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I'm going to make this review simple and brief. This amp is all about TONE! 2 voiced channels, reverb and tremolo - all tube tone. I have been performing for 44 years and have owned and used a lot of amps but never one that sounds and cuts through any mix like this amp. I regularly play rockabilly, rock & roll, blues, soul, country and rock and it sounds perfect in all genres. The only amp I've ever used that could. Tone! Tone! Tone! I regularly use Gretsch 6120 guitars through this Tone King Imperial and its the best match for Gretsch guitars, including Gretsch amps. The amp is so rich in timbres that Les Pauls, 335s, Strats & Teles equally sound fantastic.
This is an amazing 2-channel amp that captures the vintage Fender vibe with more bite. Excellent fit and finish and retro look. It is incredibly loud for a 20 watt amp, and also unbelievably light (30 lbs). For my style of play, I would like a little more drive on the lead channel or an attenuator (option). The volume knob on the lead channel should be labeled gain, because the volume is pretty constant. The cabinet is very resonant and the amp has a ton of available reverb and tremolo. The 20th anniversary model offers improvements such as built-in attenuator and lighted foot-switch. Without an attenuator it is not a bedroom / practice amp. Plenty of gain for 200-seat club stages - trust me.
I've been playing 45 years and had em all over the years. This amp stands out at the top just behind my 71 vibrolux which is the holy grail for live situations The Tone King is very articulate but yet each note seems to blossom as it hits the air Something you need to experience to understand. Very lightweight and portable Buy one you'll love it
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Super warm black face fender tones plus some
Verified purchase: No
The original Tone King Imperial is the perfect first purchase boutique amp. If you love the sonic characteristics of a vintage 5E3 Deluxe, a vintage AB763 Deluxe Reverb, a vintage EL84 powered 5F6A Marshall Bassman and a vintage Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer, this amp has that, better than the originals, and more. It's design, components, construction, cosmetics and optics are absolutely first rate and unique. It is the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of guitar amps. I play 4 stock Fender Custom Shop Nocasters through mine, 3 with modern 3 way switching, 1 with 4 way switching and 2 with modern 3 way neck hummers. In a six piece band setting I am heard, heard well and complemented on tone. Channel 1 gives you 11/10 blackface. Channel 2 gives you 11/10 tweed come JTM45/TS808. Dick Dale would give the reverb circuit 2 thumbs up and tremolo circuit is simply the best you will ever hear. In addition, everyone who sees mine flips over the look and the sound. There's a reason Mark Knopfler plays this amp... Get it? Great. Get one... EnjoyRead full review
Verified purchase: No