Clara Amps 5E3 Deluxe Head

This is a tough answer, cause it has very few features - but that's exactly what I wanted. What I will say is this, the modern twists and features that I wanted (impedance selection, standby, high quality part, choice of tolex, etc) were all made available to me. However, the amp itself is as simple as it gets - 1 tone pot, 2 volume pots, 2 inputs, standby and on/off switch. I choose my versatility via pedals.

I play a PRS SC Trem with HB's or a Musicman Silhouette with HB's through a pedal board - all pedals are true bypass or a semblance thereof. The amp feeds a Mesa 2X12 cabinet. I play in a cover band, but the hardest distortion I need would be "hard" rock - no rectifier sounds required (although my current backup is a mesa F50). What I like about this amp is that it is 18 watts (2 6V6 tubes) so I can get the volume up to mid level without killing anybody - so I can get a beautiful, and I mean beautiful, brown sound, without any pedals... this sound works for almost all slightly raunchy rock songs (think Keep your hands to yourself). The pedals (chorus, wah, and distortion) can modulate or dirty it up, and the basic amp sound continues to shine through.
And just for information purposes, I do know what a vintage fender is supposed to sound like - I have a 1960 Harvard, a 62 Champ, a 67 Blackface bassman piggyback, just sold a 55 Deluxe and a 59 Supro, and play through a 65 deluxe regularly.

Haven't had it long enough to say, however, having been sent pictures as it was being built, and having seen the insides, I have NO DOUBTS about this. Would gig with a set of backup tubes only... well... probably not, because I am so anal. But I don't think I will ever need a backup (even though I am going to order his 18 watt marshall as a backup !). It seems bulletproof, and I fully trust Keith to back up his warranty.

I was sent pictures every step of the process. When the transformer was delayed, he ordered another one from a different manufacturer in order to meet the delivery date. The tolex work is impeccable. Anything that involved a choice I was consulted on (transformer type, tube type, etc...). I believe that I will never require the customer support - but if I do, I know it'll be there.

I love this amp. I don't like to look back and fiddle with amp knobs for sound selection. I want the basic sound to be nice and brown and ready for bluesy rock. I want an amp to make my pedals sound real, and better. And this amp does all that. And the guy who builds them knows about tone, and knows what to do to make it work for you. I had never met Keith prior to ordering this amp - same story - friend of a friend who shops at the same music store. But he build a great product for a great price and let's you have control over the options.