Let’s talk about the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK2…

[@agufish]

I think I got about 17902 exotic diseases cleaning this amp, but don't sleep on the criminally underrated TriAmp MKII! sweetwater.sjv.io/aneeXW ➤ Big thanks to Source Audio for sponsoring today's video! More details on the invaluable EQ2 MIDI Programmable Equalizer sweetwater.sjv.io/R5ZQa2

[@russellzauner]

If this head is too big for some people's preference, the engineer on this amp, Thomas Blug, left H&K later and has his own 100W amp stompbox that uses actual military grade instrumentation microtubes. Since he designs amps, he just designed around the micro tubes instead of the regular ones. Thomas has regular livestreams on YT and he'll talk to you live when you're typing in chat, so if you have any questions - just turn up at a livestream, ask the literal guy who made your exact amp, and let him flex (watch out, he's a virtuoso level shredder and tone junkie).

[@lostlittlenoobvt]

From the color of the dust and coming off the plexi glass its just cigarrette smoke residue from the previous owner.

[@philipwacker4629]

My guess was beer... but you're right, I suppose.

[@Noct_Nano]

6:22 Same lmao. Your previous TriAmp video convinced me further that I need one cus it sounds INCREDIBLE

[@EricMorettin]

Love the Dad Rock riffs for the tone tests

[@adambakercollege]

Hey Hunter, Grab some Novus #2 plastic for get the plexiglass sparkling like new again.

[@agufish]

Thanks for the suggestion! My dumb ass used paper towels so even though you can’t see it in real life all the paper residue reflects into the lens and is super noticeable on camera. Gotta clean it all over again 🙃

[@JohnWiku]

Killer amp! I'd love to try one!! Now what I'd also love is to have that comically large neck baritore on my wall 😂😂😂

[@ShooterMG88]

Amp sounds killer I always wanted one of these amps, maybe down the road, Keep it metal Fish.

[@carlosf569]

I actually picked up a MKII at GC recently based on your recommendation! Killer amp for a good price

[@James-vr5wh]

I had a Triamp MKII in the early 2000s. Was the best amp I ever owned. It absolutely nailed the early Fat Wreck / Epitaph punk tone along I was into and later on that post hardcore sound (Thrice, Finch, Refused). It just became too much and overkill when I transitioned to a Hobbyist / bedroom rockstar. Sold it for a Tubemeister 18 to still try to capture that H&K tone, it does it okayish. Also I run a EQ in the loop on the Tubemeister and it is a game changer! Wish I knew about it back in the day. I just plugged straight into into the amp, no effects at all.

[@lowtonezf104]

These and the Warp tube heads were beautiful and outstanding sounding. My Local shop Penn Ave Music was a H&K dealer and those amps were mythical to me

[@SluggerStark]

Absolutely a criminally underrated amp and for the money they sell for now, I absolutely recommend these to anyone looking for high quality channel switcher; you get ALOT of amp with these. I owned one and ised it as my primary amp in a punk/hardcore band from 2010ish until I sold it to a buddy in 2019. I would put in my top 10 amps I have owned and I have owned some very nice amps, including 2 Wizards that I still have. I will likely get one again.

[@Emet.V]

Honestly it’s also practical 6:37

[@27pugsly]

I used to see Alex Lifeson advertised with these amps in the early 2000s in guitar magazines! Ah gosh I miss those times it was my early 20s 😊

[@damienalvarez2957]

About the mystery red/brown stuff: could’ve been a beer like a red or brown ale 😂

[@brandonwedertz1246]

Any way we could get a TriAmp MK1, MK2 & MK3 comparison with you and John Browne?

[@PuttinOnTheRiffs]

Man, this amp sounds really amazing. Great job cleaning the soggy basement grossness off the thing.

