GT1200H Review

New for 2004, the GT1200H features many unique technologies that make Crate solid-state amps the choice of players everywhere. It adds a little compression, low-end distortion and a great tactile feel to the preamp circuit.

Features:	8
Sound:	7.6
Reliability:	9.5
Impression:	8.1
Overall rating:	8.3
Users rating:	8.2
Comments:	13

overall: 9

Featured review by: unregistered, on december 28, 2004

Price paid: $ 249

Purchased from: American Musical Supply (americanmusical.com)

Features: The Crate GT1200H head is a solid state 120 watt amplifer with three channels and reverb. It has one input, one output, an insert jack and a CD input. Also, it comes with a three button footswitch. For the price, three channels was a deal, and the reverb was a nice touch. Since this was bought online, I didn't really know if it would suit my needs. It did. I play lots of rock and blues music, and this does it all very well. The clean channel is good, with three EQ selections and volume. I never need to do much modifying to the sound, most of the time the controls stay at 5, except the bass, which is lower. The rhythm channel is great (gain, low, mid, high, level), giving a dirty overdrive, suitible for Zep and AC/DC kind of music. The solo channel may lack a little bit in the features department, because it only has gain and shape.

However, the shape feature is very adaptive; turning the knob all the way to the right with gain anywhere from middle to full gives great nu metal sounds. Turning the shape to 3/4ths of the way to the right, with the gain at medium is great for Green Dayish distortion. This amp is powerful enough for my needs. I play drums in my band (yes, I own the amp), and my guitarist (who swears he will eventually buy a stack of his own) can play louder than I can. It works great for decent sized gigs (200 people or so, anyway) The spring reverb leaves a little to be desired, but it's all right in low amounts. Anyway, for the price, this amp delivers a lot. // 8

Sound: The sounds out of it are really great. I've used it with a Les Paul, Strat copies, a Jackson guitar, and my electric that I made myself. All of these sound great, though I've always perfered humbucker sounds to single coil. It isn't a noisy amp, really, unless you have a noisy guitar with too much gain on the solo channel. I'm playing the amp through a Behringer full stack (great cabinets, by the way), and it sounds superb. Even when it was just a half stack, it sounded great. the clean channel is still clean at high volumes, and sounds best with a compression pedal. The distortion is suitable for all but the highest amounts of distortion. // 8

Reliability & Durability: It has never failed me, ever. My guitarist goes without a backup. I've never dropped it, but it seems pretty durable. // 10

Impression: For rock, blues, punk, or anything of the sort, it works well. Heavier metal would probably ask for a little more distortion, and maybe a little tighter chunk, but it is still very close. I've been playing for 5 years now, and play for about 4 hours every day. If it were stolen, I'd have to wonder how they made off with it without my notice. I'd probably buy it again, or buy the higher wattage version, since we're getting bigger audiences now, and we don't rig it through the house. The 3 channels for the price is really great. Sure, I'd like the mode four, but I have a drumset to upgrade as well. I'd like a bigger footswitch for it, but that is really minor. It's a great amp. // 10

overall: 7.3

Reviewed by: OFFFEJ, on august 10, 2007

Price paid: $ 499

Purchased from: musicans friend

Features: This amp is versityle enough for every style of music I have been influenced to play, from Metallica to elvis to Brand New. It has three channels with three channels foot Switch and reverb. It also has an effects loop. The only feacture that could compliment this amp would be a master volume. That way when I wanted a higher volume I wouldn't have to change every channel to get it. The only feature that I don't use in context would be the rythme channel I use it as a mute channel. I rock this amp in my bedroom, at practice, and outside, with enough power for all to hear. // 8

Sound: I am using a Dean evo, Fender strat, pickups are good from single coiled to humbuckers. It suits my style of rocking well. With the reverb all the way up it is noisy in any enviroment. The sound ranges from metal to acoustic. The clean channel stays clean from the lowest volume to the highest one in any settings. The distortion is brutal enough for Metallica but not quite enough for disturbed. // 7

