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Average Price: $1,199

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$300

$801+

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Description

Unleash your tone with the Bad Cat Cub III 15R, a 15-watt powerhouse that captures the essence of classic tube amplifiers while adding modern versatility. This guitar head is designed for musicians who crave rich, dynamic sound without overwhelming volume levels. The Cub III 15R is equipped with Bad Cat’s proprietary K-Master circuit, which offers seamless control over both master volume and gain, allowing you to dial in your perfect sound whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage.

The built-in reverb further enhances your tonal palette, providing lush ambient spaces that can transform your playing experience. With its hand-wired construction and high-quality components, the Cub III 15R maintains clarity and warmth across a wide range of tones, from sparkling cleans to gritty overdrives. Its simple yet effective control layout ensures intuitive operation, letting you focus on your music rather than getting lost in settings. Whether you're a vintage tone enthusiast or a modern player seeking flexibility, the Bad Cat Cub III 15R delivers with precision and style.

Key Features:

  • 15-watt tube guitar amplifier head
  • Bad Cat’s proprietary K-Master circuit for precise volume and gain control
  • Built-in reverb for added depth and ambiance
  • Hand-wired construction for superior sound quality
  • Versatile tonal range from clean to overdrive
  • Simple, user-friendly control layout
  • Suitable for practice, studio, and live performances

Product specs

Brand Bad Cat
Model Cub III 15R Hand Wired Legacy Series 15-Watt Guitar Amp Head with Reverb
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 15
Power Tube Type EL84
Powered Unpowered
Reverb Digital Reverb

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Bad Cat Cub III 15R use?

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R utilizes EL84 power tubes, which are known for delivering a classic British tone with a smooth overdrive and chimey high-end.

Is the Bad Cat Cub III 15R suitable for gigging with a band?

With 15 watts of power, the Bad Cat Cub III 15R is ideal for small to medium-sized venues. It offers enough volume to keep up with a drummer while maintaining excellent tone clarity.

Does the Bad Cat Cub III 15R have built-in reverb?

Yes, the Bad Cat Cub III 15R features built-in digital reverb, adding depth and space to your guitar sound without needing an external reverb pedal.

What are the impedance options available on the Bad Cat Cub III 15R?

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R offers multiple impedance options, including 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, allowing you to match it with a variety of speaker cabinets.

How many channels does the Bad Cat Cub III 15R have?

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R is a single-channel amplifier, focusing on delivering a pure and dynamic tone without the complexity of multiple channels.

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 Guitar Head With Reverb.

Comparisons

  • The Player Series offers a digital reverb that combines plate and hall effects, reportedly superior to the handwired version's spring reverb.

    Source
  • Users compare the Bad Cat Cub to Matchless and Marshall amps, highlighting its distinctive tonal qualities.

    Source
  • Bad Cat's K Master or newer master volume controls are highlighted as more versatile compared to Matchless, especially for varied volume situations including bedroom or small venues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The handwired Cub IV15R includes a "Depth" knob, which is absent in the Player Series, potentially affecting tonal depth and cabinet emulation.

    Source
  • The Bad Cat Cub III 15R is noted for a unique gain structure that enhances its suitability for southern rock and twang sounds.

    Source
  • The Bad Cat Cub III 15R offers a switchable EF86/12AX7 preamp, providing versatile tone options with a choice between a 5-way tone selector or full tone controls.

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Value and pricing

  • The Player Series can be significantly cheaper, especially with discounts, making it a cost-effective alternative to the handwired model.

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User experience

  • Some buyers prefer the smoke-free, newer condition of the Player Series over the handwired version's used condition.

    Source
  • An owner of a Bad Cat Cub 30 combo reports that the EQ seems centered on middle and presence, with less emphasis on bass and treble.

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  • Owners note that Mark Sampson, previously involved with Matchless, is now back at Bad Cat, potentially influencing the design and tonal direction of new amps.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It has been observed that Bad Cat amps may go through power tubes faster than Fender, Mesa, and Marshall amps.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user recommends using a boost pedal, such as a Boss SD-1, to resolve muddiness and improve tone quality in Bad Cat amps.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

musicradar.com

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R 15W Guitar Head impresses with its unique tonal capabilities and robust build quality, making it a solid choice for musicians seeking a portable yet powerful amplifier. Its standout features include a dual-valve preamp design, providing a wide tonal range from smooth to aggressive, and an excellent built-in digital reverb. However, the amp's noisy choke and lack of an included footswitch may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, the Cub III offers great value for money, combining premium sounds with an accessible price point.

positive

Bad Cat CUB III 15R - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Bad Cat Cub III 15R offers versatility and control with its innovative K Master feature, allowing for rich tones at any volume. Its single-channel design effectively mimics a multi-channel amp, accommodating both clean and gritty sounds, perfect for indie, blues, and pedal-loving players. The tone and EQ options provide a wide range of musical textures, though its punky grit may not suit everyone. Overall, it’s a dynamic and impressive amp for diverse playing styles.

positive

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