The goal for the model Number Two was to create a small, versatile amp for home and recording. It had to have a classic voice, support a variety of speakers, sound great on its own, and provide a perfect pedal platform. I wanted something small, lightweight, simple, and ideally suited for home practice, but powerful enough to be used for performance.

The starting point was one of the greatest amplifiers of all time: the mid-60’s Princeton Reverb. It’s a design that’s proven itself to generations of guitar players  The power range is perfect, and there is no better pedal platform. The next step was to strip it down to the essentials. Build it as a head and provide 4, 8, and 16 ohm outputs so you can use it with any speaker or combination of speakers you choose. Strip out the tremolo because it adds unnecessary complexity, and it’s an effect that most people rarely use. What about spring reverb? Nice to have in a combo amp, but inappropriate in a head design. There are several truly great reverb pedals on the market that can provide way more versatility.

The next step was to design a layout that would maximize reliability and serviceability, while providing the lowest possible noise floor. A steel chassis, careful placement of components, and extra shielding all contribute to quiet operation. Rugged construction with transformers and tubes mounted on top of the chassis allows heat to flow away from the circuit and keep the amp cool.

Finally, I tested and selected the very best components for construction. Audio grade resistors in the preamp section for low noise; NOS Allen Bradley carbon comp resistors in the critical plate positions for vintage tone; Sozo coupling caps, Mercury Magnetics transformers. Everything was chosen with a careful eye (and ear) on providing the vintage tone we all know and love, without any of the shortcomings.