TWO BRITISH AMPS, loyal to the flag from their first input socket to their last speaker lead. Some of the items gripping to the circuit board doubtless have eastern origins (both combos are transistorised), but you can't get much closer to the Bulldog breed than a weighty, 10in Fane speaker that says "Batley, W. Yorks" on the back (the Alligator).

They share a bloodline, but not a purpose. The Alligator is a solid, ported, gigging amp with pre-set eq profiles to match guitar, keyboards and bass. The Badger is a good quality practice combo, and not ashamed of it. In comparing them, we're highlighting what you should expect from a purchase in either price range, NOT matching them up point for point.

The twin input 60W, Alligator bolts its extremely rugged, metal-grilled Fane to the left of the cabinet and runs the bass vent vertically down its side. The 3/4in, battened chipboard cab is close-backed and sealed, almost seamlessly, by the distinctive deep green vinyl that identifies Alligators. All the sockets and controls are therefore mounted on the front panel, removable by four bolts, so the electronics will slide out for easy maintenance (although a separate, exterior fuseholder might have helped).

Mains and standby switches are to the right, above the DI output and phones sockets. Low, mid and high eq, on chrome-topped, black plastic knobs, sit between the gain and master volume, both marked for overdrive past 6 on the 1-10 scale. An extra volume boost control far left can be preset and brought in by a footswitch or a panel-mounted toggle, and the collection is completed by the three-position toggle that selects the guitar/bass/keyboards eq profile... more in a bit.

Extremely well built and obviously put together by designers with a practical knowledge of working musicians — the tough speaker grille, the well-protected, controls, the solid base; all are tell tale pointers. For me, only the sight of the thick mains cable snaking out of the bass vent (no exit from the sealed back) mars the view, but you have at least got somewhere to stow the lead and plug after the show. No send and return effects sockets; a pity. No reverb; an extra expense.

In terms of sound a clean, clear, loud amp, with a precise bass end. The vent certainly helps the 10in speaker to dig lower into the bass frequencies by relieving some of the unco-operative air pressure. Not as throaty or rumbling as a 12in or 15in cone, maybe, but treats the low-mid notes of your guitar chords with punch and tightness. Larger, poor quality speakers can go woolly in these areas.

The 'Sound Shaper' toggle switch sets up three eq profiles — 'Bass guitar' has a slight bass boost, plus a treble and middle trim, and a reduction in the initial gain so you don't overdrive the front end of the Alligator as quickly as you might want to with a guitar. 'Keyboard' has a strong treble and middle lift for cut and clarity. 'Guitar' goes through untouched. They're handy short cuts to put you in the proper tonal range, then you tinker with the bass, mid and treble controls to your taste. Neat, fast, and they help circumvent a certain tameness in the tone controls.

Distortion works two ways for the Alligator — gain and boost. The former is the standard way of cranking up the pre-amp stage, pushing it into a sharp, crackling overload with teeth to it, good for dirtying up chords. Boost, on its separate control, can be predetermined and brought in by a footswitch, regardless of the gain setting. Its overload is a thicker, fuzzier style, not so biting, but broader in tone with a lot more sustain — suited to solos and feedback.

The Alligator handles bass and keyboards effectively, and without complaint (swap to the 'Keyboard' sound shape with a bass still plugged in and even the dullest four string is snapping away). But its heart rests with guitar. Tonally, the Alligator is single-minded — you can take those two distortions, strengthen them, weaken them, brighten them, soften them but the essential transistor-based character doggedly slugs on through. A tough, loud and proud all rounder, loves performing.

The Minuet... a different kettle of watts. Not the world's most versatile amplifier, but gratifyingly efficient at what it does. The sound is richer in bass than you might expect from the 8in speaker, and doesn't sound like cardboard as combos of this size (14½in high, 15in wide, 9in deep) can sometimes do. Probably due to the acres of room allowed to the speaker inside the ½in chipboard cab. The stiff, suitcase handle (not strap) and aluminium trim are attractive touches and if it's built to a price, it's at least not constructed without thought — headphone socket for practising and the knobs don't come off in your hand.

Apart from the single input and large neon-ed main switch you've got initial gain, bass and treble controls, and master volume. At full pelt the gain gives you a no-nonsense, penetrating, transistorised distortion, plenty strong enough for chords, but if you're pickups are not the loudest, you wouldn't find single notes sustaining far into the distance. Don't throw your fuzz box away yet.

A presentable, 15W package, but one which almost got a stiff caning. On my review sample the mains lead was only restrained inside the cab by a small, plastic clip. A sharp tug and the Badger would have been de-(un?)earthed. A call to distributors FCN and they got it sorted. All future Badgers will have sturdy screw retainers for the mains cable, they promised. Our good deed for the day.

ALLIGATOR 60: £219
BADGER Minuet: £75

CONTACT: Alligator, Musicians Direct Supply Co, (Contact Details).
CONTACT: Badger, (Contact Details).