without problems. Wahou…….what sound!!! What punch….the power is incredible too! It’s a perfect amp. I must play more to find the sound that I prefer of all this versatile sound it has. I had a Sonny Jr I and THE CRUNCHER now. It’s another category of amp and it’s a very high quality of finishing. When i see this amp I know why you are the best.
Thank you very much for all what you do for harp players. It’s the best choice of amp that a Chicago blues harp player can do.
Ted Reich – Westerville, OH
I am in my 50’s now and ever since I was 15 years old I’ve always wanted to get that full Chicago sound. Back then there was very little help or information on harp playing. I had my Tony Glover book along with his thin plastic record that I played the grooves out of. In the eighties I got serious enough to join a band and bought my first amp a solid state Yamaha for $50.00 and a Shure Green Bullet, to be honest it sounded terrible and I put on the shelf. I’ve used PA systems and as everyone knows, it’s not going to give you the magic tone that seemed so unachievable.
After a 20 year hiatus, in November ‘08 I decided it was time to dust off the harps and get my chops back. I did a Google search and found an explosion of information. I picked up an old ‘65 Bogen on e-Bay and I got the first taste of tube tone. The next step was to get some volume and reduce the huge amount of feedback I was getting with that style amp. I decided that I was going to get a great amp. I was always saying someday I’m going to get one, thinking there would be a better time in the future as there is always some expense coming up.
As I thought about it some more, I realized that I might never pull the trigger and would always regret that I didn’t just buy the best. I considered many amps and started asking questions and reading the posts. As I told Sonny, I’m skeptical and not prone to believing in a bunch of marketing hype. I had been corresponding with Ron Sunshine, a great song writer and musician, who has always been dead on with his recommendations.
Ron wrote to me explaining how he was just blown away by the Cruncher and had to have one. That’s all it took, and I called Sonny to discuss my needs and placed my order. I received the amp a few days later and the first note I played on it broke up with that fat Chicago tone I’ve been after for 30 years!
It is a thing of beauty; it will bring a crowd around to check it out. I have nothing to gain with my endorsement other than to help out other players just as they have generously passed on their knowledge to me. Stop wasting your time and money…….if you’re on the fence about purchasing your own Cruncher, relax and give Sonny a call.
Len Burlingame – Westfield, MA
I have spent some time with the Cruncher and the mic. I really don’t know what to say…..except to say it’s UNBELIEVABLE! All the comments are true. Tone, versatility, projection, craftsmanship……it’s ALL there man. I set aside a few hrs to play. I set up a few of my current tube amps, including my Masco, Premier, Bogen Challenger, Meteor, and Fender Bandmaster. Then I played the Cruncher. WOW!!! The cruncher is a professional, quality-built harp amp–period! Anyone interested in looking for a “HARP AMP” will be more than satisfied. It’s as simple as that. The hot mic is a great match. Really looking forward to getting much more familiar with it as time goes on. I have sold my Fender Bassman Re-issue, Fender Blues Jr and plan on selling more harp gear since I have found THE ONE—THE CRUNCHER! I bought the Four-Ten from you a couple years back. It was refreshing to do business with you then and I didn’t expect anything less this time. We as consumers often get the short end of the stick but not with you. Great communication, fast shipping, tips, and great product. We need more people like you out there in the business world. We basically have givers and takers in our world and you are a giver, Sonny. It’s a great thing that you do. You give out free information and tips (the tip you gave me on tongue blocking really helped) on playing. And all the time you have put into developing a great harp amp is and will be appreciated by many harp players for many years.
Gabrielle Cedra – La Seyne-Sur-Mer, France
http://www.myspace.com/phoenixgabblues
I received the Cruncher yesterday afternoon, and I’m very happy. It’s a very nice amp and its sound is amazing. I used it last night for a show and I enjoyed myself. It was fantastic !!!! I didn’t have any problem with feedback and I could actually hear myself. My sound was powerful. The Cruncher is the best amp I’ve played with in my life !!!! A lot of low, a lot of presence… so great !!!!
You are a genius and I’m very happy working with you !!
Bill Bruni – PA
SJ, I received the amp around 5pm today …good packing job. After reading the manual thoroughly, I set up to play, and indeed it has “tone-to-the-bone”! I went through most of the configurations you mentioned in the manual and did some of my routine practice drills. It performed well with the hot CM mike that I got from you and they are a great match.
