Pricing and availability

Average Price: $125

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Crate XT65R is a versatile combo guitar amplifier that has been celebrated by musicians for its robust sound and reliable performance. Designed for both practice sessions and live performances, this amp combines power with clarity, making it a staple for guitarists who demand quality and flexibility. The XT65R features a 12-inch speaker that delivers a powerful 65 watts of output, ensuring your sound can fill both small and medium venues with ease.

Equipped with a 3-channel layout, the XT65R allows for seamless switching between clean, rhythm, and lead tones, catering to diverse musical styles. Its onboard spring reverb adds a rich, ambient texture to your sound, while the built-in effects loop offers further customization options for your pedalboard. The user-friendly interface includes a 3-band EQ, allowing for precise tonal adjustments and ensuring that every note is articulated exactly as intended.

The Crate XT65R is a reliable companion for any guitarist, whether you're jamming in your garage or taking the stage. Its rugged build ensures it can withstand the rigors of travel, while its compact design makes it easy to transport.

Key Features:

  • 65-watt output
  • 12-inch speaker
  • 3-channel layout: clean, rhythm, and lead
  • Built-in spring reverb
  • Effects loop for added versatility
  • 3-band EQ for precise sound control
  • Durable construction and portable design

Product specs

Brand Crate
Model XT65R 3-Channel 65-Watt 1x12" Solid State Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Number of Channels 3 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 65
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of music is the Crate XT65R amplifier best suited for?

The Crate XT65R is versatile and well-suited for rock and metal genres, thanks to its powerful 65-watt output and solid-state electronics, which provide a strong distortion and clean sound.

Does the Crate XT65R amplifier have built-in effects?

Yes, the Crate XT65R comes with built-in effects, including digital reverb, which allows you to add depth and ambiance to your sound without needing external pedals.

How many channels does the Crate XT65R amplifier have?

The Crate XT65R features three channels, providing flexibility for different tones and settings, making it suitable for various playing styles and performance needs.

Is the Crate XT65R amplifier loud enough for live performances?

With its 65-watt output and 1x12" speaker configuration, the Crate XT65R is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, offering ample volume and presence for live performances.

Does the Crate XT65R amplifier work well with pedals?

The Crate XT65R's solid-state design and clean channel make it compatible with a wide range of pedals, allowing for further tonal customization and effects integration.

Reviews

PROS

  • Three footswitchable channels for versatile sound options

  • Spring reverb provides a classic, authentic tone

  • Plenty of power for gigs with full bands

  • Lightweight at 34 lbs, easy to transport

  • Clean channel delivers a crisp, clear tone

  • Responsive crunch that adapts to your playing style

  • Durable, with long-term reliability reported by users

CONS

  • Cannot match the sound quality of tube amps

  • Lacks advanced digital effects compared to some competitors

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crate XT65R.

Features and functionality

  • The Crate XT65R is a hybrid amp, with two 12AX7 preamp tubes and a solid-state power section for reliable performance without the need for re-biasing.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To replace the preamp tubes, access them at the back under heat sinks and pop them in or out without twisting.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used Crate XT65R was purchased for $65 from a pawn shop, noted for performing better than other 65-watt amps.

    Source

User experience

  • This amp is praised for its durability and ability to handle high volumes without failure, though excessive loudness can risk speaker damage.

    Source

Critic Reviews

XT65R Review | Crate | Guitar Amplifiers | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Crate XT65R delivers decent versatility with its three-channel operation and FlexWave Evolution 5 preamp, making it adaptable for various music styles. However, it falls short in some performance aspects, especially when compared to more powerful models like the XT120R. While praised for its features, including a 12" speaker with 65W output and a convenient 3-button footswitch, it might not fully satisfy those seeking robust sound for heavier genres. With mixed reviews and an overall user rating of 7.7, the XT65R is a serviceable amp but doesn't quite stand out in a crowded market.

Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
E

Decent first amp

I got this thing for christmas when was probably 12 years old, and it screams. I still have it and use it. Tube amps of course cannot be beat but this thing has a great clean tone, and the crunch is responsive to your playing, and really actually sounds quite good. 12 years later and I'm still using it

zachary_mitchell_hernden

It's alright

My current amp, not the best... but hey, work with what you got!

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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