Hand-Built Tweed Guitar Amplifiers
The case for Replica Amplifiers
The 1950's evokes images of classic cars, rock n roll, Duane Eddy, Scotty Moore, the explosive Chicago blues and the Three Kings, Elvis, Merle Travis, Chuck Berry and more. In the 60's guitarists found the natural distortion of a cranked-up tweed irresistible. Tweed amplifiers remain a staple in every major studio.
Original, unmodified examples are getting harder to find and if you do find one, they can be very expensive. Taking investment grade originals to a gig may be risky and using an original for just banging around the house might be tying up capital that could be better used. Settling for a recent pc-board-based, off-shore built, off-the-rack amp is one solution.
I believe a better solution exists right in between. Find a reputable builder to assemble an amp using the highest quality, as close to original-specification components as possible, using established build techniques and diligent attention to detail.
The Tweed Bandmaster™
The Tweed Bandmaster™
One of the rarest and most collectible amplifiers in its original form, the 28 watt 5E7 circuit Bandmaster™ provides great sound at reasonable volumes, from pristine cleans to smooth breakup to outright overdrive. Period-correct specifications, correct plate voltages on the 5881's and correct preamp voltages (compared to recent high voltage 6L6GC-driven reissues) original interactive tone control circuit and the split-load phase inverter combine to produce the authentic strong mids, creamy highs and solid bottom end at useable volumes.
Also available in the 1-15" speaker and 2-10" speaker versions.
Shown in clear shellac finish, several options available.
Tweed Guitar Amplifiers
The Tweed Bandmaster™
Solid pine cabinets, chromed steel chassis. Turret board construction for improved future serviceability. Brass grounding plate like the original. Split V1 cathodes for future tuneability. 4-ohm secondary output transformer like the original or the optional massive Mercury Magnetics output transformer at 2.7 Ohm, exact for the 3-10 speakers at 8 ohms each. Balanced 6.3v filament wiring, quieter than original. Increased filter cap (F&T) capacity compared to original for improved bottom end. All CTS pots, Switchcraft jacks, Carling switches, US / Canadian made transformers.
At around 28 watts, with 3-10" speakers, premium iron and a fabulous circuit, the 3-10” Bandmaster™ is an incredible amplifier that likes humbuckers and P90's as well as single coil guitars, very pedal friendly, convenient overall size and weight.
Harp players find the rich, authentic tone intoxicating and addictive.
Contact me to discuss current stock, build options, a quote and current build times.
The Tweed Twin
The Tweed Twin
The Big Daddy of tweed amplifiers, the Twin™ was available in several configurations from 40-80 watts. The most popular version that I build uses the elegant 5F6-a Bassman circuit, utilizing 5881's, EL34's or 6L6GC power tubes and 5U4GB or GZ34 rectifier tubes at around 40-45 watts.
The Tweed 5E3 Deluxe™
The Tweed Deluxe™
I build all of the tweed amplifiers and the 12 watt 1-12" Tweed Deluxe™ with the 5E3 circuit is the most popular. The tones from the Tweed Deluxe™ are instantly recognizable. True to the original 5E3 design, the interactive tone controls provide a great range of complex, earthy tones.
The overdrive comes up quickly and eventually gets rowdy. Available with optional master volume and selectable negative feedback loop, for added flexibility.
The solid pine, American-made cabinet is shown in amber tint nitrocellulose finish, other finishes available.
Chromed steel chassis. Turret board construction for improved future serviceability. Brass grounding plate like the original. Preamp tube sockets are rubber shock mounted like the original. Balanced 6.3v filament wiring, quieter than original. Increased filter cap (F&T) capacity compared to original for improved bottom end.
5Y3 rectifier, 6V6 power tubes, 12AY7 preamp and 12AX7 phase inverter tubes per the original. All CTS pots, Switchcraft jacks, Carling switches.
The Tweed 5E3 Deluxe™
The Tweed Deluxe™
Many speaker options available. The ground switch and the death cap are deleted from original design. The tube rectifier socket has backup diodes installed to protect the circuit and greatly improve rectifier tube life.
Power and output transformers from ClassicTone-Magnetics Components Inc., the most accurate tweed replica transformers on the market. I bought 6 sets of this iron from the last run.
Several cabinet finish options available, many speaker options available.
Contact me to discuss current stock, build options, a quote and current build times.