What's the "Two-Rock" Sound?

Rhett and Zach kick off the episode with a chat about which video games they’re loving and Rhett’s cross-country adventures with his wife before Eli Lester, owner of Two-Rock Amplification, joins them for an in-depth exploration of his amp-building philosophies.
Lester walks Rhett and Zach through his origins in amp-building, repairing instruments and amps in the back room of the shop where he gave guitar lessons. He played in rockabilly bands and had an affinity for old ’50s and ’60s Cadillacs that needed work, but he couldn’t afford to pay someone to fix them up, so he had to learn to do it himself. In his freshman year of college, he’d buy old amps and rent books from the library to figure out how to repair and mod them. Eventually, his voracious fandom of Two-Rock amplifiers helped him connect with the brand’s founder, Bill Krinard.
On Two-Rock’s building philosophy now, Lester says his approach is more about feel more than sound. “We build them for the artist, not the audience,” he says. Two-Rock’s obsession with delivering high-fidelity sound goes into every piece of the amp; Lester says each part is manufactured to spec in California, and part of the brand’s high price tags is thanks to how well they treat their employees. “We’re all tinkerers and geeks,” Lester grins.
Later, Lester explains how they design high-wattage amps that don’t blow your eardrums, and how Two-Rock is “tipping their hat” to Dumble-style amps. Building amps for a job is indeed hard work, but Lester wouldn’t have it any other way: “I just get to build my dream guitar rig, that’s all I do.”
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[@CJasonThwaites]

I worked for Bill from 1998 to 2001. I built Emerald 50's and Sapphire 100's aplenty. I also took the very first Two Rock to Germany in 1999. The tweaking process back then was unparalleled. I recall spending entire days trying different grades of wire, different resistor values, all with Bill's Waynes World (Japan built one) Strat with a Frailin the bridge and two Texas Specials neck and mid, all cryo frozen. I can say those first amps were not Dumble clones by any means, we were working from a blackface deluxe perspective. I have right behind me the only 100 watt combo Sapphire 100 ever built ( I think). I also left with Bill's Strat. I love this Strat. I consider it the Strat that built the first K&M's... Eli and Mac are the right cats for this time and that legacy. Well done gents.

[@varmintvittles]

I actually have an old Sapphire 100…great amp!

[@rockeye]

Can you tell me anything about my Custom Reverb Signature v3 50 watts with dual rectifiers?

[@CJasonThwaites]

The Custom Reverb was beginning development when I moved on. I didn't build any. If im recollecting correctly I was around for some voicing days with Steve Kimock, they were consulting Steve's Dumble and I believe a prior Bill modded Bassman but going for that special Two-Rock touch sensitivity and fastness. @@rockeye

[@djtecni]

I've known Mac for decades now. I can say sound is in the proper hands with him.

[@alancirwin]

Notice how everyone who has played or owned a Two Rock loves it?! I love mine

[@BobGuido]

The CRS is my main American style amp now, after years of a love affair with a 1971 Silverface Fender Twin Reverb. It's the best amp for putting time based pedals in front of. It delivers the most amount of detail, depth and 3D-ness. Thanks for the incredible work Eli.

[@jannetunturi]

Cool interview. Eli feels so genuine and a good person. Kudos to you all!

[@iwillnevergetone5]

Plugged into a Classic Reverb Signature for the first time ever, sold a ton of gear and had to make it happen. These amps are that good

[@davidbustos9499]

Eli actually built my amp, it’s a 100w traditional clean that was originally built for himself but he ended up selling it to a family member and I later purchased it from that guy.

[@BlackbirdSkies]

Great discussion - particularly Eli's comments on aspiring to make an amp that doesn't fatigue your ears. I find many amps will do that to me. I'm always amazed at how loud I can play my 50W Two-Rock Crystal without ever feeling that way. Even cranked, it's like getting hit in the face with a pillow. Big beautiful round sound. Just love it. Thanks again guys for your great interviews!

[@louderthangod]

Awesome, I love to hear that they give their employees health care. That’s a company worth supporting.

