Retro-King Amps 18W 112 Combo

2009
This is a great Classic Rock & Blues amp. I play all styles of music and I needed an amplifier to fill this need.
2 Channels, No Switching, No Loop, No Headphone Jack.
None
Great studio, practice & live amplifier.
Built in Tremolo & Rectifier switch, Ohm switch, external speaker outputs.

I'm using a Gibson Les-Paul w/ Seth Lover pick-ups & a American standard Strat w/ Lollar pick-ups.
With those guitars and this amp you can play in any rock/ blues band anywhere in the world and sound fantastic.
Not noisy at all. The more you turn this amp up the better it sounds. I have yet to make this amp sound bad.
The amp of course distorts the more you turn it up (it is a Marshall style amplifier) but cleans up beautifully when you turn your volume down. No Channal switching needed. The lower settings are clean and punchy with lots of head room. I have the master volume option and I highly recommend it. It makes the amplifier a bit more versitle.

Yes & Yes
Not yet just got it.

Charles is a great guy to deal with and he was very professional. I had many questions before I ordered my amp, and he was very good about getting back to me in a timely manner. But don't bug him to much because he does get very busy building the amps himself. That's what's cool about buying an amp from RetroKing.

I've been playing for over 20 years and I have owned many amps and this is a good one. If you need that "REAL" classic tone but don't want to spend a fortune on a real vintage amplifier, get a RetroKing. I have A/B this amp to the real 1974 Marshall and I perfer the RetroKing, and here's why: It's quiter when fully crancked, louder, more headroom at lower volumes, and with the addition of the Rectifier switch & the Master volume upgrades makes this amp way more versitle.
I do have to mention that the attention to detail is fantastic. There wasn't a flaw anywhere I could see on this amp.
I ordered mine in Green lavant with the salt & pepper grill. (Same as Billy Gibbons RetroKing amp)
Mine has the Mojo 12" speaker BV30H. GREAT SPEAKER!!!!!!!!!!!
Mojo has really done a great job here. I will soon be switching out all my other speakers for the Mojo. Try it!!!!!!!! You won't be sorry.

I rec???d my 2 channel Retro-King 18 watt 1x12 combo in Sept. 08. It has a 2-speed trem. channel (foot switch included) that has a vol., tone control, and a speed and intensity control with one input. This amp also has higher gain channel with a vol. and tone control with two imputes. My amp was also ordered with a master vol. control. This amp has 2 el84 power tubes, 3 - 12axy preamp tubes, a rectifier tube, a tube for the trem. Channel, and 4,8, & 16 ohm switch for speaker selections. Mine came ordered with a MOJO British Vintage Series 12 inch speaker. This amp is versatile enough for the styles of music I play which include, blues, classic rock, funk, and smooth jazz. Other than built in tube tremolo, this amp does not have a lot of bells and whistles like say, higher gain channel switching, reverb, onboard effects, effects loops, etc., but I do not think that was the intent of the builder. I believe this amp was designed to achieve maximum guitar tone by eliminating a number of other features in the circuit. This a plug in and play combo with no frills for players who want maximum tone out of their amp. I have been playing the amp at home quite extensively, almost daily for two months, and therefore have not yet had the opportunity to gig or record with it which I plan to do. It is a loud 18 watts that from my playing experience in a band situation could cover, small, medium and even larger venues if miked up. I purchased it knowing what features I wanted in an amp, therefore it does not lack any features for my playing style. I do have a number of quality stomp box effects that I do run with it when needed. This is a hand made custom amp made with point to point wiring. My 18 watt Retro King combo came built like a tank, with green levant tolex, and cosmetics that I find are second to none.

