Clark Amplification Grifton Head

Made in 2000, an early model with brass chassis (current ones I hear are aluminum) and lightly stained oak (current ones are tolex-covered). Class A (inspired by EF86 version of AC15). Tube component: EF86 preamp, 12AX7 phase inverter, 2*EL84 power and 5V4G rectifier (current ones come with EZ81). 2 inputs (high and low gain), volume and tone (cuts or opens highs just like 'Brilliance' on some Matchless amps). 4,8 and 16 ohm speaker outs. Needless to state that this is not a 'feature' oriented amp. However, it's not a one-trick pony either. The amp is very sinsitive to tube types used and just by changing those you can tailor it to your taste. I by far prefer JJ/Tesla EL84 output tubes in this amp as they sound very rich and warm. However, those who like more 'Voxy' tones may opt for EI (Yugo). EF86 can make a world of difference and IMO it's worth of investing in a NOS one (I use Amperex 'Globe'). As all Clark amps it's point to point wired and has nice touches like spring retainers for power and rectifier tubes and 'floating'(with a rubber gasket) sockets for the preamp and phase inverter.

I mainly play a Tele (50 Relic Nocaster) and few Strats in a Blues/R&B combo. I was always attracted by the rich and creamy sound of EF86 pentode tube and used to try (and many times buy) a one with that tube. Probably one of the best examples of those amps was Matchless C30. Yet I was not 100% happy with it. The right channel would never get 100% clean and depending on guitars, pickups, volume etc. the amp could get either shrill on highs or mushy in response. The Grifton filled the bill 100%. The amp is 15watt but like most of other Class-A amps it will sound much louder than Tweed Deluxe. The headroom is not that great but yet tone cleans up nicely with bell-like tone and semi-distorted tones are plain beutifull with no harshness at all and chords retaining individual note definitions. The biggest surprise is when you push it into distortion (which happens for single-coil guitars at around 1'ocklock). Unlike many other Class A amps the sound stays very focused with nice sizzle in the highs (instead of 'blizzard of nails'). It works great with OD/Clean Boost pedals. I use Siegmund (old 1 tube model) to push it just a bit harder on solos with great results (but it'll work just fine without any OD at all especially if your pickups are a bit hotter than on a 50's Tele). Out of my cabinets it sounds the best with a Clark (all pine) 1*12 with Weber VST Blue Dog. I'm giving this a 10 for sound quality as since I bought this amp I've stopped searching for a EF86/EL84 Class A amp.

Had it for 2.5 years. Have been using it regularly for 1 to 3 times a week. Never had a problem with it. The build quality is outstanding, so there's nothing to worry about.

Both Michael (Clark) and Bob (of perfect Note) are very helpful and friendly. When the amp was being built both were in regular contact with me and accomodated my requests (like to voice it for single coils and not to install feet as I'm using Audiquest sorbothane feet with it). I didn't need any support on this amp since I recieved it but I'm sure that if there is a problem it would be taken care of promptly.

I've been playing guitar for over 20 years. I own few other fine amps (2 of which are also Clarks). If it were stolen I'd have to get another one right away as it's been my main Tele/small-medium club amp for a while. I love the way it sounds with my Tele and also maple fretboard Strats (it'll sound great with rosewood ones too but it's my taste that I like the latter to run thru cleaner amps). Even at its current price (which is slightly higher than what I paid) it's IMO a solid winner in its class. Can't say enough good words about it. Just wish it was a bit lighter and smaller (but that would make it rate at 11).