[@brettlevine5853]

All companies have to provide health care to full time employees. That’s how it works

[@VincentERago]

I had a Two Rock in 2008. Didn’t bond with it like I I was hoping for. Preferred my Divided by 13’s at the time and let go of it pretty quick. Fast forward 15yrs, and now I have a 2022 SSS and 2023 TS1. The best amplifiers I’ve ever had the pleasure to own. Great customer service as well. Pricey? Yes. Regrets? None.

[@AndrewNuttall]

Two-Rock and the people there are definitely some of the best in the business. As just a lowly hobbyist who has bought and sold enough gear over the years to be able to own a couple Two-Rocks, when I sent in some technical and sound questions over the years I was surprised when back in the day Eli took the time to call me and talk about the amp (Classic Reverb Signature V3). Taking the time to talk to your customers like that, even when they're not well known celeb players, makes a company stand out. Best of luck to all they do in the future, and hoping I can stop by their shop next time I'm out that way.

[@reverb508]

43:05 - Having Eric Johnson using your amps must be the ultimate validation; his discerning ear for tone is almost as legendary as his chops.

[@janofdelft]

Great Honk, Rhett! You persuaded me to buy a Port City - which I love - and now you are dangling a Two Rock in front of me? I don't know whether to sing your praises or cuss your name!

[@mirliton500]

Great interview! I first heard a two-rock amp from outside a venue in Natchez, MS before learning about the company. I was asking what the hell it was even before I walked into the venue, and it was a tele played through a two-rock. That was one of the best live guitar sounds I have heard, and the evening got even better. Some friends of the musician were there and were asked to play a song, and their guitar player was out of town (he played on a recent Robben Ford album). I played with them that night, and I kept turning around and holding notes just to hear the amp. I turned off all the pedals, and it is by far the best sounding and more importantly the most responsive and dynamic amps I have played. We played one song. One was more than enough.

[@davidLPST]

Jeff Mcerlain?

[@bradatherton9369]

Holy whaaat? Natchez, MS? I was just there in June and never do I expect others to know about it. What waa a TR doing there? I'm sure playing at a venue. I wanna know where! It's a fun little town steeped in delta blues.

[@Sunspotting]

Love my Studio Signature and it's good to know that it's a company that treats its workers well.They're pricey but worth it. Amps are the most important part of the signal chain.

[@Spidouz]

Yep! Love mine too…

[@madsenamplification]

I love two rock amps. Classic reverb is one of my favorites.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Eli. One of my favorite people.

[@HK-21]

Takes a great to know one🙌

[@bottomkitchen250]

I first learned about two rock amps from the casino guitars channel. I love these types of videos. I'd love to have a vintage deluxe. I would use it forever. Maybe one day.

[@stevemyers2092]

cool info i did not know - which is why i listen to you guys. thanks gents - another home run

[@Spidouz]

22:50 I can confirm that. I bought a used Two-Rock Studio Pro 35 Plus and when it came when I was turning up the reverb, I had a huge hiss… I couldn’t figure out what was happening. I drop a quick email and Mac Skinner directly replied to me, in two or three short emails to troubleshoot it, we figure out the reverb tank cable got loose during shipping. I plugged it back and everything was fine. They didn’t had to reply to me, it was used, no guarantee, and probably not even supported anymore, and yet they did. That’s what I call top notch support. Later on, I sold my SP35+ and I bought a new Studio Signature and I don’t regret it at all… yes it was expensive, but it was worth it and worth the time to save the money…

[@charliepratt]

Really great interview, I learned a lot and gained even more respect for TR here.

[@tone_science]

Great interview and awesome company. Agree with everything - and I’ll add that TRs are deceptively loud - they’re so well EQ’d you’ll be playing at 105 db and not even realize it.

[@insertguitaremoji]

Great vid. I’ve had several TR’s and love them, it’s also great to hear it all from the man behind the business.

