Suhr Badger 18 In-Depth Demo Video by Shawn Tubbs

[@skullkid112]

Good Lord dude, I'm just floored by your playing and note choice.

[@MrAletube]

you are one of the few that actually show the real effect of the various controls,most of the other videos are too compressed or have stupid effects,or don't use real cabs and mikes. Good job Shawn!

[@HamptonGuitars]

Exactly. What worse way to demo an amp than to use a pedalboard with it?

[@TheStudioRats]

What a player! Always floored by your playing, tone and feel.

[@peterscalera1177]

Great demo Shawn. I have this amp set up and absolutely love it. One idea - I have been using the DRIVE knob to create a darker, richer gain. I keep the GAIN knob closer to 2.5-3 and once the DRIVE gets above 6.5, the gain comes on strong. Even with the POWER knob at about 3. I find the gain you get is richer and doesn't lose the clarity I find happens a bit if you crank up the GAIN knob. Just shows how versatile this amp is.

[@netenemy]

Best review of the newest badger revision yet. Thank you.

[@edward4670]

Shawn! Oh boy, oh boy, what a trip to hear you play this jam!! Double thumbs up!!! And btw great job featuring this amp...

[@adamswanson8216]

Interestingly enough, I am a Morgan MVP 23 user and I was out looking as any guitar freak will do or tone chaser and ran across this amp. Funny enough I find some very comfortable sounds to this and the two Morgan amplifiers you’ve got enough brightness there for it to sound like the Morgan AC 20 with it in the, bright switch turned in moon position on that amplifier or the MVP 23. You’re getting some of both of those tones as well as a deeper British grow. I think this is a very versatile amplifier and certainly a great pedal platform. I like it a great deal and went ahead and bought one, although it was five years old. Also, I paid as much for it as I did the Morgan had that was only a year. This is really great and it was well worth the 1200 bucks I am surprised it is not to point it does not say exactly but I am sure that there is a combination and some wiring. The sensitivity is just too fantastic. Thanks again. Great bedroom Amp and certainly great for local gigging to this will be an amp good for years to come 5:29

Great sounding amp and 18W is just perfect for any situation. And that intro piece was insane!!!

[@alfredosantantonio7098]

Nice demo... would be awsome to have a comparison between this new model and the old one.

[@mikemiller7957]

Super tasty tones you can really tell you enjoy playing that amp!

[@S69Classic]

Great post Shawn, these Badger 18's are very popular even Michael Landau likes them. I have the big brother of this one the Badger 35 (1st version gold badge and pipping) with the Suhr open back 2x12 cab but with Celestion V-Type speakers. Back in the early days Suhr would give you a choice of what speaker you would like in your cabinet and I just wanted something different. But that 1x12 closed back cab with the Warehouse Vet 30 speaker is killer especially with the Badger 30, John really knocked it out of the park with that combination of the Badger 30 and 1x12... pure rock machine. Cheers Rob P.

[@davidcontreras8138]

absolutamente inspiracional lo que tocas Shawn !! saludos desde Argentina

[@Supertuber1983]

Great demo and even GREATER playing Lovely

[@parrat8589]

Watching your fingers is the most satisfying thing ever

[@richardmoore780]

Great demo-phenomenal playing as always. Very inspiring.

[@damcama]

Great playing man, great demo

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great Sounding Amp and Demo as always Shawn.

[@joshmuz9018]

Dude you always get such a killer tone, tone wizard

[@adamswanson8216]

No doubt this has a lot more drive and bottom end, but I will tell you there are some tones that you can easily dial in with this amplifier that sound just like my Morgan AC 20 and my Morgan MVP 23 and I also know this because I bought this head as you will see in another comment I made but I was listening to your demo again and it just struck me that I ought to mention those EL 84 tunes can be dialed in and a lot of these nice amplifiers no doubt I have collected 23 heads now and I think my tone chasing is done to tell you the truth lol I bought one of your petals. By the way I love it. It is a great overdrive pedal not so much distortion but great drive, thanks again for a great demo 6:13

[@RonEMarks]

Your knowledge of and comfort on the fretboard are very impressive!

[@jeffriley9807]

Shawn, Steve Lukather, joe Bonamassa Neil Shawn for his melodic storytelling rt before he rips open some fast licks. You are now on that list. I’ve watched demo after demo and in every u place an unusual lick in a place it doesn’t fit but, u put it rt in the pocket and amaze me. Your a gifted player

[@eguilherme1]

Another great demo, thank you!