After that I did some mic switching to an Astatic JT-30 ceramic mic and ran through the bright channels playing my chromatics–Super 64 and Chrometta 8–and it worked there with some great surprises. I’ve given it about three hours playing time so far without any tube changes. By the way the illustrations in your manual were very helpful and user friendly for initial set-up.
The amp breaks up nice with the original tube configuration as was shipped, and has great bottom end. The tighter the mic seal, the fatter it gets. Sonny, you really did your homework….I compliment you on your crusade for tone. I have quite a few amps and they all have their own qualities. Like anything new, it’s exciting and will hopefully push me harder and give me new ideas to be a better player and do your work justice. Of course, more playtime and experience with the amp will be needed, but I’m getting an early comfort level for it already. I’m going to take my time with the learning curve and just explore.
Thanks for your follow-up concerns on my part, and I can see why you’re proud of your accomplishment. You are making life easier for a lot of players out there. The amp is a truly a Cruncher! BTW, my full compliments to you for detail. I took the back off to look at it….everything looks top notch. A friend of mine is stopping by tomorrow for a sample as he is a accomplished player and I want him to get a feel for it too.
Thank you again for your services.
Kevin Greenwood – Elk Grove, CA
I didn’t write immediately after getting my Cruncher because I didn’t want to gush on about the quality of packing material or all I could do with it in the first 45 minutes after getting it out of the box. I actually played with it for a couple of hours and then ran “pink noise” (FM static) through it for 12 hours. How effective that is for breaking in speakers, I have no idea, but it sounded good when my rhythm guitarist suggested it – musician mojo.
After a month of playing it 2-4 times per week I can truthfully say that it has the best tone of any amp I’ve played or heard in my 43 years of playing blues. It’s gritty, warm, responsive, ever changing, and a source of constant enjoyment and surprise as I try different solos and shoot for different tones. The response from audience members has been overwhelming – everybody who has made a comment loves the tone. Having always played (used) vintage amps (Fender Twin Tweed S#257, a 1952 Gibson GA40 Les Paul model, and a 1948 Masco PA head) I just refer to my Cruncher as “My Brand New ‘52”.
For capturing a tone reminiscent of Little Walter, Muddy, Big Walter, or Junior Wells, it is unsurpassed. The other pleasant experience I’ve had is playing slide guitar through it. Using a mid-60’s, 3-pickup, 3-toggle switch, 4-dial, Hound Dog Taylor style Kawai guitar, it’s great. I don’t need an old Silvertone amp to get that Hound Dog flavor. The Cruncher does the job.
Anyway, I could go on about the quality, appearance and finish. Suffice to say they are on par with the tone – unparalleled. The Cruncher is the dream that harp players have had for decades, the sound we’ve heard in our heads, the tone we could identify but only find on old records, the amp that no one had been able to build, until now. So, thank you for taking the time, doing the research and development, and creating such a masterpiece. I really appreciate the quality and craftsmanship.
Forty-three years playing blues and I’d never had a new amp – guess I was just waiting for the Cruncher and didn’t know it.
Dave Chavoya – Sonoma, CA
Used my Cruncher last Friday night for an outside gig. I love it and the guys in my band said it sounds a 100 times better than my old ‘59. The Cruncher has a tone that’s just outrages I couldn’t describe it to no one you just have to hear it to understand. I’m playing a big outdoor concert on the 4th and I’m going to use the line out feature and I can’t wait. Thanks so much for being such a class act, walking me through the Cruncher, and sending me the tubes. Know there are a lot of us that know what kind of person you are. Remember action is louder than words and you have a big heart and soul. I know why Musselwhite promotes your Cruncher…it’s because it’s a great product and you’re a great guy!
Scott Reich – MI
Just a super harp amp! I dialed in right to where you said it would be on the normal channel with a G blues harp. Also getting it up and off the floor increased the ceiling before feedback. It’s a beautiful package. Bravo! I can’t wait to get my brother, Todd James, over here and watch his eyes roll back in his head! Better yet, taking this to the next venue and playing some Muddy Waters. BTW, the red CR mic is just nasty!
