Pricing and availability

Average Price: $30

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the power of your guitar with the ENGL Savage 120, a formidable guitar amplifier head that has earned its place in the pantheon of rock and metal music. Revered by musicians like Gary Holt of Exodus and Evanescence, the Savage 120 is celebrated for its unmatched tonal flexibility and dynamic response. Whether you’re laying down crisp cleans, gritty crunches, or face-melting metal leads, this amp head delivers with precision and clarity.

The Savage 120's 4-channel layout provides a playground for sonic exploration. With a dedicated Clean channel, dual Crunch channels, and a searing Lead channel, you’re equipped to sculpt your sound with precision. Two separate 3-band EQs ensure your tone cuts through the mix, while additional features like Rough/Smooth mode selectors and a Lead Boost offer even more versatility.

Designed for the discerning musician, the Savage 120 offers not just power, but a rich palette of sounds that make it a staple in both live and studio settings. With punchy headroom and responsive dynamics, it’s the perfect centerpiece for a modern rock rig. This is not just an amplifier; it's a piece of rock history ready to be a part of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • 4 Channels: Clean, Crunch 1, Crunch 2, and Lead
  • Two separate 3-Band EQs for detailed tone shaping
  • 4 dedicated Gain pots with individual volume controls
  • Rough/Smooth mode for Crunch 2 and Lead channels
  • Sensitivity, Bright, and Contour switches, plus Lead Boost
  • Hi Balance control for nuanced sound adjustment
ENGL amps

ENGL amps

ENGL TV - Savage 120 demo by Martin Miller

Video thumbnail for ENGL TV - Savage 120 demo by Martin Miller by ENGL amps

ENGL TV - Savage 120 demo by Martin Miller

ENGL amps

ENGL amps

Video thumbnail for ENGL TV - Savage 120 demo by EVAN by ENGL amps

ENGL TV - Savage 120 demo by EVAN

ENGL amps

ENGL amps

Video thumbnail for ENGL Savage 120 - Demo/Playthru by RezaMatix

ENGL Savage 120 - Demo/Playthru

RezaMatix

RezaMatix

Video thumbnail for Engl Savage 120 - Marshall Meets Peavey Meets Eurotrip by Kyle Bull

Engl Savage 120 - Marshall Meets Peavey Meets Eurotrip

Kyle Bull

Kyle Bull

Video thumbnail for ENGL Savage 120 - Trailer by Plugin Alliance

ENGL Savage 120 - Trailer

Plugin Alliance

Plugin Alliance

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Engl Savage 120.

Features and functionality

  • The Savage 120 mk2 boasts coupled gains on Crunch 2 and Lead channels, a unique feature that isn't immediately obvious to new users.

    Source
  • The Z12 footswitch has been noted for its easy setup, requiring only a MIDI cable for power, though the black markings on it can wear off quickly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users have compared the treble frequencies of the Engl XXL oversize 4x12 cab favorably, describing them as smoother than those of a Mesa oversize cab.

    Source
  • 90s Mesa 4x12 and Marshall 1960A/BV Vintage 4x12 cabs are recommended over post-2002 V30 cabs, which are noted for harsher treble tones.

    Source
  • Modern speaker options like HESU Demon and Eminence DV-77 are suggested for a different tonal character than traditional V30s.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Savage 120's musical responsiveness and heavy tone, with some remarking on its surprising versatility and saturation levels.

    Source
  • Aesthetic customizations like the "white on white" package are available for those seeking a more personalized look for their Savage amp.

    Source
  • Atlas Cabs offers oversized 2x12 and 4x12 options with a one-year lead time, indicating high demand or bespoke craftsmanship.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For djent and low-tuned guitars, a 2x12 cab offers a tighter sound than a 4x12, which can become boomy.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider assembling a custom cab with preferred speakers, as the speaker significantly impacts tone; 90s V30 cabs are a reliable choice.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Atoragon's Guitar Nerding Blog: Review: Engl Savage 120

atoragon.blogspot.com

The Engl Savage 120 is a powerhouse amp, boasting 120 watts of tube-driven sound that cuts through any mix with its distinctive mid-range. Originally released in 1993, it remains a classic choice for those seeking a robust, handmade German amplifier. With features like dual FX loops, four channels, and multiple sound-shaping options, it offers unmatched versatility. Compared to its modern counterparts, the Savage maintains a classic, punchy tone reminiscent of a Marshall JCM800. While its size and weight may be daunting, its sound quality and reliability are hard to beat, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
eugene_anagnorisis

modded by Kruse Kontrol Amplification, LA, US

modded by Kruse Kontrol Amplification, LA, US Kannibal + Vaiac Mods and shuguang tubes.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marty Friedman uses Engl Savage 120

Marty Friedman

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via Facebook

Taken from his official facebook page.

