Sweet Amplification » #madeintucson

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 + 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 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!

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