Sweet Amplification » cathode bias

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

PreBS 20+ Wine

patsweet — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:39:06 +0000

A custom ordered PreBS 20+ with lots of xtras! Wine Tolex with wheat grillcloth, 12+10 speaker comfig, Mercury Magnetics iron, Bias select switch(cathode/fixed), Bassman voiced normal channel, vibroverb style bias modulated vibrato, midcontrols for both channels, and a Master volume pot for an infinite amount of tone shaping and dialing in for the perfect amount of breakup/headroom! The One to Rule Them All! Catch it in action with Native American artist Scotti Clifford and Spirits Cry.

SOLD!

BFF Twenty + Carolina Blue

patsweet — Wed, 31 May 2023 01:09:53 +0000

A custom ordered BFF Twenty + dressed for spring in Carolina Blue Tolex with matching Carolina Blue Matrix grillcloth. Large 6L6GC specific trannies from Mercury Magnetics and 12″ Jensen Falcon Speaker give plenty of power, tone, and headroom. The Bias Select switch, Tonestack Select switch, and Master Volume allow for as much breakup, drive and sustain as you want with the touch sensitivity and sag that feels right to you! This portable 1×12 combo will go from the studio to stage looking as good as it sounds!

SOLD!

BFF Twenty + Black Tweed

patsweet — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 22:40:40 +0000

The newest build and first BFF Twenty + was custom ordered with black lacquered tweed and a US made leather handle. This is the 6L6GC version of the BFF Twenty and shares all other features such as: PPIMV(master volume), midrange control, voicing switch(blackface/tweed tonestack select), and bias select switch(fixed/cathode). It is a compact and portable gigging and recording machine with familiar Fender blackface tones and versatile options at the flip or pull of a switch. Goes from clear, bright, and tight to crunch, cry, and sustain to cover all genres of Americana, rock, blues, soul, country, and whatever you can imagine. Vintage Tones for Modern Times!

SOLD!

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 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 T12+ Vox Fawn

patsweet — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 03:16:04 +0000

A newly completed PreBS-T12+, the classic 5E3 tweed Deluxe with some features for more versatility. This one has custom Mercury Magnetics trannies for use with 6V6 or 6L6 power tubes, bias switch to make whichever tubes you use happy, a 3-way gain switch, and a killer alnico Eminence GA-SC59 speaker. Classic tweed deluxe tones with more versatility than the traditional hair triggered 5E3 circuit. Vintage and beyond!

Turnaround time for custom builds is just 6-8wks! Taking new orders now!

SOLD!

PreBS T5

patsweet — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:51:23 +0000

This 5W combo with a single 8″ speaker is based on the tweed Champ, a ’50s era Fender entry level practice amp. It features a single 12ax7, a single 6V6 and a 5Y3 rectifier tube and is a cathode biased class “A” ckt. The only control is a volume pot/power switch. One of the most popular amps ever used for recording, it has a suprisingly good clean tone at lower volumes and will produce varying degrees of distortion, breakup, sustain and fun when cranked. Most famously used on the Eric Clapton classic, Layla as well as by Joe Walsh, Joe Perry and Billy Gibons.