Hope this helps.
30 WATTS / 15 / 5 WATTS: Channel Power Select These channel specifi c mini toggle switches allow you to preset the output
power of each channel. In the 30 watt setting (up) all four EL84s are on line, delivering maximum power and punch. The 15 watt setting
runs only the outside (far left & far right) pair of tubes to achieve a bubbly elastic bounce. The 5 watt setting uses 1 x EL84 (far left
facing rear) to produce the ultimate low power setting. This powerful feature can be
crucial to the sound style you wish to dedicate to each of your two channels.
For example you might want to use Channel 1 set to 30 watts and use all four EL’s
to achieve the ultimate clean headroom and power. Meanwhile, Channel 2 could be
cranked and dedicated to a power clip solo sound by setting the power select switch
to 15 watts and bypassing the DRIVE circuitry for an awesome old school power
section pushed tone.
Or, you might want the opposite and set Channel 1 to 15 watts of sparkling, yet forgiving clean performance and go for the bold
authority of 30 watt power for Channel 2 set to a soaring high gain voice using the DRIVE circuitry.
As mentioned earlier in the OVERVIEW, the power tube wiring confi guration switches between Push-Pull in the 30 and 15 watt settings
and Single-Ended in the 5 watt setting. The class of operation remains pure Class A in all three of the power selections.
Again, Push-Pull circuits are more effi cient, producing more power and emphasizing the punchier 3rd harmonic (an octave and a 5th
above the notes played) which is preferable for playing with ensembles or recording in complex mixes. The character of the sound
with this element of the 3rd harmonic present cuts much better and is tighter and more defi ned, especially when using the DRIVE
circuit for high gain sounds. Single-Ended circuits retain the precious 2nd harmonic (an octave above the notes played) because the
waveform is never split into two out-of-phase halves to be later combined in the output transformer (as in push-pull circuits) cancelling
out the 2nd harmonic. This emphasis of the beautiful 2nd harmonic in a Single-Ended amplifi er makes the 5 watt selection the
obvious choice for any styles that require a sound rich with delicate nuance. When pushed to clip, this circuit produces a lush smooth
overdrive, purring with silkiness that is truly beyond-vintage.
Whatever power scheme you choose to use, the ability to select the power rating of each channel adds incredible footswitching power
to the Lone Star. Now the Lone Star Special takes this fl exibility to an altogether new realm of possibilities for personal expression
