Pricing and availability
Average Price: $2,958
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Meet the Benson Chimera Reverb, a combo guitar amplifier that seamlessly blends vintage tone with modern flexibility. Designed for guitarists who crave a rich, immersive sound, the Chimera Reverb features an all-tube design that delivers a warm, natural reverb and crisp, dynamic response. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this amplifier promises to enhance your playing experience whether you're on stage or in the studio.
The Chimera Reverb stands out with its spring reverb system, offering a lush, ambient quality that adds depth to your sound. Its intuitive controls make it easy to dial in your desired tone, whether you're aiming for a subtle shimmer or a deep, cavernous echo. With a well-balanced EQ section, you can tailor your sound for any musical genre, making it a versatile addition to your gear collection.
Built for durability, the Benson Chimera Reverb boasts a rugged construction that can withstand the demands of touring. It's compatible with a range of pedals and effects, allowing you to expand your sonic palette effortlessly. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, this amplifier is designed to inspire and elevate your performance.
Key Features:
- All-tube design for authentic tonal quality
- Built-in spring reverb for rich, ambient sound
- Intuitive control panel for easy tone shaping
- Durable construction suitable for live performances
- Compatible with a wide range of pedals and effects
- Versatile EQ section for various musical styles
Product specs
| Brand | Benson Amps |
| Model | Chimera Reverb 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo |
| Year | 2017 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Output Power (Watts) | 30 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x12" |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Benson Chimera Reverb amp?
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The Benson Chimera Reverb amp is known for its rich, clean tones that transition smoothly into harmonics with varied pick attack. It offers a euphonic sound ideal for both clean and slightly overdriven settings.
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Is the Benson Chimera Reverb suitable for gigging?
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Yes, with its 30-watt output and 2x12" speaker configuration, the Benson Chimera Reverb is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample volume and clarity for most gigging situations.
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Does the Benson Chimera Reverb have built-in reverb?
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Yes, the Benson Chimera Reverb features a built-in spring reverb, adding depth and ambiance to your guitar sound.
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How does the Benson Chimera Reverb handle pedals?
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The Benson Chimera Reverb is highly regarded for its ability to take pedals well, maintaining clarity and dynamics when used with a variety of effects.
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What type of music is the Benson Chimera Reverb best suited for?
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The Benson Chimera Reverb is versatile, excelling in genres that benefit from rich, clean tones and smooth overdrive, such as blues, rock, and jazz.
Videos
Vohbs
Benson Chimera Reverb // First Hands on
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Benson Chimera Reverb.
Features and functionality
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The Benson Chimera Reverb has a lush reverb, which can become overwhelming at higher settings, requiring careful adjustment during performances.
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The Benson Chimera Reverb's cleans are described as "fat and chimey in the highs" with a notably large bottom end, making it stand out in mixes.
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The Chimera includes the Tall Bird reverb circuit, which is praised for its tasteful integration even at extreme settings.
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The Chimera features only treble and bass controls, making it straightforward to dial in tones, though some users miss having a built-in reverb.
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Comparisons
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The Benson Bellringer, a variant of the Chimera, offers power scaling and uses EL34 tubes compared to the Chimera's quad 6V6 setup.
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Compared to the Two Rock, the Benson Chimera has a more present and less cavernous bass, offering a different tonal character with a chimey quality.
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The Chimera, at 30 watts, is significantly louder than the 15-watt Monarch, with users reporting that both amps can get very loud quickly.
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Use cases and applications
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With its substantial headroom and 2x12 configuration, the Chimera can generate significant sound pressure levels, suitable for larger venues but may require management to achieve desired breakup.
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Owners recommend using the Chimera as a clean platform with pedals, similar to how one might use a Deluxe Reverb.
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Owners note the amp's ability to handle low tunings, like F1 standard, without needing extensive EQ adjustments, making it versatile for different musical styles.
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User experience
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It's mentioned that turning the Chimera up to just 4 in an apartment can incite noise complaints, highlighting its significant volume output.
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The amp's simplicity is appreciated, with many users finding that fewer controls make it easier to achieve desired sounds without excessive tweaking.
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Artist usage
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