Washington state amp builders?

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hillerheilman
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Washington state amp builders?

Post by hillerheilman » Wed Jul 29, 2020 2:55 pm

Hey forum.

I’m considering the possibility of switching from my current amp sim guitar rig to an actual amp. I have to learn to record my acoustic with microphones anyway, so I figure I may as well also learn to mic an amp while I’m at it.
That being said, I’d like to buy something as locally from me as I can manage to support more local businesses.
Does anybody know of any smaller brands or builders based in the Washington/PNW area?

So far I’ve found Verellen amps. But that’s about it.
Last edited by hillerheilman on Wed Jul 29, 2020 5:02 pm, edited 3 times in total.

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dc
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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by dc » Wed Jul 29, 2020 3:08 pm

http://www.quimperelectronic.com

it's a one-man shop in Port Townsend. he started out with amps and has branched his tech into pedals of late, but i believe still does amps too. scroll down :)
in the coldest night / huddled 'round the dying embers

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marqueemoon
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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by marqueemoon » Wed Jul 29, 2020 4:25 pm

Seattle:

Golden Phi
Mercer Electric Inst.

Portland:

Benson
Soursound

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cestlamort
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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by cestlamort » Wed Jul 29, 2020 6:29 pm

Greedtone (Seattle) is a boutique (and loud) option.
(Greg worked on my amps for years).

Soldano retired a year or two ago.

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by HNB » Wed Jul 29, 2020 6:33 pm

Velvetone amps in Seattle. :)
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hillerheilman
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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by hillerheilman » Wed Jul 29, 2020 7:08 pm

dc wrote:
Wed Jul 29, 2020 3:08 pm
http://www.quimperelectronic.com

it's a one-man shop in Port Townsend. he started out with amps and has branched his tech into pedals of late, but i believe still does amps too. scroll down :)
Those are neat! Not really tube or solid State. Don’t know if I like the sounds I can find on YouTube though.
EDIT: dang. Apparently they also have an output that goes directly to an audio interface? That’s really interesting. They’re also really light. I’ll have to see if maybe he can make me a voxy sounding one.
HNB wrote:
Wed Jul 29, 2020 6:33 pm
Velvetone amps in Seattle. :)
Interesting. I googled “velvetone amps” and it came up with a Canadian brand from the 60s. Do you have a link to a website?
Last edited by hillerheilman on Wed Jul 29, 2020 8:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by HNB » Wed Jul 29, 2020 7:19 pm

Christopher
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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by horseblanket » Sun Aug 02, 2020 7:31 am

Last edited by horseblanket on Sun Aug 02, 2020 8:12 am, edited 2 times in total.

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by marqueemoon » Sun Aug 02, 2020 7:55 am

Forgot about Science. Good call.

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by hillerheilman » Sun Aug 02, 2020 6:41 pm

Okay, so I’ve checked around a bit but I don’t think I’ve found what I’m looking for just yet.

What I’m really after is a 1x12 combo akin to an ac15 with alnico speakers. But I’d like it to be lighter than a vox by as much as possible.

Tried contacting Quimper first since their amps are usually less than 20 pounds because of the technology they use. However, they aren’t currently offering any tonal customization because they’re focusing on developing a new pedal. I’m not the biggest fan of the stock tone so they’re out.

Science amps doesn’t offer combos, so they’re out.

Still researching the others mentioned, but I’d love more suggestions if possible

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by Larsongs » Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:13 am

Celestion Alnico Blues weigh about 10 lbs.. They're part of what makes AC15's heavy...

It's surprising non of the Boutique guys in your Area don't build Clones?

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by hillerheilman » Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:27 pm

Larsongs wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:13 am
Celestion Alnico Blues weigh about 10 lbs.. They're part of what makes AC15's heavy...

It's surprising non of the Boutique guys in your Area don't build Clones?
That’s something I’d considered too. I’m not necessarily looking to nail the tones exactly per se, just have the same kind of flavor and get close. I’ve emailed a couple of builders about it, but I’ve yet to receive a response so far.

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by horseblanket » Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:12 pm

I believe the Verellen Spaldo is a Voxy amp that can be a 1x12 amp. Can't speak to the weight though. He builds em "sturdy." He also loves doing custom work.

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by hillerheilman » Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:36 pm

horseblanket wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:12 pm
I believe the Verellen Spaldo is a Voxy amp that can be a 1x12 amp. Can't speak to the weight though. He builds em "sturdy." He also loves doing custom work.
I actually emailed him this morning. The spaldo is still a bit heavier than I’d like, so I’m hoping he can tweak some things to cut down on the weight. Just waiting on a response.

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Re: Washington state amp builders?

Post by marqueemoon » Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:16 pm

hillerheilman wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:36 pm
horseblanket wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:12 pm
I believe the Verellen Spaldo is a Voxy amp that can be a 1x12 amp. Can't speak to the weight though. He builds em "sturdy." He also loves doing custom work.
I actually emailed him this morning. The spaldo is still a bit heavier than I’d like, so I’m hoping he can tweak some things to cut down on the weight. Just waiting on a response.
Yeah, the stock Spaldo combo is pretty heavy.

Good sounding amp though.

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