I play the following guitars: a 1957 chambered Gibson Les Paul reissue gold top (humbucker pups); 1957 chambered Gibson Les Paul reissue (humbucker pups); 1960 Gibson Les Paul Special reissue (P-90 pups); 2006 PRS McCarty (humbucker pups with coil split capacity), and a 1962 Fender reissue strat(single coil pups). I am very pleased with the way all my guitars sound through the Retro King 18 watt combo. With the master vol. used in combination with the vol. control in either channel, you are able to achieve many usable tone shaping possibilities. With some tweaking of the controls, you can also achieve some good clean tones. However, where I believe this amp really shines is when the master vol. and vol. are cranked up using humbucking pups to produce a true overdriven natural tube distortion tone. Think Billy Gibbons guitar tone on the songs Waiting For The Bus, Just Got Paid, and La Grange. This amp can produce these overdriven guitar tones without tearing out your eardrums with excessive vol. levels (sweet!). This amp can produce notes that have harmonically rich overtones with good clarity and definition. With my guitars that have humbucking pups, I do not need to use an over drive pedal to get the tone/sustain I like with the Retro King 18 watt combo. With my strat I can get nice clean tones, or I???ll use a Exotic BB Preamp pedal with it for more gain. I am currently using a Korg Pitch Black Tuner, a Exotic BB-Preamp pedal, a Analog Man chorus, and a Analog Man modded Boss DD-3 delay pedal with this amp. All these Pedals sound good to my ears this 18 watt combo. No one amp can do everything when it comes to all the different styles of music. As stated earlier in this review this a plug in and play straight forward amp without a ton of onboard features. I do not believe it would be the amp of choice for heavy metal music, although it can get deliver a lot of grind when cranked up with an overdrive pedal in front of it. If a player is looking for super clean country Fendery twang tones, this amp may not be for their liking. However, for straight ahead rock and blues tones, this amp in small combo package really delivers the goods with a vintage vibe and enough head room for most small to medium size rooms. Also, miking up this amp for larger venues would also be appreciated by most sound men. Prior to the purchase of this amp, I played through a Marshall reissue 1974 18 watt combo with 12 inch speaker that a friend of mine owns. Although it did produce a nice overdriven tone when turned up past 12 o???clock, it did not have enough head room for my personal playing needs. I found that the higher gain channel on the Retro King to have more head room than the Marshall 18 watt combo. The two speed foot-switchable tube driven trem. channel is an added plus to this amp which produces a strong vintage pulsating tremolo effect. As a long time player myself, I am more than pleased with what the 18 watt Retro King Combo does for my playing and tone.

As I have owned and played this amp for less than two months, I cannot rate how reliable it is a this time, or how much I can depend on it. However, it is all hand built using top notch components. I hope and believe it will hold up well over time with normal servicing as needed with all tube amps.

After reading several reviews on the Retro-King 18 watt combo. I contacted Retro King founder and builder Mr. Chuck Dean to learn more about his 18 watt combo. Mr. Dean took ample time to answer and discuss my questions and concerns I had as to having a custom amp built, and as to what I wanted in a small tube combo amp. Together, we decided on what options the amp would have after I decided to order the product directly from Mr. Dean. Mr. Dean presented as very informed, helpful and friendly during my interactions with him. I have owned this amp less than two months and have not had any needs for any repairs to date. Mr. Dean informed me to contact him directly if I had problems with my amp and he would take care of it. Mr. Dean has usually been available by phone, or has returned my calls in a timely manner. I recently contacted Mr. Dean to order a Retro King 1x12 extension speaker cabinet to compliment my 18 watt combo. Mr. Dean was helpful in advising what speaker and cabinet configuration would work best with my combo.

I have been playing guitar since the mid 60???s till present. I have owned many tube amps that have included Magnatone, Fenders (a lot), Marshalls, Crate, Ampegs, Mesa Boogie, Dr. Z, Budda (18 watt combo), and others. Besides the Retro King 18 watt combo, I currently own a 50 watt Marshall Vintage Modern Head that I play through a Avatar 2x12 cabinet, a Fender Blues Jr. and a Crate Power Block with a Crate 1x12 cabinet. What I like about the 18 watt Retro King is that it fits my playing style really well, has great tone at usable stage volume levels, is compact, has a great vintage look. Also, this amp won???t break your back when moving it due to its relatively low weight of about 45 lbs. There is nothing I honestly do not like about this amp, or wish it had as to more features for my style of playing . We all know as guitar players that the amp tone we hear in our heads is very subjective based on what styles of guitar music we play and enjoy listening to. Prior to your next amp purchase, know what tones you want to achieve with what guitar(s) you will be using it with, and what applications (venues/and or recording) you will be using the amp for-then try and choose wisely! I believe that the Retro King 18 1x12 combo is a good value at the price point it is currently being offered at. After reading several reviews and talking one on one directly with the builder, I took a chance and ordered this combo, and was not disappointed with my purchase. If my Retro King combo was stolen or lost I would probably purchase another one as long as I was still playing guitar as I like what this combo can deliver very much. I hope this review of the Retro King 18 watt 1x12 combo is helpful to anyone considering this amp as a future purchase/investment. Keep On Rockin!!!