[@scottdematteo]

Excellent demo! Thanks so much for posting. I have the Badger 30, in the same newer model with the silver logo and I am enjoying it very much.

[@vicroberts5905]

I 've been on the fence about the Badger 18. I do blues and jazz. Need more tone not really more VOLUME!!! This setup sounds sooo sweet with a Strat. And you bring out the best in ANY demo my brother. For a moment I thought you weren't looking well in some vids, but since I don't know you personally I hope that it was just my old eyes..LOL... Keep up the good work. You are a true blessing my friend. And this is from a guy who has recorded with (2) REAL Dumbles so I have been spoiled rotten already !!! Blessings ...Peace...

[@johnchase8510]

Shawn, Great note choice and tone, just great! Thank you

[@fatherjacques]

Very well explained. Easy to understand and I am sure many people think like that too.

[@FabrizioPeretti]

Once again, your music is outstanding.

[@humbuckerblues5150]

Really good demo, thanks Shawn!

[@hatsubaichuu]

Hey Shawn! I know this video is years old, but you also did a video on the Egnater E3 Boutikit a few years back which seems somewhat similar. I know the Boutikit is a bit harder to get ahold of, but how would you say these two compare?

[@ShawnTubbs]

I think the Egnater E3 is a bit more Marshall Plexi to my ears. The Suhr is similar but it has a bit of a Vox vibe to it. Both great amps.

[@matheusazevedo4329]

Amazing as usual Shawn. Would love to see you review that Filtertron Suhr T and also the Suhr Alt T Pro. Maybe an all Suhr T inspired video?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much! Yes, I'm planning on doing a studio tour video as well as videos about my guitars.

[@anarkywana]

You're the best Shawn!!!! Greetings from Almería (Spain)

[@CaptainMidnightBand]

I just bought one. this vid sealed it.

[@joshbabbitt9243]

Still have it? How are you getting on with it?

[@CaptainMidnightBand]

@@joshbabbitt9243 YES. I absolutely LOVE it. I'm running it simultaneously with my Carr Sportsman, which is more of a Fendery vibe. My guitar tone is MONSTEROUS now. I pan the Badger Left and the Carr right and the spread is dynamite. At this point, after a few weeks and a couple shows, I can say definitively I wish I'd bought one sooner.

[@patshep68]

I've been thinking of selling my SF Princeton and picking one of these up, I really love the cleans and the dirt, your playing is great and every video of this has great tone.... how loud is this? is this an apartment amp?

[@oliviercollin4024]

My Badger 30 is just amasing at any levels, couple with a Bogner Goldfinger 54 Phi with a Radial Twin city, the best for me...

[@blndrckr]

Thanks for valuable info! I have this amp as a preset on my Fractal and like it but never knee that stuff ..I have some experimenting to do!!!! Takes pedals great tooa...what a badass amp

[@JesusOtinChannel]

It sounds amazing! Great playing as always

[@VictorLee335]

Holy shit dude!! The phrases are executed with much maturity. Got me intrigued with the new Badger series.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much, Victor!

[@nehemiascorona7152]

Good God that opening jam was so tasteful! Refreshing. Oh yeah and great amp to.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks, you're very kind!

[@lonnyhandwork422]

Great video Shawn - such creative playing. I’ve got a older generation badger 18, great sounding amp. I really like sounds you’re getting with the MOSFET boost here but it would not be worth it to me to replace the entire amp to get it. Can you think of a boost pedal that would give a similar kind of gain structure and push?

[@lonnyhandwork422]

That's awesome - really appreciate your thoughts. I'll check out the Buxom Boost (and you're right about Shawn's playing making everything sound great. Note choice and feel really do trump everything don't they!)

[@lonnyhandwork422]

Yup. That cost me $250. Sigh... ;-)

[@DanielG0m3z]

I use a koko boost with my old badger 18

[@ShawnTubbs]

Hey, thanks for the question and for the kind words! I am a fan of the Friedman Buxom Boost as well as the Archer Clean Boost and the Koko Boost. I think any of those pedals would be really great into the front end of your Badger for boosted tones. One thing to consider is you may prefer a MOSFET style od pedal to the front of the amp to get closer to the tones you're hearing from the new Badger. Maybe look at boost and od circuits that are Mosfet. The Fulltone Fulldrive MOSFET comes to mind as well as the Blackstone Mosfet OD.