[@gbarge4]

Eli has a lot going on in his head. I want to shout out his Tele playing. He came out with Matt Schofield at a small winery gig (Furthermore, in Sonoma County) and played great in a beautiful setting. Matt is obviously superb and a genuinely great guy. Eli played great too. I didn't want to neglect saying so.

[@skipthornton5413]

I still have my old Emerald 50, and I love it. It’s my goto reference amp!

[@vincentbull]

Love my Two Rock

[@christopherlong8259]

Love this! Eli seems like a really cool guy who runs a good company making killer stuff. I have a beautiful tobacco suede Studio Signature combo and it’s the best guitar gear money I’ve ever spent.

[@cosmonaut9942]

Eli is a great guy and is the face of Two Rock. He is good with artist relations and public relations. He knows their product and has been inside every model. As owner he has made some great decisions, the most important being bringing Bill Krinard back on board. He is the designer of every model. He's like a mad scientist and spends a lot of time on prototypes that never see the light of day. If it was up to him he'd never have to deal with the public because he rather experiment with new and unique circuits that may or may never go to market. He and Eli tinker and decide which ones get to market. Bill is a very good friend of mine and i've been fortunate to own and play almost every model. As long as he is with Two Rock they will continue to thrive.

[@zacate1983]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Please tell him to come out and do a long form podcast so we get to hear his story, philosophy, vision and anecdotes! Thanks!!

[@cosmonaut9942]

@@zacate1983 I'll do that. I assume that he can get your contact info from Eli. BTW, some of the older TR models, pre-Eli, are also killer amps. I have an old K&M Custom that belonged to Steve Kimock who toured with it for many years. It has an octal front end that has not made it into any of the production models, at least yet. The Mayer Sig is another older model that I love.

[@zacate1983]

@@cosmonaut9942 sorry for the misunderstanding, I have no podcast or means to publish or do such interview, but as a professional musician and tone enthusiast, I would definitely love to see and hear more of Bill and his creations. Thanks for your response!

[@joejohnson8966]

23:10 If some people can't afford it, then it is what it is. Products are in the market for specific customers. No one can force anyone else to buy something that is too expensive for them. Especially not in guitar gear.

[@Spidouz]

I had 2 Two-Rock in my life so far and I currently have the Studio Signature that I love… I just wish for a 35W studio version of the TS1, to be paired with my Studio Signature… One for clean and one for mean :)

[@donknotts5625]

Move to Florida. Can knock a grand off at least. I just bought a Bloomfield lol

[@danthegeetarman]

Rhett with the SSL shirt. Uh oh, now he’s officially bit by the studio bug 😁 before you know you’ll be spending the amount of a dumble on pro audio gear and plugins 😂😁

[@nilsx3020]

I really have to agree with the statement of TR‘s being built for either recording or the Artist to play to make their biggest difference, as compared to the usual band mix. I love my Bloomfield Drive and play the 100W version at home. No other amp makes the guitar sound so much like itself. And me as the Player (unfortunately sometimes 😂)

[@MesaGuitarGuy]

the Two Rock CRS is on a different level.

[@kmedvedkov]

Grate vid! Appreciate Two-Rock amps👍, but speaking of fidelity you should try Jim Kelley amps for sure

[@johnoconnor4984]

Not everyone wants a $2 dollar haircut. Some people want the goods man

[@vaiisgod8]

Rhett your voice on the podcast is amazing. What is your setup?

[@orryfishburne5326]

A Two Rock Traditional Clean and a Novo IDRIS is my dream rig. I will never be able to afford either one, but a man can dream..........a man can dream

[@kalkidasofficial]

Never say never my dude. You can do it.

[@HK-21]

It’s definitely a stretch, but it’s far from unattainable. If money’s tight like it is round here. Fish 🎣 the reverb pond, lure an offsite local transaction…cash and carry. Right now is the perfect opportunity! Folks dumping all kinds of great gear like a bad habit.

[@paulmatulevich3623]

Spruce is great stuff. And someday I will get my finances in order to acquire that Landreth Two-Rock. That is my dream amp

[@TommyFedak]

I gig the Bloomfield Drive. Tough, High Def and 3D.

