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Average Price: $670
Standard/Professional
$300
$701+
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Description
The Crate VFX5212 is a powerhouse of a combo guitar amplifier, designed to deliver a rich and responsive sound that suits a wide range of musical styles. This amp is ideal for guitarists who crave the warm, organic tones of vintage tube amps, complemented by the flexibility of modern digital effects. At its core, the VFX5212 features two 12-inch Celestion speakers, providing a robust and full-bodied sound that can fill any room. Its dual-channel design allows for seamless switching between clean and overdriven tones, catering to both rhythm and lead guitarists alike.
What sets the VFX5212 apart is its integration of digital effects that include reverb, delay, chorus, and more, all while maintaining the authentic sound quality that Crate is known for. The amplifier's all-tube circuitry ensures a dynamic and rich tonal palette, ideal for both studio recordings and live performances. With its user-friendly interface, musicians can easily dial in their desired sound, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist’s gear collection.
Key Features:
- Two 12-inch Celestion speakers for a full-bodied sound
- All-tube circuitry for warm, responsive tones
- Dual-channel design for easy switching between clean and overdriven sounds
- Integrated digital effects including reverb, delay, and chorus
- User-friendly controls for easy sound customization
- Suitable for both studio recordings and live performances
Videos
Picking and Flipping
Crate vfx 5212 Tube Amp
Reviews
PROS
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Designed with input from Billy Gibbons, ensuring high-quality sound
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Offers a Marshall-ish overdrive and Voxy clean channel for versatile tones
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High headroom on the clean channel for clarity at high volumes
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Includes DSP built-in effects for added sound layering
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Can achieve classic metal hi-gain with OD1 boosting
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Noted to be loud, suitable for performances
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Cabinet design praised, even recommended for use as an extension cabinet
CONS
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Original stock speakers often need replacement
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PCB mounted tube sockets may deter purists
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Reports of output transformer issues in early models
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Switch mode power supply (SMPS) known for failures, affecting reliability
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Lack of effects loop limits pedal integration for some users
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SMPS design criticized for compromising tone and durability
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Repairing can be challenging due to obsolete SMPS replacements
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crate VFX5212.
Comparisons
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It's advised to consider the Boss Katana 50, a solid-state alternative, over a tube Crate for better reliability and tonal versatility in rock and metal genres.
Source
Use cases and applications
User experience
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Known issues with Crate amplifiers include reliability concerns, which can lead to unexpected repair costs, making them less ideal for beginners seeking hassle-free use.
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A buyer found a Crate amp for $40 at a thrift shop, noting it only performs well if the gain isn't maxed out.
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Despite criticisms, the amp is appreciated for its reliability as a backup option that consistently works when needed.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
656
My amp that's full of brutality
I've had this VFX5212 combo since 2003. This 50 watt amp is loud as fuck!! \m/ The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a effects loop for my pedals. I guess I need a attenuator and put it between the amp head & speakers so I can crank it loud. I think I'll upgrade to a Budda SuperDrive 80 with a 2x12 cab.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Crate VFX5212, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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