it is not a high gain amp. it fits the blues, jazz and rock genres really well especially if you do not drive your amp hard (metal genre) and like slight distorted tones with good sustain, definition and punch. try the amp out and do not go with any expectations without having tried the amp with your own playing and style. the sound cleans up well with the volume knob and i really like it. i'd pick one up if I found a used one priced to sell.