Sweet Amplification » hand wired amp

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 15 Traditional Black

patsweet — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 03:50:37 +0000

Available now! A new PreBS 15 6V6 version with Mercury Magnetics OT and PT as well as push-pull bright and mid boost, negative feedback control, 12″ Jensen Falcon speaker and the usual attention to detail that makes Sweet amps both toneful and reliable!

$1695

PreBS 15+ Head

patsweet — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:04:42 +0000

Just a reminder that most Sweet amps are available in Combo or Head versions! This latest build was for local Tucsonian and studio ace Woody Jackson. He had a head cab from a previous project and we made it work for this project which may see pro studio sessions in LA, NYC, and his own home studio. Hoping for some tracks to share soon!

2 new PreBS T5s

patsweet — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:03:31 +0000

Two new T5s just completed. Features the Sweet 3-position gain switch, Weber signature 8F speaker, Mercury magnetics PT, 1/4″ speaker plug and jack, Amish made leather handle, NOS Brimar 5V4G rectifier, NOS Telefunken 12AX7, and Eurotubes tested and selected 6V6S-DM power tube. All of the good stuff so there’s no need for upgrades or mods. Vintage and beyond!

$925 SOLD!

PreBS 20+ Blonde/Oxblood 2×10

patsweet — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 22:15:55 +0000

The first 2×10 PreBS 20+ was just completed for a repeat client in Chicago. Big iron from Mercury Magnetics and a user adjustable bias trim pot and test points on the rear panel allow for use with 6V6,5881, or 6L6GC power tubes. Several popular speakers were tested and chosen to compliment each other. The final combination is one Weber 10A125 and one Jensen Falcon 10. A versatile handwired amp with Deluxe Reverb and Vibrolux Reverb qualities!

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+ Lacquered Tweed

patsweet — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 04:51:13 +0000

The 2nd new build from Tucson just shipped out! A PreBS T5+ in traditional lacquered tweed with oxblood grillcloth, BIG trannies from Mercury Magnetics for a 6L6 power tube, and 10″ Celestion G10 Gold speaker! Of course it has the 3-way gain switch and this is the first Sweet to have a “bedroom level” attenuator switch! Go from full power 8W to .8W with the flip of a switch. This amp is LOUD and the built in attenuator really makes it a more domestically friendly amp for the bedroom, studio, living room or wherever you got your rig set up. A solid 5F1 build with tonal options!

No room for the bell cover…

SOLD!

PreBS 15 Brown Western

patsweet — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 03:09:28 +0000

The first build in the new Tucson shop is a PreBS 15 to match the owners other two Sweet amps! Brown western tolex with Marshall cane grill cloth, Mercury Magnetics transformers, 10″ Jensen Falcon speaker, push-pull mid boost, and user adjustable bias test points and trim pot on the rear panel. This is one of only two PreBS 15 that I built with a 10 and it turned out killer! I may have to build another just like it for stock!

Pics were before the final speaker selection. See next build for the reappearance of the G10 Gold!

SOLD!

Sweet Amplification is Moving!

patsweet — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 06:39:39 +0000

Hey everyone, Its been a good 25 year run in Chicago but it’s time for a new chapter. I moved here in 1996 during my “blues phase” and got to meet, play, record, and tour with some really great Chicago blues legends, new artists, and local players including; Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Willie Kent, Guy King, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, Dave Hole, Detroit Jr., Big Time Sarah, Barkin’ Bill Smith, Bonnie Lee, Magic Slim, Otis Rush, Billy Branch, Bob Carter, Kenny Smith, Sharon Lewis, Tom Holland, Little Ed & The Blues Imperials, Bill Hickey, Little Arther, Vanessa Davis, and Jo Jo & the Blues Train to name a few.

In between gigs, I worked in repair shops and Music Stores, most notably, John Shaw’s “The Music Store” for 10 years, developed the Sweet Amplification line of hand wired all tube amps, and in 2011, I became the in house amp tech/Amp Works department of Chicago Fret Works which also became the new home for Sweet Amplification. I am grateful for the experience and support I received from owners Steve Baker and Dan Wolf. They trusted me to handle all amp related matters, built out a great space for the Amp Works part of the shop, provided a very relaxed and comfortable work environment, and introduced me to many new friends and clients including local/national indy band Wilco, Jeffy Tweedy, and the team from “the loft” which lead to building a custom amp for Pat Sansone dubbed the “Sansonic” which has been on several tours with both Wilco and The Autumn Defense since 2013.

It is with much appreciation and some apprehension that I have decided to move on to greener/warmer pastures. Chicago is a top notch city but the long, cold, and dark winter doesn’t agree with my aging bones, arthritis, and mental health. After getting vaxed and taking a few brief scouting trips, I have decided to make a new start in sunny Tucson AZ. I know it’s not a music mecca like Nashville, Austin, or Nola, but it’s absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and has it’s own unique music, artistic, and cultural scene that I’m looking forward to exploring.

I’ll most likely be opening my own shop in early 2022 and will be excepting new orders and even shipped repairs. Stay tuned and thanks for your interest and support!

Cheers! – Pat McKeever