Collins Amplification Kensington 45

Craig's version of a JTM 45. Usually, I enter N/A for features when classic circuits are involved but Craig did some extra "features" for me worth mentioning.

1. Bias adjustment and volt meter inputs on back of chassis. I like to roll tubes and a set of power tubes can be biased in less than three minutes with this set up.

2. Will run 6L6's KT66's or EL34's, see Sound Quality.

3. 4, 8, 16 ohm speaker tap selector switch on back of chassis

4. Channel tie switch on front of chassis, allowing the need for only one input for each channel. Craig will do the traditional four inputs but I like the convenience of not having to use a patch cord.

Other than that it's standard JTM 45 across the front.

Versatile and discriminating.

With 6L6's it moves into 59 Bassman world, with EL34's it's all Marshall.

It's extremely sensitive to different pre-amp tube flavors as well as your fingers.

EXTREMELY pedal friendly. I'm 54 and have been pedal adverse my entire life but lately I've been experimenting with a G-System. It is by far the best amp for the job in that it provides for the least "tone sucking" when using a processed sound and maintains it's inherent tonal qualities. Also, superb with the basic stuff, like a little gain from a Zen Drive. But to really appreciate it, just plug in a decent strat with decent cable and set the volume around 2:30-3:00 p.m, 2 x 12 with a couple of old G12H's, that's the ****.

I like the amp dry but if you're hooked on reverb, it works great with the TC Electronic or the T-Rex or an old Fender. Don't insult it with a Holy Grail.

My third amp from Craig, I also own a Tweed Tone and a Bristol, never had an issue with any of them, and I'm not gentle or careful.

The only customer support I've needed are answers to lots of remedial questions.

Craig has taught me a lot about how amps work by taking the time to thoroughly answer my questions and talk me out of some weird design ideas I've run by him.

He's a one man shop and does lots of mod's and repairs in addition to building great amps, so despite my impatient nature, it's impossible for him to get back to you right away all of the time, but he always will within a day or two via email or phone.

I spent big bucks on some of the cork sniffer, flavor of the month builders takes on classic circuits, I always seem to take my loss and sell them.

I still own all three amps I purchased from Craig, I've had the Kensington for two years and the Tweed Tone for over five.

Quite frankly, I've suggested to Craig that his prices are too low, but I can assure you the quality is equal or better to all "the gear page" darlings charging twice as much.

Amp is a 2006 Kensington Head as shown on Craig's website. Amp is configured as a traditional JTM 45, dual channels (normal/bright) and 4 inputs. Craig utilized a Weber kit, the HHR version (high headroom output transformer) discarding the cheaper components in favor of his own. The configuration allows for the channels to be jumpered and bridged for more tonal variations and more gain if desired. The controls are functional and extremely sensitive as most JTM 45s are, at my request Craig added a pre-Phase inverter Master Volume to allow the preamp to stay clean avoiding phase inverter distortion (nasty) w/ the tone balanced between the bridged channels. With the master on "10" it's out of the circuit. EXACTLY what I was looking for, and EXACTLY what I asked for!

One word - AWESOME. The best JTM style amp I have ever heard - huge, monster cleans with a strat that are never harsh, never dull, never muddy. Killer, the sound I've had in my head for years. Amp has a ton of gain too if you want it, I tamed the front end with a 12AT7 because clean is what i am going for and this thing is to die for in that regards, but just for fun I ran a humbcker equipped guitar through it and dimed it out .. WHOA! Killer amp all around and exeeded my expectations soundwise in every area.

Build quality is outstanding, excellent point to point workmanship that looks like it was done by a master. Craig, based on his experience and resume, apparently is. Should last me and my grandchildren (none yet BTW!!) for our lifetimes ;-)

Working with Craig was a pleasure every step of the way. I've been buying and sellng stuff for years, have had a lot of experience with many different builders and retailers, and I say that he is easily one of the BEST. If anyone wants to know more, feel free to email me.

Great amp, great purchasing experience - and the price was killer too. Craig will build my next amp.