Polytone Guitar Amp Page
Jazz Guitar Amplifiers Introduction
This page contains some information regarding the Polytone Mega-Brute guitar
amplifier. I have owned 4 different Polytone amplifiers and like their tone and
compactness. I must disclaim this page by stating that what I have written is
just one opinion. Discussing guitar amplifiers is akin to stepping into a
quagmire. Guitarists often become quite emotional and speak passionately, or
possibly even overly-critical when discussing gear. When you consider that most players don't
even perform in front of an audience or record for mass distribution, the "gear
wars" diatribe can get really quite silly. If your tone sounds good to you, then
perhaps your amp is suitable (at least for this month).
For jazz guitar, there are countless amplifier choices and the list of of good
jazz guitar amplifiers has really grown in the last few years. The trend
seems to be towards more hi-fi sound (less distortion-more headroom and more
power), smaller/lighter designs and somewhat increased cost. A great web page
concerning jazz guitar amps
may be found here
I also am very interested in this
company
Consider talking to Michael Biller at
Sound Island LLC
if you wish to communicate with someone with considerable knowledge and
practical experience regarding
modern jazz guitar amplification. This is his store link below. He has a lot of products in stock
and is passionate about helping you obtain your perfect jazz or double bass guitar
tone.
Polytone Mega-Brute Amplifier
Canadian guitarist, Glenn Murch once told me that Polytone guitar amps basically have one sound and you either like it or not. I agree with him. This sound is not ultra-high in fidelity (compared to more contemporary designs), has a dark voicing, a distinct midrange honk and starts to distort at high volume settings. This is exactly why I like Polytone amps in some settings. To each, his own. Currently I own a Mega-Brute. This is probably not the best amp to use if you play in a big band, but it works okay with a trio if you are happy with the sound it provides and the drummer uses brushes or has soft hands.
The Mega-Brute's basic circuit and functions are well described elsewhere.
The Mega Brute combo amp has an 8 inch speaker. I have owned Mini-Brutes with 15
inch and 12 inch speakers as well as the Mega-Brute combo amp and head. The various
Brute-series amps are worth a trial if your are in the market for a mid-price
jazz guitar amp.
The Official Polytone Web Site
Murch Music Polytone Web Site
Murch Music Polytone
Amp Schematics
A scan of my Polytone owner's handout
Polytone Sound Byte (Tone controls on
neutral - sorry, cheap electret mic recorder which does not allow the low
frequencies that are there in real life)
Mouse over the images on the left to view a full size image
The Mega-Brute has an eight inch speaker and is über-portable. This amp can be tucked into almost any corner. On the rare occasion when I play for a function, I may use a 12 inch extension speaker, depending on the situation.
Rear view. The tolex work is quite excellent. I love closed back speaker amps, although, in my opinion, ported designs are preferable. The porting seems to be via the via the low input instrument, pre-amp out and FX loop jacks!
Top view showing the various control pots and switches. The sonic circuit was a great addition to the Brute series. The previous Brute design had an overdrive circuit which failed to merit wide acclaim. I personally do not use the sonic circuit and rely upon the main amp circuit. I like the break up of the power amp when driven hard, although it is by no means a Marshall-style crunch tone.
The Mega-Brute atop a 1 by 12 Marshall cabinet. This was a pleasant combination for R & B work.
The the other Mega-Brute-an amp head which became known as the Mega-Brain. This product has been discontinued. The speaker is a Raezer's Edge Stealth 12 speaker cabinet. This rig was sold about 4 years ago.
Inside the Raezer's Edge Stealth 12 speaker cabinet. Foam and fiberglass insulation improve the bottom end.
Another view of the Raezer's Edge Stealth 12 speaker cabinet.
My old Mini-Brute with a 15 inch speaker on its side ready to carry.
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