Sweet Amplification » Handbuilt Amps

Benson 200 Clone

patsweet — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 23:55:26 +0000

This was an interesting project built for musician, producer, collector, Woody Jackson. The Benson 200 was a collaboration between jazz guitarist Howard Roberts and Ron Benson whos favorite amp was the Gibson GA-50 but he needed reverb and more output so it could be more versatile. The amp that could go from studio sessions to live gigs was used by several “wrecking crew” session players including the ones pictured here owned by Dennis Budimir. Features include a Bandaxall type preamp with cathode biased EL34 output section, bias modulated vibrato, Gibson style reverb circuit and tank, 12″ + 8″ speakers(like GA-50), and a voicing switch which simulated Gibson and Fender voicing. All features and “quirks” were reproduced as closely as possible.

SOLD!

Customer Feedback

patsweet — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 22:45:42 +0000

I just had to share this review from Sweet PreBS T12+ owner, Jesse Johnson, who’s band Dream Jacket just released a new EP. The T12+ is featured in the left side throughout and gets a spotlight in the entrance to the track Non-Holo Rare. This is what it’s all about! Having a custom build live up to or exceed expectations is the whole reason we do this! The amp featured an oversized cab, fawn Tolex, and custom trannies from Mercury Magnetics and can be used with 6V6GT or 6L6GC power tubes.

“Love the Deluxe(T12+) so much and it sounds killer with absolutely every guitar, the best edge of breakup and explosive amp breakup I’ve ever heard! It’s so perfect to have tweed tone with modern usability and reliability, I couldn’t be happier and will use it forever.”

Check out Dream Jacket’s new EP, Sad Sack Starter Pack on Bandcamp, Spotify, etc.

https://open.spotify.com/track/51gcmTxXBxHOhoyYbmozoZ?si=0eca4b562d844d81

New Model! BFF Twenty

patsweet — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 03:52:28 +0000

The first build and new Sweet model of 2023 is complete! This portable 1×12 powerhouse combo is basically a PreBS 20 in a PreBS 15 chassis and cab. No vibrato in this one but is has a few new features which make it an extremely versatile gigging, recording, and rehearsing tool! A PPIMV(post phase inverter master volume) has been added along with a push-pull Voicing Switch on the bass pot which changes the tone stack from blackface to tweed bassman/JTM45 specs. The Blackface position has the familiar mid scoop and clarity. The Tweed position adds a bit of gain with an overall thicker tone. A push-pull bright switch on the treble pot adds chime, helps to bring old strings to life, and can be used to fine tune for single coil or humbucking pickups. And the most interesting new feature is the Bias Select switch allowing for choosing between fixed bias(like most blackface amps) and Cathode/ “Class A” bias(like many Gibson, Ampeg, Valco etc amps). Fixed bias has the familiar quick and clear blackface attack and headroom while the Cathode position adds smoothness, compression, a bit more gain, and about 30% less power. These new features allow for the user to instantly mod the amp to their preference without touching a soldering iron or drilling any holes. And as usual, you can order in any color tolex/tweed/grillcoth combination as well as choose your fave speaker or tube brand. Have it your way with your Best Friend Forever/Black Face Fender style amp!

SOLD!

PreBS 20+ Green Levant

patsweet — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 22:25:22 +0000

The latest PreBS 20+ has a couple of new features to add improved performance and even more versatility. Along with the 2×10 speakers, over-sized transformers from Mercury Magnetics, and bias test points on the rear panel, this one also has Vibroverb style bias-modulated vibrato and Bassman/JTM 45 voicing for the normal channel and a PPIMV on the rear panel for getting dirt/grind/overdrive at reasonable volumes. This amp does both sparkling clean blackface reverb tones as well as crunchy sustained tweed/early Marshall overdrive. Too much fun! Stay tuned for some pro demos soon!

SOLD!

