Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: hunter on August 24, 2009, 11:24:02 PM

Title: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: hunter on August 24, 2009, 11:24:02 PM

Counter thread  :lol:

Post pretty amps!!!
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: WezV on August 24, 2009, 11:47:09 PM
the martamp relic is pretty special

but for me it has to be small and proper vintage styling like this watkins clubman
(http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/vintage-hofner/amps/amp9c.jpeg)

or an old electar
(http://epiphoneblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/blog7.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Philly Q on August 24, 2009, 11:57:33 PM
This is totally a looks thing, you know I'm clueless about amps:

(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/PA070457.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/IMG_0911.jpg)


(And I got to sneak in another pic of a Tele Junior!)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Twinfan on August 25, 2009, 12:01:43 AM
the martamp relic is pretty special

;)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/vintage1.jpg)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/vintage2.jpg)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/vintage3.jpg)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/vintage4.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: FernandoDuarte on August 25, 2009, 02:12:48 AM
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f240/bobbovisme/Amps/FrontWC.jpg)
(http://www.gbase.com/files/store_images/gear/2115016/p1_uysxpstwc_ss.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/1146225412_77ae96179f.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Lew on August 25, 2009, 02:24:59 AM
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/3500054879_f05227afa6_o.jpg)

(http://www.umop.com/images/G1000.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: mikey5 on August 25, 2009, 03:08:35 AM
http://www.elmwood.se/

I also like Orange amps a whole lot but I think a Ceriatone will be my next. I like amps that just roar with vintage awesomeness
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: FernandoDuarte on August 25, 2009, 06:13:46 AM
Love the OXO one!
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: horsehead on August 25, 2009, 07:59:57 AM
tasty....

(http://indoorstorm.com/tworock/gakm19.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9l7EnsRGOp0/SAQGqOy7oDI/AAAAAAAAAKA/dxw9oqLNkfg/s1600/tone.jpg)


I think I have a thing for blondes
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: hunter on August 25, 2009, 09:05:00 AM
(http://www.larry-amplification.de/gallery/thumbs/lrg-135-15_BritPur_Front__1_.jpg)

(http://www.larry-amplification.de/gallery/thumbs/lrg-136-16_britpur_back.jpg)

(http://www.larry-amplification.de/gallery/thumbs/lrg-93-13_britpur_inside2.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: sgmypod on August 25, 2009, 09:25:01 AM
Probably my own...but this lights up well (http://www.chambonino.com/construct/const10t.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: WezV on August 25, 2009, 09:42:52 AM
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/IMG_0911.jpg)

i think the trace elliot twin is even better, the first amp i really remember wanting badly - mainly for its looks.  although i am struggling to find a decent picture of an original one in green with the simplified trace elliot logo.  The black ones with normal trace elliot logo are not as pretty

still loving mine though, although its not a trace amp in it
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/WezV/new/amp1.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: hunter on August 25, 2009, 10:07:07 AM

by the way, the Larry amp I posted above is a British Purist.

The other Larry design, the Dino 939, is played by Jon Schaffer. Larry posted on HRI that Tim has ordered a Dino as well, so I guess it must be really worth it, as for that acquisition, he will have to wind MANY pickups.

Tim, if you're out there and reading, did you get your Dino already? Would you mind sharing any clips of yours with it?
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Jonny on August 25, 2009, 11:02:50 AM
I like modern looking amps, particularly with metal grills. So..

Elmwood Modena
Bogner Uberschall
ENGL Powerball/Special Edition

And I quite like the H&K style of amplifier, with the lights, etc.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: noodleplugerine on August 25, 2009, 12:14:41 PM
(http://www.arkamps.com/images/c2.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: indysmith on August 25, 2009, 12:30:12 PM
(http://www.arkamps.com/images/c2.jpg)
Most unique, perhaps... But BEST!? Are you mental?
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Plexi Ken on August 25, 2009, 01:07:00 PM
Carr Viceroy, ÷13 EDT and Fender (Blackface) Vibroverb
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: noodleplugerine on August 25, 2009, 01:11:32 PM
(http://www.arkamps.com/images/c2.jpg)
Most unique, perhaps... But BEST!? Are you mental?

Sure, think its gorgeous, looks almost organic, rather than the bland monothlithic type metal slabs you normally get with amps.

Vh4 is also great looking as far as typical amps go:

(http://www.elitemusicsales.com/images/inventory/amps/diezel/vh4-900.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: mikey5 on August 25, 2009, 02:26:43 PM

by the way, the Larry amp I posted above is a British Purist.

The other Larry design, the Dino 939, is played by Jon Schaffer. Larry posted on HRI that Tim has ordered a Dino as well, so I guess it must be really worth it, as for that acquisition, he will have to wind MANY pickups.

Tim, if you're out there and reading, did you get your Dino already? Would you mind sharing any clips of yours with it?



