Retro King 18 Watt Combo amplifier demo by Greg V.

[h3at32]

wat kind of tele is that?

[newpixeldude]

Impressive tone!

[GregVmusic]

@newpixeldude Glad you like the demo!

[ZeppelinRules]

Sounds godly but my only gripe with this demo is that the amp has two different speakers and you've only mic'd one of them.

[GregVmusic]

@ZeppelinRules Thanks! I think if you like it with one speaker, then I hope you'd dig it both speakers!

[sabbath994]

ok what the hell,  why do amp companys put the control panel facing backwards, do they honeslty think players are standing behind there amp when they play?

[LabelBob]

Your fingers sound like Brad Whitford

[route9records]

is that one of your favorite amps you've demo'ed?  It sounds by far the best to me.

[GregVmusic]

@route9records It's a wonderfully musical amp for sure and each amp - guitar - pedal has the potential for great tones it just takes time to explore the gears potential.

[Shaun7189]

Hey I live in Malaysia. How much is this?

[GregVmusic]

@Shaun7189 Contact Retro-King for product details.

[trendstom]

hi what mic did you use to record this?

[ZeppelinRules]

@trendstom

It looks like a Shure SM7

[GregVmusic]

@ZeppelinRules Yes, that's correct, a SM7b and tiny amount of a Cascade Fathead II w/ Lundahl transformer for the room mic.

[spanky2964]

man thats a nice sounding amp.your playing dosent hurt either.I bet it is a fortune?

[awesomejohnnet]

another great demo from Greg.. this guy id worth his weight in gold. brings out the magic in all the great amps he demos.

[ZoundsPerspex]

Great, great demo. I actually got one of these amp (via trade) based mainly on this vid, and am so glad I did. One of the things this amp can also do that's NOT shown in Greg's excellent demo is set it up for a nice crunch yet using the PPIMV save a little headroom to use a fuzz pedal. Most 18-watters you set up for crunch, that's it - no more room.

[fluflu512]

ахуеть!!!!



[funkyjones]

I just can't stop watching this!

[GregVmusic]

@davidriggs1955 I'm making a scary "monster face" right now! Ha-ha! thank you very much!

[guitar15243]

what strings did you use on this greg.your playing is amazing.

[GregVmusic]

@guitar15243 Thanks! I use .010-.046 either Elixers or Dunlop strings.

[ciclosonico]

Bellissimo!

[GregVmusic]

@ciclosonico Thanks!

[rjinterr]

Greg makes me want to buy every amp he demos. Think it could be his playing???

[GregVmusic]

@rjinterr I appreciate the good words, thanks!

[Aspinel100]

sounds amazing, but the 'retro king' name really spoils it for me haha :/

[GregVmusic]

@Aspinel100 Thank you!

[bsuite123]

@Aspinel100 WTF? Are you an idiot? You should keep your crate then.

[Aspinel100]

@bsuite123 Calm down! i was just very positive about the amp, its tone is stunning. i am just of the opinion that including the word 'retro' in the name of a brand is slightly tacky. am i not entitled to my own opinion? and as for the crate, i do not have a crate. it clearly states on my channel page that i have a laney, so that was simply unwarranted.

[GregVmusic]

@Matsbh Thank you, there's also Cascade Fat HEad II ribbon mic mixed in with the SM7 for the room sound as well.

[rpeagram]

Right on BRO!!! That is awesome!! Great playing.

Now for the questions. Sorry if you have answered this before: What transformers?

[GregVmusic]

@rpeagram Thank you, I'd call Retro-King for all details not listed in the video.

[GregVmusic]

@AngusInBlack Thanks, both speakers together offer a great blend and tonal balance.

[gunsnrosescovers]

Fantasitc

[whoisthenext1]

GREAT vintage-style sound.

[wilbstrange2]

What other options could you request for this style of amp? What does the negative feedback loop mod do to this kind of amp? I see Retro King can add a extra gain mod... would that be like overkill for this amp? It sounds just brilliant! I do like heavy crunch and I wanted to get your opinion if these other options would make more user friendly for all styles of playing. I do use delay you know how some effects loops suck tone.... I wonder if Retro King loops are wise in this simple circuit?

[GregVmusic]

@wilbstrange2 I think it's best that you contact the builder for detailed answers.

[ernieballstaylor]

hell yes to your playing and this amp!

[GregVmusic]

@ernieballstaylor Right on, thank you!

[GeekG]

this is the best amp demo i heard, and i heard hundreds. need to find out whats the difference to a standard 18watt marshall. maybe just yor playing and tweaking of the knobs on the amp, and i think great speakers, celestion blue and g12h30.. amazing sound.. really perfect. clean to crunch.

[GregVmusic]

@GeekG Thanks! It really is a beautifully designed amp, so musical and fun to play.

[GregVmusic]

@grahamccollins Thanks (I hope!)

