where to find a good tweed Champ or Deluxe clone?

Who are some of the good tweed Champ and Deluxe clone builders out there?

Despite the "on paper" view of getting a versatile 2 channel smaller amp, I keep wanting a real tweed amp.

Also, what sort of prices can I expect to pay for a tweed Champ or Deluxe clone? Not looking to do any assembling or wiring myself.

thanks,
J.

I recently bought a Victoria 20112. I did a couple of thigs difrent I have a 12AY7 in v1 and I changed the speaker to a Red fang but the result is one of the best amps I have played. It is actually making me loose faith in my all time favorite matchless lighting - which I always considerd a deluxe killer.

I need to reevaluate all of my amps now as I think I am going to sell my BF fenders and my matchless and get another, biger, tweed to fill the bill.

I recently bought a Victoria 20112. I did a couple of thigs difrent I have a 12AY7 in v1 and I changed the speaker to a Red fang but the result is one of the best amps I have played. It is actually making me loose faith in my all time favorite matchless lighting - which I always considerd a deluxe killer.

I need to reevaluate all of my amps now as I think I am going to sell my BF fenders and my matchless and get another, biger, tweed to fill the bill.

Used about 1G

I can talk about three. I recently checked out the Fender 57 Deluxe, Victoria and the Clark. The Victoria and Clark each sounded more "musical" to me, probably due to the factory's choice of tubes and maybe due to speakers.

In any event, the Clark had the best price of the three so I bought one and am totally satisfied (eight week wait BTW). It probably sounds as good as any 5E3 can, especially with its Celestion Alnico Blue.

I played a couple of Victoria Champs too but didn't think they would serve any purpose for me that the Deluxe won't fill (i.e., the Deluxe gets good tone at low volumes).

Good luck.

Lil Dawg.

+1 on the Li'l Dawg

+1 more on the Lil Dawg, if you can stand the wait -- nice guy, good product.

How long of a wait are we talkin' on the Lil Dawg? I have my tweed Bassman RI to keep me satisfied until a smaller tweed comes into the fold, so I don't really mind a wait for either the Clark or the Lil Dawg.

Any other options besides Victoria, Clark, Lil Dawg?

Whooo! I just checked the Clark stuff out and it may be too rich for my blood. I'm thinking Beaufort (sans) speaker is the only thing even remotely in my price range.

I'm thinking $500-800 range, maybe up to $900 if it gets me what I need. What will that get me, and from which builders?

EDIT: It looks like the Victoria 5112 at $875 might be a possibility, but I'd prefer something around the $500-600 range.

contact jim at Lil Dawg amps. you won't find a better made tweed amp out there. just tell jim what you want and he can build it, and when he sends you the price you'll think he builds these just for the fun of building them.
he sends you pictures all along the way of your build in progress. the wait time is long though. when i ordered mine i think it took 10 weeks or more. but the wait was worth it.

i've got pics posted here. will reply with the links when i get home.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/sandman72202/100_0006.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/sandman72202/100_0008.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/sandman72202/100_0009.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/sandman72202/100_0011.jpg


this is a 5E3 circuit beefed up to 35 watts using a 15 inch jensen

i've since picked up a jbl130 i'm thinking of asking jim to make a matching cabinet to this one to make it 2x15

Go to ebay
hit "musical instruments"
go to "amplifiers"
type in "tweed"
You'll see everything they've got and they've usually got a bunch.
I like Weber Kits that are already built by experienced builders.
also check Our own "garage sale" too.

Go to ebay
hit "musical instruments"
go to "amplifiers"
type in "tweed"
You'll see everything they've got and they've usually got a bunch.
I like Weber Kits that are already built by experienced builders.
also check Our own "garage sale" too.

Cool, will do. Thanks for the tip, Stan!

contact jim at Lil Dawg amps. you won't find a better made tweed amp out there. just tell jim what you want and he can build it, and when he sends you the price you'll think he builds these just for the fun of building them.
he sends you pictures all along the way of your build in progress. the wait time is long though. when i ordered mine i think it took 10 weeks or more. but the wait was worth it.


Thanks for the pics! Wow, a 15" speaker. I wonder how a Champster would sound w/ a 15. Luckily, like I said, I already have a tweed bassman RI, so it will make the wait alot easier.

I actually already emailed Jim before you posted this reply-- I can't wait to get specifics on the 5E3 and 5F1 (with at least a 12" speaker, and maybe a 15"). I know Jim mainly uses Jensen speakers, but do you know what tubes he uses in his amps?

he has a bunch of "throws" he offers he gave me an assortment of NOS tubes with a couple of matched 6L6 and 6V6 tubes.
great guy to work with

+1+1+1+1+1+1+1 (did I go to far ?) for Jim and his Li'l Dawgs.

Best buy, $ for $, for a Tweed clone.

can someone list the website for lil dawg amps, i googled it but can't find it! lame...

http://www.littledawgamps.com/

I know people always talk about the Mission Amps 5e3 kits, but I think you can also buy one assembled for a nominal fee as well.

