The long, long shadow of Phil X

I actually thought I had a chance...:lol:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260626200707&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


Truth is, there are a number of amps out there that will do what those do (minus the warble-brato of course).

My Bogen fer instance...

I actually thought I had a chance...:lol:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260626200707&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


Truth is, there are a number of amps out there that will do what those do (minus the warble-brato of course).

My Bogen fer instance...

Who/what/why Phil X?

I'd never even heard of the amp prior to watching the Phil X videos so I have no idea what they cost prior to his "fame"; I'd venture to guess somewhere between $400 and $500. The price at this point in time is $844. That's not too out of line, it's certainly higher than what it would be were it not Phil X's amp of choice for so many of his videos, but I think $800 is right about what an amp like that should cost if someone wants it.

I don't think anyone can deny how immensely cool it looks, and it certainly sounds as good as any other amp I've heard on youtube(not that that says much).

I bet it'll go for close to $1000 which is way more than I'd ever pay for it, but I'm sure the winning bidder will be more than happy with their purchase.

Fretted Americana is coming out with their own clone of it called the "Tonemonster" although the details are fairly sparse right now.

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I bet it'll go for close to $1000 which is way more than I'd ever pay for it....

I'll guess 13-1500.00, which would be double what a regular ol' 213 goes for...

"The long, long shadow of Phil X" indeed.... :shock:

To heck with the amp. I want the Firebirds. All of them.

I'll guess 13-1500.00, which would be double what a regular ol' 213 goes for...

"The long, long shadow of Phil X" indeed.... :shock:

I'll laugh my arse off if someone pays double for a 213 type amp just because it has Tonemaster written on it. That amp isn't even the Phil X model. It's clearly a related model, but not the same. If you are going to pay more for a Phil X Tonemaster, at least make sure it's the same model.

Phil X's amp is a later model, made in Chicago on license from Estey/Magnatone with the later brown and gold chassis and an extra tone switch. He has talked about it enough that if you look at the array of various Magnatones made his is easy to spot. I'm also guessing his 213 type is also modified. I mean it definately has a different speaker and may even have more drastic mods.

Anyway, they are killer amps and I think Phil X is just letting the secret out rather actually creating the myth. I remember I was looking for a Maggy long before I saw the Fretted Americana videos and I'm a complete guitar newbie. Just glad I got my 213-A type amp. I was beginning to panic because when they showed up here in the UK for sale they were gone instantly and I noticed Ebay prices were getting higher every month.

He has talked about it enough that if you look at the array of various Magnatones made his is easy to spot.

If you ever happen to spot the amp we're talking about, I'd love to see a link...

I've got a line on what I think is the amp, and am just kinda curious...
It's missing the "Tonemaster" moniker, so it's kinda hard to ID in a Phil-X kind of way, not that I give a feces... :wink:



Anyway, they are killer amps and I think Phil X is just letting the secret out rather actually creating the myth.

Yep.
Here's mine, and I love it dearly...
It just recently blew a speaker, so I'm really looking forward to auditioning new candidates, as I always thought that Oxford could stand to be replaced...

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/e_stamp/Magnatone%20213/P1000298.jpg

But doesn't he use a Bad Monkey in front of the amp?

But doesn't he use a Bad Monkey in front of the amp?

Sure sounds like he's using something....

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xhzDOLHRAMg&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xhzDOLHRAMg&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

No one can be that happy all the time. I bet Phil gets laid 3-5 times a day. :lol:

Truth is, there are a number of amps out there that will do what those do...

For instance??
Do you mean other Maggies, or ?...



My Bogen fer instance...

Is that a Bogen combo, or modded PA head?
What's the model number on that thing if it is indeed the combo??

Thanks!

Modded PA head.

Since I can approach/attain that tone w/ a $40 CL Bogen w/ a completely worn-out 1960 Jensen I doubt Phil's amp is modified.

He tends to say when he's using the Bad Monkey.

Contender for ugliest amp of all time ? Indeed. Then play a Tele thru it - pure skronk. (all the stuff written on it is some kid's writing - not original)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/ogeskimo/IMG_2737.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/ogeskimo/IMG_2716.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/ogeskimo/IMG_2714.jpg

No one can be that happy all the time. I bet Phil gets laid 3-5 times a day. :lol:

try 30-50. :mrgreen:

...pure skronk....

