Available in snazzy Pearl White, the Venus 3 is a 6v6 based amp that combines modern features with blackface-inspired rock tones at very useable volume levels. I give Rivera high marks for using the 6v6 power tubes instead of the ubiquitous EL84's used by so many boutique builders. The 6v6 tube puts out better bass, and nice glassy highs that are never shrill even at high volumes. Think Deluxe Reverb® but with more flexible controls and the ability to vary the headroom. The Venus 3 puts out either 7 or 15 Class A watts selectable via a Vintage/Modern switch on the back panel. The single-channel Venus 3 has a Volume and Master arrangement that allows the player to dial in very subtle touch sensitive distortion up to a fairly raunchy Layla-ish grind. There is also a Pull Bright and a Pull Notch control which are handy for lightening up a humbucker or bringing on more blackface attitude. When it's time to rock out, the Pull Boost control brings on classic Rivera high gain tones that are smooth and fluid. To me, the amp is at its best with the Volume/Master at the onset of of distortion where picking attack and a small adjustments in guitar volume produce both lead and rhythm sounds without ever going back to touch the amp. It's a very satisfying musical experience that not many amps do well. Add in a real spring reverb, presence control, effects loop and genuine Celestion GH30 speaker and you've got a versatile easy-to-carry package that performs like a boutique amp costing twice the price.
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