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Quick Hit: Zeppelin Design Labs Percolator Review

Quick Hit: Zeppelin Design Labs Percolator Review

A 2-watt head that conjures a variety of rootsy tones via an unusual NOS tube

The 2-watt Percolator is available as a $259 DIY kit or a pre-assembled head (tested here) that looks like a cross between a Heathkit project and an assignment for woodshop. The sturdy, solid poplar cabinet houses a 20-gauge, laser-cut steel chassis containing an all-tube circuit that runs off a single new-old-stock Compactron 6AF11 tube driving an 8 ohm output. Developed by GE in 1960 as transistors were encroaching on tube dominance, Compactrons aimed to modernize valve technology by combining the functionality of multiple tubes in one. The 6AF11, for example, contains two triodes and one pentode.

The Percolator offers a variety of dynamic, tactile tones via its single volume control. Up to its midpoint, the knob serves up burnished clean sounds at conversation volume. Past there, you get a little more volume but mostly more dirt. At two-thirds, you get a gritty, Fender-like overdrive with adequate definition for rootsy rock—though even a Tele’s bridge pickup struggled a bit to find its characteristic snap and twang. Cranked, the head gets gristly and less distinct in a way that psych-rockers would love.

Test Gear: Goodsell 1x12 w/Jensen Jet Falcon speaker, Squier Classic Vibe 1950s Telecaster w/Nordstrand NVT A3 pickups, Eastwood Sidejack Baritone DLX w/Manlius Goatmaster pickups, Pigtronix Fat Drive, Catalinbread Topanga, Ibanez ES-2 Echo Shifter

Ratings

Pros:
Variety of dynamically responsive, mid- and low-mid-heavy tones at bedroom volumes.

Cons:
May be difficult to conjure bright, sharply defined tones with certain speakers.

Street:
$349

Company
zeppelindesignlabs.com

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