Johnny G – TX
Just wanted to let you know the amp just got here about an hour ago and everything I heard you say about the amp is true!!!! I never thought I’d own another amp that has more balls, meaner, and might I add with a nastier bite right out of the box than the prototype you built several years ago. Still a favorite of mine because of the fact that there are only two of them like it in the world, and I am proud to say I own one of your finest creations!!
About the Cruncher…. Well it’s just money well spent. I haven’t swapped tubes or anything like that but I did run all the mics I bought from you (eight in total) through the Cruncher and they all sound great!!!! The hard part will be deciding which one to use, and you’re right–they all have their own voice.
On a personal note I want you to know that over the months I’ve had the pleasure of talking with you via e-mail or by phone, it has been a sincere HONOR to be able to say I’ve done business with a true AMP DESIGNING LEGEND. You, my friend, will go down in history as the greatest of all time for what you have done for the Harmonica community…. for ALL THE LITTLE GUYS fighting volume wars with guitar players who for years knew they had us with our backs to the wall. You listened to us and kept on tweaking and fine tuning your amps to satisfy our needs. You never cut corners here and there to make a buck but saved us plenty by doing all the research, development, and all the leg work so we wouldn’t have to. You have enhanced us all, little guys and big names alike.
I wish you and your family the very best and I will continue to PRAY FOR YOU!!!! TO REMAIN IN GOOD HEALTH. In short I can’t say enough about how profoundly you have impacted my life for the better. Not only because of the amps and mics, but because of what you have taught me as a person. You have always been honest fair and most of all TRUSTWORTHY. Diamonds are only made out of intense pressure and you have stood up to that pressure. For all of us who have had the pleasure of owning one of your amps, thank you Sonny! Thank you so much.
Max “Sonny” Lowe – Santa Rosa, CA
If this amp doesn’t help me get my message out, then I’ve got way bigger problems. Out the box with your suggested settings, my Cruncher is the best sounding amp I’ve ever played through. I’ve already found four distinct and totally usable tones; haven’t even begun to try other mics (using a 50′s JT30 now), tube changing etc., but I know each change will be remarkable. I’m looking forward to the weekend so I can run the line out from my brand new Cruncher. I’ll keep you posted as I learn to use the amp to its fullest capabilities…if I can. You’re the Man, Sonny.
John Thomas – VA
Just got the Cruncher. Wow! What a look. Better than you described, Sonny. Everything seems to be intact. Looks great, smells great, can’t wait to hear it. Thanks!
Bob Harrison – Hoover, AL
Holy Mother of Pearl! I just got to mess around with the Cruncher for 30- 45 min. tonight on your recommended settings–-very nice! Then played with bringing the bass DOWN a bit to 3-4 (never even occurred to me with other amps to do that), then brought the mids and treble up to 7ish. (Again, really? Without feedback?) – WOWZER! Stunned. THEN, I bridged the channels. OMG!!! So much to play with here. It’s going to be a few days of messing around to discover what’s in there, but I have to say I’m instantly amazed. And the physical BEAUTY of this amp – I’m tempted to do unnatural things to it. And the cover and everything. I’m speechless! I can’t wait to get this out to my band’s next gig on Saturday. This thing has volume with the starting set-up that will get me up in mix where I need to be with my FREAKISHLY LOUD band. Need to get it up off the floor to help, I think. It’s gorgeous, Sonny! Thank you. When I can really do this thing justice sonically, I’ll be telling everyone who will listen about it.
Deb Anderson – Richmond, VA
I was up until 2 in the morning, couldn’t get to sleep because I am SO happy about the amp – the way it looks and sounds. Chugged a glass of wine at 2 to try to wind down, got into work late. Is this the start of an addiction?!? I am having WAY too much fun with your amp – it is unbelievable! I play it just about every day. I have it set up in the bedroom so I can shut the door and let loose. I did hook up the delay pedal – I LOVE it! I am so glad you encouraged me to get it. I think it is so good for me to hear all the little nuances of my playing and know what I need to work on. That’s what I did this morning in the car. I can’t wait to switch out that tube. Both my Celtic music and the blues sounds great on the amp.
