Tone King Gremlin or 57 Champ reissue

[DrPepper]

Which would you get?

 

[DrPepper]

Since MB is no longer building the Tone Kings, that is kinda giving the Champ a lead.

 

[Whoa Tele]

I'd get the Gremlin for its versatility. Tweed and Blackface in one box plus more clean headroom if you need it. 12 inch speaker and I personally like the idea of a tone knob as well. The built in attenuater will allow for breakup at lower volumes and they come in more colors than tweed.

 

[Wally]

No contest for me....the Gremlin’s versatility beats the Champ, imho. I have no trouble with the build of the TK amps, and it is still a M. Bartel design. The Ironman II attenuator makes it a no brainer for me.

 

[DrPepper]

Thanks Wally, I value your opinion.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I have a '57 but only because I received it in a positive trade. (I have less than half cost in) I like it but If I was in a position to spend the full 1K I would probably look at some other things, Gremlin amongst them.

 

[danpan]

I recently purchased a Gremlin and after a bit of tube swapping experimentation, it suits me and my style to a "T". I love it!!

 

[Wally]

Fwiw, a Tone King Imperial MKII will do what you want and also give you more versatility and the possibility of using the amp to play with others...meaning a drummer.

 

[DrPepper]

Fwiw, a Tone King Imperial MKII will do what you want and also give you more versatility and the possibility of using the amp to play with others...meaning a drummer.

I think I will go for a Gremlin, and save up for one of Mark's new amps... probably a Sugarland.

 

[DrPepper]

Amps are going to have to wait.GAS for a Martin has been rekindled...

 

[Cali Dude]

I recently purchased a Gremlin and after a bit of tube swapping experimentation, it suits me and my style to a "T". I love it!!

Hi, I know that this is late, and I have changed tubes in my THD, but I am having trouble getting the preamp tubes out of my Gremlin. Were you able to simply pull them out, or does that metal socket have to be removed? Thanks for any direction you can give me.

 

[danpan]

Hi, I know that this is late, and I have changed tubes in my THD, but I am having trouble getting the preamp tubes out of my Gremlin. Were you able to simply pull them out, or does that metal socket have to be removed? Thanks for any direction you can give me.

 

[danpan]

Mine pulled right out.

 

[hepular]

milkman not delivering?

 

[Cali Dude]

Mine pulled right out.

Thanks, I finally got 'em out. I replaced them with Gold lions. No more fizzy distortion. Now it has clearer cleans, and really complex driven sounds. The gold pins really made a difference in this situation.

 

[DrPepper]

I ended up getting the Fender, great amp. I sold it and now have a 5F2 based amp. Love single ended amps...

 

[DrPepper]

milkman not delivering?

Yes, it delivers in spades... This is an old thread. Didn't need two. MM for the win...

 

[DrPepper]

Well both the Champ and Milkman are long gone and a Gremlin is on the way. I'm chasing a tone straight down a rabbit hole...

 

[teleplayer99]

Have you played through a Victoria or a Swart?

 

[DrPepper]

Have you played through a Victoria or a Swart?

Tried a Swart years ago, it has the old Supro vibe. Have tested Vicky's, they're pretty much like the Fender. I'm just going to finish up the 5E3 I'm woking on and save for a Milkman Halfpint or Allen Chihuahua...