[@lonnyhandwork422]

Shawn Tubbs Thanks for the point out to a MOSFET drive - - - and the inspiring vids!

[@AndreaMaccianti]

Awesome as usual Shawn! I love your videos! 🤘👊

[@stroopwafel6141]

Excellent demo (again), showing the entire sonic spectrum. The Badger is a clever very nice sounding one channel amp. Yet, in this pricerange there are some new kids on the block, so competition is a bit tougher than when the first Badger was released.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@joshmuz9018]

Hmm Michael landau used one, Guthrie govan used the 30watt. That alone speaks volumes about how good these bad boys are

[@humbuckerblues5150]

Great Chops Shawn!

[@Robstafarian]

If I recall correctly, then the Badger series uses Power Scaling which was developed by Kevin O'Connor of London Power.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Don't know for sure but that sounds correct.

[@nos59burst74]

Hey Shawn. Great demo. I have question about the tune though. Sounds like you're playing over D Major (Ionian) but I hear the progression move to a C Major a couple of times which of course is not part of the D Major scale. Am i right? Just curious about the key and progression because it sounds so unique. Thanks. Dave.

[@ludlowfalls8856]

Awesome! Just one question...did you adjust the EQ on the amp when switching guitars? I noticed on the amp that i use, i need to adjust the EQ when switching from tele to strat. Thaks for the great review!

[@ShawnTubbs]

From what I remember, from tracking the performance content, I left the EQ on the amp the same for the Suhr Filtertron Tele to the Suhr Strat SSH guitar. When I switched to the black LSL I turned up the gain treble and mids because the Loller Singles were lower output but I was really happy that I was able to throw from neck to the bridge position with that tone setting. I left the EQ and gain the same when I switched to the Suhr Alt T. Thanks for the question and the kind words!

[@duleyone]

@@ShawnTubbs can you tell me what loller single pickups in your LSL guitar?

[@seamusbrowne4909]

Oh la la!!!😎😎😎18 Watts of PURE BLISS.

[@Sissiosissio1979]

Hi Shawn! Hope you’re going well! just a quick question...given that I am going to buy a badger 18!! After having compared it with a badger 30...I prefer the sweetness of the 18...not sure if it’s due to the EL84 instead of EL34 or to the tube rectifier...anyway: I cannot find a badger 35 to compare with the 18...could you advise me a bit? I’ve seen really nice videos of both...the 35 seems to have more headroom...but not a simple decision without testing! Have you ever tried both? Cheers, Alessandro

[@ShawnTubbs]

The EL84's are probably a big part of what you're liking about the 18 over the 30. The tube rectifier does make a difference as well in the overall tone and feel. I think you should stick with the 18. The 35 certainly has more headroom but it's not tube rectified like the 18. So unless you really need the headroom I'd stick with the 18.

[@Sissiosissio1979]

thanks a lot!!!!

[@Sissiosissio1979]

Shawn Tubbs Good Morning!!! just to let you know that...due to your demos...I’ve bought both “Tone King Ironman II 100w” as well as the Suhr Badger 18!!! It’s your fault!!! 😂😂😂 Anyway... two best purchases in the last 5 years!!! thanks a lot!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 Rock’n’roll!!!!!

[@Sissiosissio1979]

Shawn Tubbs ...I was forgetting...when will you demo a Two Rock amp????

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@Sissiosissio1979 Awesome Alessandro!!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@adicide9070]

Hi Shawn, wish you had done a demo of the 35 but I guess it's tonally similar. I'd like to ask you about it's volume levels, if you've had the chance to play one. I'd need it to be eeeeasily giggable. Love the playing in your stuff here--not the usual clichés people put in demos. Thanks!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words. If you like the 18 but are concerned about headroom on stage I would definitely go with the 35. It's very similar. I own the 35 myself.

[@adicide9070]

@@ShawnTubbs Right, cause with the 18 dialed up all the way on the power and drive you're surviving it no problem, no earplugs, no nothing. Really hoping the 35W is seriously loud. Unfortunately, I have no way to check before I buy--

[@INT_Based]

Ad Ici De for what it’s worth, every 4x el-84 amp I’ve played was super loud. All non master amps. I’ve owned a fair amount and had to get rid of them all because they were just too much. The power scaling on the badger seems very intriguing

[@adicide9070]

@@INT_Based Thanks! I actually didn't like the Badger when I tried it. But yeah, it would have been loud enough.