This is a 1x12 18 watt combo amp. The specs/features have been described well in a previous reveiew dated 3-26-06. Mine came with one input for the trem channel and two imputs for the higher gain channel. It does not have a lot of bells and whistles like say a Mesa Boogie, but I do not beleive the builder intended it to be so in order to achieve better guitar tones. Mine came with a master volume, volume and tone controls as well as speed and intensity on the trem channel. Fot the styles of music I play the amp is actually very versitile as the master vol., vol., and tone control provide plenty of tone shaping options. It is similiar in style to Marshall 1974 18 watt combo, but is not a pure clone of that amp. I have played a 1974 Marshall combo extensively before purchasing the Retro King. The Retro King 18 watt combo to my ears has more head room/vol.

Tone, Tone and more Tone is what this amp delivers in my opinion for my style of playing which is blues, rock, and smooth jazz. I use a reissue chambered Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom, a reissue chambered 1957 Gold Top, a PRS McCarty and a 1962 Fender reissue strat. With the humbuckers, think ZZ Top songs - Waiting For The Bus and Just Got Paid guitar tones when this amp is cranked around 2 o'clock and higher. I do not use overdrive pedals with the PRS or Gibsons as they are not needed in my opinion cause this amp overdrives so well. I do use a Exotic BB pedal to fatten up the single coils on the strat., for extra sustain This 18 watt combo cleans up well when you tweak the tone and volumme knobs and use you volume control from your guitar. It is not a one trick pony. This amp produces usable volumes of warm natural tube distortion, with super nice harmonic overtones and clarity that can really enhance your personal style of playing. It also produces great overdrive tones without blowing out your eardrums (SWEET). I have not yet gigged with this amp as I got it 9-27-08, but have played it at home in depth using all my guitars. From my playing experience, this amp has plenty of vol. for small to medium size clubs or could be miked up in a larger club and do fine. As guitarist, we know that sound/tone can be very subjective, and also that no one amp can cover all musical styles. So knowing what applications you are going to use your amp for should be considered well before investing in a high quality tube amp.

As I have owned this amp a little over one week, I cannot place an opinion at this time as to how reliable it is. It appears though to be built super well with all top notch componets. No matter what tube amp I take to a gig, I also take a Crate Power Block for a back up power source.

Prior to purchase, I spoke in length with Mr. Chuck Dean of Retro King Amps. Mr. Dean was more than helpful in addressing my questions/concerns and took ample time in doing so. He presented as very knowledgable and informed as to amp building. I explained what I was looking for as to sound etc. and explained what styles of music I played and what guitars I would be using with the 18 watt combo. As a guitarist himself, Mr. Dean related to these issues, and together we agreed on what speaker would be used and also to have a master vol. on the amp. He stated if I had any problems with my amp after I got it, to contact him directly to take care of any problems.

I will be dating myself by stating I have been playing electric guitar since the mid 60's. I have owned too many amps to mention which have included Fenders (alot), Marshalls, Ampeg, Crate, Mesa Boogie, Dr. Z Etc. I use tube amps for the sound I want to achive, and have found the Retro King 18 Watt Combo one of, if not the best small combo amp I have owned for the guitar tone I want at usable levels. The build and finish of the amp I was sent in my opinon comes no better. You can read all the reviews you want prior to purchasing an amp, but it still comes down to what is right for your musical needs and what you like as to sound, which I belive can only be achieved by taking the time to play the amp in person with your own guitar(s). I have ordered a Retro-King 1x12 cab to compliment my combo. And yes, if my 18 watt combo was stolen or lost I would buy it again. I like it that much.