+1+1+1+1+1+1+1 (did I go to far ?) for Jim and his Li'l Dawgs.

Hmm, maybe. Some may think you're a shill for his company. Watch out.:lol:

Everything I've heard about Jim and his company and his amps is solid and I'm another amp builder (I just don't do tweeds) so that says a lot.

I support his efforts and wish him success.

I know people always talk about the Mission Amps 5e3 kits, but I think you can also buy one assembled for a nominal fee as well.

$659.95 for the kit and $299 more to have it assembled! Youch!

I bought a new Clark Beaufort Special last year and love it to death. Have seen two really clean ones sell on eBay recently just within your price range. If I hadn't already gotten one, I'd of bought one of them in a heartbeat.

Build quality and appearance of the Beaufort is head-and-shoulders above some of the other clones I've seen.

Just got an email from Jim at Little Dawg. He's in the midst of moving and won't be building cabinets for a while, and will only be working on chassis (which would also have a wait time). He said he has a waiting list of about 100 (yikes!) so it's difficult to say when he'd have an amp ready for me.

I think I'll have to look at some other options.

Let's see:

Little Dawg - too long of a wait
Clark Beaufort - possible, but I'd need to get one used
Mission - too expensive if I want to get it pre-assembled
Victoria - again, expensive, not sure on the wait time.

Isn't there anything in the Tweed Deluxe, Tweed Princeton or Tweed Champ category for around $500-600 new? I may just have to keep my eyes peeled a little better for something used.

Over on TheGearPage the Tweed Deluxe clones built by Sarah Richter and sold on Ebay get very good reviews (no personal experience, though).

Over on TheGearPage the Tweed Deluxe clones built by Sarah Richter and sold on Ebay get very good reviews (no personal experience, though).

I'll check 'em out-- thanks RomanS!

Well, here's some reading material for you:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=271433&highlight=richter

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=246186&highlight=richter

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=263843&highlight=richter

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=231061&highlight=richter

http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=sarasmiles1820

I, too, have been looking at the Tweed Deluxe clone issue. If I am reading these web pages correctly, Electrosonic Amps will build you a clone from the Weber kit for $625 (the kit itself costs $490, so they are charging $135 for the build):

http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/reproductions.php

Marsh will build you a clone from his own kit for $795 (the kit itself costs $624, so he is charging $171 for the build):

http://store.marshamps.com/index.php?cPath=49

These prices certainly compare favorably to the $1,800 for the Fender 57RI Tweed Deluxe.

In addition to the Clark Beaufort Special, I have a Weber 5E3-sized cab with a 5F1-sized chasis cutout. There's nothing wrong with the Weber cab, but the tweed job on the Clark is significantly superior in appearance (in case that matters to you). I haven't tried his kit or the Electrosonic-assemblied version thereof, but I have several different Weber speakers which are excellent and Ted has always given me timely answers to questions and excellent service.

Another reason (other than price) that you might want to buy a Clark used (if that's what you end up choosing) is that he also a long waiting list. If memory serves, I ordered in August and took delivery in December.

I, too, have been looking at the Tweed Deluxe clone issue. If I am reading these web pages correctly, Electrosonic Amps will build you a clone from the Weber kit for $625 (the kit itself costs $490, so they are charging $135 for the build):

http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/reproductions.php

Marsh will build you a clone from his own kit for $795 (the kit itself costs $624, so he is charging $171 for the build):

http://store.marshamps.com/index.php?cPath=49

These prices certainly compare favorably to the $1,800 for the Fender 57RI Tweed Deluxe.

With the amount of labor involved in building an amp...either one of those prices are a great deal. Figure 16 hours? to build one....thats slightly higher than $10 / hr.

Have you checked out ceriatone.com. They offer kits or will build them for you at reasonable prices. The folks over on the TGP seem to like them a lot.

www.hullettamps.com

FWIW: fenderforum.com classifieds has a used one for sale.

FWIW: fenderforum.com classifieds has a used one for sale.

Cool, I'll check it out!

thanks!
J.

Hmm, maybe. Some may think you're a shill for his company. Watch out.:lol:

No, just a very satisfied customer. I've had my Champster Special for almost a year now (only had to wait 4 months back then) and couldn't be happier.

The one year waiting list is a testament in itself regarding Jim and his Tweed amps. There are many excellent Tweed options out there (pretty basic circuitry) so I don't think one can go wrong with any of the other companies.

Quick thread highack--
I've been on Jim's Lil' Dawg waiting list since Nov. '06.

Have recently emailed him and have gotten no response. Anyone heard anything from him? Is he ok?

I just got an email from him yesterday. He's fine, just in the midst of moving, so me may not have had a chance to get back w/ you.

both kits & turn-key amps are available from:
www.stf-electronics.com
i have one of their 5E3 Deluxe heads that i'm quite pleased with !

both kits & turn-key amps are available from:
www.stf-electronics.com
i have one of their 5E3 Deluxe heads that i'm quite pleased with !