[tcb189]

Could you please tell me if you would recommend this amp over a marshall 1974x reissue bluesbreaker? I want to get this tone but not sure which? I found a used marshall in the same price point of a new retroking 18 watt? Your videos are the best on the web by far!!! Thanks

[GregVmusic]

@tcb189 Thank you! Sorry I've never played the MArshall 1974x.

[eposyba]

Thanks Greg  ordered one based on this video

Cant wait

[GregVmusic]

@eposyba Cool ! Enjoy the new amp!

[kshag]

I have the 1x12 version of this amp..I love it. I use a tube screamer with the volume up and the Drive almost off as a boost pedal with it...simple and beautiful..I can cover almost anything with that combination....

[dkrumrie123]

about time someone put up some good amp demos, amazing sound.

[GregVmusic]

@dkrumrie123 Thank you!

[ciclosonico]

Greg I'm jealous, I want that amp right now! :)))

[GregVmusic]

@ciclosonico Cool !

[SingleCoilVoodoo]

Another amazing demo! But I have no idea how you arer sitting that close with it dimed! 18watts is LOUD!

[GregVmusic]

@SingleCoilVoodoo Thanks and yes it was loud!

[herc122]

Amazing review and playing! This amp and your playing is heavenly! I am considering getting this amp. Just wondering how you feel this compares to it's Marshall for-father? Would this be your top choice for a 18watt Plexi/Bluesbreaker style amp without paying the real price for the real thing? Thank you so much!

[GregVmusic]

@herc122 Thank you! Yes, Chuck at Retro-King has designed a truly inspiring amp that emulates the best of the vintage designs with modern high quality parts and consistency. Vintage amps are great, when you find a good one and that can take time and maintenance to bring back to full proper spec.

[robitrest]

thanks for the reply. I've been listing to this for two days! it was the the best 7.35 min of my music life! That amp and your command of it is truly inspirational. respect bro!

[GregVmusic]

@robitrest I appreciate the good words, thank you!

[prieka2]

Thank you for doing all these demo's. Only problem is, I want to buy every amp you demo! Fantastic job!

[GregVmusic]

@prieka2 Thanks!

[GregVmusic]

@dyingforastrat I appreciate the good words, thank you!

[robitrest]

insane tone! what a magnificent amp!

[GregVmusic]

@robitrest Glad you like the demo, thanks!

[jharri1]

Lol! Almost not fair! Greg, you would sound awesome strumming a box of cereal plugged into a toaster! Great amp though, and as always, GREAT PLAYING! ;-)

[GregVmusic]

@jharri1 Thank you very much!

[jacknbox1]

Very nice amp, very impressed by the tight low end. Greg's playing is the best in the biz....not bad for guy from Virginia

[GregVmusic]

@jacknbox1 Thanks!

[iVai777]

Are you using an SM7B for this recording?

[GregVmusic]

@iVai777 Yes the close mic is SM7b and a room mic is a Cascade Fat HEad II with Lundahl transformer.

[elephantcup]

Best guitar related video I have ever seen on YouTube. Fantastic!

Now nobody can claim that their video sucks because of poor audio or video quality on You Tube. You've proven that YouTube can have killer tone, and killer video (720p). My computer plays in stereo through decent speakers, and your sound just exploded out of them. It was like being in the room with you.

Your playing is fantastic as well. I'll be playing this vid over and over copping your licks. Thanks man!

[GregVmusic]

@elephantcup Thank you very much for the good words and support, enjoy my videos!

[vgw1971]

if you could have only one amp what would it be and why?

[GregVmusic]

@vgw1971 I can't have only one amp, I need various tools to feel creative.

[GregVmusic]

@GBZ10TROY Thanks very much!

[GregVmusic]

@GBZ10TROY Thank you.

[yebdox]

Greg, you have such an incredible touch... so hip! I really dug the demos you did for Bogner, and even the little video clips for Carr a few years ago! I love the way this amp sounds, but I'm suspicious that you could make a cheap practice amp sound incredible! Any amp builder would be smart to have you demo their stuff. Hope your career keeps climbing, you deserve to be heard.

[GregVmusic]

@yebdox Thank you and glad you dig the demos I make, I appreciate it very much!!

[Robin8207]

hi i am using a vox handwired heritage model 30 watts , want to use an amp like this one for leads is there a big difference do you think power wise i run the vox less than half volume would i have to run this a lot higher thanks chris great playing great tone

[GregVmusic]

@Robin8207 Thanks for the good words. I'm not familiar with the Heritage 30, I'd call Chuck at Retro King for his take.

[youdirtyrats]

I have this same amp in the 1 X 12 version. Have to sell. if interested, let me know. GREAT sounding amp.. tone!

[LESPAULELEGANT]

@youdirtyrats you sell yet.....how much are you selling for??

[frusciantestrat99]

Amazing playing!

