Nixon 17e

Nixon 17E: A Deep Dive into the Iconic Amplifier

The Nixon 17E isn't a household name like a Fender Twin Reverb or a Marshall Plexi. Yet, for a specific segment of audiophiles and guitarists, it represents a pinnacle of amplifier design, particularly within the realm of high-fidelity guitar amplification and recording. Understanding its significance requires delving into its unique features and the context of its creation. This article explores the Nixon 17E through a question-and-answer format, providing detailed insight into its design, sound characteristics, and lasting legacy.

I. What is the Nixon 17E and Why is it Noteworthy?

The Nixon 17E is a boutique, all-tube guitar amplifier built by the now-defunct Nixon Amplifiers. Its noteworthy status stems from several factors:

Hand-wired construction: Unlike mass-produced amps, the 17E was meticulously hand-wired, resulting in superior component quality and reduced noise. This painstaking process contributes significantly to its rich, detailed tone.
Point-to-point wiring: This traditional wiring method uses individual wires connecting each component, minimizing parasitic capacitance and inductance, leading to a cleaner, more responsive signal path. This is contrasted with the printed circuit board (PCB) approach used in most mass-produced amps.
High-quality components: Nixon Amplifiers used premium-grade tubes, transformers, and capacitors, further enhancing the amplifier's sonic capabilities and longevity. The transformers, for example, are often custom-wound to meet specific design specifications.
Unique tonal characteristics: The 17E possesses a distinctive clean tone, incredibly responsive to playing dynamics, and a warm, harmonically rich overdrive when pushed. This makes it particularly suitable for a range of genres, from clean jazz to aggressive rock.

II. What are the Key Design Features of the Nixon 17E?

The 17E's design is characterized by several key features that contribute to its unique sound:

Class A operation: This design operates each tube in its linear range, minimizing distortion and maximizing harmonic richness. This translates to a warmer, more natural tone compared to Class AB or Class B amplifiers.
Power output: While the exact wattage varies slightly depending on the specific build, it typically falls in the 15-20-watt range, making it suitable for both home use and smaller gigs.
Tube complement: The typical tube complement includes EL34 power tubes (known for their powerful and warm sound) and 12AX7 preamp tubes (known for their gain and harmonic complexity). However, variations might exist depending on the specific build.
Tone Stack: The 17E generally features a versatile tone stack that allows for precise control over bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, enabling the guitarist to sculpt their sound precisely.

III. How Does the Nixon 17E Sound?

The Nixon 17E is renowned for its exceptional clean headroom and its natural-sounding overdrive. Its clean channel is exceptionally transparent and articulate, allowing the nuances of the guitar's pickups and playing style to shine through. As the volume is increased, the amplifier gently breaks up, producing a rich, creamy overdrive with complex harmonics. This overdrive is highly responsive to the guitarist's picking dynamics, making it ideal for expressive playing. Think of the warmth of a vintage Fender Deluxe Reverb coupled with the power and sustain of a smaller Marshall amp.

Real-world example: Imagine a guitarist playing a clean jazz chord progression. The 17E's clean channel would accurately reproduce the subtleties of the guitar's tone, allowing the individual notes and harmonies to ring out clearly. Then, as the guitarist moves into a more aggressive solo, the amp's natural overdrive would add harmonic richness and sustain without being harsh or fizzy.

IV. What is the Legacy of the Nixon 17E?

While Nixon Amplifiers no longer produces amps, the 17E remains a highly sought-after amplifier among discerning guitarists and collectors. Its reputation for exceptional quality, build, and tone ensures its continued relevance within the boutique amplifier market. It exemplifies a time when craftsmanship and sonic excellence were prioritized over mass production and profit maximization. Its influence can be heard in the designs of many modern boutique amp builders who strive for similar levels of tonal purity and dynamic response.

V. Takeaway:

The Nixon 17E represents a pinnacle of hand-wired, boutique amplifier design. Its meticulous construction, premium components, and Class A operation result in a uniquely rich, responsive, and dynamic sound that appeals to guitarists seeking exceptional tone and playability. While rare and coveted, its lasting impact on the amplifier world is undeniable, serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted audio excellence.

FAQs:

1. Are Nixon 17Es still available for purchase? No, Nixon Amplifiers is no longer in business. Used 17Es occasionally appear on the used market, often commanding a high price due to their rarity and desirability.

2. What kind of maintenance does a Nixon 17E require? Like any tube amplifier, regular tube checks and potential biasing adjustments are necessary to maintain optimal performance and longevity. Professional servicing is recommended.

3. Can I use pedals with a Nixon 17E? Absolutely. The 17E's clean headroom and responsiveness make it an excellent platform for exploring a wide range of effects pedals.

4. What types of music is the Nixon 17E best suited for? Its versatility extends to various genres, including jazz, blues, rock, country, and even some styles of metal, depending on the player's technique and effects use.

5. How does the Nixon 17E compare to other boutique amps in its price range? The comparison would depend on the specific amp being compared. However, the 17E's reputation rests on its exceptional build quality, hand-wiring, and unique tonal characteristics, placing it amongst the top-tier boutique amps in terms of sound and craftsmanship. But direct price comparisons are difficult due to the rarity and fluctuating value of used 17Es.

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Nixon 17e

Nixon 17E: A Deep Dive into the Iconic Amplifier

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