Bill Hines – Hummelstown, PA
So I got a few minutes yesterday and unpacked the amp after I received it. I read through the whole manual you sent and for a while just looked it over. What an absolutely beautiful piece of equipment! It just GLOWS man. The finish is just fantastic. I set up and played through just the basic/stock config on normal one, then switched to bright two. i didn’t have a lot of time but was just thrilled about what I was hearing through this amp without much experimentation. I was apprehensive about this decision and spending the money but now I know this was a great decision. I can’t wait to get more time to spend with it and get it out to our jam and show it off and hear some better players blow through it. Thanks so much Sonny for all of your help. I’m really thrilled so far and this is only the beginning.
Richard Breeze – Lincolnshire, England, UK
Hi Sonny, just to say the amp has been delivered. Thanks to you and your team it arrived in England pretty quick but I had to wait for it to clear customs. It is everything that you said it would be and more. The quality is absolutely superb and the sound and tone everything I have always wanted out of an amp….and I can pick it up too! I no longer need my two 4 x 10s as this does everything. The fact that you also supply a complete guide, spare tubes to experiment with and a patch lead is probably unheard of. It is clear that you have gone to a lot of trouble to design the amp and it even has Alnico Weber speakers. The packaging was so good and you have your own printed boxes. Can’t wait to gig with it as it has serious attitude.
Mike Mettlia – Warminster, PA
Hey, got to use your new mic with the Cruncher last night. What a great sound!! We played a room that was between medium and large. The amp was right on the edge with the guitar player so I mic’d it for the second set and it was totally amazing. With the Turner CR mic it was the perfect combination. I was in the normal channel and had it bridged. Juke just took off perfectly along with the other songs. My guitar player who is real particular with harp amps said he really liked the sound. I agree with the other person who wrote in about how it is the best chromatic sound that he has heard. It really is in the way that it gives the chromatic a beautiful deep on-the-edge sound. I love the feel of the Turner mic and that you can just stick the cord right in. The element you have found to put in these things really makes a difference.
I am really loving this amp more each time. It just comes out swinging every time. It doesn’t even need that much bass to it. I find myself turning the bass back to 4 or 5. I was wondering if I can go louder tube wise with this amp for the next time in this club? If not that’s fine because when I mic it the sound comes through the pa great.
Again I’m so glad that I got number 44; it is the perfect amp for me and I love how great the western tolex looks.
Lionel Mollo – France
I received the ampli. I have tested it and I am charmed. The sound is as I hopes for it and the quality of the ampli is exceptionnel. Congratulation for your knowledge to make and your serious.
Can you give me (compared to your experience) the ideal adjustment of the pedal danelectro to add on the amplifier?
I am very happy, and now I have a sublime ampli. I would not fail to make you publicity in the south of France. Tank you till
Johnny Mac – CA
The Cruncher is more, way more than as advertised. It arrived this morning. It is simply flawless and a veritable tone monster. You sir, are a genius. I can’t come up with enough superlatives to describe your accessibility, your product, the shipping, just the entire experience.
Being 3000 miles away and buying without being able to play or see one was a bit trying on my part. However, man did you deliver! Thanks again for everything. If you have any potential customers in the Southern California area who are a bit hesitant, I would be more than happy to try to accommodate them. Let them hear, see, and play through this beast and you will have them by the short hairs!!! Thanks again for being so cool.
Marco Lenhher – Switzerland
You know, to be honest I did not need another new amp, but I really love them. Some guitar players have several guitars; others collect paintings or cars or whatever they want. In my case, well I really love amps. I have already four harmonica amps, two of them are custom point-to-point amps, so I know what a good amp is, how it sounds, and it is not so easy to impress me with another amp.
Well the Cruncher looks fabulous! The size, well at first I thought that probably it would be just as heavy as a Bassman…NOT AT ALL! It is really good to carry around. Excellent also the amp cover. I consider it as a gift….thank you very much!
And now the tone. What can I say, I plugged in, put everything on 3-4 …puff…If I would be in a shop I would already say, “Ok, I don’t need any more tests, I buy it.” This amp is really like a Swiss Army knife; perfect for every situation. I understand now why people write you “I cannot find the words…”. It is the same for me. I am so happy that it seems unreal and ridiculous, but it’s true… Also, really a great mic…comfortable to hold, and great sound!
Saluti…..and thank you, Sonny.
