Zinky Ships Superfly Programmable Tube Amp

Superfly Head

Controls (Click for a close-up

Zinky Electronics has just introduced "Superfly", which they are calling the world's first all-tube completely programmable guitar amplifier. The Superfly is powered by a 120 Watt, high voltage, high impedance signal that never introduces solid state into the audio signal path.

Key features are full MIDI function with MIDI in, out, and thru, and 32 completely user-programmable presets. LEDs around the knobs show the saved knob position, while pointers show where the setting will be when the user manually turns a knob.

The controls on the amplifier are familiar to tube amp veterans, and include: gain, treble, bass, midrange, volume, and a real spring reverb. The user may choose between six "modes" or combinations of gain topologies and EQ circuits, named for the styles of music for which these configurations would be most appropriate (ie. clean, vintage, blues, rock, fusion, overdrive). The Superfly also features "global" section of tone controls, which allows users to fine tune their sound to the stage, studio, or room quickly and easily without altering the saved settings.

Superfly is available as a head or 2x12 combo and is made exclusively in the USA. The suggested U.S. retail price (MSRP) for the Superfly combo is $2699, and for the head is $2399.

The Superfly project has been in development for more than two years, but had been a dream of designer Bruce Zinky for twenty years, "I saw the first guitar amp with digital technology in 1982 - the TUSC - which had a DSP preamp with a tube power amp; but the sound was a bit limited and it only had two presets. I wanted an amplifier that had full control, more presets, and used all tube circuitry for a 'no-compromise' sound. Twenty years later we're finally building the amp I've always wanted."

All Zinky products are 100% designed and manufactured in the USA.