See how Ola Englund uses Engl Savage 120

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Gary Holt uses Engl Savage 120

Gary Holt

Guitarist

Slayer

...
Verified via YouTube

1:38 into the video, Gary shows some of the gear he's using for recording, stating "the Engl is the sh*t. [...] Scratch track sounds better than most people's album tracks."

See how Jeff Loomis uses Engl Savage 120

Jeff Loomis

Guitarist, Composer

Arch Enemy

...
Verified via MetalSucks

I used to use the Savage 120 Engl head but recently switched over to Engl racks. I use the tube preamp 570 and the 100W Stereo power amp going into two Engl cabs housed with Celestion Vintage 30’s.

See how hide uses Engl Savage 120

hide

Singer, Guitarist

X Japan

...
Verified via Wikipedia

Japanese musician hide utilized the Engl Savage 120 guitar amplifier head in multiple recordings and live performances, as noted on his Wikipedia page.

See how Ihsahn uses Engl Savage 120

Ihsahn

Singer, Guitarist

Emperor

...
Verified via guitarworld

In an article by Guitar World, Ihsahn is mentioned using the Engl Savage 120 guitar amplifier head for studio recordings, utilizing both its clean and overdrive settings.

See how Rudolf Schenker uses Engl Savage 120

Rudolf Schenker

Guitarist

Scorpions

...
Verified via Guitar World

Schenker: I’ve played so many amps! I started actually with Vox, then Marshall, then Boogie, into Hiwatt, then Diezel, then Engl, Soldano. Then I found this Danish guy who makes the Skrdstrup R&D [Triple Drive 50]. It’s an amazing amp. It allows such an exact attack and just enough distortion. Tonight I’ve got that, the Engl [Savage 120] and a Rivera [TBR Series rackmount stereo tube amplifier].

See how Muhammed Suiçmez uses Engl Savage 120

Muhammed Suiçmez

Singer, Guitarist

Necrophagist

...
Verified via Twitter

Muhammed stands next to his stack of ENGL heads. On the bottom row is his ENGL Savage 120. Muhammed also used a Savage 120 live at a show on Summer Slaughter 2009.

See how Eric Peterson uses Engl Savage 120

Eric Peterson

Guitarist

Testament

...
Verified via Ultimate-guitar

That was the EVH 100-watt going through Marshall Greenbacks. You’re in the studio and you end up trying different cabinets. I ended up using on Dragonlord, the EVH with the two Celestion 30-watts that comes with the cab. I also used my Engl cab that’s got two speakers in it and I think we had that one up too. I combined that with the Engl Savage 120. Blending stuff is cool but I always try and stick with one amp. When you’re in the studio, you might need a little sizzle here and there so we had other amps just pop in if we needed some extra kick instead of applying a Tube Screamer or whatever.

See how Dean Lamb uses Engl Savage 120

Dean Lamb

Singer, Guitarist

Archspire

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout the first episode of Dean Lamb's "Shred M.D." series, an Engl Savage 120 can be seen paired with a Mesa 4x12 cabinet in the background of the studio.

See how Dan Sugarman uses Engl Savage 120

Dan Sugarman

Guitarist

Ice Nine Kills

...
Verified via Photo

In his Instagram post, Dan Sugarman features the Engl Savage 120 amplifier, highlighting its use during a reamping session.

See how Timo Tolkki uses Engl Savage 120

Timo Tolkki

Guitarist

Stratovarius

...
Verified via YouTube

Spotted at 0:01s in this Timmo Tolkki live video.

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 Engl Savage 120, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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indecemberofficial

indecemberofficial

Gear IQ 57

1 alternative for Engl Savage 120, curated by the Equipboard community.

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