TEST: Koch Amps Little Gristle

The paths to successful brand placement always seem inscrutable. There are companies that have been shining with outstanding products for decades and still have the touch of an "insider tip" attached to them. The company Koch Amps from the Netherlands must undoubtedly be counted in this category. On the market for almost 34 years and blessed with numerous high-end amplifiers in the areas of blues, rock and hard_n_heavy in the portfolio, the Dutchmen convince almost every guitarist who has ever connected his instrument to the products Twintone, Powertone, Classictone or Studiotone. With the signature amp "The Greg" for exceptional guitarist Greg Koch (not related by marriage or related to company founder Dolf Koch), the company gained a greater reach among musicians, but still comparatively few guitarists know that, for example, the Powertone Head can compete with the best hard'n'heavy heads in terms of sound. The fact that the Koch company has always had a strong connection to puristic all-tube amps can be seen not least in the company's latest offshoot, the Koch Amps Little Gristle, which draws attention to itself in several respects.

The construction of the Koch Amps Little Gristle

Anyone who takes a quick look at the "little cartilage" is undoubtedly reminded of the big American "F", which is the only company in the world to have achieved world fame in both instrument and amplifier construction. It's really hard to launch a tweed covered cabinet and not let the Bassman, Twin, Deluxe, Champ or other products roll by in your mind's eye. In contrast to the Fender protagonists, the cover fabric of the Koch Amp Little Gristle looks a bit shinier, as if it were covered with a subtle protective layer. This fabric is probably a little easier to clean than the Fender fabric, which absorbs any form of dirt.

A look at the control panel, which was installed in the "more comfortable" front view, clearly shows which customer group the Koch Amps Little Gristle was designed for. Just 4 controllers control the all-tube combo, which comes up with only one 12AX7 preamp tube and a single-ended EL34 as a power tube, with one controller already controlling the internally installed reverb spiral. You can hardly design an amp more puristically, Gristle (preamplifier), Tone (tone control), More (power amplifier), done. The preamp can be boosted a little via a mini switch, but that's it with the control options. A triode / pentode circuit can be used to tickle 12 or 4 watts out of the amp, which, however, generates significantly more noise than the numbers suggest. Don't forget, a 12 watt amp is only half as loud as a 120 watt amp! Especially in 12 watt operation, the maximum volume is easily sufficient to fill a typical club stage with sound and to keep up with a moderately playing drummer in terms of dynamics.


If you want to operate the amp without speakers, you also have the option of deactivating the internally built-in 8 ohm / 12 inch speaker from our own production when the speaker cable is pulled, protecting the amp from underload via an internal power soak and using a speaker simulation. In terms of weight, the combo is comparatively light for an all-tube amp. With dimensions of 54 cm x 27.5 cm x 46 cm (W x D x H) and a weight of 16.25 kg, the combo is comparatively easy to transport. The massive carrying handle does its part to enable the combo to be lifted without major problems. Time will tell to what extent the tweed fabric can withstand normal everyday transport, but I can only recommend getting at least a padded cover for the combo. The ambitious musician will anyway buy a hood case for the amp, in which a tube amp is still best to transport.

In terms of workmanship, the Koch Amps Little Gristle is at the highest level. Nothing that was done half-heartedly in any way, or eliminated for cost reasons, even though it was needed for optimal performance. The entire concept is coherent and picks up the intended target group where it would like to be picked up. But how exactly does the amp do that?

The Chef Amps Little Gristle in action

As I said, anyone who offers a user interface like that of the Koch Amps Little Gristle assumes that the artist knows what to expect. So if you wanted to squeeze the area of application of the Koch Amps Little Gristle into one style, the bottom line would be the word "Blues". Why is this the case, or what makes a good blues amp?

Well, several components are responsible for a good blues tone, apart from the musician's technical skills. On the one hand, there is no need for a high gain structure, which is why the Koch Amps Little Gristle only comes with a single preamp tube. Gain reserves that are too high compress the sound too much and, with a single-channel device, result in a sound that is too one-dimensional, which cannot necessarily be controlled with the volume control on the guitar. Here it is better to use your favorite overdrive pedal, which will very likely harmonize very well with the Koch Amps Little Gristle. The spartan design and the all-tube construction offer a very good basis for booster and overdrive pedals of all kinds.

Second, a good blues amp requires the highest possible dynamics in the amp, preferably paired with a slight crunch in the peak area, which can then be adjusted down to clean with the volume control on the guitar. This is where the Koch Amps Little Gristle scores particularly well, especially when you have found your personal optimum match between the preamp and power amp. It's really amazing what you can do with just these two controls and how much this tuning affects the sound. If you set this amp according to the motto preamp > find gain factor > power amp > find final volume, as is often the case with high gain amps, you lose a lot of the sound quality that the amp offers.

My personal approach was actually the opposite of the global approach, i.e. I had my maximum sonic yield by turning the power amp to full stop, choosing a middle position with the tone control and choosing the final volume with the Gristle control. It's really incredible how dynamically the Class A works in this setting, especially if you choose a dynamic playing style and know how to use the guitar's volume control. The result was an almost soft saturation with a greatly increased sustain, which even moved the neck pickup of a Strat to a greatly extended clean tone without losing dynamics.