[@dash4786]

The only thing I don't understand is when it comes to the 30 watt and 35 watt versions what's the point of getting this one when you can just power them down to achieve bedroom level playing? And then you have a 30 to 35 watt amp for clubs. I'm looking at the older style badger combos and I'm stuck with that scenario right now which one to get. The new ones look cool but I kind of want the all-in-one combo unit.

[@ShawnTubbs]

The two amps are based on different power sections. The Badger 30 utilizes EL34 power tubes. That power section feels more immediate and leans toward a "Marshall" in the mids and top end. The Badger 35 is an EL84 power section. That amp is going to have a bit more "squish" in how it feels and the top end especially is going to be more like a "Vox". More chime for sure but softer feel. So it's really not a question of headroom. It's really feel and tonality.

[@dash4786]

@@ShawnTubbs oh gotcha thank you for that shawn.

[@CargoShorts7]

Hey Shawn! I asked you about the a home-volume-friendly amps on the Gremlin Video. I have since narrowed it to the Gremlin, the REVV you suggested, and the Badger 18, all different beasts, I know haha. There's a used Badger 18 in the newer version near me, which sorta makes me lean towards that if I can manage to see it amidst this Coronavirus craziness. I just wanted to ask for your thoughts if they've changed at all since this video. Does the power scaling make this a good option for home use as well as stage? Or does the power scaling cause too much tonal loss? Thanks for the help, killer playing as usual! Cheers

[@ShawnTubbs]

The Badger 18 is still the same other than the Mosfet boost. The power scaling is good on the Badger 18 but it's not a selling point in my opinion. The Iron Man Attenuator is really good.

[@ron980]

Hey Shawn! Do you have a preference between the Bella and Badger, for your purposes?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Hey Ron, I prefer the Bella as a pedal platform amp and the Badger more as a stand-alone although it does take pedals well.

[@Peetie_Wheatstraw]

Nice sized amp.

[@RulgertGhostalker]

a Celestion Ruby would be a bit louder... i like that amp though. "not super harsh or toothy", that's the 5Y3GT

[@Claybraham91]

I'm picking up the Badger 30 this weekend (my first tube amp) but am wondering how often these tubes need to be changed and how hard they are to get ahold of these days? Also, should this amp have a certain kind of tubes in them? Thank you!

[@ShawnTubbs]

For the most part, EL34 tubes are pretty easily sourced. Power amp tubes can last a long time depending on how often and at what volume you're playing. I've got amps that I've had for years with the same tubes in them. The brand of tubes in my opinion is subjective. There are tons of resources on the internet if you want to nerd out on that stuff! Enjoy your amp!

[@Claybraham91]

@@ShawnTubbs Gotcha. Can these amps be sensitive? I've heard that you have to let the warm up a little bit before you use it. Also, are the tubes hard to replace?

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@Claybraham91 Vaccum tubes require heat to operate so most tube amps need about a minute or so for the filiments in the tubes to warm up. If you were to just turn the amp on and go for it it's not that big of a deal but at the same time it's a good habit to let the amp "warm up".

[@Matan2222222]

Hello Shawn, would you say its better to buy an attenuator like the Fryette PS100 for my Frieman 50W smallbox or get the Badger 18W? an attenuator will have more impact on the sound in your opinion?

[@JedWunderli]

How does the Badger take pedals?

[@rafke182]

Is it handwired like the previous one?

[@ZeBubba]

Is this really just called Suhr Badger 18, not V2? Because they had an older version of this without the boost and with a golden front plate. I have the older version, just love it. I've used it for some 10 years. Great for at-home stuff playing/recording too. Would love to know if there are real tonal differences... Cool tones, cheers!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks for watching! From what I can tell, the only difference between the amp you own and the one I used in this demo is the FET boost. You should reach out to Suhr as they will know better than I.

[@windowsoflife]

Just sold an amp and am looking at EL 84 options - the 18 watt badger seems dope. Any other suggestions ... Dr. Z, etc?

[@windowsoflife]

Or Friedman pink taco?

[@ShawnTubbs]

The Badger is good for sure. I really like the Morgan Stuff as well. I don't have as much experience with the Z amps.

[@Utube-s8m]

Ok I just came across this. Going thru a lot of your demos Shawn. I have this too. I went on a really bad buying spree during some really terrible times. It got really bad in the past 4 yrs. It helped with stress but not financial stress. I have the older model. Again, apt living. That scaling feature really helps. Between my wife and watching I don’t play that loud I’m about at 0.5 volume. Yep that’s right. Lol. No I can play it louder. Just need to be careful at what times and which neighbor. They’re all a pain tbh. I don’t typically play loud but I mean really?! I need to be able to hear it. I also use a distortion pedal. This amp takes them well.

