November 23, 2006
Traynor YCS100 Custom Special 100 Head
This is a cool head by Canadian amp manufacturer Traynor. The head is a muscular 100 watt head and it is very flexible.
The YCS100 head has a true three-channel all-tube architecture with a complete control of each channel. Not only are there invidual gain and volume controls on each of the YCS100's channels - the same goes for a three-band eq, tone shaping, boost level, effects and reverb settings.
Four EL34's power the YCS100, and there are two user switchable power levels, a 100 watt class AB mode, and a class A configuration at 30 watts - perfect for recording or smaller gigs and for practice.
There is also a "preamp send/power amp return" for line-in effects, plus a side chain effects send with individual effects return level controls for each channel.
The YCS100 has a Master volume, Presence and Resonance control and these work globally for all channels. The resonance control makes it easier to dial in and customize the bass response from the amp.
An XLR direct output with speaker simulation is a cool feature which is handy for feeding into a PA for live gigs or for recording direct.
Another great feature is a headphone out with speaker simulation, and it also has it's own volume level control which is not dependent on the amp's master volume.
It comes with a foot switch with a fourth button, one that controls the overall master lead boost - perfect for getting that extra volume for leads.
Features
- Selectable 100-watt / 30-watt all tube output
- Powered by four EL34EH's and four 12AX7A's
- Auto-matching tube circuit maintains bias balance as tubes age ensuring hum free performance throughout tube life.
- 3 completely independant footswitchable channels
- Master Volume, Presence and Resonance controls
- Long Accutronics Spring Reverb with seperate level controls on all 3 channels
- 9 different voicing switches including Scoop, Modern, Bright and Boost
- DynaSound speaker compensated headphone and DI outputs for silent recording and practicing
- Black Nubtex covering, all plywood cabinet construction
- All metal grille, bar handles and corners
- Custom 4 button footswitch for channel and Solo Boost functions included
- Classic Traynor logo and Vintage styling "chicken beak" knobs
I haven't played this amp yet myself, but I hope to get the chance soon. Traynor make solid guitar and bass equipment, and their pricing is usually very competitive. Long & McQuade stock their stores with Traynors, so I should run into one these babies soon and take it for a test drive.
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Comments on this blog entry
I just spent 30 minutes trying it out and its 3 channels put out impressive range of sounds, from Hendrix tone to metal capability. will spend more time evaluating....
Comment added on April 23, 2008Hi Robert.
It looks like this 100w monster is getting a little brother. Traynor just released a 50w 1x12 Combo, the YCS50.
'The Traynor YCS50’s selectable output stage is switchable between 50-watt Class-AB mode for stage and a 15-watt Class-A mode that’s ideal for the studio. A footswitchable boost with independent level control ensuring exactly the right amount of lead boost is always at hand.'
I like the idea of being able to switch down to 15w for home use.
It looks interesting.
Algonquin
Update - I tried this amp at Long & McQuade recently, and it was quite impressive. Powerful sound, great for a rock guitar player.
Comment added on July 16, 2007