I have heard good stuff about those larry amps. Are they like souped up Marshalls. Also the small Matamp and the green amp great looking. How much does the Larry cost?
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: hunter on August 25, 2009, 02:34:25 PM

by the way, the Larry amp I posted above is a British Purist.

The other Larry design, the Dino 939, is played by Jon Schaffer. Larry posted on HRI that Tim has ordered a Dino as well, so I guess it must be really worth it, as for that acquisition, he will have to wind MANY pickups.

Tim, if you're out there and reading, did you get your Dino already? Would you mind sharing any clips of yours with it?



I have heard good stuff about those larry amps. Are they like souped up Marshalls. Also the small Matamp and the green amp great looking. How much does the Larry cost?

They are the ultimate rock/heavy amps. The British Purist being the ultimate rock, the Dino the ultimate heavy amp (depending on taste for sure). From all I've heard (and I consider to drive to Nürnberg and try them myself) they are in a completely own league when it comes to depth, dynamics and tightness of the tones. They are also mega versatile, with Larry claiming that one of these 2 is the only amp you'll need for the rest of your life.

He builds one at a time only (not parallel work on several amps) and invests about 100h in each. They only contain top notch, selected parts, are individually tuned and broken in and come with NOS RFTs and Tungsram tubes at around 5,500€ at a waiting time of about 12 months right now.

I would really like to get some info from Tim about the Dino, which must be a real bad boy.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Twinfan on August 25, 2009, 02:46:41 PM
That all sounds well and good Hunter, but there is only so much you can do with valves, resistors,  capacitors and transformers.  Once you get to a certain point I believe there can be no 'better', only 'different'.  If you like it, then great, but I smell overpricing  ;)

Having an amp tuned for an individual valve sounds like marketing rubbish as valves wear out and then need to replaced.  I think it's a way to justify a crazy high price, with no real benefit to the end user.

100 hours for one off-the-shelf-amp???????
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: hunter on August 25, 2009, 02:55:28 PM
That all sounds well and good Hunter, but there is only so much you can do with valves, resistors,  capacitors and transformers.  Once you get to a certain point I believe there can be no 'better', only 'different'.  If you like it, then great, but I smell overpricing  ;)

Having an amp tuned for an individual valve sounds like marketing rubbish as valves wear out and then need to replaced.  I think it's a way to justify a crazy high price, with no real benefit to the end user.

100 hours for one off-the-shelf-amp???????

I didn't say it's tuned to the tubes, but to tolerances in parts.

But hey, I didn't make the pricing. If 100h is indeed the time he needs (as he is a perfectionist) then if you deduct the price of parts, there isn't a lot of profit. I would say he makes - what, 10-20€/hour?

The amps are no rip-off or do you think Tim Mills would have spent this kind of money for the Dino otherwise? He must have been really impressed with Schaffers amp. Also, listen to any Iced Earth album from the last 20 years and you hear the Dino939 on Schaffer's work.

By the way, Larry told me that Mike Fortin bought both, a BP and a Dino in early 2007/2008, without Larry knowing that Mike is a builder or would start his amp business. Rings any bells?

I have no intention to vouch for the amps, as I haven't played or heard one, but I want to find out myself soon.

Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Twinfan on August 25, 2009, 03:12:26 PM
The amps are no rip-off or do you think Tim Mills would have spent this kind of money for the Dino otherwise? He must have been really impressed with Schaffers amp.

They sound like nice souped up Marshalls to me, and if people have the money then great.  I never said they were a rip off, just over priced  :)

By the way, Larry told me that Mike Fortin bought both, a BP and a Dino in early 2007/2008, without Larry knowing that Mike is a builder or would start his amp business. Rings any bells?

Not sure I know what you mean?
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Ratrod on August 25, 2009, 04:48:20 PM
Check out http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php (http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php)

(http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/UserFiles/Image/RocketoneIIIsmall.jpg)

(http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/UserFiles/Image/customs/Astronaut.jpg)

(http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/UserFiles/Image/customs/Supersonicsmall.jpg)

(http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/UserFiles/Image/customs/Nautilus3.jpg)

Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: mikey5 on August 25, 2009, 05:49:46 PM
those electrosonics look really neat and they are cheap too. Wonder if they sound any good
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Lew on August 25, 2009, 08:55:17 PM
That all sounds well and good Hunter, but there is only so much you can do with valves, resistors,  capacitors and transformers.  Once you get to a certain point I believe there can be no 'better', only 'different'.  If you like it, then great, but I smell overpricing  ;)

Having an amp tuned for an individual valve sounds like marketing rubbish as valves wear out and then need to replaced.  I think it's a way to justify a crazy high price, with no real benefit to the end user.

100 hours for one off-the-shelf-amp???????

