For guitar players who care about their tone, finding the right amp is often just as important as choosing the right guitar. The Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84 Guitar Combo Amplifier might be exactly what you’re looking for if you want classic tube tones wrapped in premium build quality. This amp is handwired, features a powerfully dynamic Class A design, and comes with an iconic 1×12″ Celestion speaker. With 15 watts of power, this combo amp is capable of delivering everything from sparkling cleans to harmonically rich overdriven sounds. Let’s find out why this amp is creating so much buzz among guitar enthusiasts of all levels.

The Story Behind Bad Cat Amps

Bad Cat Amplifiers was founded in 2000 with the goal of making some of the best tube amplifiers available on the market. Known for their boutique craftsmanship and attention to detail, Bad Cat has built a reputation for producing amplifiers that offer exceptional tone quality and versatility. Their philosophy centers on producing amps that bridge vintage tonal qualities with modern reliability, and the Cub V is no exception.

The Bad Cat Cub V has its roots in classic British amps but brings its own character to the mix. Its point-to-point handwired design provides the organic warmth and dynamics that guitarists crave, allowing every nuance of your playing to come through, whether you’re practicing at home or playing on stage.

Key Features of the Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84

1. Handwired Excellence

The Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84 is a fully handwired amp, a feature cherished by tone purists. The handwired circuit gives the amp a lively, organic tone that responds beautifully to your touch. Each component is meticulously soldered, which ensures not only great sound but also long-term reliability. Handwired amps are often associated with a more responsive feel, as they have fewer signal path interruptions, allowing for a purer sound.

2. 15-Watt Class A Power with EL84 Tubes

At the heart of the Cub V are EL84 tubes delivering 15 watts of Class A power. The EL84s are known for their chimey, bright tones with a rich harmonic complexity. This amp’s Class A circuitry means it runs “hot,” allowing the player to experience a quicker response and more harmonically saturated tones. This power level is perfect for small to medium venues, and it provides enough headroom to handle pedals well, while still being capable of natural tube overdrive at reasonable volume levels.

3. Celestion Speaker for Classic Tone

The Cub V features a 1×12″ Celestion Creamback speaker, known for its warm low end and detailed high frequencies. The speaker choice is vital in shaping an amp’s overall tone, and the Creamback does not disappoint. It complements the amp’s rich tube tone, providing an articulate response that is perfect for blues, rock, and even jazz.

4. Two Switchable Channels

The Bad Cat Cub V offers two channels that can be easily switched to cater to different playing styles—from glassy cleans to gritty overdrive. The foot-switchable channels are particularly useful for gigging musicians who need flexibility while playing live, providing access to clean and dirty tones at the stomp of a button.

5. Tone Stack and Dynamic EQ

The amp includes a powerful three-band EQ along with a unique Tone Stack Bypass feature. The tone stack allows players to adjust Bass, Middle, and Treble frequencies to their liking. The Tone Stack Bypass essentially removes the EQ from the signal chain, delivering an unfiltered tone that’s pure and powerful. This feature is great for players who want a raw and direct sound, making solos stand out in a mix.

Video Review of the Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84

For a hands-on demonstration of what makes the Bad Cat Cub V so special, check out the comprehensive video review below. This video offers an in-depth look at the amp’s features, tone, and versatility, helping you understand why this handwired combo amp is worth every penny. You’ll also get a chance to hear different tonal settings in action, from crystal-clear cleans to roaring overdriven tones, providing a real-world sense of what this amp can do in various musical contexts.

Who Is This Amp For?

The Bad Cat Cub V is for any guitarist who values quality tone. The versatility of this amp makes it suitable for a range of players, from bedroom enthusiasts to gigging musicians and studio artists. The Cub V is capable of delivering tones ranging from clean and glassy to crunchy and overdriven, making it ideal for genres like blues, rock, indie, and even classic rock.

With 15 watts of power, it’s perfect for home use, studio recording, and small to medium-sized venues. For larger gigs, the amp can be mic’d to take advantage of its dynamic tone on a bigger stage. The ability to switch between clean and overdrive channels also means that this amp is adaptable for different situations, whether you need crystal-clear chords or growling leads.

EL84 Tubes: What Do They Bring to the Tone?

The EL84 tubes used in the Cub V are a key component in defining its sound. EL84s are known for their bright, chime-like tones and their ability to break up smoothly when pushed. They tend to have a more midrange-focused sound compared to other power tubes like the 6L6 or EL34, which makes them great for adding character and color to your playing.

• Bright and Articulate: EL84s bring out the brightness in your guitar, offering a clean but lively tone that can easily transition to a harmonically rich overdrive.
• Great Touch Sensitivity: These tubes are highly responsive to your picking dynamics, meaning you can control the amp’s breakup just with your playing.
• Comparison to Other Tubes: Compared to 6L6 tubes, EL84s have less headroom and more natural compression. This makes the Cub V an excellent choice for players who prefer early breakup and a dynamic, touch-sensitive response.