UPDATE:
My Cruncher works perfectly now. Last week I went to rehearsal and we played pretty loud (you know those guitar players…tsss). I never have feed back problems, especially when I use your Turner mic or my other vintage mics. I found out that with the 5U4 rectifier and the 12at7, I really had much too much bass. I really cup tight and and when I play a low tone/chord it almost blows the speakers out of the comb 
))…so it was really too much “fat”. I immediately changed the rectifier and put the original one back in.
I read again your fabulous manual, and then I saw the possibility of 12at7 /12aU7 /12at7…hmmm sounds interesting. Do you think it could be a solution if I have too much bass-fat sound with the 5751 (I usually leave bass at 4 or so)
Ah yes, did you know (probably you do) that your amp sounds great also for guitar? Plug in at bright 2 and go ))
Mark Model – UK
I’ve played a bunch of gigs with the Cruncher now, sometimes alternating it with a Meteor for comparison. Three conclusions:
1. The Cruncher is about as much amp as anyone could realistically need. Even in a large (200 people dancing in the middle of fixed seating) tent and not miced, it filled the place. The guitarist is considerate and doesn’t use a big amp which helped, but the Cruncher cut though comfortably and reached every corner.
2. Probably the best chromatic sound I’ve ever heard.
3. It is great with a crystal through the special input but I acquired a cool CR element from Donnie which sounds just fantastic with the Cruncher. The sound with the channels bridged is simply outrageous! I think a strong magnetic element is a must for this amp.
Overall score 10/10 – I can’t fault it!
Don “Zig” Zeller
Having worked closely with Sonny Jr. for over ten years, and having just purchased one of his mics along with the incredible Cruncher amp, I just want to comment on his supposed monopoly of the element market.
His quest for these elements is done in the best interest of his customers as he wants them to have the best tone out there. Any naysayers need to wake up to the reality of the open market. A good friend of mine has spent over $300 on bad eBay elements. Lots of these are listed as “I don’t know anything about these but when I plugged it in it seems to work fine”.
Sonny takes a chance, AND takes a hit on too many of these elements…….and won’t resell the bad ones. I’m not happy about the price on these eBay black label mic elements, but appreciate that if I buy one from someone with integrity like Sonny, I’m going to get a great tested element not somebody else’s lemon.
The creative among us know where to search for these elements, but as awareness of value to harp players increases, any internet savvy seller will put it out on eBay where, unfortunately, many Harp-L members
are likely bidding against each other.
Michael Kakuk – Helena, MT
I fired up the Cruncher last night in the studio and, after changing the first preamp tube to an AY7, I was able to get that overdriven sound I’ve been looking for. I found my best results with a fairly low power Ruskin mic. I was able to turn the amp up to 9.5 and the sound was remarkable. Wonderful bottom, thick but clear mids, and crisp but not painful highs. All I had to do was lean a bit into the mic and the amp turned itself up to 11. Now that I know that I’ve got that sound in me – I’m committed to working with the 410 to try to open up my sound with that amp.
Thanks again for all you do for harp player and their fans. Yours is a legacy that I’m proud to be a part of.
Jef Funk – Biloxi, MS
I hope you are in good spirits. Just wanted to let you know the amp has arrived safely. I’ve never seen such a thorough packing job–I appreciate it. You are awesome–the Sonny Jr. amp has the richest, warmest tone. It’s big and full, wall-to-wall. (of course, you knew that!) It added a dimension to my playing that I’ve been seeking–BIG FAT TONE.
Thanks Sonny J, I appreciate your craftsmanship, your knowledge, and your friendship. If there’s anything I can ever do for you please ask. All the best!
Stephen Edwards – Flagler Beach, FL
Received my Sonny Junior Cruncher #8 recently and wanted to pass this info on. First I would like to say what a wonderful person Sonny Jr. was to deal with. If you have never talked to him in person or via phone you can’t begin to understand how committed he is to his business and your complete satisfaction.
With three guitar players in our band and in playing out live, I soon realized I needed my harp to stand out over them. Sure I could mic my smaller amps through the pa, but folks it isn’t the same. There is nothing like standing next to a large amp and blasting away, driving those speakers, feeling and hearing those speakers move. Anyway that’s what my new Cruncher does. Sonny says it is not as loud as his 410, let me say the Cruncher is very loud and the sound projection is outstanding. He is totally right, the Cruncher is a SJ1 on steroids. It kicks.