[@andyguitar9164]

You know in the Rocky movie when Paulie says “If I could be someone I want to be you!”. That’s how I feel about Shawn Tubbs.

[@sweetmotash]

Hey Shawn what amp from the Suhr line would you suggest for pursuing something like Gilmour lead tones? or maybe revv dynamis? ;)

[@frantisca]

That LSL Saticoy must feel a bit lonely between all of these Suhrs... ;-) Nice demo & playing ! \m/

[@adamr8878]

Kurt Sutter plays some badass guitar

[@CaptainMidnightBand]

Shawn. What is the other mic besides the 57?

[@jordanfinn1123]

Hey Shawn, incredible video as always! I play full time with a Badger 30 and it’s truly and incredible amp. For what I do I HAVE to have access to it being clean and since it’s a single channel amp I have to leave it that way and get all of my overdrives from pedals... but, cranking the gain on the Badger sounds incredible! My question is, do you have any suggestions on pedals you have demoed that you think come close to the sound of the Badger cranked? Out of all of your demos I’ve thought the J Rockett Animal and the Pettyjohn Gold both sounded great! What do you think might be my best option? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[@ShawnTubbs]

The Pettyjohn Gold would be a good choice.

[@jordanfinn1123]

Thanks so much!

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Epic player

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks very much!

[@Matan2222222]

Friedman PT20 vs Suhr 18 Badger?

[@ShawnTubbs]

I unfortunately don't have any experience with the PT20 but I've heard great things!

[@Matan2222222]

@@ShawnTubbs Thanks for the demo! Great playing. In your opinion, I have to use an attenuator with the 18w badger to enjoy the full potential of the amp?

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@Matan2222222 The Power Scaling on that amp is really good. I would think you would be fine without an attenuator.

[@algorithm007ify]

Suhr 18 Badger...better build quality imo.

[@pianoworld89]

Hey Shawn, great playing and nice Demo! The badger is on my list for a full sounding low volume amp amongst others like the Tone King imperial. Does the badger sound good at low volumes or does it get thin? Thanks for your input!

[@ShawnTubbs]

I think the Imperial because of the Iron Man II attenuator is going to sound a bit better at low volumes but that being said the Badger 18 sounds really good at low volumes as well.

[@RulgertGhostalker]

actually, That New " Celestion 100.16 " is a 30 watt .....that is 100db1w/1m also. ( loud enough to do something with it ) if I had the bucks, that amp and cab, I would get the 16 ohm. EDIT: ( ouch, 400 bones; 100th anniversary collector edition ) run the power and drive wide open into that, hey?....I can just imagine rolling up the gain, and finding the sweet spot....maybe not much louder, but more compressed and goodness also.

[@markinthemix6055]

Best playing, gear HEAVEN, cmon ya killing me TUBBS

[@quasimandias]

Fabulous amp. But I would only have an ear for it having played Mesa...

[@mykeharrison8353]

That bend from B to C at the :30 mark...how can one note make you feel so much?

[@ranger5281]

Plus... finger picking... a touch Jeff Beck-ish, and that's a GOOD thing. Awesome playing as always. Shawn is definitely one of my very favorite players.

[@bluetv6386]

Don t know about the amp but suhrmidable playing for sure... as usual!!

[@joshua0226]

Damn I might have to get this instead of the Bella lmao

[@JayValorMusic]

I have both, and trying to sell the Bella 😂. The badger 18 is so far the sweetest amp I've ever owned.

[@joshua0226]

JayValorMusic why do you prefer this over the Bella??? Have you considered the hedghehog? I’m considering the hedgehog or Bella cause they are both clean machines.. but the Bella honestly is the only combo they have . I have plenty of time to save up anyways

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

I’ve never heard anyone call treble, “treb”. I don’t know what to make of that. What’s with this, “Vet 30” Warehouse speaker?

[@masque1313]

wow amazing tone and playing......you should consider playing professionally.....lol....joking of course. dude you are awesome!

[@MisterTee]

I didn’t dance this time. I was too busy listening to the amp since I want one. I do reserve the right to do some interpretative dances later though.

[@EatItWithSticks]

Great video Shawn! I’m going to investigate buying one of those.... 🙏 C