OBELISK Custom 17w Amp

We are thrilled to finally debut our OBELISK 17w amplifier! The lovely, inherently British qualities of the EL84 output tubes are the essence of this circuit, as the elegance of the preamp resides in its simplicity, i.e. the EF86 pentode tube. A single stage with a single switch; 'Brilliant'. What a term to describe the harmonic qualitites of this input stage and its ability to transport the user to London, circa 1965, immersing the player in the magic of the early Vox sound. With zero negative feedback, a high gain pentode front end and cathode biased push-pull pair of EL84s, this amplifier has very little headroom, as it was the first iteration of the famed "AC15" amplifier in 1959. Although many associate certain attributes to the Vox sound, favorable or otherwise, this circuit is actually more akin to the the British equivalent of the 5E3 tweed Deluxe in its frequency response. The Brilliant switch can certainly induce much of the lauded JMI upper mid cut, but when off, is very full in the lower mids and bottom end. This circuit easily segues into chaos when hit with fuzz!
 
Tolex and grille cloth are 100% custom! Choose the options you would like and add associated reference # or name in the notes at checkout. Please note that once ordered, options chosen cannot be changed. Use these links for references to materials:
 
Tolex
Grille
 
Tremolo is an option for this circuit. See stock pics of our tremolo model. This is not your average tremolo as we derived the circuit from the mid 50s tweed "Tremolux", but required significant tweaks to be implemented into our EL84 output section. Our bias modulating 'super' tremolo, exclusive to this circuit, is one of the strongest onboard circuits that is available. Controls are located on the back panel. We have included a switch on the rear plate between the Intensity and Speed controls that sets fast/slow modes. A foot switch is included for remote on/off tremolo duties. 
 
We have designed a number of power and output transformers for various models we offer and often use them when available. We do, on occasion, use those from Hammond, Heyboer and Mercury Magnetics. A note on our custom transformers: "We designed our large output transformers with tone in mind and they have yielded excellent results. A superior output transformer cannot be overlooked. It is the soul of the amplifier. Ours are made by Pacific Transformer in Anaheim, California."
 
NOTICE: Marked as "In Stock" with a lead time. As each unit is custom, lead times will vary, depending on desired specs and availability of some custom spec'd parts and build time of cabs.
 
Here is a brief rundown of features:
 
17 watts
Cathode biased EL84s
Tube rectifier EZ81 (6CA4)
EF86 preamp/12AX7 phase inverter
Brilliant switch
Zero negative feedback
Cut control (vintage spec)
Exclusive 'super' tremolo (optional, add $100)
Custom output transformer
Celestion G12M greenback (stock in combo model)
Lightweight pine cab
120vac or 240vac 50/60Hz (inquire for export model)
 
Inquire for other options and upgrades as we are dedicated to providing a custom amplifier that suits your needs. Upcharges will apply to certain speakers. Let us build you the AC style amplifier of your dreams!