Reliability & Durability: Considering I have no backup and it has never given out on me yet I would depend on the amp in a gig. The only tip needed in maintaning this amp is not to leave it in a vehical parked in the sun for any substancial amount of time or the casing will crack around the screws. // 7

Impression: As I've mentioned this amp is a good match for Metallica, elvis, and Brand New. I have been playing for 2 1/2 years. If it were to be lost or stolen I would by a Marshall, because I feel they have a better sound. It is a good beginer half stack, but compared to others such as Marshall and Mesa-Boogie it falls a little short. // 7

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: leadg, on february 18, 2008

Purchased from: Music Emporium

Features: It doesn't matter what model really these sound good. You may have to do some tweaking to get what you want, but for solid state and for the price they sound good. In fact I know many musicians who could get any amp they want and would still probably buy Crate amps. Can't say they are the best because this is a review and everyones opinion is different. You could think it sucks, the next guy could say it's the best so I will never give a 10. // 7

Sound: Schecter Gryphon with Dimarzio tone zone pickups and PAF Joe. My style is alternative metal and metal. Yeah it has a lot of noise, but that's distortion for you. If you stand to close you get a lot of feedback so use a noisegate. Bluesy distortion (rhythm channel) not great, but don't play like that anyways. The solo channel is awesome. It uses the EQ from channel 2 and requires some tweaking though. The clean sounds good and the reverb works real well. I think it's spring reverb. The clean stays clean no matter what. // 8

Reliability & Durability: It is quite durable and dependable. I'd use it in a gig any day. I've never had any problems with it and no tubes (solid state) so easy maintenance. Easy maintenance, dependable, gig worthy, and I don't actually think it will break down so you decide. I take care of my equipment. If anything did blow on it I would think it would be the fuse or something easy to fix nothing big and for me it would probably be my fault. // 10

Impression: I play alternative and metal. it fits me pretty well don't know if it fits the style, but I suppose it does. I've been playing for about 5 years now, own 2 amps and 3 guitars, but all mostly cheap gear. it's simple and easy to figure out. If it was stolen I'd probably not buy it again because it's not everything that I've desired, I'd by something better. My favorite feature is the grit you get from the distortion. I bought this on a whim. I had no amp and was broke so I went cheap and got pretty lucky. // 8

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: metaldier, on september 17, 2007

Price paid: $ 531.24

Purchased from: Billy Hyde Music

Features: This is an amazingly versatile and reliable amp head. It features three channels, clean, rhythm and solo and also has an inbuilt spring reverb. Also on this is a CD input which has worked wonders whenever I want to jam to songs and compare tones. This amp came with a footswitch to select channels and/or reverb which I found was a great feature. // 9

Sound: I've used this with a Silvertone Sovereign (Duncan pickups), Les Paul with stock pickups and I'm currently using an ESP Eclipse (previously used ESP SV Standard) with EMG 85 and 60. The clean channel with the EMGs is a really great tone, with no buzz. I rarely use the rhythm channel as it's not the best distorted sound in my opinion. Although, The solo channel on the other hand is great for distortions. I can play anything from Metallica to Killswitch to Necrophagist and the tone is great, especially for the price paid. Great sound. My only complaint is on the solo and rhythm channels is the buzz you get when you don't play. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I have had no problems with this whatsoever in regards to reliability and durability, I find is a very very reliable amp head. I've had this thing thrown around from rooms to rooms and houses to houses. It's gone through cold weather, hot weather, damp weather, black outs, yet it doesn't seem to have a weak spot. // 10