[@darrylweller6143]

Do you use alpha pots?

[@ciro0107]

For people who are abroad like me and can't be patreon, how can I send my rig for you guys?

[@Gaslight.Guitar]

What about a Chibson episode? They are everywhere right now... seems to be a discussable and important topic. peace

[@tonyz4292]

Would love to ask him about the filter control on the silver sterling, I feel like when it’s engaged it changes the response of the amp as well as the head room- would love to know why that is

[@Derrick_Evans]

Played a studio sig, traditional clean and a burnside at a shop in Miami. All three of them I could walk out with and be a amp I never sell. Like the man said it’s all feel they just have a nuance to them that’s hard to explain. Plus they sound better than any amps I’ve ever played 😂. I will one day get a Bloomfield or reverb sig.

[@kalkidasofficial]

And the store is Waltgrace Vintage? I bought my first TR there.

[@Derrick_Evans]

@@kalkidasofficial yes it was such an awesome spot

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

if you have a 2 channel blackface amp you can have both a 3d clean tone at the right channel and a bassman ods low mid boost at the left channel just by swapping 2 tubes

[@kevinbarham5205]

Which?

[@kesokorv]

Haha

[@marionyeky9840]

I‘m curious, which green Two Rock is that behind you? Cheers

[@MattStory1024]

Not dipping rigs anymore?

[@kalkidasofficial]

For this episode is justified 😁

[@JN-North.Guitars]

I have the Bloomfield Drive...I get up, see the amp and smile! Sounds n feels amazing! No cab rattle either, not a bit. Love it! Could never sell it!

[@Gaslight.Guitar]

Another topic which could be interesting is: Can you be too bad as a player for great/expensive gear?

[@PhinnOz]

Bruh, Rhett you know luke bowman??? one of the best in the game today- everyobody needs to go see him play in the band Franc Moody.. one of the best recording and live bands in the game right now

[@RhettShull]

He's transcribing my newest course now!

[@PhinnOz]

@@RhettShull Thats so freakin cool!!!stoked for you and the course!!!

[@druwk]

Buy once, cry once! IF you KNOW what you want, and where to get it…going for it makes sense. Ultimately, it’s the cheapest way. My journey has been more about discovery. I still don’t know myself, my sound enough for one amp? When you add pedals, it’s even harder. Certain equipment is seductive in the hands of our heroes, but figuring out YOU is the real journey. Like, I’m starting to think I’m more of a humbucker kind of guy, for my rig? Have always liked the single coils pickups for clarity, but I’m finding that I end of using a pedal for midrange. Starting with more midrange eliminates another layer between me, and the sound.

[@brentporter9324]

@tworockamplifiers I picked up a Two Rock 2nd hand that I need some help with. I emailed support and never heard back. What’s the best way to get ahold of you folks?

[@littlerhodyguitar2169]

Yeah the deoxit fader is better for pots on your amp don't use the regular doxit on your amp pots. ☮️

[@chrisquinn9104]

Z, Do you ever wonder if, after you are gone, you kids will be looking at all of your precious gear like it’s a bunch of ham radio stuff?

[@nowgearthis2665]

Crazy...just ordered fader lube for my guitar pots an hour ago

[@madsenamplification]

So good! Taking notes over here. A lot of what drives two rock drives me as a builder. Fairly new to listening/watching the podcast. Have you interviewed Bill Krinard yet? If not you should get him on the show as well!

[@scottakam]

Cool. The California, health insurance, 401k, R&D time is the right answer for cost. I hate it when manufacturers talk about magic capacitors they got from the cold war!

[@alexanderroy5713]

From my understanding and I could be very wrong but I’m under the impression that the two rock sound is just a more boutique fender experience..??

[@ScottsGuitar]

Some of that sparkly clean nature, but they’re more modded dumbles in principal. If you want a “fender” sound specifically buy a fender and save the cash.

[@cosmonaut9942]

You are wrong.

[@davidmajor4484]

Any components unique to TR ?

[@DippedInTone]

Almost everything they use is manufactured for them specifically.