Wonderfully descriptive...thanks.

Anyone happen to know what the Bogen combo model numbers are?

Thanks in advance.

Skronk.

I like Phil X when he doesn't talk: just let the guitar playing speak for you, Phil!

I think a lot of the great tones on those videos is a combination of a great player, with quality guitars and a down right dirty pedal and amp combo.

That classic honky overdive happens without the help of a Bad Monkey with those old Maggies, but I definately think it helps if you do use pedals. I use a cheapo Dano Cool Cat Transparent Overdrive v1 in much the same way with my Maggy. I also run a jumper between both the amp's channels and that fattens the sound up even more.

If I remember correctly Phil X mentions using the Bad Monkey and a Boss CS-3. Though he also mentions he get requests to play straight into the amp, so I guess some videos are like that too. I'm also pretty sure the amp has been modified with a different speaker to the usual Oxfords. It definately doesn't look like the shiny, silver speakers you get in all the Maggies I've seen.

Never heard of Phil X before. At least, from that video, he's not the "million notes a minute" type player.

The speaker in Phil's Tonemaster is I believe an old worn early 60s Jensen. The amp is not modded either. I've played it and the new Tonemonster in development. It's spot on tone wise without a pedal. Phil uses a Bad Monkey as well as Tonebox Skull Crusher pedal for more dirt/gain.

As I've said in other Phil bashing threads here... I know pile of big name guys and he's gotta be one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. There's a reason why everyone in town uses him for their records. He's just an excitable boy and one mofo player. Still amazed how easy it is to knock on someone you don't know online, but I guess that's just how it goes...

No one can be that happy all the time. I bet Phil gets laid 3-5 times a day. :lol:

try 30-50. :mrgreen:

Yeah, he's quick in more ways than one. . . :lol:

Still amazed how easy it is to knock on someone you don't know online, but I guess that's just how it goes...

Sorry, but I find this guy to be one of the most annoying presences on YouTube. The persona he presents online - which I'm sure is only small part of who he is in real life, if it isn't a total put-on - is what's being judged.

Micpoc, yeah it's not a put on... but true, I could see that if you knew nothing else about him.

My issue with Mr. X is simple.
When he demo's THE standard in jazz guitar (p90 single pu ES175).. uh.. turn off the overdrive and TRY to play something jazzish..

His personality is secondary (or maybe I just know too many people like him so I am used to it.. ). He seems like a great player, always has great guitars, and I am sure he doesnt hurt sales for Fretted Americana at all.

My issue with Mr. X is simple.
When he demo's THE standard in jazz guitar (p90 single pu ES175).. uh.. turn off the overdrive and TRY to play something jazzish..


So, be something he's not? Just because of the guitar he's playing?

Really? Some of you think he's faking his joy in playing. Some of you want him to fake what he likes playing?

Can't please everyone.

I'm a huge Phil X fan
His enthusiasm is contagious

My favorite demo of his

ByNeDRMC8yc

phil x rocks my socks off

As I've said in other Phil bashing threads here... I know pile of big name guys and he's gotta be one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. There's a reason why everyone in town uses him for their records. He's just an excitable boy and one mofo player.

I love his passion and enthusiasm for all things guitar, amp, and music. I bet he'd be alot of fun to hang out with. His high energy might be contagious, and that's not a bad thing. I drag my butt around quite a bit, could use some of that!

I get a little nervous though when I see some of that precious vintage stuff being wailed on!

I'll guess 13-1500.00, which would be double what a regular ol' 213 goes for...



1425.00 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260626200707&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1154)...

And it ain't even the same amp... :roll:

There are Phil X bashers ?

Why ?

And BTW, I've seen a number of demo's where he plays gentle fingerstyle things w/ a clean tone on jazz guitars before he switches to a dirty amp. Same thing w/ Tele's and chicken-picking before he hits the Tonemaster.

Remember this : You can play any kind of music on any guitar. (I thought that was covered in Chapter 1 ...?)

Tonemaster final price : $1425

Somebody overpaid by $500-$1000 depending on your point of view.

Tonemaster final price : $1425

Somebody overpaid by $500-$1000 depending on your point of view.

