ValveTrain Amplification Custom 318 Harp 112 Combo

I bought my amp in 2005. It has the "SAG" that tweaks out bends (Harp)in the power range. The bright channel is good for Guitar. I use my Paul Beard Resonator through it. I am going to upgrade the speaker. (should have done this when I bought the amp). I like the multiple use features.

Super Amp!!!!!!!! Solo Harp is CLEAN on bright channel. Cranks out AWESOME Sags and bends. I use a 1930's Rocket mike with low impedence. The Green Bullets (especially Mexican models) have too much power and Sag out the standard speaker. (You will need to upgrade). Valvetrain can do this for you. Lots of variables when you mix channel power. Play with it till you get the sound you like. I use my old Mullard tubes when I want GREAT Sound.

No problems so far.

I have played for 50+ years. Lost my old twin National to theives. I bought two amps from valvetrain. I also love my little Champ Amp Po Boy. So far-so good.

This amp is a clone of the early 50's 5C3 Tweed Deluxe. Rated at 18W RMS. Built by Rick Gessner of ValveTrain Amplification in July 2005, using a Weber chassis and transformers, Mojotone cab, Sprague and Mallory caps, and other high quality components. Has 4 inputs, 2 for the normal channel and 2 for the bright channel, a volume control for each, and a single tone control. Used exclusively for harp. The volume controls are interactive...when using the normal channel, the bright volume affects the tone, and vice-versa. No reverb, tremelo, or other fancy effects, but this amp is all about simplicity and classic harp tone. There is an extra extension speaker jack that allows you to hook up to another cab for an even bigger sound.

Haven't noticed much of a difference when using the interactive volume controls...there is some midrange tone reduction when the volume control of the unused channel is turned up around 10. I use a variety of mics with Shure CR and CM, and Astatic crystal and ceramic elements. The Astatic elements have too much gain for the normal channel, but sound great when played through a Danelectro BLT echo box, which tones down the gain. The normal channel is darker and more bassy than the bright channel. This provides numerous tonal choices, when combined with different mics. Tube compliment is 1 WY3GT Weber Copper Cap, 2 ElectroHarmonix 6V6, and 2 NOS Tung-Sol 6SC7's. Loaded with a Weber 12A100 (P12R) with smooth cone and harp dustcap. The speaker sounds great after break-in, with solid low end and very mellow high end. The speaker is only rated at 15W, so if I want to crank the volume higher than 5, I use the 2nd speaker jack to plug into a 10" Emminence Blue frame rated at 20W. This creates a 4 ohm load, which this amp handles well. This amp has a grid-leak bias circuit on the preamp tubes, and is lower gain than the more famous 5E3 Deluxe...perfect for smooth overdriven harp tone.

Too early to guage long-term reliability, but the amp is very well built and should be trouble-free for years to come.

Rick Gessner of ValveTrain Amplification is a pleasure to deal with. He made the amp to my specs, and took the time to track down some top of the line Tung Sol tubes. Rick kept me informed with frequent emails, and the amp was delivered 3 weeks after my initial call. There is a lifetime warranty on workmanship, a 90 day warranty on electrical components, and a 30 day warranty on the speaker, tubes, and cabinet.

Have played harp through a variety of other small amps, including SF Vibrochamp, Kalamazoo Model 2, and a Magnatone Varsity Deluxe. The Custom 318 Harp is much bigger sounding, while keeping the smooth distortion at lower volumes. This amp is loud enough for gigs, while still ideal for home practice without rattling any dishes. I anticipate this amp will outlive me, and my kids will be using it in about 40 years. A 1954 Deluxe in good condition recently went for about $3,700 on Ebay...at 800 bucks I consider this amp a great value given the top quality construction, components, and sound.