This is a perfect mid sized amp. No problems competing with the other players. I believe you could use this amp in any situation, small, medium or large venues. The tone controls were easy to figure out and once I discovered that, all my different mics sounded good. You can get all different sounds out of the Cruncher, the notes just seem to jump out of the amp, extremely responsive, clean to over driven. Of course the Cruncher is build like a tank, beautiful and is a perfect weight. Easy to carry with a killer sound.
Just another prize creation from the master harp amp builder Sonny Jr. The amp comes complete with padded cover, extra tubes, fuse, a very fine owner’s manual and best of all, complete assurance and satisfaction from Sonny Jr. If you got the band thing going and you got the extra bucks, you can’t go wrong with the Cruncher. Remember we only go around once.
Stuart Reid
Took it to a jam session last night, and the guitarists were extra loud. In the past, this would render all my amps/effects useless, feedback-prone, or reduced to a pile of mush.
Not so with the Cruncher. It cut right through with clarity. I could turn up with no feedback and every note was heard – just as advertised. Everyone was impressed. I actually used the bridged 2-2 with the mic in Norm 1. Norm & Bright at about 4 each. Nasty, but clear. It was harp heaven.
I will experiment with the cleaner settings for some 1st position harp. Also I’ll make a switch to the 12AY7 for a small venue at our gig on Dec. 1. It couldn’t be easier.
I have wanted one of your amps since you started 10 years ago, and now I have one. It has paid for itself the first day out of the box. Additionally, your custom mic is outstanding! The smoothest and best volume control ever.
Warren Bee – NY
I had a gig Saturday night that I was dreading before hand. I walked off a gig on these guys a few months ago because I couldn’t hear myself at all. These guys just can’t conceive of a playing level on anything but “10″. When I got the call last week I took the gig for two reasons: 1) I am broke, and 2) I now have a Cruncher. This was pretty much straight rock and roll full tilt. Led Zep, The Who, Queen, Stevie Ray, Creedence, Stones, Beatles etc.
Well my first stop before arriving at the gig was to the local CVS for some fresh ear plugs so I wouldn’t kill my brain. When I got to the gig the guys were treating me with kid gloves. They knew that if I got frustrated I would just pack up and go home. They wanted to be as accommodating as possible and set me up however I needed to be comfortable. They also brought an extra monitor for me alone so we could mic the amp I was using and I could hear it better. I told them that I wouldn’t need to be mic’ed because I got a new amp.
I went out to the car and brought in the Cruncher. The amp looks so cool the initial reactions are usually the same; “boy that looks sweet”. I used the line out so I would be in the PA and through the monitors as well as the amp in order to create a better balance in the overall sound. The band is a 3 piece (Drums, Bass, Guitar). They wanted me in the middle so I set my amp up to the left of the bass drum. I am still working on dialing in my favorite settings but did the basics to get a nice tone and roar from the 2 8′s and the 12 via the amp. The guitar player to my right was going to be as loud as ever (God bless his wayward soul!) and I was happy to have some extra monitor in my face to compete.
So after the sound check I put in the ear plugs and get ready to feel as little crappy as possible. It’s amazing sometimes what we put ourselves through to make a few bucks! So we start the first set and of course it is one big wall of sound. I was not thrilled but quickly I could tell that I was going to be able to “keep up” with out “packing up”. The Cruncher was a ball of fire I tell ya and it sounded great. I had it cranked pretty high as I had to compete with the “band” (what a sad concept huh?)
So the first set was a long one, about an hour and 15 minutes. I was actually having some fun and was at a low frustration level considering the situation. Many of the tunes I had never attempted or heard before, so it was an enjoyable adventure/challenge making the harp fit in especially because in times past by now I would have already started my “cry baby” act and packing up to go home.
It was during the first break that a monumental occurrence happened. Imagine this if you will. The drummer walks up to me and says, “Holy shit that amp is incredible. I can’t believe the growl and roar you are getting out of it, but can you do me a favor. Could you please move it further back and more to my left because I am having trouble hearing anything else! There is so much sound coming from the back of that thing I can’t hear myself think!” I couldn’t help but smile and offer him some comforting words. First off, of course I will move the amp for you, my pleasure. Then I said, “just go grab a beer and stop crying, this is rock and roll you big baby!
