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Average Price: $627
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Description
Unleash your guitar's potential with the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36, an all-analog tube amplifier head that redefines versatility and control for the modern guitarist. This powerhouse features four distinct channels—Clean, Crunch, Lead, and Ultra—each with its own independent gain, master, EQ settings, and presence/resonance controls. The heart of this beast is its 36-watt 4x EL84 power amp, complemented by a newly designed 3x 12AX7 preamp, delivering a tonal spectrum from pristine clean tones to searing high-gain leads.
What sets the Grandmeister GM36 apart is its Smart Rotary Controls, which allow for full remote programmability. Store up to 128 presets and access them seamlessly via MIDI controller or the dedicated iPad app, turning your iPad into a real-time control center. And with the innovative Power Soak, you can dial down the amp's output to as low as 0 watts, perfect for home practice or silent recording sessions. Additionally, the built-in RED BOX simulates a 4x12" cabinet, enabling you to send your sound directly to a mixer for studio or live applications.
Whether you're at home or on stage, the Grandmeister GM36 offers a suite of onboard effects including digital reverb, delay, and modulation effects, accessible via the intuitive Smart Rotary Controls. The intelligent dual breakpoint noise gate keeps your sound pristine by measuring input signal and cutting noise effectively.
This amp is not just a tool—it's a complete solution for guitarists seeking a dynamic and adaptable sound experience.
Key Features:
- 36-watt 4x EL84 power amp
- 3x 12AX7 redesigned preamp
- Four channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Ultra
- Smart Rotary Controls for programmable settings
- Store up to 128 presets, accessible via MIDI or iPad app
- Programmable Power Soak with wattage reduction to 0 watts
- Built-in RED BOX for direct output and cabinet simulation
- Onboard effects: digital reverb, delay, modulation
- Intelligent dual breakpoint noise gate
Product specs
| Brand | Hughes & Kettner |
| Model | GrandMeister 36 4-Channel 36-Watt Guitar Amp Head |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2014 - 2017 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 16 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 4 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 36 |
| Power Tube Type | EL84 |
| Reverb | Digital Reverb |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36?
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The Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36 offers a versatile tone palette with four channels including Clean, Crunch, Lead, and Ultra. It provides classic tube warmth with modern flexibility, making it suitable for a range of genres from blues to metal.
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Does the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36 have built-in effects?
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Yes, the Grandmeister GM36 features built-in modulation effects such as delay, flanger, phaser, chorus, tremolo, and digital reverb, allowing for a wide range of soundscapes without additional pedals.
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Is the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36 compatible with MIDI controllers?
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Yes, the Grandmeister GM36 can be controlled via the GM36 Remote app on iPad and newer Android devices using MIDI interfaces. Note that USB interfaces are not supported, and the app must be installed and opened on your device.
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How loud is the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36, and is it suitable for gigging?
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With 36 watts of power and EL84 power tubes, the Grandmeister GM36 is loud enough for most gigging situations, providing ample headroom and volume for live performances with a full band.
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What is the impedance of the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36?
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The Grandmeister GM36 supports 16 ohms and 8 ohms impedance, allowing it to be paired with a variety of speaker cabinets for different tonal characteristics and power handling.
Reviews
PROS
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Includes many effects directly on the amp
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Four channels with boosts offer versatile sound
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Variable output for flexible volume control
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Good overall build quality
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Compact and easily portable at 17-18 lbs
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MIDI capable for advanced control
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Redbox DI and noise gate built-in
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Independent EQs on all channels
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Adjustable wattage, including a practical 18w setting
CONS
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Tends to run hot in studio settings
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Some tones may feel overly bright ("a bit toppy")
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36.
Features and functionality
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The clean channel, enhanced with the built-in boost, remains loud and round while preserving clarity.
Source -
MIDI integration allows Pro Tools to automatically switch patches and change effects parameters during recording.
Source -
The Grandmeister GM36 offers 128 presets, providing extensive tonal options which can be overwhelming yet beneficial for users coming from simpler amps like the Deluxe Reverb.
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The built-in Red Box allows direct connection to a mixer with a cab simulator included, suitable for direct recording without a cab.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
Software and compatibility
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The amp can be controlled via an iPad if the FSM-432 footswitch is not included, offering flexible control options for users.
Source
User experience
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Owners find the Grandmeister GM36's features satisfying, with some actively searching for the GM40 more out of gear acquisition syndrome than dissatisfaction.
Source
Build quality
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Some owners report that the factory-installed preamp tubes are cheap and may benefit from an upgrade for improved sound quality.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings
330
Does it all amp
The Grandmeister seems to do it all. There's reasonably good tones (if a bit toppy in use), it includes many effects right on the amp, the output is variable and there are four channels all with boosts.
Overall build quality is good, but the amp does tend to run a little bit hot in the studio. Its a small amp and can easily be carried around. The floor pedal is recommended.
249
Fantastic Gigging Amp
This thing is a little beast. Fantastic sounds. MIDI capable. Great sounding onboard effects. Redbox DI built in as well as noise gate. Independent EQ's on all 4 channels. Adjustable wattage (I use mostly the 18w setting). And best of all, 17 lbs. GET THIS AMP!
61
Four distinct channels of rock.
Four uniquely voiced channels. 18lbs. All paramters MIDI controlled. This thing works great.
Artist usage
Add artist
Josh Rand has his own artist page due to his use of Hughes and Kettner amplifiers. On this page, the company says he uses the GM36 amplifier head.
According to the H&K website's artist page, Ure uses a GM36 for live work.
at 0:28, it stated this is the amp he is using
Guitarist Niko Tsonev praises the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36 for its remarkable sound and versatility, as highlighted on the Hughes & Kettner website.
In this article with Hughes and Kettner, Joey Allen mentions that he prefers to use his GrandMeister 36 and a FSM432 MKIII when on tour with the band. Additionally, Joey mentions that he has been a member of the Hughes & Kettner family since 2005.
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 Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister GM36, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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