Info on Sho-Bud Compactra 100

Dyke Corson · Post by **Dyke Corson** » 5 Sep 2001 9:43 pm

I recently picked up one of these big ol' tube steel guitar amps. Anyone know anything about them? It has two channels, reverb, and is covered in a green-glitter (I was told they also made red ones?) type tolex (like the old Kustoms). Each channel has a volume and a "body" control, and there is a master treble, reverb and bass control in the middle. Any info for on these old amps would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · Post by **Buck Grantham R.I.P.** » 6 Sep 2001 8:15 pm

The Compactra 100 is an Evans amp. about 30 watts of power. Sounds real good on steel or lead guitar at medium to fairly low volumes. It is almost old enough to be a collectors item. It's fine to play small places. Jim Evans built the amp and he lives in Tex-Arkana. Very nice man.

Dyke Corson · Post by **Dyke Corson** » 6 Sep 2001 9:11 pm

Thanks Buck!

It does sound very good (great reverb too) did it really come in colors or did someone re-cover this old amp?

Thanks!

Woody Woodell · Post by **Woody Woodell** » 7 Sep 2001 1:47 pm

I have a schematic of this Sho-Bud (Jim Evans)amp if you ever need one. Just email me and let me know.
Woody Woodell

Karl Nutt · Post by **Karl Nutt** » 10 Sep 2001 6:00 pm

I have a gold glitter Compactra 100. I've used it on a few gigs and it held its own quite well and has a real nice sound. One of my guitar player buddies says it sounds "buttery". It's pretty darn heavy too! If anybody wants a photo of this amp, email me. PS: Thanks for the schematic Woody!

Derrell Stephens · Post by **Derrell Stephens** » 15 Sep 2001 8:13 am

I have used one of those in my music room studio; the best recording tone with 2 SM57's and 1 SM58 that I have ever heard with the analog reverb. But, what would I know? Just my taste I guess.

All I have left is a Hybrid 450 (tube preamp, transistor output) from the 60/70 era. Most parts should still be available of the shelf if ever needed.