Pricing and availability
Average Price: $1,299
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Introducing the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R Handwired Series, a 15-watt guitar combo amplifier that delivers a powerful yet refined sound for discerning musicians. This meticulously crafted amp is a part of Bad Cat's revered Handwired Series, promising a combination of vintage charm and modern reliability. The Cub IV 15R stands out with its handwired circuitry, ensuring superior tone clarity and responsiveness, making it a favorite among guitarists who appreciate nuanced sound.
The amplifier features a single 12" Celestion Creamback speaker, known for its ability to produce warm, articulate tones with a balanced frequency response. The proprietary K Master™ circuit allows for seamless control over the volume and gain, providing you with a versatile range of sonic possibilities from clean chimes to gritty overdrives. With a built-in reverb, this amp adds depth and ambiance to your sound, allowing you to tailor your performance to different musical landscapes.
The Cub IV 15R is designed for both studio and live settings, offering a sturdy cabinet construction and a classic aesthetic that complements its rich tonal output. Whether you're a dynamic performer or a meticulous studio artist, this amp provides the adaptability and high-fidelity output you need to express your musical vision.
Key Features:
- Handwired circuitry for enhanced tonal purity
- 15-watt power output suitable for various performance environments
- Single 12" Celestion Creamback speaker for balanced sound
- Proprietary K Master™ circuit for superior volume and gain control
- Built-in reverb for added sound depth and versatility
- Durable cabinet construction with a classic design
Product specs
| Brand | Bad Cat |
| Model | Cub IV 15R Handwired Series 15-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo |
| Year | 2018 - 2025 |
| 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 | Spring Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 1x12" |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R?
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The Bad Cat Cub IV 15R is known for its rich, dynamic tones with a strong midrange presence, thanks to its EL84 power tubes. It delivers classic British-style chime and can range from clean to a smooth overdrive, making it versatile for various music genres.
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Is the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R suitable for gigging with a drummer?
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With its 15-watt output, the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, especially when mic'd. Its robust sound projection and clarity can hold its own in a band setting, including performing alongside a drummer.
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Does the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R take pedals well?
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Yes, the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R is known for handling pedals exceptionally well. Its single-channel, tube-driven design provides a clean platform that works harmoniously with various effects pedals, from overdrive to modulation.
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What kind of built-in effects does the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R have?
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The Bad Cat Cub IV 15R features a built-in spring reverb, which adds a natural, spacious ambiance to your sound. This effect is particularly appreciated for its warm, vintage character.
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How portable is the Bad Cat Cub IV 15R for gigging musicians?
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The Bad Cat Cub IV 15R is relatively portable for a tube combo amp, featuring a 1x12" speaker configuration. It is compact enough for easy transport while still delivering powerful sound, making it convenient for gigging musicians.
Videos
Bad Cat Amps
Bad Cat Amps Cub IV Official Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bad Cat Cub IV 15R Handwired Series 15-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo.
Comparisons
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The Bad Cat Cub IV 15R is noted for its availability at great used prices, especially with the release of the newer Cub V model.
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An owner compared their Bad Cat Cub III to other Vox variants, ultimately favoring the Morgan Dual 20 for its raw Vox sound without being overly bright.
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Bad Cat amps, including the Cub IV, are often compared to Vox-style sounds, with some owners preferring their EL34 power tubes over Mesa's gain structure.
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Matchless amps are suggested as a high-quality alternative for those considering Bad Cat, offering similar tone with the ability to modify gain via preamp tubes.
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User experience
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A user described the Bad Cat Cub II 1x12 combo as sounding "incredible," indicating long-term satisfaction with its tonal quality.
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Value and pricing
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The Bad Cat Cub IV 15R is highlighted as a desirable option, especially appealing given the context of pricing shifts due to newer model releases.
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Build quality
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Some users note that the build quality of newer Bad Cat models is not as robust as the older Sampson-era models.
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Use cases and applications
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The Bad Cat Cub IV is favored for progressive rock/progressive metal, especially when combined with dirt pedals for added gain.
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