Low on features, but I use delay pedal, and sometimes overdrive pedal. Enough power for home and small gigs.

G&L P-90 ASAT and Gibson SG. Rock, blues, country. Very decent blues amp. Not as clean when needed, but I guess people don't buy this for clean.

This company hasn't been around very long, and might not be around long due to the competitive nature of amps and business. I got the amp used in a trade deal, and didn't have any problems as this is a pretty basic design. I didn't keep it very long as I have a Fender Super Reverb that seems to do more for me plus more head room when needed.

Didn't have to get any support. I've heard this is basically a one-man company, but so far, have not heard anything bad. If he's still in business ten years from now, that'll be the acid test.

Give the guy a lot of credit for trying. Very good workmanship and quality. Made in the U.S. too! This is a decent amp, but a little overpriced in my opinion. There are a lot of companies trying to do essentially the same thing with some refinement of old Fender designs. My advice is to get a vintage Fender Deluxe, Vibrolux or Super Reverb (my favorite). They will go up in value too. If you're on a budget, don't overlook vintage Traynor tube amps. Many mods are known and available, and a good tech can do almost anything you want.

I will point out what features I like. More additional spec you can go check on retroking website.
It's a replica of mashall 18 watt Class AB combo with 2 speaker out ( switchable 4,8,16 ohm). Two speed trem pedal. I ordered without installing tube as I worried the tube will break when ship. When I received an amp and install tube I check out cosmatic and craftsmanship It's gorgeous! ( I ordered a red levant and a cane grill)A great cabinet construction, soldering and wiring. I really mean it. I think I got a 20th amp he made. If you want more features you can also contact him about brown mod and other modification option with Charles Dean (the maker). It's not the most versatile amp because it's vintage style amp.

I never own mashall amp before only borrowed when recording. I always preferred the sound of fender amp. For many years of giging I decided to go for 2 amps setup. I think it would be good to get mashall sound for recording as well. Unable to choose which one to buy, I heard from my friend that there's a great builder of mashall amp so I went to my friend's house and try it, retroking 18watt combo. Not so long when testing I decided to order one!

What I really like about is its harmonic resonance. When you use a lot of gain on other amps you CAN'T really hear a note ringing for a chord. I didn't say it's bad or anything but I want an amp that can really give me that clear and vibe when using High Gain and Fuzz. A clear yet remain fuzz characteristic.

I am using 1961 fender strat with kinman pickups. Pedal using is Analogman Sunface NKT275. (mainly). Other guitar is 65' Gibson ES-335 all original. I am not really a rock style type of guy. I mainly got blues and Jazz gig. But I do love Hendrix. When I first testing clean sound ( volumn around 4 and tone around 5 which it's pretty loud). I got a really nice ballsy sound crisp top-end and tight bass!( I mean tight!). Sustain is incredible. As I said harmonic resonance is fantastic!. I got that Redhouse sounds instanly! (without a slap back echo). With a little clearer and not muddy at all!. Compare to my fender (57' twin), a little bit thinner. Retroking give me more of mid and bass and beef up a lot. 57' twin is a great amp that I always love but it doesn't give me that creamy fuzz I am looking for. (when using the same setting on retroking). And with my 335 I can get a great sound for jazz type ( cool jazz ,a la george benson) with a little bit boost in mid. Altered chord, different voicing can sometime get a muddy bass now it stand out!.

Cranked an amp up (volumn around 7 tone around 5) with Charles said it's a setting on his website for high gain. I connect straight from my strat to an amp. When I hit an open G chord (high gain). It has a very good open sound and the ringing note which is incredible. When I hit power chord it got a tight punchy without muddy at all. I was always looking for this type of sound for high gain setup but couldn't get on any amp. Only on my 57' twin with a thinner sound ( great for crunch by the way).