Apart from the great overdriven tones, do you think this amp can works well even for clean country type tones?

Thanks!

[GregVmusic]

@frusciantestrat99 Sure it has a fair amount of headroom, esp for Teles and Strats or single coils in general.

[youdirtyrats]

throw away ALL your pedals.. this amp rocks!

[GregVmusic]

@youdirtyrats I agree, it's a killer amp and super musical.

[pgong]

That is just fabulous sounding. Thank you for that inspiring demo.  Well done! Some of the best tone on YouTube right there.

[GregVmusic]

@pgong Thanks!

[Jcp1965]

Greg, excellent tone and very good taste for playing, congratulations.

[GregVmusic]

@Jcp1965 Thank you/

[timoconnor6]

Greg,

Unreal playing and tone.

I own and dig playing my # 43 Retro King plexi 18 head. It is bad ass for sure.

Are you using the TAD 84's and jj12ax7"s or did you trade them out? If so, for what tubes?

Thanks for the Speaker demo also. I like that combination.

Timo

Chuck makes a bad ass amp that really rocks. GET IT....

[GregVmusic]

Thank you! The amp was factory stock but not sure what brand of tubes were in the amp. Contact Chuck Dean at Retro King for more details.

[12caanis]

That tone is amazing. Also, some of the tastiest licks I have heard in a while. Nice work.

[GregVmusic]

Thank you very much!

[spentonmediocrity]

...wise choice to mic the CB,I didn't realize how good mine was until I heard the recordings with it.

Notes on the alnico CB just bloom nicely,so smooth.

This is an exception sample video by the way,you really capture the tone of the amp and you spare us the all too common tinny "blues" playing.

[GregVmusic]

Thanks!

[bigdaddymofo81]

Truly amazing video Greg! I just ordered my 2x12 from Chuck last year it sounds awesome. To all who see this, Greg transports the sound of the amp perfectly into the video. My LP sounds AMAZING through my 18wtt. Once again Greg, you totally nailed the sound, tone and feel of this amp. Actually, there's more this amp can do, can't it Greg!

[GregVmusic]

Thanks very much! Glad you're enjoying your amp, Chuck certainly makes a great amp!

[JayStudioProductions]

Sickening tone Greg! Thanks for the post. Very inspirational. I hate you... just when I think I'm satisfied... you go and post something else I want. ;-) You just get this one? Price? In what situation would you want to use this amp? Thanks.

[GregVmusic]

Thanks, glad you dig the video! Great, great amp but even it's 18 watts is too loud for my ears anymore. A 1x12 version would be more my style these days. These amps would be perfect for anyone who wants to own the stage or session with sweet, organic Marshall EL84 grind. Check out Retro King amps for options and pricing.

[JayStudioProductions]

Thanks for the info. btw... i see you're living in Nashville... any chance you know my bff Craig Young? He's one of the worker bee's there. I'm sure, if you do a lot of session work, you've heard of or worked with him. Just curious... small world ya know. Oh.. and Merry Christmas!

[GregVmusic]

I've not met Craig that I recall..... there are so many great musicians in Nashville. Thanks and Happy New Year to you!

[roknfnrol]

I was just thinking to myself that the Retroking demo must have been f*cking loud, especially with those two speakers!!!

[chasyboy1]

Rockin' once again, Greg. You are really getting good at these video 'productions'....oh, and you play guitar pretty good, too. :)

[GregVmusic]

Thanks very much!

[analogspam]

Awesome tone and playing, as usual!

[GregVmusic]

Right on! thank you!

[Realfi]

You were right Greg. I like this one very much!

[GregVmusic]

Hope you can try one soon sometime, esp since we like a lot of the same tones.

[roknfnrol]

The SG makes an appearance, fantastic!! Greg, how do you like this Marshall style amp compared to the tweed style amps that you have played extensively in the past? Additionally, how do you like the Celestion Blue compared to the G12H30s that you typically use?

[GregVmusic]

Hi Roknfnrol,

Glad you dig the clip. I really dig this Retro-King with it's EL84 tubes, certainly a different tone and fell than 5E3 style tweeds or the 6V6 Swart AST. The Retro-King has more headroom and less sag/compression when pushed. All these amps are stunning, just different sonic tools to have. My favorite speakers are the Celestion Blue and G12H30, depends on the amps power rating for which one I use. I dig the alnico compression and liveliness. More headroom and bass with the G12H30.

[Noitpure]

Excellent sounding amp. And your playing is ACES as always! Very nice! Very useful demo. Happy Holidays, Trina

[GregVmusic]

Hi Trina,

Thanks very much and Happy Holidays to you as well !

[Bobbybookoo]

Hey Greg, if you ever get tired of any of your amps, send em' on over, I'll keep them warm for you!! Sounds real good.

[GregVmusic]

Hey Bobby, thanks for the good words and the kind offer!