Price paid: $ 750
Purchased from: eBay
Features: The Krank Rev Jr, is a fairly new amp, from a fairly new amp company. The Krank Rev Jr is a smaller version of the Revolution stack, in fact, it sounds identical to the Revolution full sized head, while only having 6 knobs. There are two channels, Krank Channel, and Kleen channel. There is no footswitch support, unfortuanutely, and no effects built in. It's got a unique sweep control, which adds to it's already great versatility. My main complaint is that the Kleen channel has no knobs to it other than the volume. But as you turn the volume up, it adds distortion, and when turned half way up, it produces a classic rock sound, that's great. This is the perfect amp for bedroom guitarists, as it has just enough, customization to suit anyone Who is just practicing, and wants to sound good. It's also ideal for recording, however, playing Live is not recommended. The 20w tube power is a lot, but not enough for a gig, not to mention there is no footswitch. // 7
Sound: The tone on this rig is absolutely amazing. I play with a Dean Razorback V with Dimebucker pickups. The tone is perfect, warm, strong, and not muddy at all. The distortion is bone crushing. More than you can ever need. Since it's a tube amp, you can expect amazing metal tones when played with the volume up. This amp was made for metal, but is very, very versatile. With a distortion, bass, treble, mid, and sweep knob, you can mimic any bands tone, from Led Zeppelin to Pantera. Although the Kleen channels leaves a lot to be desired, it has a beautiful tone. It does get a lot of noise and feedback with high distortion, but besides that it sounds great. // 9
Reliability & Durability: The reliability on this amp is astounding. Most amps are made with plywood. This thing is made of poplar wood, I'm not sure what it is, but it's hard, but not heavy. When you knock on an amp, it usually feels soft and hollow. When you knock on this thing it breaks your knuckles. It's extremely hard, and takes abuse well. Krank has a reputation of reliability, so internal mechanical failure shouldn't be a worry. I would gig confidently with this little guy. // 10
Impression: The Krank Rev Jr. has been the first amp I've ever played that really wowed me. I've played on Mesa Boogies, Marshall JCM800 Kerry King, Line 6 Spider 3, Crate V100H. None of those even touched this thing. It's an extremely impressive amp. Krank may be a new company, but they know what there doing. If this amp broke on me, or was stolen, I wouldn't even think of getting a different amp. The best thing about it: the great tone and bone-crushing distortion. Krank tone is either love or hate. I don't know what it is, but some people can't stand it's tone, play it before you buy it. // 9