Isn't that the case with guitars and well, everything though? The guitar I'm getting put together at the mo has the the best of everything when it comes to wood, finish and components (with the exception of the pickup). But because it's getting put together/set-up by Feline and Mark Jenny it's costing me 1/4 of the price of a modern eagle or half of my Vigier :p
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: d1dsj on August 25, 2009, 09:55:29 PM
I want one of these...
(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u76/d1dsj/amps_15.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Andrew W on August 25, 2009, 10:12:57 PM
(http://swartamps.com/images/swart_atomic_space_tone_full_368.jpg)

I've always thought that Swart amps are particularly good looking.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Will on August 25, 2009, 10:41:55 PM
I like my old JMP Master volume amps, think they look very classic.
Bogner XTC would look great too (metal grill) if it was full width, rather than a bit narrower.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Twinfan on August 25, 2009, 10:45:56 PM
Isn't that the case with guitars and well, everything though? The guitar I'm getting put together at the mo has the the best of everything when it comes to wood, finish and components (with the exception of the pickup). But because it's getting put together/set-up by Feline and Mark Jenny it's costing me 1/4 of the price of a modern eagle or half of my Vigier :p

A good point, I agree.  I knew someone would bring up the Eagle  ;)

It's not the same  A guitar is more organic as each tree is different.  A £5000 amp is made from a selection of consistent raw materials which aren't that expensive.  Yes, the builder needs time to create it but I would have a lot more respect for it if it was a novel design.

It's £5000 for a slightly souped up Marshall....
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Philly Q on August 25, 2009, 11:27:10 PM
Check out http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php (http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php)


I knew you'd find us some cool retro-futuristic Jetsons amps, Ratrod!  :D

Very, very cool!
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Lew on August 25, 2009, 11:32:08 PM
hehe I wasn't having a dig. But, honestly, I do think it's a bit hypocritcal.

I agree with you for the most part about marketing, but, I don't see why an amp can't be just as 'organic'. Sure, we could argue about wood choice. As could we transformers and valves and layout etc etc... ad nauseum.

I really don't see the modern eagle as a different beast to this amp, in essence they're offering the buyer the same thing. The modern eagle is just a souped up McCarty (or whatever) anyway. OK it's a design PRS came up with but a dyed in the wool Lespaul player will tell you a Mcarty is just a fancy Lespaul, likely unaware of the longer scale etc etc. I'm not saying that's right, and it's a daft generalization but it's the same as your souped up Marshall argument.

It's a given that when you start spending this amount of money on gear you're buying into the builders taste and intellectual property just as much as you are the actual parts and labour.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: hunter on August 25, 2009, 11:36:58 PM
It's £5000 for a slightly souped up Marshall....

It's 5K for a fully handwired amp with 3 channels and 2 boosts (5 sounds), variable boost adjustments, switchable tube buffered FX loop with send and return level, remote controllable master volume (via expression pedal), custom UK made transformers, selected, partly NOS caps and resistors, hand built from A-Z on turret boards and equipped with NOS tubes which alone have a market value of around 500-600€.

A comparable amp in terms of features would for example be an Engl Invader, but that is series production with mass industrial parts and completely built on pcbs. I don't say that the Engl is a bad amp, as it offers similar functionality at half price, but it plays in a different league build wise.

I stick to it, it's a fair price. And I am confident that the experience is breathtaking (I will see).
Again, I cannot imagine otherwise that Tim would shell out 5K for an amp.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: shaman on August 26, 2009, 02:49:40 AM
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u162/cavatator/003-3.jpg)..i love the classic design of these...
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u162/cavatator/004.jpg)..and I love my GTS designed Mesa Boogie Coli 2C+ (1 of 86 ever made..)..wino red-hell,its mine, so I have to post it :D
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: CaptainDesslock on August 26, 2009, 02:59:34 AM
After scrolling through this thread i have come to  the conclusion amps are neither particularly attractive or good looking.

To be honest, I don't think you can love an amp the same way you can a guitar, or at least the average person.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: shaman on August 26, 2009, 03:03:22 AM
I don't think you can love an amp the same way you can a guitar, or at least the average person.
...I agree..that I am NOT average!
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: hunter on August 26, 2009, 07:08:39 AM
To be honest, I don't think you can love an amp the same way you can a guitar, or at least the average person.

Dude you have no idea. Amp love is burning hot and strong in my heart!
Only a young fella of your age who hasn't yet experienced The Tone in the flesh can say that  :lol:
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Philly Q on August 26, 2009, 07:27:13 AM
To be honest, I don't think you can love an amp the same way you can a guitar, or at least the average person.

Dude you have no idea. Amp love is burning hot and strong in my heart!
Only a young fella of your age who hasn't yet experienced The Tone in the flesh can say that  :lol:


I don't think I can love an amp the same way I can a guitar...


