Bad Cat Black Cat 1x12 Combo vs Bad Cat Cub 1x12 Combo
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right Tube Guitar Combos for your music.
Last updated: July 1, 2026 • Next update: July 8, 2026
Bad Cat Black Cat 1x12 Combo
The Black Cat is a focused, high-quality amp that delivers serious Bad Cat tone in a manageable 1x12 format. It's a fantastic choice for players seeking a premium clean platform with a touch of grit, especially those leaning towards classic rock, blues, and roots music. Don't expect a huge range of sounds, but what it *does* do, it does exceptionally well.
$2,419
Bad Cat Cub 1x12 Combo
The Bad Cat Cub is a serious contender for players wanting a boutique amp with a killer mid-range growl. It’s got that classic American amp tone – think early SRV – but in a manageable, gig-friendly package. Perfect for blues, rock, and even some lighter jazz players who appreciate a refined, powerful clean platform and a creamy overdrive.
$2,199
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Bad Cat Black Cat 1x12 Combo | Bad Cat Cub 1x12 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bad Cat | Bad Cat |
| Model | Black Cat 1x12 Combo | Cub 1x12 Combo |
| Price | $2418 | $2198 |
| Expert Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 | ⭐ 4.3/5 |
| Power (Watts) | 20 | 30 |
| Tubes | 3 x 12AX7 preamp, 2 x EL84 power | 3 x 12AX7 (Preamp), 2 x EL34 (Power) |
| Speaker | 1 x 12’ Bad Cat Custom Celestion V30 | 1 x 12" Celestion Vintage 30 |
| Channels | 2 | 2 (Clean/Overdrive) |
| Effects | Bias-Modulated Tremolo, Reverb, Buffered FX Loop | Reverb, FX Loop |
| Weight | 21.3 kg | 21.3 kg |
| Pros | + Exceptional clean headroom for a 20W amp, surprisingly loud. | + The Celestion Vintage 30 speaker delivers a focused, powerful, and articulate tone. |
| Pros | + Bad Cat’s signature high-end clarity and responsiveness. | + Bad Cat's renowned preamp design provides a sweet, responsive overdrive with excellent clarity. |
| Pros | + UK-made Celestion V30 delivers a focused, articulate tone. | + The dual Master controls offer precise dynamic control and a wide range of volume levels. |
| Pros | + Robust build quality; feels like a tank, ready for gigging. | + Robust, all-point hand-wired construction ensures exceptional reliability and longevity. |
| Cons | - Limited tonal versatility; excels at specific rock/blues sounds. | - The 30-watt output, while versatile, may lack headroom for extremely loud stage environments. |
| Cons | - Premium-priced, a significant investment for many guitarists. | - The single channel design, while excellent, limits tonal flexibility compared to multi-channel amps. |
| Cons | - Tremolo isn’t the most nuanced or inspiring effect. | - The footprint, while compact, is still relatively heavy for a 1x12 combo. |
| Category | Tube Guitar Combos | Tube Guitar Combos |
| Article Number | 597520 | 597482 |
| Check Price | Check Price |
