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Description

A new and improved Cub, with even more amazing boutique tone.

Bad Cat raises the bar and offers an update on the classic Cub circuit. The all-new Cub III features a switchable A or B valve in the first position pre-amp. You can select between 12AX7 or EF86 pre-amp tube by a toggle or foot switch. This feature is drastically different sonically in gain structure, and character from any previous Cub models.

Bad Cat added a selectable gain on the bass and treble tone stack to run hotter, or choose to stay in standard Cub mode. This feature can be used as a classic gain boost. Combine this with the EF86 pre-amp and now you're in territory previously unavailable from older Bad Cat Cub models.

The engineers at Bad Cat refined the reverb circuit to get a deeper, fuller and more plate-like reverb. A two-button footswitch is included. Button one controls the selection of the EF86 or 12AX7 pre-amp. The second button offers the ability to punch in the added gain on the tone stack. With the footswitch, you can go from chiming clean to crunch, and all the way to the wide open.

Patent-Pending K Master
Gain up the power amp section while leaving the pre-amp sparkling clean? Yes. Imagine getting a full 15 watts of clean headroom out of a 15-watt amp, or a full 30 out of a 30. Turn down the master volume to bedroom low all while maintaining your tone intact. Not only is this possible it's also useful for guitar players.

Power amp gain is different from pre-amp gain. It feels, sounds and even looks different. Master volume has always been misnamed. It should have been called master attenuation. Until now master volumes were unable to do anything, but attenuate. The drive to the power section was always dependent on the drive coming from the pre-amp.

Now Bad Cat has figured out a way to separate the pre-amp from the power amp gain, and calling it the K Master. Before this you couldn't drive the power amp hard without pushing the pre-amp into saturation. The K Master patent-pending technology has allowed us to re-invent the concept of the master volume. Bad Cat is now offering the K Master in the Cub III Series.

Product specs

Brand Bad Cat
Model Cub III 15R 15-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo with Reverb
Finish Brown Western
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 15
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of music is the Bad Cat Cub III 15R amp best suited for?

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R, with its EL84 power tubes and single-channel design, excels in delivering classic rock, blues, and indie tones, offering a warm, dynamic sound with a touch of British character.

How loud is the Bad Cat Cub III 15R, and is it suitable for gigging?

With 15 watts of tube power, the Bad Cat Cub III 15R is suitable for small to medium-sized gigs, providing enough volume to cut through a band mix while maintaining clarity and tonal richness.

Does the Bad Cat Cub III 15R take pedals well?

Yes, the Bad Cat Cub III 15R is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, allowing effects like overdrive, delay, and modulation to integrate seamlessly with its rich tube tone.

What kind of reverb does the Bad Cat Cub III 15R feature?

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R includes a built-in digital reverb, offering lush and versatile reverb tones to enhance your sound without needing external effects.

Can the Bad Cat Cub III 15R be used for home practice?

While the Bad Cat Cub III 15R is powerful enough for live performances, its 15-watt output makes it suitable for home practice, especially if you desire high-quality tube tone at manageable volumes.

Bad Cat Amps

Bad Cat Amps

Raw, candid demo of the Cub III new K Master feature by Bad Cat Amps

Video thumbnail for Raw, candid demo of the Cub III new K Master feature by Bad Cat Amps by Bad Cat Amps

Raw, candid demo of the Cub III new K Master feature by Bad Cat Amps

Bad Cat Amps

Bad Cat Amps

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bad Cat Cub III 15R 15W 1X12 Guitar Combo Amp With Reverb.

Comparisons

  • Bad Cat amps like the Cub III 15R are considered a step above basic models, such as the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, offering a unique "3D" sound experience.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners highlight the Bad Cat's ability to deliver a distinct tonal character, comparable to high-end amps like Dr Z and Friedman, but at a more accessible price point.

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User experience

  • The Bad Cat Cub III 15R is praised for its versatility, allowing users to go from clean to mean tones seamlessly with guitar volume adjustments.

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Build quality

  • The robust construction of Bad Cat amps is noted, with hand-wired designs making repairs more straightforward compared to PCB-based models.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Cub III 15R is favored by players who appreciate a boutique sound without the need to invest in higher-tier, hand-wired point-to-point models.

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Critic Reviews

Bad Cat USA Player Series Cub III 15R Combo review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R Combo is a compact powerhouse offering superb tone and build quality at a reasonable price. With its dual-valve preamp and impressive digital reverb, it delivers a wide tonal palette from smooth to aggressive. However, the amp has a noticeable mechanical hum and lacks a footswitch, which may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, its boutique appeal and tonal versatility make it a compelling option for blues, rock, and more.

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