Impression: My overall impression is that it's such a cheap head with an amazing sound to it. You can play anything from blues to death metal. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for their first head or a good sound from a not so expensive head. I love the solo channel, mostly because I play metal, and I find it just great to play at low and high volumes. I've been silly at times and turned it up to 10 with the amp in one room and myself in another, and it doesn't get muddy at all. What I don't like is the buzz you get from the gain. Although pretty much all amps do this, this one isn't so much a buzz that is wanted at all. // 8

overall: 6.3

Reviewed by: unregistered, on december 04, 2006

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: Before starting I'll say that I do not actually own the amp. It is my best friend's head which I've used for multiple shows when I couldn't use my own. I personally have a Randall RH200SC, beautiful amp by the way, but am writing a review based on my experience gigging and jamming with him. It is a 2006 amp that he bought new from guitar center. I play different types of metal, in terms of covers I go from Lamb Of God to In Flames to Wintersun. It really isn't versatile in terms of changing the sound much. It has 3 channels, which is good, but I only ended up using clean and putting a Boss Metal Zone distortion on it because I really do not like the distortion of the amp. The reverb on the amp is good, it is the only effect on it but I generally only use reverb when I play. This amp had enough power for when I used them, once at a venue in which the amps were mic'd and once when it was not in an outdoor show. However don't expect stadium coverage with this amp, the 120 watts of this amp really sounds more like 80. // 8

Sound: I used this amp with a Schecter Diamond Series guitar with stock pickups. The clean on this amp was fine for the small gigs I used it for, but I prefer tone with more warmth to it. My main problem with this amp is the distortion channels. The solo channel didn't even have enough gain for my taste, let alone rhythm. Also, the tone has an annoying buzzy sound no matter what you try to do to get rid of it, I tried turning the treble to zero, but it still stayed, I also tried the entire mid spectrum, and it didn't help, and the noise was too high to be a low problem. Basically the tone is really not too good for most kinds of metal. I could see it working for hard rock or classic rock, but not for what I play. // 3

Reliability & Durability: It seems like a pretty durable amp. It's solid state, so it's not as fragile as a tube, and doesn't require as much maintenance. Good starter head in terms of reliability. It's telling me to write "reliability & durability", I don't know why, but just ignore this statement. // 10

Impression: Really I don't approve of the amp. It isn't a bad amp for the price range, it's one of the cheapest on the market, but if you're really serious about your Live sound I wouldn't go with this. For the same price you could find a used Randall like I did, used Marshall Valvestate, Peaveys, B-52's, there are plenty of alternatives that I would probably point you to if you have a similar music taste as I do. // 4

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: BlkGuitarRedCar, on october 26, 2005

Purchased from: Musician's Friend

Features: This is a great sounding amp for the money. My band just recently started playing gigs and I needed a bigger amp to play shows with but being on a budget I couldn't afford any high end equipment. You can't beat $500 for a 4x12 halfstack. The head puts out 120w and is plenty loud. It's a 3 channel (solo, rythm, and clean). I have to say the amp distortions on this head really impressed me. It's really versital in different styles. I have used it from hardcore metal to punk rock to classic rock. The cab that came with it is just a standard Crate 4x12 cab but sounds really nice. I haven't tried but I have heard of people using bigger cabs and the head still pushing out plenty of power. The reverb is so so on this amp but I wasn't really looking for good effects anyways when I bought this, I just needed something that would crank out loud. // 9

Sound: I have used several guitars with this amp and they all sound great. I started with a Squier Bullet series (low of the lowest in Squier) Strat and it sounded decent. The I have used my '77 model Fender Strat and also a Les Paul and a couple of different Gibsons. They all sound wonderful on this amp. I have used this amp in small rooms, large rooms and even outdoors and the sound is always been good. The only thing is on some guitars the bass can be to much even with the lows turned down. You really only seem to notice this though in smaller rooms playing by yourself with out any other musicians. As far as effects go you have distortion and reverb and that's it. Not exactly the amp to go for if you like using several different effects. With me all I needed was distortion so it works fine by me. At times with the gain up you can get some feedback but I wouldn't say anymore than other amps with high gain. I don't care to much for the rhythm channel distortion but the solo channel to me sounds great. // 9

Reliability & Durability: To sum this up its just tough. Its been dropped banged scratched and everything else and still never misses a lick. The cabnet is also pretty tought to. I have never had a problem blowing fuses or anything with this amp. I don't own a backup amp so I have to really count on this one being reliable and it has never let me down. // 10

