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Average Price: $949

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the true power of your guitar with the Rivera Knucklehead 100, an amplifier head that stands as a testament to versatility and robust sound. This powerhouse is tailored for professional musicians seeking tonal excellence and a reliable companion for both studio sessions and live performances. With its 100-watt all-tube design, the Knucklehead 100 delivers a warm, rich sound that guitarists crave. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or metal, this amplifier head is built to handle it all, thanks to its dynamic range and intricate tonal controls.

The Knucklehead 100 features three distinct channels, allowing you to switch between clean, crunch, and lead tones effortlessly. Its responsive EQ provides precise control over your sound, making it easy to dial in the perfect tone for any musical style. The amplifier's included footswitch offers seamless transitions between channels, giving you the flexibility to adapt quickly during performances.

Designed with the modern guitarist in mind, the Knucklehead 100 also boasts an effects loop for integrating your favorite pedals without compromising sound quality. Rivera’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation shines through with this amplifier, making it an essential addition to any guitarist's rig.

Key Features:

  • 100-watt all-tube design for powerful, dynamic sound
  • Three channels: clean, crunch, and lead, for versatile tonal options
  • Responsive EQ for precise tonal control
  • Included footswitch for easy channel switching
  • Integrated effects loop for seamless pedal integration
  • Renowned Rivera build quality and durability

Product specs

Brand Rivera
Model Knucklehead 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of music is the Rivera Knucklehead 100 best suited for?

The Rivera Knucklehead 100 is versatile, but it excels in rock and metal genres due to its high-gain capabilities and powerful EL34 tube-driven output.

Does the Rivera Knucklehead 100 take pedals well?

Yes, the Rivera Knucklehead 100 is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, allowing you to expand its tonal palette with effects pedals seamlessly.

Is the Rivera Knucklehead 100 loud enough for live performances?

Absolutely, with 100 watts of power, the Rivera Knucklehead 100 is more than capable of handling live performances, even in larger venues.

How many channels does the Rivera Knucklehead 100 have?

The Rivera Knucklehead 100 features two channels, providing flexibility for switching between clean and overdriven tones.

What kind of tubes are used in the Rivera Knucklehead 100?

The Rivera Knucklehead 100 uses EL34 power tubes, known for their rich, dynamic tone and strong midrange presence.

What are the impedance options for the Rivera Knucklehead 100?

The Rivera Knucklehead 100 offers multiple impedance options, including 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, allowing compatibility with various speaker cabinets.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rivera Knucklehead 100.

Features and functionality

  • Rivera Knucklehead 100 can output around 150 watts when maxed, despite being rated for 100 watts clean.

    Source
  • The Knucklehead KR100 includes a subwoofer out, designed for a dedicated guitar subwoofer to enhance drop-tuned guitars, creating a massive sound ideal for heavy genres.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Celestion Gold speakers, when used with the Rivera Knucklehead, deliver a loud, chimey sound, ideal for styles requiring bright, in-your-face tones.

    Source
  • The KR100 is specifically noted for achieving the Slipknot "All Hope is Gone" tone, making it a sought-after choice for fans aiming to replicate that sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Mixing Celestion Golds with Eminence Governors provides a unique tonal blend: Golds offer a bright, chimey sound while Governors add a more engulfing, snarling tone.

    Source
  • The KR100 was popular during the rise of Nu-metal and 7-string guitars, offering a distinct tonal advantage for those styles over other models like the Tre Reverb.

    Source

User experience

  • Anecdotal evidence suggests that Alnico speakers like Celestion Golds thrive when pushed hard, entering a desirable compression zone for specific tonal qualities.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sailorripley

I gave up my VHT/FRYETTE's for these.

I've used every high gain amp imaginable. From solid state p.o.s', aggravating rack mount systems, and tube heads known to man. From princely to pauper ranges. No amp has made me smile as much as the Rivera Knucklehead 100.

The old VHT Pittbull's were probably my favorite amp in the world before I knew what Rivera's were. Ive always been more attracted to "raw" face melting sounding amps. The k100 is one of the most throat ripping amps out there. The newer models are solid as well, but clearly geared toward more polished and computer friendly metal heads. The k100 seems to be more for the ones who prefer banging their heads and fists as if they are in the middle of a full on seizure.

Words cannot do justice to the capabilities of what appears to be a simple and basic design. You can cover just about any sound you want (maybe not djent, but I don't care enough about that sound to attempt to re-create it).

If some of your favorite albums include Discordance Axis' 'the inalienable dreamless", The Hope Conspiracy's"death knows your name", or As The Sun Sets "7744"; this is your kind of bag, baby.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Rhodes uses Rivera Knucklehead 100

David Rhodes

Guitarist

Talk Talk

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from Rhodes' website, we can see that his amp rig from 2014 included a Knucklehead Reverb head.

See how Andrés Giménez uses Rivera Knucklehead 100

Andrés Giménez

Singer, Guitarist

De la Tierra

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Solo, Clínica y A.N.I.M.A.L. - 2002" by Marcelo Castro on YouTube, at 29:52, the camera focuses on Andrés Giménez using the Rivera Knucklehead 100 amp. Despite the video quality, the RIVERA name and logo are visible on the cabinet, confirming the use of this amplifier. (A.N.I.M.A.L's show starts at 28:01)

Genre Usage

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

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