The third characteristic of a good blues tone is the direct and unembellished interaction with the guitar and its characteristics. Of course, different instruments also sound different when connected to the amplifier in terms of overall sound, but if you have the opportunity to test an amp like the Koch Amps Little Gristle in a direct A/B comparison with the clean channel of a multi-channel all-tube combo, you should definitely do so do once. Rarely is it possible to perceive the diametrically opposed tonal alignment of woods, scales and hardware, for example between a Strat and a Paula, as intensely as with this amp perceive on the Koch Amps Little Gristle.

If one can perceive a disadvantage of this direct and unadulterated sound at all, then it is the also unembellished reproduction of all playing errors and imperfections of the artist, which are otherwise often hidden in the preamp gain. If the sound drowns you here, no more stacking will help you bring the selected note home with hanging and choking. But woe betide you hit the tone with full power, then the amp develops a penetrating power like a steam hammer.

Conclusion

With the Koch Amps Little Gristle, the Dutch company has a very high-quality single-channel amplifier in its range, which convinces in many respects. The puristic all-tube amp has all the attributes you could wish for from a real blues amp and pushes them to the limit. High dynamics and a very large interaction between instrument and amplifier characterize the sound culture of the combo and thus enable a very direct playing feeling for the musician.

If you are looking for a high-quality single-channel combo, you should definitely try the Koch Amps Little Gristle.

 

Additional informations:

Koch Amps is a revered name in the world of guitar amplification, known for their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and delivering exceptional tone. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the history, philosophy, notable product offerings, and the impact of Koch Amps on the music industry, showcasing their contributions to the art of guitar amplification.
History and Legacy: Koch Amps was founded in the Netherlands in 1988 by Dolf Koch, a passionate guitarist and engineer. The company began as a small operation driven by a desire to create amplifiers that captured the essence of vintage tube tones while incorporating modern features. Since its inception, Koch Amps has grown to become a respected and sought-after brand among guitarists worldwide.

Craftsmanship and Quality: At the core of Koch Amps' philosophy is an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Each amplifier is meticulously handcrafted using premium components, ensuring exceptional build quality, durability, and reliability. From the selection of high-grade transformers to the careful wiring and assembly, Koch Amps exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship in their amplifiers.

Innovative Technologies: Koch Amps has been at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of guitar amplification technology. They have introduced several groundbreaking features and advancements, including:

a. Power Scaling: Koch Amps was one of the pioneers in incorporating power scaling technology in their amplifiers. This feature allows guitarists to achieve power tube saturation and breakup at lower volume levels, offering the dynamic response and tone of cranked tubes at any volume.
b. Switchable Impedance: Many Koch amplifiers feature switchable impedance options, enabling players to match the amplifier's output to different speaker cabinets. This flexibility ensures optimal performance and tone with a variety of setups.

c. Integrated Effects: Koch Amps has integrated high-quality effects, such as reverb and tremolo, into some of their amplifier models. This innovation provides guitarists with convenient access to essential effects without the need for additional pedals.

Notable Amplifier Models: Koch Amps offers a diverse range of amplifier models, each designed to cater to different playing styles and tonal preferences. Some noteworthy models include:

a. Jupiter Series: The Jupiter series represents the flagship line of Koch amplifiers, offering a wide range of tonal options and features. Models like the Jupiter Combo and Jupiter Head deliver boutique-quality tones, from crystal-clear cleans to high-gain aggression.

b. Studiotone Series: The Studiotone series embodies versatility and portability without compromising on tone. These compact amplifiers are ideal for studio recording and smaller gigs, providing a range of tones from pristine cleans to classic overdrive.

c. Twintone III: The Twintone III is a dual-channel amplifier that combines vintage British and American voicings, offering players a palette of tones suitable for various genres. Its versatility and intuitive controls make it a popular choice among guitarists seeking tonal flexibility.

Artist Collaborations and Endorsements: Koch Amps has garnered the respect and admiration of renowned guitarists who have chosen to endorse and use their amplifiers. Artists such as Greg Howe, Frank Gambale, and Orianthi have collaborated with Koch Amps to create signature models, showcasing the company's commitment to working closely with musicians and tailoring their amplifiers to meet the demands of professional players.

Impact on the Music Industry: Koch Amps has made a significant impact on the music industry by providing guitarists with amplifiers that combine vintage tonal characteristics with modern features and reliability. Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail has earned them a dedicated following among players across various genres. Koch Amps' amplifiers have found their way onto the stages and studios of numerous professionals, contributing to iconic recordings and live performances worldwide.

Conclusion:
Koch Amps stands as a testament to the fusion of precision engineering and passionate artistry in guitar amplification. Through their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovative technologies, and collaboration with renowned artists, Koch Amps continues to redefine the standards of tone, inspiring guitarists to explore new sonic frontiers. With their diverse range of amplifiers, each delivering exceptional tone and performance, Koch Amps has cemented its place as a trusted name among guitarists seeking quality, versatility, and unparalleled craftsmanship.