Description

ROCK HARD combines the PlexAmp and Boost circuits into a unique gain-staging platform inspired by the evolution of hard rock guitar tone from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s.

At its heart is a built-in order switching system that dramatically changes how the two circuits interact. Run the PlexAmp alone for open, dynamic British crunch. Place the Boost after the PlexAmp for added punch, fullness, and outstanding guitar-volume cleanup. Reverse the order and the Boost becomes a front-end preamp, increasing sustain, harmonic complexity, note bloom, and natural compression.

This same gain-staging philosophy helped shape many classic hard rock tones through front-end preamps such as Angus Young’s Schaffer-Vega wireless system and Ritchie Blackmore’s Aiwa TP-1011 tape recorder.

From dynamic mid-1970s crunch to the richer, more saturated sounds that followed, ROCK HARD delivers an impressive range of vintage tone-shaping possibilities from a single compact platform.

 

Explore the Evolution of Hard Rock Tone

1975 – PlexAmp Only – Gain (5)

• Dynamic British Crunch
• Exceptional Guitar-Volume Cleanup

 

1976-1978 – PlexAmp → Boost – (Order Switch points at PlexAmp)

• Added Punch & Fullness
• Bigger Rhythm & Lead Tones

 

1979 – PlexAmp Only – Gain (8)

• Powerful Gain with Articulation
• Increased Sustain & Drive

 

1980-1985 – Boost → PlexAmp – (Order Switch points at Boost)

• Front-End Preamp Multi Gain Stage Effect
• Added Harmonics & Compression
• Richer, More Saturated Tones

New NostalgiTone Control Plates

The ROCK HARD plate features our new silver tinned-pour artwork. Watch the short video below to see the effect in action, along with several other new NostalgiTone designs.

 

 

Designed for a 1590BB2 enclosure, featuring the same dimensions as a 1590BB but with 125B clearance.

ROCK HARD Build Document

1590BB2 size (Drilled for dual wiring board mounted LEDs) – Drilled Enclosure Link