Sonzera [Portuguese]: from som (sound), meaning a cool and/or stunning sound (in the sense of music) – a kind of slang.
The Sonzera 20 is a moderately powered 20-watt combo amplifier with two independently controlled, footswitchable channels designed for maximum versatility. The clean channel delivers full, 3D tones reminiscent of American mid-1960’s amplifiers. The gain channel is related to the clean channel circuit-wise, so that it can be set up to act as a boosted clean channel or manipulated to make the channels sound like two completely different amps (the gain channel can be set from slight to very heavy distortion by simply using the drive and level controls). The bright switch on the gain channel has been carefully tailored to deliver familiar high-end snap and is particularly effective on the low strings, neck pickup settings, and with singlecoils, while the low-end response of the gain channel is full, tight, and clear.
Both channels on the Sonzera are designed to maximize note clarity and definition. The global presence control and the tone stacks allow players to dial in a variety of tones from bell-like chime to warmer, thicker tones. The Sonzera 20 Combo also features global spring reverb control that is designed to enhance notes without clouding them. The reverb can be turned on and off via the footswitch. The addition of a built-in effects loop allows players to use all their time-based effects with ease without negatively impacting the overall tone of the amp.
With robust construction, a wide range of tones, and steadfast controllability, the Sonzera 20 Combo is a solid gig- and studio- worthy amplifier.
Controls
- Pre-Amp Section
- Clean Channel - Treble, Bass, Volume
- The Sonzera’s clean channel features classic American voicing with straightforward treble and bass controls to dial in that recognizable lush, chimey, 3D tone. Work your Treble and Bass controls around the crisply pre-set mid voicing for your perfect EQ. With 20 watts on tap, use the Volume control to work from pristine cleans to edgy power amp distortion at more manageable levels than higher-wattage amps.
- Lead Channel - T/M/B Tone Stack
- The lead channel features a 3-band EQ, which adds the ever-important Middle control along with Treble and Bass to dial in your preferred distorted tones.
- Level & Drive
- The Drive control is located at the beginning of the Lead Channel preamp circuit and the Level Control is located at the end. The Drive channel therefore increases the signal into the preamp and “drives” it into distortion and saturation. The Level control takes that distorted tone and sets the loudness of the overall amp volume—from very quiet “bedroom” distorted tone to full volume. The Level control, at higher volumes, can also drive the power tubes into distortion, adding yet another layer of overdrive tonal greatness.
- Gain Bright Switch
- The Gain Bright Switch allows more high-end frequencies to come through, making the amp’s tone brighter. The intent is to put some “shine” on the tone without it becoming harsh. Flip this switch on to add some “snap” or “chirp” to your single notes and try it out for that single-coil neck pickup Texas Blues tone.
- Global Controls
- Presence
- The Presence control lets you dial in your preferred amount of high-mids and treble, which bring the amp’s tone forward as they are increased. Depending on the tone stack and volume settings, the presence can change the gain/texture and loudness of the high-end, making your tone wilder and more 3-dimensional (or more “present”).
- Reverb
- The Sonzera features a 3-spring reverb for more natural ambience. The reverb circuit is voiced to enhance notes by adding depth, color, and liveliness without smearing over or clouding the original un-effected tone.
Specifications
- General
-
- Available Configurations: Combo
- Channels: Gain & Clean
- Wattage: 20 Watts
- Included Accessories: 2-Button Footswitch (Channel Gain/Clean, Reverb On/Off)
- Tubes
-
- Power Tubes: (2) 5881 or 6L6WGC-STR Short Bottle
- Preamp Tubes: (4) 12AX7 / ECC83
- Front Panel Controls
-
- Gain Channel: Bass, Middle, Treble, Level, Drive
- Clean Channel: Bass, Treble, Volume
- Global Controls: Channel Select Switch, Reverb, Presence
- Back Panel Features
-
- Inlet: Fused Power Inlet (IEC)
- Effects Loop: Loop Return, Loop Send
- Extension Speaker Jacks: 5
- Ohm Switching: (2) 4 ohm & (2) 8 ohm parallel, (1) 16 ohm
- Bias: Adjustable with Monitoring Jacks
- Hardware
-
- Cabinet Material / Construction: Plywood
- Covering: Textured Black Vinyl
- Grill Cloth: Salt and Pepper
- Piping: Silver
- Speakers: Celestion V-Type
- Measurements
-
- Amp Width: 19.5" (49.53 cm)
- Amp Depth: 10.5" (26.67 cm)
- Amp Height: 18" (45.72 cm)
- Amp Weight: 42 lbs. (19.05 kg)
- Preamp Tube Positions & Functions
-
- V1: Common Input Gain Stage
- V2: Gain Channel
- V3: Reverb
- V4: Phase Inverter
- Amp Style: Combo
- Amp Type: Tube
- Number of Channels: 2
- Has Effects: Yes
- Effects Loop: Yes
- Amp Wattage: 20w
- Weight: More than 40 lbs.
- Speaker Size: 1 x 12"