Nah....
They'll probably flip it in a year and make $1K... :roll::smile:

So, be something he's not? Just because of the guitar he's playing?

Really? Some of you think he's faking his joy in playing. Some of you want him to fake what he likes playing?

Can't please everyone.

Well... my understanding is that he does these vids as promos for Fretted Americana.

Who said he was faking anything? Certainly not faking talent. I think you have become too close to the subject.

If you ever happen to spot the amp we're talking about, I'd love to see a link...

I've got a line on what I think is the amp, and am just kinda curious...
It's missing the "Tonemaster" moniker, so it's kinda hard to ID in a Phil-X kind of way, not that I give a feces... :wink:




Yep.
Here's mine, and I love it dearly...
It just recently blew a speaker, so I'm really looking forward to auditioning new candidates, as I always thought that Oxford could stand to be replaced...

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/e_stamp/Magnatone%20213/P1000298.jpg

whats the model of your magnatone?

Dang! I sold my 214 (and a 480) and kept the 260 and 280 'cause they were bigger! Back before the days of the Phil X videos, I got $450.00 for mine. None of them Maggies ever did make me sound like Phil, unfortunately!

Dang! I sold my 214 (and a 480) and kept the 260 and 280 'cause they were bigger! Back before the days of the Phil X videos, I got $450.00 for mine. None of them Maggies ever did make me sound like Phil, unfortunately!

I wouldn't worry those are still unbelievable amps. I'm pretty sure Buddy Holly used a 280, so that trumps Phil X just a little. Also I can't count the amount of times I've seen pictures of legenday recording studios from the 50s and 60s with those larger 2x12 Maggies in them.

I wouldn't worry those are still unbelievable amps. I'm pretty sure Buddy Holly used a 280, so that trumps Phil X just a little. Also I can't count the amount of times I've seen pictures of legenday recording studios from the 50s and 60s with those larger 2x12 Maggies in them.

Thanks, imsilly. I feel a little better :) I never was able to get a great distortion sound out of my 214 and I use my larger Magnatones for their clean sound and vibrato.

whats the model of your magnatone?

It's a Model 213 Troubadour...

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/e_stamp/Magnatone%20213/P1000302.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/e_stamp/Magnatone%20213/P1000301.jpg


Dang! I sold my 214 (and a 480) and kept the 260 and 280 'cause they were bigger!

I went the other way 'round...

I had a 260, 480, and the 213, and kept the 213 for recording...
Turns out I'm now gigging with it too...

Just got a line on another that is just like Phil's, only it's missing the "Tonemaster" front panel moniker...
Somebody probably sold it on E%$y after the Phil craze hit... :wink:

It's a Model 213 Troubadour...

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/e_stamp/Magnatone%20213/P1000302.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/e_stamp/Magnatone%20213/P1000301.jpg




I went the other way 'round...

I had a 260, 480, and the 213, and kept the 213 for recording...
Turns out I'm now gigging with it too...

Just got a line on another that is just like Phil's, only it's missing the "Tonemaster" front panel moniker...
Somebody probably sold it on E%$y after the Phil craze hit... :wink:

I had to sell my 480 cause there was just no more room :( I should've been piling up 213's! Anybody that knows me would tell you... If I had the space, I would have kept them all! :)

There's another amp--a Model 210-- (http://www.vibroworld.com/magnatone/210.html) that looks exactly like a scaled down 213....

Another wonderful little recording amp....

Thanks, imsilly. I feel a little better :) I never was able to get a great distortion sound out of my 214 and I use my larger Magnatones for their clean sound and vibrato.

I think all these amps are great, one trick I use for getting distortion from the small Maggies is to jumper the two channels and put a low gain overdrive/booster pedal infront of it. It really sounds like a monster like that. It's just the kind of loose, honkey and rich overdrive I like. I guess it's not everyone's cup or tea, stuff Deluxe lovers are into.

I think with these old combos you can really get a great sound using the right transparent pedal to push them slightly harder without removing their character. I'm probably gonna go and get a few more different boosters and overdrives and see which one works best. I heard that the Mad Proffessor Sky Blue Overdrive does well at this, so I'm gonna try and track one down.

