Custom Amp and Cab Builds
Note: due my current work load I am only taking on a limited number of custom builds Don’t be shy about asking!
Since player’s tastes and needs are so different sometime a player will elect to have custom amp made rather than get a stock model. I try my best to collaborate with my customers to get them the best amp possible.
As my amp line has expanded many common build requests are covered by what I currently offer. Sometimes an adaption or slightly modified version is what is needed. For other players an entirely custom amp may be what is needed. Either way we can get you a great amp! We also build custom cabinets in few styles. Cosmetics are up to the buyer and I also do hand finished pine cabs for those wanting a non-tolex look.
Email me via the contact page to get the ball rolling on your custom build. Also check out the custom build gallery to see some of my custom work. When talking over a customer build please be aware custom builds will cost more than stock builds and take more time. Lots of extra work goes into building a custom amp. Please be courteous with my time. Below I have list of requests that are possible and requests that are not.
IMPORTANT: I do not build custom amps as chassis only; I do not sell combo amps without speakers or without tubes.
Notes on custom builds:
A. Build style and parts:
For custom builds I use the same sound engineering practices, parts, and methods I do for my other amps. I will do not repeat layout mistakes so that the inside of the amp looks exactly like an old amp or build a replica. By request I may use something special like NOS tubes or custom cosmetics on the faceplate. I'm always willing to discuss but please do not contact me if wish to engineer your own amp, select every part, or micro-manage my work. Let my expertise work for you. It will reward you with a great amp!
I know that last sentence seems silly but I've had folks insist that control layout run opposite of the standard, that all hardware be gold plated, that all the caps be brown in color, that I paint transformers etc. I've even had folks hand me schematics they made that cannot possibly work. I simply do not do that. Amp building is a practical endeavor.
B. Common customizations:
Two channel amps with related tones i.e and Plexi and JCM 800 channel
Adding an FX loop to a design
Adding London Power Scaling
Building an amp based off a vintage model
Building an amp I offer but with a different speaker setup
Building an amp I offer with different power tubes i.e a Tweed Bassman with El-34s
C. Requests I will not work on:
More than two channels
Multiple channels with unrelated tones i.e Fender Blackface and Vox
Adding a large amount of features to a vintage model with the expectation it will sound the same. I.E adding reverb, tremolo, and eq section and an fx loop and an overdrive channel to Supro.
Common Builds:
I can build most common vintage models Fender Tweed, Blackface, and Brown/Blonde Amps, Marshall, Orange, Hiwatt, Supro, Valco, Ampeg, Trainwreck and many others. In many cases amps I currently build already represent high quality versions of these amps so in those cases I’d recommend a model I already build. Contact me for more information! See the gallery for some pictures of custom builds I've done.