[@edwinstovall3334]

Hunter, I owe you one. By waxing so poetic about the EQ, you reminded me that I have a very powerful EQ facility in my newest modeller. I still haven't scratched the surface of this thing's powers, but using an EQ would make it that much harder for me to fail to make a sound I like. My idea at the moment is to program some patches, play 'em a while and see what I DON'T like about 'em ... and then see if I can EQ 'em into sounding as close as possible to perfect.

[@RubyRoks]

4:43 considering this amp is nearly 20 years old (don't worry, my back hurts thinking about that too), the reason that grommet is sticky is probably rubber reversion rather than human slime. 14:34 Not a VGA cable. The 9 pin D-sub connector was/is used for a number of general purpose applications including serial data connections, the Atari and Sega Genesis controller ports, CGA monitors, etc

[@jahyralvarado676]

that looks like cig build up, not gonna lie that amp was dirty … now it just sounds nasty ❤

[@andybungert]

All of it sounds damn good, and I'm sl glad ylu brought up the MKi too. I'm more and more curious about it

[@carwynvan]

You definitely need to get a MK1 and form TriAmp Tower/ TriAmp Trifecta

[@heavymetal9330]

Sounds Awesome Great Amp

[@LukeDKramer]

The difference between the redbox and the Kickass Audio IR is astounding. But the same could be said for Kickass Audio IR's vs everyone else as well 😉

[@edwinstovall3334]

Of COURSE you're keeping it. You are not that dumb. Your baby girl need not hide her head in shame.👍

[@johnwilson8543]

Dude, now you have to find a Trilogy!!

[@jacobbockover1628]

H&K are like the only amp my girlfriend would be happy to see around the house though high desert summers make the black spirit attractive

[@eternal.kraken]

That yellow residue was from cigarette smoke. I used to see that all the time on desktops and laptops when I worked at a repair shop. Super gross. Killer video though!

[@aapddd]

Yeah, I owned a Twin reverb from a smoker. The tubes were all yellow.

[@drew2dee2]

omg the chassis is so dirty it stopped being chrome and became aged nickel

[@screamkeeper]

*Just to iterate, that brownish/redish being wiped away is most likely 🚬/🌳 smoke residue.

[@drew2dee2]

@@screamkeeper must have been hot boxing with it or something to get that gross INSIDE

[@bluephoenix3865]

I know what high-end amp. I’m buying now.😎👏

[@DatMetalBoi75]

Thanks for talking about it and Jacking up the price. Dick

[@joshuapress4767]

Insanely cool video and great knowledge and playing. I picked one of these H&K's up probably not long before you put this video out and I have just watched it. Validates my purchase 100%. Mine absolutely needs a clean as well.

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

I wonder what this thing would sound like with the 🔔🔔🔔 🚨👉 EQ 2 👈🚨 in the loop 😅

[@jasonmccann257]

It sounds amazing with an MXR 10 band eq thru the fx loop🤘🤘🤘

[@jackstrap82]

I bought my first tube amp a few years back, a TubeMeister 18. I was interested in it for 3 reasons, 1st was because it attenuated to 1 Watt for appartment playing, 2nd was because... it lit up. Seriously, it's one of the best looking amps. 3rd was because I saw plenty of KZbinrs demoing H&K products that I thought I would love the sound. The 18 is missing a high gain channel though so I traded it in for a Revv G20. Much prefer to support a "local" builder and it's a killer amp. Glad you found your dream amp! Nice job bringing it back to life too.

[@TravisMoore5]

Make a video about your whole guitar collection! It would be so cool

[@drew2dee2]

been waiting for this one!!!!

[@thearmoda]

NGL thats the whole reason The REVV Generator MKII is my dream amp, it lights up, and Jeff Loomis

[@Olliebear38]

I used this for 2 years before lockdown killed most gigs off in the Northwest of England now it sits in my spare room. 😢 Awesome head!

[@MikeBsMovies]

I remember I wanted this so badly because it appeared on Rush in Rio(best live album/DVD ever recorded), couldn't afford. Got a Tubemeister 36 many years later - good amp, has the glowy lights, so... sorrta got what I wanted!