I think it is one reason why people seem to keep going, "WOW that little amp rocks in the videos!" Whenever they have shown the amp itself or talked about it I've noticed that both channels are jumpered and there is usually something like a Bad Monkey infront of it. Most old amps sound huge like this.

Well... my understanding is that he does these vids as promos for Fretted Americana.

Who said he was faking anything? Certainly not faking talent. I think you have become too close to the subject.

I think you need to read the reason I said what I said to understand what I said. My comment was in reaction to the comment that he should be playing Jazz when he's playing a Jazz guitar. That's a bit akin to saying that a Tele is only a Country guitar, isn't it?

Don't see how I'm too close to the subject. I never heard of the guy before this thread.

But go back and re-read it for yourself to see if you aren't being a bit hard on me...

I think all these amps are great, one trick I use for getting distortion from the small Maggies is to jumper the two channels and put a low gain overdrive/booster pedal infront of it. It really sounds like a monster like that. It's just the kind of loose, honkey and rich overdrive I like. I guess it's not everyone's cup or tea, stuff Deluxe lovers are into.



Thanks for the tip!

That amp isn't even the Phil X model. It's clearly a related model, but not the same. If you are going to pay more for a Phil X Tonemaster, at least make sure it's the same model.

Phil X's amp is a later model, made in Chicago on license from Estey/Magnatone with the later brown and gold chassis and an extra tone switch. He has talked about it enough that if you look at the array of various Magnatones made his is easy to spot. I'm also guessing his 213 type is also modified. I mean it definately has a different speaker and may even have more drastic mods.

Anyway, they are killer amps and I think Phil X is just letting the secret out rather actually creating the myth. I remember I was looking for a Maggy long before I saw the Fretted Americana videos and I'm a complete guitar newbie. Just glad I got my 213-A type amp. I was beginning to panic because when they showed up here in the UK for sale they were gone instantly and I noticed Ebay prices were getting higher every month.If you're gonna make a comment, at least know what you're talking about....

Actually, Phil X plays through a 214. If you don't believe me, watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z7D1hS-bb0 Towards the end, around 7:25 he reads the model number right off the back of the amp. It was a design that was on license from Estey/Magnatone, but that wasn't that rare for this company -- they licensed their designs heavily. His amp is also completely original -- no mods. Even the speaker is original -- to the point that it's practically falling apart, which is one of the main reasons the ToneMonster was developed by Fretted Americana and John Kasha: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt9d3G6PSRI
Most of the time the guitar is plugged directly into the amp, as stated in the first video, with settings turned all the way up, as Phil has mentioned several times. NO CS-3, NO Bad Monkey. When he uses an effect, he says so on the video, and then it's almost always just the Bad Monkey for a little more sustain.

I've heard other 214s on YouTube and most sound like total crap, which just shows you how much tone is dependent on the player.

The madness continues...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130423749916&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Phil X.
Not a coffee drinker I'm betting.
There's two other guys I've known for a long time that are just like Phil X.
Neither drinks The Java.
Phil's a tremendous Entertainer if You ask me.

The madness continues...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130423749916&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


Wow...
That one is news to me....

Phil X.
Not a coffee drinker I'm betting.
There's two other guys I've known for a long time that are just like Phil X.
Neither drinks The Java.
Phil's a tremendous Entertainer if You ask me.

Stan, actually he is... He had one more than me last Sunday before our session together. :razz:

this guy is awesome! Watch him rip on some Hendrix in this one:shock:

PLp9NQd_uNQ

It's funny that there is such a fuss about this guy. He is a good player and hyperactive with a good attitude, what's wrong with that? Just looked him up and see that he's 44, I hope I look that good at 44..

To answer someone's query above, the 213 is different from all the other maggies (besides 213 variants) in that it uses sweet 6V6 power. It's no coincidence that so many amps considered classic use them.

Personally, I'm kind of over the off-brand amp thing, having been thru a dozen of them in recent years, with only a few keepers, one of which was naturally a 6V6 powered raunchy little guy. My amp tech likes to say "just because it's old doesn't mean it's good", and I now understand that. When I got my 1954 Deluxe, a lot of amps I'd been hoarding suddenly seemed completely superfluous. Not incidentally, I still have my tweed Pro Jr, which is way better than the vintage "treasures" I sold off, some of which are famous amps.

