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Average Price: $30

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

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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 Galder uses Engl Savage 120

Galder

Guitarist

Old Man's Child

...
Verified via YouTube

The Making Of In Sorte Diaboli, 2017. Used this amp for album recording. 5:21

See how Lee Altus uses Engl Savage 120

Lee Altus

Guitarist

Exodus

...
Verified via YouTube

at 0:26, he mentions this amp while talking about what he uses

See how Rolf Kasparek uses Engl Savage 120

Rolf Kasparek

Singer, Guitarist

Running Wild

...
Verified via Google

A pic of Rolf's Engl Cabs

See how Hunter Agufish uses Engl Savage 120

Hunter Agufish

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this post hunter shows off his amp collection. One amp he has is a engl savage 120

See how Dodi Battaglia uses Engl Savage 120

Dodi Battaglia

Guitarist

...
Verified via Urly

Dodi Battaglia frequently uses the Engl Savage 120 amplifier, as referenced by Urly.

See how Robin Staps uses Engl Savage 120

Robin Staps

Composer

The Ocean

...
Verified via MetalSucks

In an interview with MetalSucks, Robin Staps confirms owning the Engl Savage 120. He states,

My first good amp was an Engl Savage 120, but it sounded too cold and undynamic to me somehow.

See how Tom Naumann uses Engl Savage 120

Tom Naumann

Guitarist, Composer

Primal Fear

...
Verified via Primal Fear

Seen standing in front of his ENGL Savage and ENGL cabinets on Primal Fear's website photo.

See how Garrett Peters uses Engl Savage 120

Garrett Peters

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in the video and is mentioned in description.

See how Jens Bogren uses Engl Savage 120

Jens Bogren

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen 0:55s in this interview video with Jens Bogren.

See how Scott Fairfax uses Engl Savage 120

Scott Fairfax

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

At the Rockharz Festival 2025, guitarist Scott Fairfax used an Engl Savage 120 amplifier on stage, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.

See how Taiki uses Engl Savage 120

Taiki

Guitarist

Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

...
Verified via YouTube

In 1:14 the equipment Taiki used was ENGL Savage 120 in Cast Your Shell MV

See how Stefan Leibing uses Engl Savage 120

Stefan Leibing

Guitarist, Composer

Primal Fear

...
Verified via Tripod

"In studio I play an ENGL Savage 120. It sounds great. Clean: this varies from time to time. Rhythm: Bass 8 / Middle 5 / Treble 6 / Hi-Balance 10 / Countour Switch and Rough / Smooth Switch no pressed / Gain 7 / Lead boost pressed Lead: Like Rhythm a little more distorted" Stefan Leibing

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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