I then switched to Fulltone Soul-bender (which I use of cremmy fuzz solo) I am sure I get those solo of EJ sound! (ok not exactly but closer than using my 57' twin). Notes are really stand out clear and creammm. I am so impressed with this.

I have tried Mashall 18 watt reissue. It's noisy even if I use noiseless pickup (connect straight without any pedals). Sounds ok. But it lacks characteristic and that harmonic resonance I am after. Retroking is silence but not sterile like many other hand-wire high-end amp.

I got this amp not very long so I can't really say for it. But as I see the constrution and craftsmanship I can say it will serve as long as I want it to be. I did bring it on a gig, sound great as it stay in my house. Just be sure not to connect it with a surge that use so many other high voltage. It can get a bit noisy. (it's not so loud when playing live and I mean just a bit)

He is a great guy answer you every question. I asked about which speaker should I get for the style I play he answers very quick and informative.

I have been playing since 7 years old. So now it's almost 30 years of playing I guess. I used to own a great Dumble before. Great deluxe reverb, bassman. I can't say Retroking will smoke them all BUT it's a sound I am really after. I went to a store and try out a great amp like FUCHS, Two-rock. It's all has a different voicing and I think I like retroking the most so I decided to go for it.

An amp is sensitively dynamic it can easily amplifier all the nuances of your playing. Great amps should do this, shouldn't they?

Consider the price with other great amp and what come out of the speaker, it's not expensive at all. If you are looking for a great amp I would recommend you that you need to be able to hear what sound you are after before you really pay a lot of money for an expensive amp which it turn out to be NOT exatly you are after.

Cons? It's heavy

I had been searching for a tube amp with rock solid build quality, versatility, and the right tone. I considered many amps - '57 Fender Twin reissue, Dr. Z., Marshall, and even thought about ordering a Cornell from England. I wanted something rugged, small and light enough, yet something that would deliver enough power for a good sized club, or that I could also practice with - and it had to have great tone.
I discovered an amp line out of upstate New York called Retro-King. Small producton handbuilt rock solid all tupe amps. Mine is a 2006 model 18 watt combo with 1x12 speaker configuration.
While the layour is clean and simple - there are 2 inputs with controls for Tone and Volume, and then also 2 inputs with Tone, Volume, and then a Tremolo section with controls for Intensity and Speed. Very simple layout. Everything works. At first I was concerned about not having Bass, Mid, and Treble controls but Chuck at Retro-King has designed and built an amp where you don't miss those controls and a player can set up this amp and then control all the tones through their guitar and touch.
This amp is touch sensitive - in a good way. The personality and ability of the player comes through on this Retro-King. The amp came standard with a floor switch for the Tremolo. The only thing I wish it did come with, or was available for it was a cover.
I've been playing through the Retro-King 18 watt 1x12 combo every day now for months. It's become the only amp I currently use. Its rugged, beautiful - I got it in cocoa tolex with a natural cane grill and there is white piping around the Tolex - the fit and finish and feel of all the parts and pieces are top-notch. I've had amps costing twice this much money where after playing as much through them as I have this 18 watt Retro-King jacks come loose, knobs become loose, switches aren't working - and I handle all my equipment with a light careful touch. On this Retro-King? Nothing has come loose or has needed adjusting. For the price this being a rare handbuilt high end all tube amp...you can't beat the tone, features, or the price.

I've played my Orville by Gibson Les Paul's, my Orville by Gibson 335, my Campbell American Precix's, and an Eric Johnson Stratocaster through this amp. I have '57 Gibson Classics, Peter Florence '59 Voodoo's, P.A.F, and Seymour Duncan pickups on my various Orville's. Each one producing distinct tones - all of them dicernable through the Retro-King.
My music style is - not in exact proportions - about 80% blues, 10% jazz, and 10% rock. The Retor-King handles al lthose styles with ease producing either very clean bell like ringing tones or real crunchy even workable distortion if cranked up. I play with very few effects. I can get all the clean tone or distorted tone I need about 90% of the time out of this amp. Just hook up your favorite boost pedal (I also use an Ibanez tube screamer, along with a few other pedals) and you can control and acquire a wide range of tone - especially if playing blues or rock. When I want a deep, clear, sustained jazz sound the amp produces it every time I need it.
As long as a person has a good controlled voltage line this amp does not make noise. No hums, no crackles, no unwanted sounds. If plugged into a line where the voltagei sn't high enough it will crqckle and hum at times. This isn't an amp problem - its a line voltage problem.