Among the yahoo magnatone list people, the preferred models of Maggy are the 213, 260/460, and the 280. To me, the 280 is a crappy sounding amp that has one cool effect: true stereo true pitch-shifting vibrato, which sounds like cough syrup. The 213 is the 6V6 screamer, the 260/460 are the high-end hi fidelity beauties with all the goodies which can also get fairly raunchy when pushed (6L6 power). They also have 4 speakers (two small oval ones & 2 12"s), which really suit the amps well. Scotty Moore (elvis) used one, so you can imagine they also sound good for pickin', swampy psycho-billy, surf, all kinds of retro styles.

If anyone wants the ultimate in room-filling stereo maggy madness, I would consider selling my 260R (260 with rare reverb option) AND 460 (also with reverb) for the right price..

Stan, actually he is... He had one more than me last Sunday before our session together. :razz:

Thanks now I know what to expect if either Tommy of Jimmy ever begin the Java habit.
Phil should have a show like "Larry King Live" where he interviews actual People in the inibitable "Phil X Style"...
I think it'd have a big following as long as it wasn't just Musicians bein' interviewed.
Steve Olson could be 2nd banana.
That I'd watch. :cool:

Not being a hater, just giving my honest opinion. I have never been able to get through an entire video of this guy. He is ULTRA annoying. I mean seriously, I do not see why people line up to fawn all over this dude. He is about as good as a million other cover guys on you tube. Big deal. The guitars at that shop are cool, he is not!

So what then constitutes "being a hater"?

So what then constitutes "being a hater"?Well here is the definition I found. It pretty much fits forums to a tee. "Overused word that people like to use just because someone else expresses a dislike for a certain individual".

I've seen a few people call him a douchebag, I don't see it that way. He just seems like a goofy guy with lot of enthusiasm for guitar playing, which he happens to do pretty dang well.

How can people actually hate Phil? He's a super nice guy who is a killer musician. I just don't get it. :rolleyes:

How can people actually hate Phil? He's a super nice guy who is a killer musician. I just don't get it. :rolleyes:

Me neither. I love his vids; yeah it helps that he plays some of the coolest axes on the planet but he does so with enthusiasm, humour and skill. I'd love to jam with him then go for a beer afterwards. It'd be a blast.

If you're gonna make a comment, at least know what you're talking about....

Huh?

Trust me when I say what I said above was factual.

Actually, Phil X plays through a 214. I

We all know Phil X's Tonemaster is labeled 214, but as I said above it's not the same 214 as was listed in ebay. Magnatone amps added labels almost at random. For instance my Magnatone is a 213-A, but is labeled 413 Custom.

All these amps are a derivative of the original 213 amp like I said. Their numbers are often irrelevant. It's a 213, but modified by whoever licensed the design, i.e. it may have different tubes, bright switches, or a different speaker type. To find a Phil X Tonemaster, you don't look for the number 214 and the name Tonemaster, but you you look for a 213 type Magnatone with the same modifications to the circuit. It could be called almost anything.

My point was to make it clear you have to look at the specific amp and not the name.

Even the speaker is original -- to the point that it's practically falling apart, which is one of the main reasons the ToneMonster was developed by Fretted Americana and John Kasha:

I said I doubt the amp has an original speaker because if you look carefully at any shots he has of the rear it doesn't have the usual silver framed Oxford or Jensen. Virtually all Magnatones I've seen have had these speakers. The fact the speaker is worn out is probably due to being an old replacement. If you look through this thread every Magnatone carries a different speaker type.

I also doubt that they made the new amp just for Phil X. That is ridiculous because all you'd do would to replace a busted speaker is find a new one. You don't make money from building highly expensive clones for one person. You do though if you give it to someone to show off and then sell them to loads of other people, which is what Fretted Americana are doing. It's pure business.

Most of the time the guitar is plugged directly into the amp, as stated in the first video, with settings turned all the way up, as Phil has mentioned several times. NO CS-3, NO Bad Monkey. When he uses an effect, he says so on the video, and then it's almost always just the Bad Monkey for a little more sustain

As for the Bad Monkey thing I got that off his website and various comments. In many videos he uses that pedal. From my experience with similar pedals you get the same sort of sound from the Maggy. Also what he hasn't done is placed a Fuzz in front of the amp on a clip, to my knowledge. After that it's godly! I don't think I stated he always uses it, if I did I apologize because they can get raucous enough just being dimed.

