Swart AST Pro
This is my main gigging amp for electric guitar- a Swart AST Pro. I like it for a variety of reasons.
1. Small- similar size to a Princeton
2. Not too Loud- loud enough though to play over a drummer when needed
3. Sounds Amazing- lots of great harmonics coming from this thing!
4. Full Sounds- Even though it's small, it has a great big and full sound!
If you are wanting to learn electric guitar and find a music teacher, call or message JJ Music Lessons in Folsom!
Here are some specs on it-
https://swartamps.com/amplifiers_swart_AST_PRO.htm
The Ultimate AST 6V6/6L6
Designed in conjunction with guitarist Greg V, this is the no holds barred answer to the professional musician's need for an AST built for the road but without any loss in Swart style and élan. Introducing the AST PRO, which offers everything the AST is famous for, plus the following mods:
• Deeper Cab w/Recessed Chassis for Protection • Chassis Elevated to accommodate Larger Speaker • Celestion G12H-30 ~ *Anniversary or UK Version • Celestion GOLD 12 for that Alnico Sound • Rear Panel w/Switchable External Out/In & Enlarged Port • NEW! Rear Panel now includes Night Light Input! • Dark Lacquer w/Dual Piping & contrasting Light Grill • Extra Large Rubber Feet for Vibration/Protection • 15 1/2" W x 10 1/8" D X 18 7/8" H ~ Weight @ 31lbs
So what does this all mean?
Well, sound-wise, you're looking at the move to the UK "Heritage" version of the Celestion G12H-30 or the G12H30 Anniversary. The UK version brings a slightly more refined top end then the Mojo with subjectively more extended bottom. The Anniversary version seems not quite as stiff with perhaps a more pronounced top end. It's a matter of preference. The AST PRO sounds a tad "bigger" than the AST. The cab is 3/4 an inch deeper to allow the recessed chassis for additional knob/switch protection. This might add just a bit more heft to the bottom as well. The enlarged port in the PRO panel, now standard on all AST, gives a slightly more open sound. And the new switchable external output makes it easier to drive another cab, bypassing the internal speaker (8ohm output). I still would give the stock AST with BV-25 a thought unless you really want the difference in cabs.
Looking for the famous Alnico sound? Then consider the AST PRO ALNICO which is the creamy breakup ultimate. We had been using the Celestion Blue, but at 15w, the Blue is a more fragile speaker. We have found the Celestion Gold to have most of the low level tonal quality of the fabled Blue, while surpassing it at higher levels where the Blue can sometimes lose some control. If you are looking for the signature Alnico sound that many love, the Gold is a great option within the AST Pro. If looking for the ultimate headroom with something like the 6L6 family, you might prefer the G12H-30s. But if you love that Alnico sound that really cant be duplicated, the Celestion Gold might just be your ultimate tone solution. And truth be told, many have loved other options as well, such as various Tone Tubbys, Scumnico/Scumback, and Webers. We do stock the options and have cabs with each but can often source your speaker of choice.