Impression: Overall I would say for the money you cant beat it. If your looking for something to play gigs with or just practice and your on a budget then go out and try one of these. $500 for a head and 4x12 cabnet is just awesome. Its very reliable and I have never had a problem with it. Doesn't measure up to a Marshall or other high end products but for someone on a budget it will be awesome. I have played all types of music on this amp. Metal, hard rock, punk, church music, praise and worship, even acoustic stuff with my Ibanez acoustic/electric. If your looking for a new amp defintly go out and at least give this one a shot. I wish it had just a few more controls besides shape and gain on the solo channel but other than that I would have to say this amp is defintly a keeper for me. // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: unregistered, on november 22, 2005

Price paid: $ 296.25

Purchased from: Mother

Features: Made in 2005, this amp surprised me on how well it sounds for the price and considering it's a solid state amp. It has 3 channels (awesome feature) with basic EQ controls/volume on each, stand alone reverb control, CD input (RCA connections), on/off switch that functions both in the "on" and "off" mode. 120W of Solid state power which is compairable to a 50W tube amp. No headphone jack or effects loop. I wouldn't use either of those, so I don't care. This amp is a great basic amp for the price, and holds it's own well in a band situation. // 8

Sound: Alright, I bought a new Ibanes RG321MHRB, and my Old Line 6 AX2 212 just wasn't cutting it anymore. Especialy since I was playing next to a Marshall JCM 2000. To be honest, I almost never pluged this amp in while at the music store, cause I was so turned off by another Solid State amp. I was goingto buy Ibanez's TB100H, but the cleantone sucked. And I figured it would be the same with this amp. But I was wrong, the clean tone sounds very good being what this amp is. I am surprised I found a solid state amp for this cheap that can keep up to a Marshall in a band situation, but this one does it. I play it through a Marshall 4x12 cab. Now granted, it doesn't sound as good as a tube amp would, but it does the job. The distortion is awesome on this thing. But only if you play Metal. If your in to Alternative, or jsut rock, this distortion would eb too "hair rocker" for you. Although you have good control over teh shape on the solo channel, and the 3 band EQ on the Rythm channel, you can't get a Nirvana/Chains/Pearl Jam sound out of it, It's more of a Pantera/Slipknot/Mudvayne kinda sound.If I had to name bands. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I dunno how reliable this amp is. It's my first Crate amp, but From what I have heard they are pretty tough. And Solid state amps can usualy take a beating. Would I buy a backup amp with this one? nope. But since I still have my old Line 6 I'll be bringing that along incase. // 10

Impression: I play alot of metal right now as I am ina metal cover band. This amp is perfect! I just let the Marshall take the lead on the clean parts (this amp provides a great backup in that department) and then we both kick in during the heavy parts. This distortion works very well with the stock Marshall Gain cranked. I have been playing for over 10 years, and I play that Ibanez through it and a Fender Jaguar (wich also sounds great through this amp, especialy on the clean tone). I love the price and the sound I can get out of it. I'd definately buy another one if I couldn't afford a Tube Amp. Solid state is better now then a few years back, but I have found that this amp has a way better clean tone than the others I have played, wich is what sold me on it. If your ona tight budget, give this amp a try. My music store let me test drive this amp for a weekend with the band, see if your's will too. It's the only way to buy an amp, cause they all sound different when you take them home. // 10

overall: 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on april 23, 2007

Price paid: $ 399

Purchased from: Portman's Music Superstore

Features: I bought the 2006 model. It has 3 channels, clean, rhythm and solo. The head came with a 3-way channel foot-Switch which saves lives! 120 watts, good for medium sized gigs and excellent for practice at home. Solid-state head with stereo auxilary inputs and an insert for special Crate external effect processors. // 7

Sound: Sounds good with both humbuckers and single-coils. Strat-styled guitars sound a lot better on this than on a lot of other amps. Jazz/Hollow-bodies sound excellent on the thing. Really brings out the bass in its tone. Clean stayes clean up to about 75% then starts to get a little fuzzy. Distortion is alright, but I wouldn't recommend this to a Metal guitarist. However, it's good for the one looking to get Jimi's distortion levels. // 8

