Victoria Amplifier Co. 35410

Mark Baier creates the finest reproductions of the classic late 50's Fenders. Period. Not even Fender makes a more accurate reproduction. There are two channels, "normal" and "bright." I prefer the "normal" channel. There is no channel switching, but really all you need is the volume control on your guitar to go from the sweetest ringing clean tones you could ever imagine to buttery, sustaining leads. As the model number suggests, this amp puts out about 35 watts (incredibly loud, suitable for small to medium clubs) and comes with four 10" Mojo Tone speakers. Everything is handwired, point-to-point, and the components are nothing short of the very best. In addition, for an extra $100 I opted for a special custom varnished tweed version done by a gentleman who just nails the tweed look. Talk to Mark about this, I believe it's worth the extra hundred bucks.

I play a beautiful custom guitar made by Gmp Guitars - (909/592-5144). It's absolutely stunning with its highly ripped curly maple top (vintage sunburst), mahagony back, ebony fretboard, abalone inlays, and custom wound Tom Holmes humbucking pickups. No tone controls - just two volumes. This guitar through the Victoria produces killer blues/rock tones that just sing and sustain. Hitting a chord, you will notice the individual sounds of each string ringing as they should. Very beautiful! I also have a 1967 Epiphone Riviera AS stereo guitar. This plugged into the Victoria yields very rich, warm, sweet tones. Metal fans should look elsewhere, but to those of you who want the very best - here it is.

This amp is built to last a lifetime. I have used it on weekly gigs without a backup for almost a year now without problems of any sort.

I purchased this amp directly from Mark Baier, and as such, had a chance to talk to him about "customizing" it. In addition to being a guitarist, I am an "audiophile" (one who spends way too much money on home stereo equipment in search of the "absolute sound"). One of the things I have learned is that power cords make a difference in home stereo equipment (I know this may sound crazy to some, and I can't explain why - but it's true.) Anyway, I wanted Mark to put a very expensive ($400) NBS power cord on my Victoria. He told me that he heard that power cords make a difference in home stereo equipment, but had never tried one on one of his amps. He was very good-natured about this, and suggested I send him the cord so he could experiement with it. He really seemed to get a kick out of this, and apparently spent several hours trying to configure this (very thick) audiophile-approved power cord to the amplifier. Communication with Mark was always very friendly. I'm sure if there was ever a problem, Mark would be there for you.

Buddy Guy uses Victoria Amps. Do you like his tone? That's what this amp sounds like! But you can get plenty of other tasty tones as well. Effects work very nicely with this amp, as it has a wonderful sweet clean tone. If your guitar's volume control doesn't give you enough, plug in a Hot Cake overdrive pedal (or something similar) to take you "over the top." I am extremely picky about tone and have tried many amplifiers (some very expensive and highly rated). This is the first time that I have been truly satisfied. Would I buy another Victoria? You bet your axe!