Electro-Harmonix Dirt Road Special 40W Combo Amp - Holy Grail Reverbs | No Limit Guitar Co, Idaho Falls
Introduction
The Electro-Harmonix Dirt Road Special is a re-imagined classic combining vintage character with modern reliability in a compact 40-watt package. This versatile combo amp delivers pristine cleans that naturally evolve into raw, expressive overdrive when pushed, enhanced by four foot-switchable Holy Grail reverbs for dimensional depth. Perfect for gigging musicians, recording artists, and tone enthusiasts seeking authentic, pedal-friendly amplification with character and versatility.
Product Overview
The Dirt Road Special features robust construction with birch plywood cabinet wrapped in durable black tolex, designed to withstand the rigors of regular gigging while maintaining consistent performance. The redesigned internal components prioritize durability without compromising the responsive, dynamic character that made the original a sought-after collector's item.
At the heart of this amp is its 12" EHX 12VR8 75-watt speaker, carefully selected to complement the amp's voice with excellent clarity and projection. The single-channel design offers remarkable versatility through its interactive Volume and Bite controls, allowing players to dial in everything from pristine cleans to gritty, natural breakup that responds dynamically to playing intensity and guitar volume adjustments.
What truly sets the Dirt Road Special apart is the inclusion of four professional-quality reverb types derived from the legendary Holy Grail Max pedal. With Spring, Plate, Hall, and Reverse options accessible via the included footswitch, this amp provides studio-quality ambience for any playing situation, from subtle room simulation to cavernous atmospheric textures.
Ideal For
- Gigging musicians requiring a reliable, portable amp with versatile tone capabilities
- Recording artists seeking authentic, dynamic amp breakup that responds naturally to playing dynamics
- Blues, rock, and Americana players looking for a pedal-friendly platform with organic overdrive characteristics
- Home studio owners wanting professional tone and reverb options in a manageable package
- Vintage amp enthusiasts desiring the character of a collectible amp with modern reliability and features
Key Features
Natural Overdrive Characteristics
The Dirt Road Special's circuit is designed to break up organically as you increase volume or dig in with your playing, providing responsive dynamics that clean up beautifully with guitar volume adjustments. The interactive Volume and Bite controls allow precise shaping of the amp's voice from crystal clear to raw, expressive grit.
Holy Grail Max Reverbs
Equipped with four premium reverb algorithms derived from the legendary Holy Grail Max pedal: classic Spring, expansive Hall, smooth Plate, and experimental Reverse. The included footswitch allows instant access to these studio-quality ambient effects, adding crucial dimensionality to your tone.
Robust Construction
Built with gigging musicians in mind, the Dirt Road Special features birch plywood cabinet construction, durable black tolex covering, and redesigned internal components selected for longevity and consistency. This amp is built to withstand the rigors of regular transport and performance.
Compact, Powerful Design
The 40-watt power rating and 12" speaker provide ample volume and projection for most performance settings while maintaining a manageable size and weight. At just 29 pounds, the Dirt Road Special delivers impressive tone without causing unnecessary strain during transport and setup.
Exceptional Pedal Platform
Like all great amps, the Dirt Road Special excels at showcasing the character of effect pedals. Its clean tones provide an ideal foundation for time-based effects, while its responsive preamp interacts beautifully with overdrive and distortion pedals for layered, complex gain textures.
What's Included
- Electro-Harmonix Dirt Road Special 40W Combo Amp
- Single-button footswitch for reverb control
- Standard IEC power cable
- Owner's manual and warranty information
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Solid State Combo Amp |
| Power | 40 Watts |
| Speaker | 12" EHX 12VR8 75W |
| Channels | 1 |
| Controls | Volume, Bite, Tone |
| Reverb | Spring, Plate, Hall, Reverse (Footswitchable) |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" Instrument |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (Reverb) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, Single-Button |
| Construction | Birch Plywood with Black Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC Cable |
| Dimensions | 17.5" (W) x 15.5" (H) x 10.5" (D) |
| Weight | 29 lbs |
Experience This Versatile Combo Amp Today
Visit No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls to hear the unique voice and impressive versatility of the Electro-Harmonix Dirt Road Special. Our knowledgeable staff can demonstrate how this amp interacts with different guitars and pedals to achieve your ideal tone. Stop searching for costly vintage models on auction sites – this improved, reliable version delivers the character you crave with modern conveniences and durability.
