The Barber Echelon

The Best of Both Worlds. How many times have you wished a particular amp's clean sound could be linked to another's overdrive - and housed in a single unit?

For years, we guitarists have sought (and been promised) amplifiers that possess A to Z tonal qualities - clean tones that are full and both warm and sparkling with an overdrive that sings richly with harmonics and sustain. Time and again, and forever hopeful that the impossible has been achieved, we flock to the new "sound savior," only to find ourselves hyper-tweaking overly-complicated amp controls and swapping out pickups, pedals, speakers and so forth. In the end, there is no end; the savior was a well-hyped mirage and the quest continues.

Old and New, Tried and True: Introducing the Barber Echelon. By employing matched and optimized circuit and component values with input response switching and EQ gain structuring, the 50 watt all-tube-powered Barber Echelon guitar amplifier delivers not only a trademark voice of it's own, but the best clean and overdriven classic and modern British and American amp tones.

The Echelon's Multiple Architecture Preamp (MAP) configures and delivers this array via three switches on the amp's front control panel. With the flip of the first MAP configuration switch, the Echelon delivers the option of Sweet or Punchy amp tones. Flip the second switch, and the Echelon configures a Classic/Vintage amp gain range, or a Contemporary/Modified gain range that pushes sustain and harmonic content to HOT. In addition, a push/pull function on the Volume knob configures the response of the first preamp tube to classic British or even fatter American tones. A pentode/triode switch tailors the output and response of the tubes to 50 or 25 watts - your choice. And, the tone controls are passive and independent, presenting a range that is wide but useful - even at extremes. Most octal power tubes may be used in the Echelon, and they can be easily biased with the external test points and adjustment potentiometer on the back of the amplifier. Also at the rear of the amp, speaker outputs for 4, 8 and 16 ohms await sonic deployment. Again, your choice.

The Essence. It all adds up: The choices, the simplicity, the ease of use, the versatility, the tonal control - is essence revealed, and essence at work. The Barber Echelon - a means to an end, and a very happy one at that.

Echelon Specifications

Controls: Volume, Sweet/Punchy EQ switch, Vintage/Modified switch, Treble, Midrange, Bass and Presence.

Rear Panel controls: Pentode/Triode switch, External bias test point and bias control (locking!), Speaker outs for 4,8 and 16.

Power Output: 11-50 Watts, user definable through tube choice and Pentode/Triode setting.

Octal socket output Tubes: 6L6, EL34, 6CA7, 5881, 6V6 (with special rectifier),KT66, 6550...

Preamp Tubes: 3X 12AX7

Rectifier: GZ34

The Barber Echelon is priced at only $2299.95. Please call (413) 283-5592 Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. or email Sales@TPNgear.com for more details.