Ah the sweet smell of victory! It only took me 30 years to finally get up off of the canvas and find a way to fight back in the “street fight” of barroom musical lunacy.
Brian Amundson – Crystal, MN
Last night I used the Cruncher at an outdoor gig–here are some of the details of the event. It was held under a huge tent with open sides. I ended up being located at the far end of “stage left” with the Cruncher positioned next to a guitar amp but separated by about 2 feet. The guitar amp was elevated on a stand so I decided to place the Cruncher on a milk crate–(about 1 foot up)–rather than directly on the stage floor.
I thought about the suggestion you made–to try using a 12AX rather than a 12AT. The 12AX definitely gave the amp more bite. I played the entire gig with the AX installed in the Cruncher and it seemed to give it some “extra edge” which really helped with this particular band. The band’s loudness level crept up as the night went on and playing under a tent with all it’s sound wave reflections resulted in the usual “phase cancellations”–so having a bit more edge on the Cruncher helped me to hear myself clearly.
The main difference in the overall level settings on the Cruncher with the 12AX instead of the 12AT was that I didn’t have to set the “bright channel” level quite a high as I did the night before. My amp settings at the end of the night with the channels bridged were as follows….(Bass at 9 1/2) (Mid at 3) (Treble at 4) (Normal channel at 5) (Bright channel at 4). Normally I prefer to keep the Mid level at “1″–(that’s my personal preference)–but I’ve found that I need to bring the mid level up when I’m playing with a band. The same thing holds true for my 410–I normally prefer to keep the mid level around 1–(that’s the sound I like)–but when I play with an amplified band I’ll boost the mid in order to get a more solid and full sound.
As far as loudness at the gig last night goes–I easily could have raised the volume level of the Cruncher if I had chosen to, but I wanted to avoid starting a volume war with the guitar player. The Cruncher was plenty loud last night–the sound cut through, the tone was great, and like the night before I had zero feedback issues. The Cruncher sounded great and just like at Friday nights gig I could actually hear myself play–finally, after all these years!
Gerard Gagnier – Canada
Amp arrived Wednesday and after getting home from a 17 hour day of traveling, I had to plug it in and see what the Cruncher would do…. totally amazing tone! My days of screwing around with guitar amps and tweaking them are over. You’re absolutely right on in your description of the flexibility of the amp in terms of tone and volume… picks up and pronounces subtleties in playing, but when you want to kick it in, the power and overdrive are there.
By the way craftsmanship in the build is outstanding and it was obviously meant for me to own this Cruncher as I’ve got number 23 which is my favorite number since I was a little kid in all sports!
The tone is to die for…….and at all volumes. Keep up the outstanding work! I can’t wait to get to know the Cruncher better.
Lance Dieckmann – Vista, CA
I am VERRRY PLEASED! The amp exceeded my expectations. It truly is a CRUNCHER…..great tone and volume.
I was a little leery to be honest because I mentioned I’d like a 12-10 and you said you thought that combo had too much bite . Well I like bite….. but honestly the 12 and 2 -8′s are providing enough bite and the bass on this amp is incredible.
I usually set my Four-Ten bass at 8, mid 2, and treble 7, so I set my Cruncher at the same settings. The Cruncher with that setting is SWEET AND FAT…..I guess you can tell I like my treble HUH!
Thanks so much ….I was having a tough time as to what builder I wanted to use….I went to the right one.
You had built my Sonny II with a snakeskin tolex because I’m not a huge tweed guy, but this Cruncher is a looker…….best tweed job I’ve seen!
You’ve got a fan for life here, Sonny.
George Hughes – Cheshire, UK
PERFECT!!!!!! Thank you!! I’m in heaven. Will have to explore for a while. So far, I like the TONE best with the GT 5751M preamp. Seems like a good match for this Turner mic. I like a slightly overdriven sound. Haven’t even started adjusting bass, middle and treble other than the initial setup you suggested. I am bridged between bright and normal. You probably won’t hear from me for a while. I’m in my element. Never thought I would get there, however. Thanks for your sacrifice. You don’t know how much we appreciate you Sonny. You’re the man!
Gary Galloway –Decatur, MS
Hey Sonny, yes I collected the amp yesterday and put it on the setup you recommended. It is everything you said it was and more. I am very happy with it. I was at home so couldn’t crank it up, but at low volume it sounds great and I can’t wait to get out there. Thanks for all your help and advice. You were true to your word and have been there every step of the way. Thanks again, Sonny!
