Paul Reed Smith Sonzera 20 Combo
Sonzera [Portuguese]: from som (sound), meaning a cool and/or stunning sound (in the sense of music) – a kind of slang.
The Sonzera 20 is a moderately powered 20-watt combo amplifier with two independently controlled, footswitchable channels designed for maximum versatility. The clean channel delivers full, 3D tones reminiscent of American mid-1960’s amplifiers. The gain channel is related to the clean channel circuit-wise, so that it can be set up to act as a boosted clean channel or manipulated to make the channels sound like two completely different amps (the gain channel can be set from slight to very heavy distortion by simply using the drive and level controls). The bright switch on the gain channel has been carefully tailored to deliver familiar high-end snap and is particularly effective on the low strings, neck pickup settings, and with singlecoils, while the low-end response of the gain channel is full, tight, and clear.
Both channels on the Sonzera are designed to maximize note clarity and definition. The global presence control and the tone stacks allow players to dial in a variety of tones from bell-like chime to warmer, thicker tones. The Sonzera 20 Combo also features global spring reverb control that is designed to enhance notes without clouding them. The reverb can be turned on and off via the footswitch. The addition of a built-in effects loop allows players to use all their time-based effects with ease without negatively impacting the overall tone of the amp.
With robust construction, a wide range of tones, and steadfast controllability, the Sonzera 20 Combo is a solid gig- and studio- worthy amplifier.
Wattage: 20 watts
Channels: Two
Power Tubes: 2 x 5881, or 2 x 6L6GCMS
Preamp Tubes: 4 x 12AX7/ECC83
Gain Channel Controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Level, Drive
Clean Channel Controls: Bass, Treble, Volume
Global Controls: Channel Select Switch, Reverb, Presence
Effects Loop: Yes (5 total jacks)
Extension Speaker Jacks: 5 x 1/4"
Dimensions: (Unboxed) 19.5” W x 10.5” D x 18” H
Weight: 42 lbs.
Color: Stealth with Black and Cream grill cloth