For the price, there might be other options that look a little better. The red silkscreening and red chickenhead knobs on a tweed amp just don't match--- uuuugly.

I, too, have been looking at the Tweed Deluxe clone issue. If I am reading these web pages correctly, Electrosonic Amps will build you a clone from the Weber kit for $625 (the kit itself costs $490, so they are charging $135 for the build):

http://www.electrosonicamplifiers.com/reproductions.php

Marsh will build you a clone from his own kit for $795 (the kit itself costs $624, so he is charging $171 for the build):

http://store.marshamps.com/index.php?cPath=49

These prices certainly compare favorably to the $1,800 for the Fender 57RI Tweed Deluxe.

Califiddler-
I must have completely missed this post! Electrosonic has some great prices for their built amps and alot of options.

The Marsh stuff looks great too. The tweed Princeton is looking quite tasty.

thanks for the links!

i have recently discovered swart amps. they are very special. there is a smaller one that is suitable for gigging if you mic it. for 799.99 5 watts sound samples galore on the home page. there is a bigger brother, 1775.00 which is a 20 watt 2 x 6v6 which is like a princeton reverb combined with a tweed. it kills. i am trying to sell my 65 all original blackface princeton reverb to obtain one.

While they may still need a little work from a competent tech to make them completely functional there are a few vintage amps that will get you into tweed deluxe territory for under 1000.

Gibson GA-6, GA-20, and GA-18t are all in the tweed deluxe vein.
Ampeg Rocket, Mercury, and Jet, the early ones with 6v6's and 6sl7's
Silvertone 1482 not as close as the others and the construction quality isnt on the same level but they can be picked up on ebay for cheap.

Put in a new speaker some new tubes and a tune up from your tech and these amps will roar.

FWIW and always IMHO...

I had an opportunity to play a Li'l Dawg Champster Special (15 watt w/ 12" speaker) for quite some time. I became very familiar with its tonal qualities.

Recently, I had an opportunity to play a Victoria Deluxe for an evening. I think it is rated at 14 watts and also has a 12" speaker.

If I was interested in a 15-20 watt tweed amp, without hesitation I would purchase the Li'l Dawg. The Champster Special not only sounded as good as the Victoria (I actually thought it sounded slightly better), but it also costs 1/4 the price of the Victoria.

You can't go wrong with the "pound" lineup of amps.

I've got a 25 watt Li'l Dawg tweed deluxe for sale right here on the TDPRI:

http://www.tdpri.com/phpclassifieds/showproduct.php?product=4785&cat=22

Larry

The Marsh stuff looks great too. The tweed Princeton is looking quite tasty.

thanks for the links!

You better believe it is. There's one sitting on the floor right next to me.

With the amount of labor involved in building an amp...either one of those prices are a great deal. Figure 16 hours? to build one....thats slightly higher than $10 / hr.

16 hours!? I built a Mission a few years back, and if I recall correctly, it took me less than half that. I'd built other amps before, including tweeds, but never a Deluxe. With practice, I think it's maybe 4-6 hours.

I recall I didn't enjoy working in the small chassis, or wiring the tube sockets. I compared it to some original Deluxes, it was certainly in the ballpark, but needed a few years of abuse. Sold it to a guy from the Mission forum, he was happy.

I don't know anything about them other than they exist, but I found a couple of other builders.

One's Frenzel:
http://www.frenzeltubeamps.com/index.html

Another is Chandler:
http://www.chandleramps.com/Portal/

I think Weber's site has a section where you can request a builder for his kits, as well. It might be worth seeing if any are local.

And, of course, there's Li'l Dawg.

Isn't there anything in the Tweed Deluxe, Tweed Princeton or Tweed Champ category for around $500-600 new? I may just have to keep my eyes peeled a little better for something used.


Have you by chance checked out http://www.frenzeltubeamps.com/? Check out there classic chassis. Jim also builds a princeton that isn't currently listed for some reason. Good luck and let us know which way you go.

Google MVAmps. I have seen a Tweed Deluxe and a Champ. Prices reasonable and they can be covered in Tweed or Tolex.

Bob

There are two in the classifieds right now SEK Hakuna (http://www.tdpri.com/phpclassifieds/showproduct.php?product=5154&cat=22) has them listed that would be sweet deals... and the right price too...

those Mvmusic amps look cool too.

Nice amps and builders, and some very reasonable prices as well. But does anybody know some European builders? Shipping and import taxes take a big bite out of one's budget...

Nice amps and builders, and some very reasonable prices as well. But does anybody know some European builders? Shipping and import taxes take a big bite out of one's budget...


europeans might want to check out www.freeqi.be (http://www.freeqi.be)

not affiliated in any way... very nice guy.
i heard his bassman and it's wonderful.
and at 1650 euros for a handmade, PTP, tuned to your tone amp, it's very reasonable compared to a bassman LTD, which is about 1300 euros minimum.