Comments from current Ruetz owners . . .

Yes, you can sound like early Van Halen, just like your sound clips show. To say that, though, is very limiting because this amp [J1 Custom] does so much more. The first thing I noticed is how rich and tight the lower end is, even at high gain settings, and weeks later I'm still playing with the contour and midrange settings. The sounds you can get are surprising. Usually in 1-guitar bands, the sound goes flat when the guitarist plays a lead. I don't have that problem with this amp. I hear all my notes when I play power chords, the sound nicely cleans up when I roll-off the guitar volume, the amp has no hum when compared to my Marshalls, and it looks much better in person than your pictures indicate.

Bruce B., Florida

My RJ30 has a surprising amount of clean head room and still overdrives nicely without drowning out the band. I love the fact that the Treble and Bass controls actually do something. They don't have to be maxed out to dial in my favorite tones. This also means that it is compatible with more guitars than most amps I have tried. The overdrive is unique. You can't peg it as a Fender sound or a Marshall, just as a really good sound.

Anthony B., Missouri

When I bought my prototype J1 channel switching amp chassis, s/n 001, from Philip off of E-Bay, I really didn't know what to expect from a fairly new amp manufacturer. Let me tell you what I got....a quality product made by someone who cares about his work and who is interested in hearing your feedback concerning improving/modifying his products. I can't wait for his new line of J1 dual channel switching vintage/stock amps to come out! They are awesome looking! My name is already on the list!!!

Gary B., Alabama

I just wanted to write and let you know how much I'm enjoying my Ruetz custom J1 preamp .... In a way, it's like having my favorite two or three amps in one unit! .... I'm constantly comparing this preamp to my other equipment and as much as I like my Mesa Formula preamp, the Mesa distortion sounds a teeny bit "brittle" compared to the Ruetz distortion. I think the Ruetz sounds are the best of all my equipment! From looking at all the hand wiring you did, I don't think you charged me enough but then that's the reason I wanted to buy from you -- because of the high build quality and great sounds and reasonable price!

Steve H., Texas

July 2006: Rachel Roberts enjoying a relaxed moment in the studio with Ruetz RJ30 #001

July 2005: Mike Lenz fronting the Mike Lenz Band with Ruetz RJ40 #001 at Northside in Akron, OH