[@leeasbury7273]

I will have a Two Rock one day. One day.....🤔

[@jayhernandez8965]

Great clean tones. But they miss the mark on the lead channel. That's why they are a great pedal platform.

[@joejohnson8966]

53:30 good to know. Most people us WD 40 on everything

[@Biffwee]

You guys should try Baldurs gate 3.

[@47fishandchips]

No internet, use a bulletin board!

[@ericsills5290]

I want to build your ecto-1 Zach.

[@byrdmanalb88]

Imagine a picture of a hx stomp xl Dip it in chocolate

[@DistrictSoundLab]

I’m wearing the same SSL shirt and it’s making me feel uncomfortable

[@coryburns13]

5 minutes into this episode and we’re stealing things and shooting bike riders! It can only go up from here!

[@kalkidasofficial]

If Eli and Alexander Dumble were exchanging not so friendly emails that says the Eli and Two Rock really decoded the Dumble secrets. Happy owner of a Studio Signature and the Joey Signature Amps, will keep them forever.

[@jayhernandez8965]

Blankenship Twin Plex enters the chat.

[@Hugh_Jaynus_00]

Sound of a Two Rock…I think of strippers crying…that I can’t afford to “pay their way through school”. Can it help me get the Pour Some Sugar on Me sound? Maybe they will barter with me.

[@vincem5253]

Love you guys, but who has a Two Rock? Almost no one honestly. The prices on these amps are absolutely insane. It's mostly doctors and lawyers. The only working musicians who have Two Rocks aren't paying for them.....

[@DippedInTone]

Not true, I know many working players who have them. It's a big purchase and a dream amp for many but people afford them. Countless people drop big money on Custom Shop Fenders & Gibsons so to assume similar folks won't spend similar money on an amp is a bit silly. Granted I'm running in different circles in Nashville but plenty of non Doctor/Lawyer types have these amps.

[@kutsbothways]

WeII, you certainIy don't see them on every stage or in every club. I have one and just play out maybe once a month. I bought it before they got quite so high; but that's aII relative. The audience doesn't realize, or care, but other players wiII teII me my sound is good. The quality of the tone was worth the expense...to me.

[@DanielDavis730]

Glad I fast faward. To much talking. U need a good player as well to demo not beginners

[@PNWGuitar]

You guys should rate peoples helix presets....no particular reason

[@kevinkeith3530]

Amps for rich people, meh

[@albertjabberin739]

Great interview but lets get down to brass tacks, it’s not “black panel” it’s “blackface”, they’ve always been called that and there’s nothing wrong with it, people need to grow up.

[@drewkoszulinski8065]

suuuuuuper tired of hearing CEOs talk about how they're Not Actually That Rich shortly after describing their show-winning vintage porsche lol. (this is not a knock on the porsche, I bet it's very cool!)

[@groak7395]

You’ve commented on this channel more than once whining and crying about CEO’s 😂😂 Don’t you have some hasanabi to watch?

[@TwoRockAmplifiers]

Haha agreed and sounds boastful. I restore my cars from the 50’s for fun to decompress at night. I do all of the work myself and it takes me usually 5-6 years. Love trying to bring abandoned rust and history back to life. Amps, guitars, and cars. I guess deep down we all want to be Billy Gibbons. 🥃

[@nilsx3020]

@@TwoRockAmplifiersyou don’t have to justify yourself here Eli. If you work hard, you’re successful with what you do, you deserve an outlet. And like you said, one doesn’t need to be a millionaire to own a vintage Porsche you restored or even a vintage Strat for that matter.

[@drewkoszulinski8065]

good point - I should prolly stop watching this channel @@groak7395

[@LiamNashMiller]

@@groak7395Hasanabi is the 🐐

[@JimWalkerMusic]

Gamer talk??? Yeah I'm out....

[@DippedInTone]

See ya!

[@HK-21]

🫡

[@kalkidasofficial]

The face of Rhett and Zach when Eli said: I don’t like compression in an amp, I don’t like speaker breakup. 🫣😬