Following his collaboration with Mojotone on a limited-edition amplifier, legendary rock guitarist Alex Lifeson has launched a line of signature tube amps underneath the Lerxst model, manufactured by Mojotone in North Carolina.

The Chi 1×12 combo is a descendant of the Lerxst Omega; a 30-watt/two-channel amp powered by a pair of 6L6 tubes, 12AX7 preamp part, and common three-band EQ, it additionally has an results loop. Its management panel is simple, with Enter Acquire, Lead Grasp (achieve), push/pull Output Grasp, Treble, Center, Bass, and Prescence. The Chi is wrapped in silver tolex with purple and black accents, and an illuminated Starman brand/power-on indicator. The combo model has a 12″ Mojotone Greyhound.

Plugging a PAF-loaded Les Paul into the Chi’s clear channel revealed heat, spherical, musical tones with distinctive string-to-string observe separation and bouncy really feel. Enter Acquire set to 2 o’clock, Lead Grasp dimed, and EQ controls flat (at midday) resulted in clear, musical tones with a daring character and ample physique. The sound remained full at any EQ setting and by no means appeared skinny.

Participating the Lead channel by way of the Output Grasp push/pull (the perform can be footswitchable) unleashed a thick, British crunch with easy, singing maintain and responsive really feel. Acquire spanned from a refined breakup to searing, harmonic-rich lead tones. Most shocking, even at its highest achieve settings, the Chi retained distinctive readability and openness. Cranking the Output Grasp and setting the Lead Grasp to three o’clock produced a remarkably open, outlined tone with chew that by no means grew to become too compressed.

The Lerxst Chi provides a compact, moveable platform for guitarists in search of professional-grade tube tones. Its high quality of development, versatility, and Lifeson signature voicings make it a compelling possibility.

Whether or not you’re a seasoned Rush fan or just a tone aficionado, the Chi is properly price trying out.

This text initially appeared in VG’s Could 2024 concern. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.