It goes without saying that vintage instruments are put on an untouchable pedestal. They
command more money than some houses, and are the benchmark against which all else is
measured. So it’s only appropriate that new instruments emulate their look, feel and tone.
Nearly everybody does it, with different levels of success. Here’s the gear that took us back
this year, earning them the Premier Gear Vintage Vibe Award.
2008
Premier Gear
AWARDS
VINTAGE VIBE
Jaguar Twin
The Jaguar Twin took us by surprise. The 2x12 combo, which can be
switched between 45 and 30 watts, somehow channels every amp on
the short-list of vintage holy grails, nailing Bassman, JTM- 45, AC- 30 and
beyond. Add high-quality components and spectacular build quality,
and we couldn’t ask for more.
“We’ve been really fortunate around here to
have had the opportunity to play through some
truly incredible amps… the Jaguar Twin is on
the same level as the best of them.”
– June ‘08
Nik Huber Junior & Special
Nik Huber’s Junior & Special harken back to the “golden age” with fat, Gibson-esque neck profiles and kickin’ P-90s. Despite figured mahogany and Brazilian rosewood fingerboards, there’s a
stripped-down feel that reminds us why we loved those vintage LPs in the first place. Reviewer
James Egolf sums it up [October ‘08], “Even though the Junior and the Special are intended as
stripped-down rock n’ roll machines, their high-end pedigree is always evident.”
