PRS Guitars HX Amplifiers: With an “Authentic Hendrix” Woodstock-tone
Hendrix tone?
These new PRS HX Amplifiers feature a refined control layout and a newly-documented Hendrix Touring Circuit. The amp circuit is heavily inspired by one of Hendrix’s personal amps, purportedly used at the legendary Woodstock Festival.
PRS Guitars HX Amplifiers
Apparently, back in 2018, Paul Reed Smith and PRS Amp Designer Doug Sewell were allowed to study the Jimi Hendrix owned amp, with permission from Paul Allen and The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, Washington. If you’re chasing that Hendrix tone in 2021, then these new amps could be worth checking out.
“When the HXDA first came out, we were able to look at one of the amps used by the Allman Brothers for Live at the Fillmore. Now, we’ve had the opportunity to examine one of Hendrix’s touring amps and understand not just the circuit but the modifications and the parts choices that were made as Hendrix continued to use the amp, These HX amps are intended to sound exactly the same as Hendrix’s touring rig, not look exactly the same. But we know this is hallowed ground. We feel privileged to reach back into history and bring something special into the current music landscape.” – Paul Reed Smith
PRS HX100 Head · Source: PRS
Modded Marshalls?
Of course, the original amps were significantly modified by “Amp Doctor” Dave Weyer of West Coast Organ and Amp company. This has all been documented and PRS has tried to capture all the nuances of the originals. This means that you can now purchase these 100-Watt and 50-Watt format, modern-day recreations and not have to get an original modded yourself. Which will be a lot cheaper and a hell of a lot easier to do!
PRS Guitars HX Amplifiers · Source: PRS
Specifications
The HX 100 is driven by four New Sensor EL34EH power amp valves and three JJ ECC803S preamp valves. The amp features two channels. Channel 1 consist of Bass Volume with common Presence, Bass, Middle, Mid Gain (on/off), Treble, Lead Volume, and a 3-Way Bright Switch (Off, Bright 1, Bright 2).
Channel 2 has a Lead Volume with common Presence, Bass, Middle, Mid Gain (on/off), Treble, Bright (Off, Bright 1, Bright 2) and Bass Volume. Then the HX 50 is essentially, exactly the same as the HX 100, just with half the power amp valves, and half the output power.
“This is not a painstakingly historical re-creation of the amplifier Hendrix used, but a snapshot in the development of a series of modified amps he came to use on tour and in the studio. Consideration was given to reliability, compatibility with his effects and guitars, the tones he achieved, and the feel and response of the amp,” – PRS Amp Designer Doug Sewell
You can also buy a matching HX 2×12 or HX 4×12 cabinet. These are loaded with 16 Ohm Celestion G12H-75 Creamback speakers.
But do they sound like Hendrix’s amp? Well, you can check them out in the official PRS demo videos below and see what you think.
RRP – PRS HX50 USD 2900, HX100 USD 3150, HX 2×12 USD 899, and HX 4×12 USD 1199
More Information on the PRS HX Amp
PRS HX Demo Videos
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One response to “PRS Guitars HX Amplifiers: With an “Authentic Hendrix” Woodstock-tone”
Nice content. Crisp graphics…