Reliability & Durability: Built like a tank. Plain and simple. Always works. I never have to worry about it blowing up or freezing. Been dropped a couple of times and hasn't quit working once. Excellent construction. Only problem I've had is the plastic nut for the input jack cracked so I replaced it with a metal one. Other than that, it's perfect. // 9

Impression: I play mostly jazz/funk/rock fusion. Best head I've found that gets me the sounds I wanted. Been playing close to three years, totally self-taught. If I lost it, I'd buy another one, but maybe a diffferent year (I'd get the most recent release). Great step-up from my Frontman 15 watt amp. I do wish it had more power, but it is excellent for the price I paid. // 8

Comments

[orangeacid]

I'm looking to get one of these to be friends with my GT8 processor. Sounds good

[Nor'Easterbass]

i'm buying the full stack combo with the GT412 straight and slant cabs and these reviews just made me feel a whole lot better about spending $550. lol.

[funkymonkey1049]

I got this half stack a few months ago and it still has the out of the box feel. It has a CD input so u can jam with ur favorite band. Ive overpowered the speakers a little bit and they still havent blown. i wouldnt recomend doing that. if u must only play for a little while and dont push it past 8.

[orangeacid]

I bought my half-stack. The rhythm channel leaves a little to be desired but the solo channel is pretty good... however, I only use the clean channel cos I pump my effects unit through it. Its plenty loud and sounds great for the price. I'll post a review in a few months... I need to see how it holds together in a gig first.

[onid892]

I obtained this head unit a few months ago. I play a Schecter c-1 hellrasier through it and the unit handles everything it can throw at it. Instead of running it into the cabinet that's "recommended" for it I used the larger 320 Watt RMS GT412ST with the Celestion Seventy 80's....they sound really good and the head unit puts out more then enough to really get those 12's crankin.

[E V H 5150]

I was originally thinking about getting a Peavey ValveKing halfstack. But now I don't know...tubes or not, it doesn't seem to matter really, when I know I'll also be getting an ME-50, and playing the guitar straight through it. I'm really thinking about buying the fullstack. But first, I must find a job...

[6DgOfInTb]

the amp is okay. Its my first halfstack. I cant be bothered to make a full review on this at the moment.
The distortion is decent, but i run a boss GE-7 equilizer through the effects loop, and it makes a world of difference. The clean channel sounds pretty good, until you compare it to something with better speakers..lol
It doesnt seem to be bassey enough on the clean channel to get that good blues sound, but other clean stuff does pretty well. My friend brought over his Kustom (dont remember the model), its 2x12 Celstion seventy 80 speakers, and on the volume set to 1, it crushed my clean sound. But its good for a starter halfstack, with the price.

[chris123877]

I have been considering a half stack for awhile now, but due to the fact that i just bought a hellraiser fr im going to have to wait (sweet guitar by the way). i got to play this one at guitar center and it sounded pretty sweet;however, i only played it on low volume (im not one of those *******s who has to play all of his best riffs at full blast for everyone to hear). anyways i was wondering if anyone that has or plays this amp could post on how it does at higher volume or if they could recommend another affordable nice half stack.

[nksoloman5000]

i really like this amp but whenever i turn it up as loud as it goes it screams

[Rampy]

wow great amp..i've played it alot seeing as how your my best friend and everything the way it sounds all has to do with the guitar for the most part though....

[metaldier]

I've had this amp in my room and walked out and shut the door with the lead going underneath.. turn it up on MAX volume and it sounds so hot.. Not a very desirable sound for a band or whatever, but when you have no neighbours and want to do some serious cranking, it sounds so nice

[nimbus_haylo]

I played this amp at Guitar Center with the recommended cab and it was purty good, it sounded tube-like, and it had great tone & features for $299 (for the head). I didn't crank it, but if i were to buy it, I'd probably opt for a better cab, like the Crate cab loded with Celeston seventy-80's. i wonder how good this would sound through Vintage 30's?

--Steve B.

[midtermcal]

a still use this amp and am in a touring pop punk band and a love it ! it suits the band mint am gonna get the flexwave gt120 tho next.