I've been playing this amp for months now without a single glitch - now watch tomorrow I turn it on and it fizzles on me - although I doubt that. Just a look outside, all around, and inside of this amp and a person can feel assured this is one of the best built amps they could ever find, play through, or own. I depend on it. I would take this to any gig as my only amp and have confidence it would make it through without a hitch.

I have never dealt directly with Chuck at Retro-King. I imagine if I did encounter a problem he would be very helpful and agreeable to making it right. I have serial number 16 of this amp. This is not Fender. This is not even Dr.Z. Retro-King's are not built in quantity. They are handbuilt with quality for players looking for the best they can get at a good price.
I have never had any problems to date so I haven't attempted getting it repaired. I do my own re-tubing on all my amps. I have a Weber bias control piece of equipment and do my own tubing. So I don't know what it owuld be like, or how long it would take to get repaired if osmething did go wrong. I found a dealer in upstate New York that sells Retro-Kings' (Sphere Sound - Scott is a great guy. And he only deals in high end equipemtn without the flashy we-pay-a-lot-for-advertising high end hype or price tags) I don't live in New York state - so if there was a problem I'd have to box everything up, ship it out, and then have it shipped back to me. I'm the kind of guy that doesn't bother me. what's the difference if it takes 4 weeks locally or 4 weeks shipping something back and forth? To me, to get something of great build and tone quality for this price is worth a little hassle if osmethig goes wrong. Life ain't perfect. Deal with it. I don't remember exactly what I paid for this amp. I think it was around $1,600 or so which is a steal for what you get for that price. I believe it to comapre in tone and build quality to amps costing twice as much.

I've been back playing for about 3 years. I played a long time ago and then was reborn and rededicated to playing guitar about 3 years ago and I havne't gone one day since without playing.
I also own but only run my drum machine through it now - a Carvin Belair all tube amp, and I own a '57 Fender Twin reissue (Which I paid almost 3 grand for and it is now being used as the base for my Retro-King!) although I do play through it from time to time...I intend on taking and playing the Retro-King on gigs and playing through it at least 90% of the time.
If someone pilfered my amp or it met a terrible fate i would buy another Retro-King 18 watt combo to replace - no, actually I take that back. I'd buy the 18 watt head and a separate Retro-King speaker cabinet only because I've had numerous major back surgeries and a separate head and cabinet configuration would be easier on my back - although as combos go this Retro-King is one of the easier ones to haul around.
I love the tones and the handbuilt rock solid built like a tank quality of it. I don't like that it didn't come with, or that you can't even order a cover for it. No covers available.

I'll preface my review with the claim that, I've never been a huge Marshall amplifier fan. I favor Vox, both ancient and re-issue, (UK made only) and an AC30 is my constant companion.

I was immediately intrigued when an associate tipped me off on Chuck Deans' Retro-King amp designs.
I decided to take a shot ! There was no way at this price I could go wrong ?

I ordered the 18 watt Class AB combo for January delivery.

Before firing up the combo, I noticed the ease of operating the controls, a well designed and simple control layout
for quick adjustments, and the great plexi panel cosmetics. Popping the back panel off, the super immaculate wiring, soldering and cabinet construction give you an indication of what's to come... *18 watt combo (A class AB cathode biased amp)

*2 channels 4 inputs (high & low)

*Normal channel volume & tone

*Trem channel volume, tone, speed & intensity

*2-Matched JJ EL84 power tubes

*3-JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes

*1-NOS EZ81 rectifier tube

*Heyboer transformers (original radiospares spec) (120/240 volt primary)

*4, 8 or 16 ohm selector

*Two speaker outputs

*Plexi panels

*Two speed Trem Pedal

*Allen Bradley carbon comp resistors

*Mallory caps

*Aluminum chassis

*Handwired point to point (Teflon wire)