PreBS T12 Black w/Carolina Blue Stripe

patsweet — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 00:33:56 +0000

A newly completed T12 is available now, not yet spoken for. I built this in a color scheme that I’ve been wanting to see for some time now and with the blue stripe in the grill cloth more prominently displayed. Has all of the good stuff including Mercury Magnetics trannies, 3-way gain switch, Eminence GA- SC59 alnico speaker, progressive standby/power switch, and new “Inside Voice” attenuator switch. It’s ready to rock in the studio, bedroom, or stage! Vintage and Beyond!

SOLD!

PreBS-T5 Black Ghost Paisley

patsweet — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 01:19:34 +0000

Another custom Sweet build just completed. This 5F1 champ build features Mercury Magnetics transformers, custom velvet grill cloth by artist Jeremiah Witting-Akiona, and of course my exclusive 3-way gain switch for more tonal variety. You’ll get the classic crunch and sag of a 50′s tweed Champ plus a cleaner/smoother setting(great for bouncy neck pickup tones) and an “over the top” setting for even more distortion and sustain. Vintage and beyond!

SOLD!

PreBS T5 Alligator

patsweet — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 06:03:39 +0000

Another classic Alligator PreBS T5 with Cane grillcloth. One of my favorite color combinations! This one was ordered with standard 8″ WGS speaker for a traditional tone and has our unique 3-position gain switch for some variations on the classic tone. Vintage and more! Watch for a new PreBS T5 build coming soon. Not yet spoken for!

SOLD!

JTM 45 Build Purple Head and Cab

patsweet — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 22:38:17 +0000

This one off/prototype build request was for an offset Marshall JTM 45 style head and 2×12 half stack with a Marshall/blackface Fender hybrid circuit with master volume. The 4 jack normal/bright inputs was kept but adjusted for less extremes. The Sweetened version has two very usable channels independently or when blended via a jumper cable between inputs. Other customizations include a blackface style phase inverter circuit and full range negative feedback control instead of the traditional high frequency presence control as well as custom tone stack values for a more full range of adjustment rather than the focused midrangey voice of the original JTM circuit. A PPIV master volume completes the package giving the ability to adjust the gain from clean to crunch and beyond from bedroom to stage volumes. This sexy beast excels equally as a straight in tone machine or modern pedal platform! The control panel is labelled TLA 45 for the owners initials but it is affectionately known as “Grimace”.

This build turned out so good that it will be added to the Sweet product line! Any color is available but I think purple is definitely the coolest!

BFF Head and Cab Prototype

patsweet — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 06:35:49 +0000

First of its kind! The BFF, A PreBS20+ in a PreBS15+ sized chassis(BFF faceplate coming soon). All of the best hand-wired features of the Princeton Reverb, Deluxe Reverb, and Vibrolux Reverb in one compact head with separate cabinet for easy transport and versatility.

Single channel enhanced blackface tone with all of the Sweet extras and attention to detail. Push-pull bright and mid-boost, negative feedback control, user adjustable bias control and test points, bias modulated vibrato, full sized spring reverb, long-tailed pair phase inverter(like deluxe reverb and larger Fender models), Mercury Magnetics output transformer, and cherry wood cabinets with hand rubbed oil finish and 12″ Eminence GA-SC64 speaker. Output is from 20W-38W depending on tubes. Uses 6V6 0r 6L6 power tubes and 5U4G or GZ34 rectifier to dial in the power and feel for your gig or recording preference.

Can also be ordered with any color Tolex covered pine cabinet.

$1950 Head $500 Cab $2350 for the pair(-200 for pine/Tolex)

SOLD!

PreBS 15 Black with 12″ Speaker

patsweet — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 21:51:23 +0000

Another PreBS 15 is completed! This one is a traditional looking build with 12″ Eminence GA-SC64 speaker, Mercury Magnetics transformers, and user adjustable bias control and test points on the rear panel. This $50 upgrade will pay for itself the first time you replace your own power tubes and won’t have to pay a tech to re-bias your amp!

SOLD!