65 Amps Lil Elvis 12 Watt 1×12 Combo Tube Amp Black, 2013

Today we are looking at a 65 Amps Lil ELvis, a 12 watt 1×12 inch speaker combo hand-wired tube amp with effects loop, tremolo circuit and power scaling via the Master control. This is a single channel amp, but like other small amps in this range there’s a ‘Bump’ switch on the panel – this can also be operated via footswitch – that pushes up preamp gain for a mild overdrive.

The Master control isn’t a normal master volume control, but alters the voltages fed to the output power tubes, allowing the amp to keep its character when taken down to low output levels.   This feature by itself helps make this amp nearly ideal for recording situations. 

This amp is in great condition, with no visible damage or wear.

65 Amps operates out of North Hollywood, California. They design and build hand-wired tube guitar and bass amplifiers,. and matching speaker cabinets.

Founded by guitarist Peter Stroud and amp designer Dan Boul,  65 Amps began with addressing a new stage requirement faced by Stroud while playing with Sheryl Crow.

In a reversal of the historical trend for ever higher volumes, Stroud required a full, rich sound at lower volumes.

The resulting designs led to a series of amps targeted at professional musicians who need the tone that comes from a tube amp with a speaker but not volume levels that can interfere with house sound or recording.