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What is the Spider Valve series of amplifiers all about?
Spider Valve amplifiers are the result of our collaboration with the renowned tube amp designer Reinhold Bogner. These amplifiers combine the flexibility of world-class amp modeling technology with all of the warmth, punch and feel of a tube amplifier.
Where can I learn more about Reinhold Bogner?
For starters, check out Reinhold's exclusive Line 6 interview located here. You can also learn more about the amp builder trusted by Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen and others at http://www.bogneramplification.com.
What configurations of Spider Valve combo amplifiers will be available?
The Spider Valve 112 is a 40-watt 1x12 combo. The Spider Valve 212 is a 40-watt 2x12 combo. Both amplifiers feature Celestion® Vintage 30 speakers and several other audiophile components typically found in boutique-style guitar amp designs.
Are Spider Valve amps "true" tube amplifiers?
Absolutely! The Spider Valve combo amps use two 12AX7 tubes in the preamp section and two matched 5881WXT (6L6) tubes in the Bogner-designed valve power amp section. These amps are not "hybrid" amplifiers that use solid-state circuitry to amplify the tones produced by tubes in their preamp sections. It goes without saying that Reinhold Bogner would not put his name on a product he was not extremely happy about. (We're excited too!)
Is there a Spider Valve head too?
Glad you asked. The Spider Valve HD100 is a 100-watt head that boasts two 12AX7s in its preamp section and four matched 5881WXT (6L6) tubes in its power section.
How much do the Spider Valve amplifiers and head cost?
MSRPs for the Spider Valve 112, Spider Valve 212 and Spider Valve HD100 will be $969.99, $1159.99, and $1099.99, respectively.
What are "matched" power tubes?
Matched power tubes - the type used in Spider Valve - refers to tubes that all draw an equal amount of power during operation. Unmatched tubes can cause an uneven drain on the amplifier and can result in poor performance, poor audio quality, and possibly even damage to the unit.
I heard that you must connect tube guitar heads to a speaker cabinet when operating or you can cause some serious damage. Is there any type of protective circuitry built into the Spider Valve HD100 head?
While many solid-state amplifiers can operate without being attached to a speaker cabinet, this is not the case with most tube guitar heads. Failing to connect a speaker cabinet before the head is turned on can result in power amp transformer failure (i.e. you just blew up your amp, buddy). That being said, Bogner and his new friends at Line 6 did build in a certain amount of protective circuitry that makes it a little more difficult to blow up your new Spider Valve HD100. Regardless, you really should make sure that your head is attached to a speaker cabinet before powering up.
Which foot controllers are compatible with the Spider Valve™ amplifiers?
Spider Valve will work with FBV2, FBV Express, and FBV Shortboard. You can learn more about these foot controllers here.
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