The Tweed MORNINGWOOD 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.
The case for Replica Amplifiers
Original, un-modified 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.
Tweed 3-10 Bandmaster
One of the rarest and most collectible amplifiers in its original form, the 28 watt 5E7 circuit Bandmaster (tm) 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.
3-10 Chassis Features
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 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 made transformers,
Truly a Classic Amplifier
At around 28 watts, with 3-10" speakers, premium iron and a fabulous circuit, the 3-10 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.
Tweed 1-12 Deluxe
Tweed 1-12 Deluxe 5E3
I build all of the tweed amplifiers and the 12 watt 1-12 Deluxe is the most popular.
The tones from the 12 watt 1-12" speaker 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.
Shown in amber tint nitrocellulose finish, other finishes available.
Tweed 1-12 Chassis Features
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,
Ground switch and death cap deleted from original design. 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 if 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.
Tweed 1-15 Pro
Tweed 1-15 Pro
One of the 3 sisters, the Pro (TM), Super (TM) and Bandmaster (TM), each amplifier using virtually the same circuit, available in 1-15" speaker, 2-10": speaker and 3-10" speaker versions.
This 1-15" speaker version highlights the mids while producing a tight bottom end and controlled highs.
The original 5E5a design keeps the interactive tone controls and split-load phase inverter, output around 28 watts.
Shown in amber tint shellac, other finishes are available.
Chassis Features
Chromed steel chassis. Turret board construction for improved future serviceability. Brass grounding plate like the original. Balanced and elevated 6.3v filament wiring, quieter than original. Increased filter cap (F&T) capacity compared to original for improved bottom end. Bias test ports, power tube bias adjustment. All CTS pots, Switchcraft jacks, Carling switches, US made transformers. Shown in clear shellac, other finishes available. Shown with optional 5F6a circuit with period correct voltages, 5881's.
Another mid-late 1950's tweed amplifier that was ahead of it's time, applying a 15" speaker to a guitar amp, therefore relatively lower sales translated to future collectability.
Today's players embrace the rich mids, impressive lows and better-than-expected high frequency response of a quality 15" speaker driven by an authentic classic circuit.
Shown with a new Jensen Alnico P15N, many speaker options available. Shown with customer-provided cabinet from Mather in amber tint shellac, many other options are available.
Contact me to discuss current stock, build options, a quote and current build times.
Tweed 2-12 Twin
The Big Daddy of tweed amplifiers, the Twin (tm) 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. Minor tweaks in the tone stack and selectable NFB improves the performance using high-output humbucker pickups, as an option.
Available with power scaling, a great solution for home use, local gigs, larger venues.
Many speaker options are available.
Shown in premium amber tint nitrocellulose.
Chassis Features
Chromed steel chassis. Turret board construction for improved future serviceability. Brass grounding plate like the original. Balanced and elevated 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 made transformers. External bias test ports, optional dual power tube bias adjustment, optional 3-position NFB switch (tucked underneath), optional tone stack bypass switch, optional power scaling and optional preamp boost switch, all combining to take this amp from home to local bar to arena. Shown with Celestion Vintage 30's, many speaker options available.
The Tweed 2-12
This custom edition tweed amplifier has an optional 5F6a chassis and circuit, setup for 5881's, 6L6GC's or EL34's at around 40-45 watts, with power scaling that goes from full power to 1/2 power.
Shown in tinted amber nitrocellulose.
Contact me to discuss build options, a quote and current build times
Public Disclaimer
NOTICE:
Deluxe, Bandmaster, Bassman and Twin are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Company, used for reference only.