Henning Heichler – Frankfurt, Germany
http://www.bluesblend.de
Finally I take some time to write a few lines about my first gigs with the Cruncher. I played some club gigs and a festival show with it and am really happy because it is very versatile. Tube distortion is warm and powerful and already starts at a low volume. I use the bridge function mostly and use a lot of treble, only a bit of bass.
The amp has lots of punch and a sound character that is really unique. What I like most about it is that it allows me to play very dynamic. It reacts to the way I blow the harp very precisely. No other amp that I played can do this. It improves my playing, I can hear myself very well on big stages, its great in small clubs.
I plug in a Holy Grail reverb box, that’s all I need. My Electrovoice 619 works best with it because it has a high output.
So, overall it’s definitely worth the money and a lot of fun to play with!!
Robert Hager – San Jose, CA
I received the Cruncher yesterday. Amp was in perfect shape, excellent packing job. Another impeccably crafted amplifier just like the other amps (SJ II and SJ 410) I have purchased from you over the years. I’ve got to say it looks marvelous. I took it to rehearsal last night and tried all of the various suggested settings and channel bridging. Using the usual JT-30 with a Shure black CR element I was able to get killer tone out of it. I am sure when the speakers break in it will sound even better. I also have to say for portability, you absolutely nailed it when it comes to the size and weight of the amp.
Robert – France
We had Gary Smith here (beginning of July) at a festival in France. He gave a masterclass with my Sonny Junior I. He praised ALL of your amps during the seminar, giving five stars to your Cruncher! Thank you also for developing these great amps for your instrument.
Sophie Guyaux – France
I can’t find the words to tell you THANKS! I received my Cruncher and it’s really wonderful! Thanks for the very very very fast shipping.… what a great surprise to be called by UPS today. And, thanks for the SCHUCKO plug and the tubes set…you’re really marvelous!!! I’m going to read your manual and I’ll try the combinations with my different mics to respect your work. I’ll let you know soon !!
Yes, for me it’s really the final amp !!
I played on stage with him on Saturday night, and I had to answer to a lot of people who were surprised not to see a saxophone!! I put in the 12AY and followed your advice to bridge the channels. The bass are great, and it has created a sensation for the audience and my own band (my band was surprised with its versatility).
I’ve just played with the 533 SA and the delay CARL MARTIN RED REPEAT. I continue to explore the different possibilities, and I’ll let you know ! It’s PERFECT, everything is thought, it’s the harp player’s dream! And I won’t never say you enough: THANKS!!!!!
Paul Kmetko – Santa Cruz, CA
Amp and pedal arrived today. Looks GREAT…..Sounds Better!!!!! It’s all I expected and more. Looks like I won’t be playing the “wish I had a better amp blues no more”. Thanks again for everything.
Calvin Ramsayer – Chicago, IL
The amp has huge tone and is an inspiration. I have to admit, when I first plugged it in, I thought it was too much, I didn’t really know how to corral and control it. After changing out a tube and tweaking the knobs for a little bit, I found some sick tone that I could milk, and it’s been pretty heavy since then. The mic is powerful and accurate, it feels great in the hand and is versatile, like the amp. Soft, loud, delicate, ferocious….this set up delivers. I’ve adjusted my playing a bit to adapt to the horsepower and capabilities of the rig – it’s great to be pulled in other directions and inspired by tone. I’m looking forward to bringing this to the House of Blues, Chicago when I sit in with Keith Scott, blues guitar, in a month or so. Thanks for the great product! I appreciate the quality and the service.
Vladimir Jelinek – Czech Republic
Sonny, I cannot stop my playing with my Cruncher! For the first time I am satisfied with my sound and my friends are enchanted too. I am reading the opinions of other players on Internet and all are true! Now I already know that you are moving in the middle the finest of the cream harp players. Cruncher is your great job! Thank you!
UPDATE: I am writing you after my experience of playing with Cruncher. There was great enthusiasm on all our gigs and I saw many harp players who starred at the Cruncher! We have played blues and rock things and I had no problems with settings or power of sound. I can say I am very, very, very satisfied!!!
I wish you and your family the best health and nice next New Year and many customers!