Next, I
plugged the Guild Bluesbird into the slightly
misleadingly named “bright” channel. Unlike
the “normal” channel, the “bright” input
bypasses the single tone knob. Not to say
this option doesn’t have its uses, but it has a
decidedly darker voicing than the “normal”
channel. Perhaps the best way to describe
the difference is to consider the “bright”
channel a smokier, more vintage vibe—and
perhaps it kicks out the jams just a bit more
than the “normal” option. If you’re scratching
your head at the Danelectro and ES-125
selections, I maintain that both Marshalls and
Marshall-inspired amps’ clean tones have
been criminally overlooked. Also, if an amp
is well built, it won’t hum or buzz excessively
when you play unpotted single coils
through it.
While the Ugly 18 may not even
be on the radar as far as jazz heads are concerned,
it won’t lead you astray either. Both
the Daneletro and the ES-125 displayed a
remarkable amount of woody overtones and
acoustic timber to their sound. Historically,
I’ve had noise and feedback problems with
both of these guitars, especially the ES-125;
I’m happy to say that even with the volume
dimed, any amp noise was kept to a minimum.
O’Boyle put it best, saying, “I hate to
admit the the PCB amps, if well designed,
are quiet because you don’t have to run
ground wires or make a grounding scheme
happen; it’s baked into the bread.”
Playing
my MIJ, Bill Lawrence-equipped Strat, I was
struck by how the bottom remained tight and
punchy, remarkable for a low watt-amp with
limited EQ options. Kicking things up a notch
with an Xotic AC Boost, the Strat sounded
phenomenal. Because the Ugly 18 lacks a
reverb unit, I doubt it’s going to be anyone’s
“go to” amp for Dick Dale-inspired mayhem,
or Buck Owens-like twang, but don’t rule this
one out as a western swing partner. Last but
not least, I just had to crank up the Ugly 18
and plug in a BC Rich Gunslinger Retro with
a single Dimarzio Super Distortion. Dime the
volume knob, stomp on a Boss DD-6 Digital
Delay—you’re in hair metal heaven.
The Final Mojo
The Ugly 18 Head is a very cool package.
Even with medium-output humbuckers, the
Ugly 18 will break up at a reasonable volume
level. If you want a little more crunch, the
Ugly 18 responds well to OD pedals. The real
surprise, however, was with both the Strat
and hollowbodied single-coil guitars. I think
in order to get the most out of the amp, you
should consider an A/B/Y box, and loop junkies
might consider an Xotic X-Blender or similar
device. An external reverb or delay may
also help round things out a bit, too. Some
may be put off by the somewhat limited
EQ options, but the Ugly 18 never sounded
murky, ill-defined, shrill or unpleasant. I don’t
hesitate to recommend the Ugly 18 for anyone
looking for a low-watt, British-voiced
amp; it should work well for recording, practice,
or small club gigs.
Buy if...
You’re looking for a better-than-average,
low-watt, Brit-voiced amp.
Skip if...
You absolutely, positively can’t live
without reverb and an effects loop.
Rating...
