Vol. 25, No. 12
October 2024
Players, Gear & Sound — The Inside
The October 2024 Issue of The ToneQuest Report is here! This edition of The ToneQuest Report celebrates the artistry of tube amplifiers, spotlighting Chris Benson’s highly sought-after amps from Portland. Dweezil Zappa shares insights on carrying his father’s musical legacy and the impressive Monarch Reverb+ pedal. The issue also honors Celestion’s 100th anniversary, emphasizing the crucial role of speakers in shaping tone, with a review of the Celestion 100. Finally, the new Salsa Verde ATG 828 overdrive pedal is highlighted for its affordability and ability to capture classic ’80s sounds, making it a must-have for tone enthusiasts.
PLAYERS, GEAR & SOUND
The Inside
Chris Benson Amps
By Scott Ulrichs.
ZAPPA PLAYS BENSON
Dweezil Zappa
By Scott Ulrichs. ToneQuest sits down with Portland amp builder Chris Benson for a wide-ranging conversation covering the origins of the Monarch Reverb, the new Monarch Reverb+, cabinet design, transformers, and the philosophy behind one of the most sought-after boutique amp lines in the world — plus a bonus chat with Dweezil Zappa on his experience with the amp.
THE BENSON MONARCH REVERB+
Time And a Word
By Scott Ulrichs. The Benson Monarch Reverb+ earns high praise for its indescribably right core tone, ridiculously usable variable-wattage design, and meticulously hand-wired point-to-point chassis — a genuine standout among low-wattage reverb amps.
JOHN PAICE AND CELESTION SPEAKERS
Celebrating 100 Years 1924-2024
By Scott Ulrichs. ToneQuest sits down with Celestion's John Paice to explore the new Celestion 100 speaker — a reverent nod to the alnico speakers of the late 1950s — and the accompanying centenary book, A Century of Sound: The Story of Celestion.
CELESTION 100 IMPRESSIONS
A Nod To History
By Scott Ulrichs. The Celestion 100 is a hammered-gray, alnico 12-inch speaker that pays homage to the original G12 legacy with a moody, smoky, and congestion-free frequency response. ToneQuest puts it through its paces against the Fane A60, Mojotone BV30, and Weber Ceramic Blue Dogs to find out where it sits among Celestion's storied alnico lineup.
BOOK REVIEW: A CENTURY OF SOUND
The Story Of Celestion
By Scott Ulrichs. A Century Of Sound: The Story Of Celestion, managed by John Paice, is a handsome 226-page hardcover tracing the full history of the iconic British speaker maker. Richly illustrated and exceedingly well-written, it's essential reading for anyone chasing that classic British tone.
SALSA VERDE
ATG 828 Overdrive Analog Pedals
By Riverhorse. Jeff Bolin's ATG 828 Overdrive from Analog Pedals is a smooth, wide-ranging overdrive that so impressed Billy F Gibbons he bought four of them on the spot. TQR puts it through its paces and finds it highly recommended for players chasing organic sustain and expressive '80s tones.
When the music is your special friend, dance on fire as it intends
— Jim Morrison
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