2018 Welagen Overdrive Special Dumble Clone OD-100W Black

No sales tax for direct sale customers outside California.

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I was completely unaware of Welagen when this amp arrived.  It's always fun to dig into an amp that is completely known to me, and it is helpful when the amp is a circuit that is somewhat relatable.  When I first saw it, I immediately thought of the Amplified Nation and Two Rock amps that have come through and wondered how it would compare.  I've never played through a genuine Dumble, but at least I had some other quality pieces in recent memory to reference. 

The amp exceeded my expectations.  It can perform at any volume level, clean or dirty.  Cleans are big, full, and well defined.  The overdrive has a voice of a 70s Dumble.

Welagen describes this model succinctly at first: "The Welagen Overdrive Special is simply the ultimate small dynamic lead amp with excellent projection and tonal balance. It has both Clean and Overdrive channels. The EQ controls and switches give you a variety of tones. A tube buffered effects loop allows for seamless integration of outboard effects.

They elaborate when describing this model in particular: "Be able to create clean and medium overdrive tones like the ones you hear in music from Lowell George and David Lindley. This amplifier’s voice is rooted in the Fender blackface and tweed tone, with an upfront and raw voice. If you want to go old school style, the Welagen 70s Overdrive Special is your amp."

Features:

Pre-Amp Boost (PAB) can be accessed through a footswitch. This feature compliments the Overdrive Channel but can also be used without the Overdrive engaged. Both Channel switching and PAB switching are also accessible via a foot switch.

The JWater effects loop is an all tube series interface to allow the use of effects between the preamp and the poweramp. It features Send level and Return Level to shape the response and gain. A true bypass switch provides maximum transparency when switched off.

The JWater acts as a buffer between the high signal level of the tube based preamp and the poweramp of the Welagen Overdrive Special, and the low signal environment of the solid state effect processors. In other words, the JWater shrinks down the high amplitude signal from the Overdrive Special preamp for the effects processor and then amplifies it back up to ‘tube world’ levels for the Overdrive Special power amp.

Here is what many people don’t know about this tube buffer; even when no outboard effects are used, the JWater can be used as a compressor to scale down a 100W head to lower volume levels while retaining the saturation and feel of a loud amp. This is very useful for small gigs and home use because it allows for scaling all the way down to whisper levels.

Start out by choosing either the Fet or Normal inputs for different overall voicing. Three switches further sculpt the tone: Bright, Deep and Rock/Jazz. Treble, Mid, Bass and Accent controls allow you to fine tune the tone.

A switch on the back panel offers 50/100 watt output. Also on the rear panel, you can decide what the included footswitch selects - overdrive or boost.

As for the build quality - high quality ClassicTone transformers are the iron foundation the circuit is built upon - a great start! Internal wiring and layout is pristine. There is no Dumble "goop" covering parts of the circuit that may need service in the future. The cabinet is bullet proof and overall fit and finish are immaculate.

The amp is delivered by Welagen with no speaker, allowing the buyer to choose. This one is loaded with an EV EVL 12 - it looks like a 70s or 80s speaker. It is a great match and can definitely handle the power of the amp.

A new build of this amp (without the speaker) comes at a cost of $7100 when ordered new.

This amp will ship in two boxes. The speaker will be in its own box so the weight of it does not affect the cabinet.
Case/Cover?: Yes
Color: Black
Dimensions: W20-1/2" x H20-1/2" x D10-1/2"
Weight: 69 lbs
Watts: 50 / 100 Watts
Date: Sept 6 2018
Where is Date Noted?: Chassis
Speaker 1 Brand: Electro Voice EVL 12L
Speaker 1 Size: 12"
Speaker 1 Cone: Original
Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See pics
Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: See pics
Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See pics
Extension Speaker Out? Yes
Effects Loop?: Yes, with send/receive levels
Reverb or other effects?: Overdrive
Power Tubes: 4 x 6L6
Power Tube Brand: Ruby
Preamp Tubes: 12AX7, 3 x ECC83
Preamp Tube Brand: Tung Sol, JJ
Filter Caps: Original
Pedal: Yes
Pots/Codes: Original
Tolex/Tweed: Original
Grille: Original
Knobs: Original
Handle: Original
Power Cord: Original
Notes:

Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to . Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.