I've heard other 214s on YouTube and most sound like total crap, which just shows you how much tone is dependent on the player.

Have you ever heard a healthy one in real life? If you had I don't think you'd be making that comment because they scream. I sold my vintage tweed Deluxe after getting a Magnatone and that Deluxe sounded amazing. They have a unique voice and I wouldn't just say that they sound good just because Phil X is playing them. I mean they've sounded good in real life every time I've heard one.

Youtube clips are not always a fair representation of an amp.

My general point is that people looking to pick up any kind of amp because they admire another player who uses it should look at the features and the sounds of the amp rather then it's name. The premium paid (and in linking a Magnatone to Phil X a premium seems to exist) lies in the sound and not in the label. That is why I'm puzzled with the original ebay auction.

The amp probably kicked ass anyway.

Steve Olson could be 2nd banana.


You mean the skater Steve Olson ?

He is a funny dude and have always respected his skating but he's a bit of a mess. Yeah - maybe he could be the Phil X antidote - temper his enthusiasm. Or maybe Phil could get Steve into a "program"...:roll:


Bottom line about the Mags : the ones w/ the 6v6's (whatever the hell the name/number is) that I've heard in person* are great versions of that sound**. Love it, love it, love it.

The true vibrato function (of those that have it) I also love but a lot of folks don't or think it's "weird":roll:


* Judging any amp (or anything that makes a sound) by something on the internet is ludicrous.

** That "sound" is the delicious fat bottle American tone you can't (CAN'T) get w/ EL 84's. But, like I said before, you can get that exact Maggy skronk from various Bogen PA amps and I suspect - some from other makers. Definitely a cheaper alternative these days.

They have a unique voice.....

That's it in a nutshell...

There's nothing quite like a well-oiled 213, IMHO....

You mean the skater Steve Olson ?

He is a funny dude and have always respected his skating but he's a bit of a mess. Yeah - maybe he could be the Phil X antidote - temper his enthusiasm. Or maybe Phil could get Steve into a "program"...:roll:


Bottom line about the Mags : the ones w/ the 6v6's (whatever the hell the name/number is) that I've heard in person* are great versions of that sound**. Love it, love it, love it.

The true vibrato function (of those that have it) I also love but a lot of folks don't or think it's "weird":roll:


* Judging any amp (or anything that makes a sound) by something on the internet is ludicrous.

** That "sound" is the delicious fat bottle American tone you can't (CAN'T) get w/ EL 84's. But, like I said before, you can get that exact Maggy skronk from various Bogen PA amps and I suspect - some from other makers. Definitely a cheaper alternative these days.

Yeah, that Steve Olson.
I'm sorry to hear Steve's got The Blues.
Steve's a great guy.
The first time I caught Phil's schtik I said to myself "this guy was part of that whole scene."
If you bump into any of those people let 'em know that I've still got my "Model A" from Surfboards Hawaii all 10'2" of it - and that I'm trying to get it back to The Islands before I croak or worse still some jamoke turns it into a Windsurfer.:twisted:

Huh?

I also doubt that they made the new amp just for Phil X. That is ridiculous because all you'd do would to replace a busted speaker is find a new one. You don't make money from building highly expensive clones for one person. You do though if you give it to someone to show off and then sell them to loads of other people, which is what Fretted Americana are doing. It's pure business.

Since I'm friends with Phil X and John Kasha and do know the whole shebang I can set some info straight on this one.

Yes, the amp was made as the Phil X signature model. It's based painstakingly on his amp and only 100 are being made, at which I think they run is close to being sold out. THis was all based on Phil's FA vids.

I've played both Phil's amp and the new one and they are extremely close. We also tried numerous old Jensens in Phil's amp and none sounded anything like the one Phil has in there already. It just had the mojo. They all wear and break in differently, and with the way Phil runs the amp I doubt most people run the speakers through like that. All those variables do have a play in it.

If anyone doubts his guitar playing...take a look at the list of all the records he's played guitar on. http://www.philx.tv/

Rob Zombie...Orianthi...Kelly Clarkson (he's a very versatile player)