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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
The last Sweet build from Chicago just completed! PreBS-T12(Tweed Deluxe) 1×12 combo covered with brown western tolex, cane grill cloth, Mercury Magnetics transformers, Eminence GA-SC59 Alnico speaker(perfect compliment for this amp!), progressive standby/power switch, and a 3-position negative feedback switch to tame the excessive gain and hair trigger volume controls of a stock 5E3 circuit. Really makes for a more versatile 5E3 Deluxe! Vintage and beyond! Next Sweet amp will be built in Tucson AZ and Rockin’ in the Free World!
SOLD!
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
A newly completed custom ordered PreBS T5 with a traditional lacquered tweed covering and oxblood grillcloth! Other standard features include a WGS 8″ speaker, 3-position gain switch, rear panel shielding, and 1/4″ speaker jack for easy connection to an extension cab make this one of the best 5F1 builds available!
SOLD!