...but I'm pretty sure Hunter ain't fakin' it.  :lol:
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: d1dsj on August 26, 2009, 09:21:24 AM
I thought this was a thread about "the best looking amp"???? Not the most expensive, one with most knobs, the most classic looking etc etc  :?
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Twinfan on August 26, 2009, 09:30:49 AM
Classic thread derail going on Don!  ;)

I take everyone's points about the Modern Eagle and I can't really argue against it can I?  :lol:

Again, I cannot imagine otherwise that Tim would shell out 5K for an amp.

Just because Tim likes it, doesn't mean you will Hunter  ;)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: d1dsj on August 26, 2009, 10:08:05 AM
Hey Dave I know, but I just had to lol when the topic went onto guitars in the "best looking amp" thread. Not really about tone, volume or whatever regarding amps let alone guitars  :lol:
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Ratrod on August 26, 2009, 11:43:38 AM
Check out http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php (http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php)


I knew you'd find us some cool retro-futuristic Jetsons amps, Ratrod!  :D

Very, very cool!

More retro-futuristic-Jetson amps: http://mergili.com/index.htm (http://mergili.com/index.htm)

(http://www.mergili.com/amphibian_a.jpg)

Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Supernaught on August 26, 2009, 12:19:47 PM
How bout this:

(http://www.rainbowguitars.com/imagesproduct/ZN/ZNSMOKEYMARLBORO-xl.jpg)

Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Rob Stobbs on August 26, 2009, 12:28:51 PM
Boring in some people's eyes no doubt, but I still get a buzz out of this every time I walk into the room where it lives
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk207/RStobbs/TrainwreckKids002.jpg)

"The Breadbox"  :D
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Philly Q on August 26, 2009, 12:53:25 PM
Check out http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php (http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/customs.php)


I knew you'd find us some cool retro-futuristic Jetsons amps, Ratrod!  :D

Very, very cool!

More retro-futuristic-Jetson amps: http://mergili.com/index.htm (http://mergili.com/index.htm)

I really love the look of those things and the other ones you posted.

Regardless of what they may sound like, they'd look great just sitting in your living room.  I just wish I had a nicer living room to show one off in!
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: sgmypod on August 26, 2009, 02:53:55 PM
Boring in some people's eyes no doubt, but I still get a buzz out of this every time I walk into the room where it lives
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk207/RStobbs/TrainwreckKids002.jpg)

"The Breadbox"  :D
nah like that one was on another forum..nice trainwreck
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Ratrod on August 26, 2009, 03:58:02 PM
well Philly Q, they're all handbuilt and the Electrosonics are PTP wired. No doubt they'll sound good. The rest is a matter of taste.

Just read Electrosonic is (temporarely?) out of business.
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: sgmypod on August 26, 2009, 04:40:56 PM
(http://www.kendrick-amplifiers.com/images/gwsa_openback.jpg) amp porn
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Lew on August 26, 2009, 05:11:02 PM
hmmmm http://www.youtube.com/user/dino939fan 
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on August 26, 2009, 05:13:55 PM
hmmmm http://www.youtube.com/user/dino939fan 

Sure - I could play like that if all I cared about was technique
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Lew on August 26, 2009, 05:16:22 PM
It's clips of the Larry Dino amp that was discussed earlier. The playing is meh...
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: sgmypod on August 26, 2009, 06:15:49 PM
Although this is very pretty and nice spec build (http://www.martamp.com/images/jtm45_blue.jpg) no he ain't paying me....but if I had the money....
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: mikey5 on August 27, 2009, 04:20:36 AM
It's clips of the Larry Dino amp that was discussed earlier. The playing is meh...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqT9a30Ut4k&feature=channel_page


Love this other clip too
That was you very nice I love the sound of the amp alot. Too bad it costs so darn much anyone out there have a cheaper alternative? Matamp Ceriatone Martamp?
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: juansolo on August 27, 2009, 08:18:29 AM
Really quite proud to get a mention for the OXO amp.

I'd also like to add this one that arrived yesterday (not one I built):

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3859294841_b83b95db71_m.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3859294841_74f207e8dd_o.jpg)

...and for a sense of scale:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3860081530_7a3083e50b_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3860081530_ac66b9f9c8_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: sgmypod on August 27, 2009, 08:27:10 AM
top one seen on ebay..whats it like
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: Twinfan on August 27, 2009, 09:17:43 AM
Looks like the ZVex amp....
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: sgmypod on August 27, 2009, 09:20:27 AM
thinks it's what it's based on
Title: Re: Best looking amp you have ever seen ...
Post by: juansolo on August 27, 2009, 09:20:54 AM
It's actually one of these (http://www.buildyourownclone.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17351&p=136449). He's selling them at a very nice price (http://www.buildyourownclone.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=20103) at the moment. When I worked out how much it'd cost me to build one, I decided it really wasn't that much extra to get one pre-built.