Handwired vs. PCB: The Real Difference

One of the key selling points of the Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84 is its handwired construction. But what exactly makes a handwired amp better than a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) amp?

• Tone Quality: Handwired amps typically provide a more direct signal path, resulting in better tone quality. The fewer components an electrical signal has to go through, the less it gets altered.
• Maintenance and Durability: Handwired amps are easier to repair. If a component fails, it’s often simpler to replace, and the amp is built to withstand years of use.
• Feel and Response: Many players report that handwired amps feel more “alive” and responsive compared to their PCB counterparts. The lack of mechanical barriers in the signal path allows for a more natural, uncompressed sound.

While PCB amps have their advantages, such as lower production costs and consistency, handwired models like the Cub V are favored by musicians who are serious about their tone.

Real-World Usage: Player Feedback and Reviews

The response to the Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84 from guitarists has been overwhelmingly positive. Many players praise the amp’s versatility, noting that it can easily handle different styles of music while maintaining a clear, rich tone. One reviewer mentioned, “This amp is a tone machine! From sparkling cleans to thick overdrive, the Cub V has it all.”

Another guitarist pointed out that the 15 watts of Class A power is surprisingly loud and has no trouble keeping up with a band in a small venue setting. The Tone Stack Bypass feature is also a highlight, with many users loving the raw, unfiltered sound that it offers.

Some players have noted that while the price is on the higher side, it’s well worth it for the build quality, sound, and flexibility that the amp provides. The consensus is clear: if you’re serious about tone, the Bad Cat Cub V should be on your radar.

Practical Applications: Live, Studio, and Home Use

The Bad Cat Cub V excels in multiple environments:

• Live Use: Its 15-watt output makes it perfect for smaller gigs, and the amp’s ability to cut through a mix means it can hold its own on stage.
• Studio: The rich harmonic content and touch sensitivity of the Cub V make it ideal for studio work. Whether you’re recording clean passages or cranking up the gain, this amp’s character will shine through on recordings.
• Home Practice: With the volume control dialed back, the Cub V can deliver high-quality tones at lower volumes, making it suitable for home practice as well.

Comparison with Similar Amps

Compared to other amps like the Vox AC15 and the Fender Blues Junior, the Bad Cat Cub V offers more tonal flexibility, thanks to its switchable channels and tone stack options. While it is on the pricier side, the handwired construction and premium components make it a top-tier choice for players who demand the best.

Pros and Cons of the Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84

Pros

• Handwired Circuitry for superior tone and easy maintenance
• EL84 Tubes provide a bright, articulate sound with great breakup
• Celestion Creamback Speaker for classic British-inspired tone
• Tone Stack Bypass allows for unfiltered, pure tube sound

Cons

• Pricey compared to other 15-watt amps
• 15 Watts may not be sufficient for larger gigs without mic’ing

FAQs About the Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84

1. Is 15 watts loud enough for gigs?

Yes, 15 watts of Class A power is loud enough for small to medium gigs, especially if you mic the amp. It provides enough stage volume while retaining the full dynamic range of your guitar.

2. Does the Cub V work well with pedals?

Absolutely! The Cub V takes pedals very well, especially overdrives, delays, and modulation effects. Its clean channel is an excellent platform for building a pedalboard setup.

3. How does the Tone Stack Bypass work?

The Tone Stack Bypass removes the EQ controls from the signal path, giving you a direct, unaltered tube tone that’s powerful and raw. It’s ideal for solos or when you need to cut through a mix.

4. What makes the Celestion Creamback special?

The Creamback speaker provides a warm low end, balanced mids, and clear highs, which perfectly complement the tonal characteristics of the EL84 tubes.

5. How does the Cub V compare to the Vox AC15?

While both amps have similar power ratings and use EL84 tubes, the Cub V offers more versatility with its two switchable channels and Tone Stack Bypass. It also has a handwired build, which many players prefer for its tonal purity.

Final Thoughts: A Tone Lover’s Dream Amp

The Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84 Guitar Combo Amplifier is a remarkable amp that offers the kind of rich, dynamic tone that guitarists dream about. Its combination of handwired circuitry, EL84-driven Class A power, and Celestion Creamback speaker results in a sound that’s both vintage-inspired and modern in its versatility. Whether you’re playing gigs, recording, or practicing at home, the Cub V delivers exceptional tone and response.

While it may be on the pricier side compared to other 15-watt amps, the Cub V’s quality and tone are well worth the investment for those who value top-tier gear. If you’re serious about your guitar sound and want an amp that will inspire you every time you plug in, the Bad Cat Cub V Handwired EL84 deserves your attention.