*Baltic birch cabinet

*Weber speaker 1x12 Ceramic 1230 (G12H30)

The amp nails the signature Marshall gritty overdrive distortion that you've heard on so many recordings... I immediately found musical and quite useable sustained feedback at moderate volumes... Those EL-84's in combination with the circuit design give a great chiming Brit tone I love. At 18 watts, it's no mousey amp. I rarely had to play as loud as 5 (out of a possible 10 volume detent), and found my comfort at 3 1/2, using my volume controls on the guitars as a master. The amp at an A weighted response of 95 decibels sounded fabulous. Want meltdown Marshall tones ? Play 7-9 if you dare ! Those automatic Clapton riffs I've played for years sounded as authentic as one can hear with this amp !

The Retro-King is quite at home in a recording environment, from low volume clean jazzy blues tones, to tidal wave rock volumes. The Weber G12H30 produces crystal clear and crunchy sonics. I recorded samples with a stand alone Tascam High Resolution recorder, API preamp, and Electro-Voice N Dyne series mics (front) and Sennheiser 421 (rear)... I ran the amp at about +/-80 db for the sampling... It's a great recording amp that pushes cleanly has many useful sounds in break-up mode. (this of course, will be defined with your playing attack.) From 44.1 kHz red book CD recording, to 192kHz, the Retro-King sounded pristine and both complex when that lovely distortion was produced to my analog tape machines and digital recorder and drives. I especially like this amp for older 20 bit recording...

To test the basic cabinet construction, I provided dummy s-trig loaded signal, tuned to concert pitch with Moog bass, set on triangular sawtooth waveform pattern at 16? and 32?, with volume controls ramped to about 50%. It handled the entire octave solidly. The amp did not pitch a fit, a testament to its solid construction. It remained tight and focused, with no rattles or problems. This is a great way to test the limit of any guitar amp, as guitar frequencies never go to the depths of hell...

The Telesonic with Keeley compressor and with it's dual 2K DeArmonds sounded best... Even without my Keeley, it's highly recommended to plug in and play this amp. It's a killer combination with your favorite mahogany guitar, guaranteed ! The ES-335 with its larger body, gave me the Creamy tone that surely sounded rich and textured, yet authentic.

Had the amp since January, and all the auditions have been flawless... The combo is a solid performer. No worries...
Call me in a couple years ! This amp feels like it can easily handle the rigors of club touring. I do recommend a decent padded cover at minimum, to keep it from getting dinged.

Charles Dean, is the craftsman and owner of Retro-King. He's an agreeable businessman who obviously loves and knows his craft. Add to the mix, Dean is an accomplished guitarist who understands how amps should perform. Charles has even met me half-way for delivery of my combo. (we're about an hour and half driving distance from his laboratory) He'll promptly return phone calls and emails. The promised completion date
was right on time. As an ace amp tech, Charles Dean even managed to get one of my beloved ancient amps back to being musical with some much needed maintenance, at a favorable repair price ! It's also nice to do business with a quality builder in my home state. (note: Fender and Marshall tube design amps are his repair specialty.)
The amp covers a 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranty with 90 days on valves and 1 year on loudspeakers.

Want the tried and true Marshall tone ? No matter your skill level, you'll find this amp a pleasure. Easy to dial in the gold... this amp will be a friend for years to come. Studio owners, this is a really great sounding combo to add to the arsenal. It won't break your budget either. $1645 as tested. Try getting a custom amp at this price today... (The Marshall Handwired re-issue 1974X 18 watt combo is $2300 bucks, by the way.) If you really know the market, there's no contest here. It's a fun amp to own, and it looks great. Mine has the cocoa brown levant tolex covering, with the Marshall cane grill cloth. It's also an amp you can lift without killing your back... No gamble here, you will be satisfied. I'd replace it in aheartbeat with an identical model !

Instruments that I play and tested for this review were: a Robert Keeley Compressor, Monster Guitar Cables, Gibson
ES-335 dot Custom Shop model, Fender Telesonic and Mini Moog Synthesizer.-
Supercat, Upstate, NY.