[@comatoo]

Thank you for your video - too bad about the effects loop sucking but you sold me on the Mark II - Fender clean with Plexi Marshall? SOLD!!

[@JohnWiku]

Triamps valuing 3x the price in 1, 2, 3....

[@heey_George8904]

I'm about to get the down payment of a house 😂 hopefully 😅

[@RokDAWG1]

I’m not an H&K kinda guy. They never hit me really, but damn after listening to ps on this model, I’m feeling this one a little. Maybe I’ll grab one used and possibly one of those eq’s as well. It wouldn’t hurt to have another good voice in the amp collection. Good video as always! 🤘🤘

[@facelessbeing6209]

I've played this amp at my local Guitar center and was actually blown away by it.

[@spiraldrop4897]

I bought one in 2016 as a b-stock on ebay from official dealer for 722 eur... The only amp I have now ..

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I can tell you now the previous owner was a pretty heavy smoker. Isopropanol cleans up nicotine/tar staining really well, and won't harm electronics in the slightest.

[@darksu6947]

I agree. I can identify crack rock smoke residue anywhere, anytime! 😂

[@dirtyhalo20]

I purchased this exact amp off of Reverb a year ago and absolutely love it. Thank you for making this video. I also have a burnt out light and need to replace it. After watching this, I feel confident I could replace mine.

[@andrewbecker3700]

That's what smoke and dust do to electrostatic surfaces. It's like a magnet for particles of anything suspended in the air. Those are all the oils and tars from various smoked substances.

[@fluffytoaster427]

If a TriAmp MkII isn't practical or available, the H&K Duotone is basically a streamlined 50w version that goes for like $850. Sick amps that have a *shitload* of potential. Genuinely shocked they're not more popular.

[@meatsmudge5349]

I have both heads, and I think the DuoTone is probably a practical man's 80% of what the TriAmp is, and that last bit of difference is the modern channel, which you can mostly get there with the built-in boost and some pedals, and both amps take pedals really, really well. For a time, I ran a Soldano SP77 preamp into the effects in on the DuoTone and it sounded absolutely monstrous. In a band or live situation, they absolutely cut through a mix, and in a musical way, not shrill and icepicky, just really full and present. I've also been really surprised and saddened these amps get no love. Really heartening to see this video, hopefully a new generation of guitarists takes a shine to them.

[@fluffytoaster427]

@@meatsmudge5349 Such a versatile box of tone. I wouldn't be shocked if they get a resurgence when the next gen comes up.

[@TheNewNoise7]

Bought a Mk1 over a year ago, and absolutely love its versatility in tones. It’s huge. Heavy. And the footswitch is weird. But hard to beat $750 for one that I found in great shape on Marketplace locally.

[@Cookie4yabro]

For some reason my dream amp was the Mesa Boogie Mini Rectifier and now that I have it I couldn’t agree more with my past self…it’s my go to amp

[@MrScrofulous]

I've had mine since 2004. Pro-tip, keep these things cool. There is a LOT of components packed into a tight space and they DO develop dry solders if you let them get too warm. They really should come with a cooling fan. I also run 6L6 tubes in mine, as that's how it came. I think it was a floor model and must have had the tubes changed. I do prefer it with the 6L6's.

[@Rocknrollrecoverist]

Nice amp fella 👌🏼 I recently went back to the first amp I ever wanted but couldn’t quite afford back then n ended up with the lesser version. I know it’s not a crazy expensive one but I love it it looks amazing and the sound that it makes is absolutely killer It’s an old epiphone valve special and now I’ve eventful got my hands on one some 18/19 years later I won’t be parting with it

[@netanelgallagher7323]

He is your friend.. I like you more now.. His courses really saved me from playing. Am/ em × 6000. And the same solo . ( pentatonic 😂 ). After almost 20 years.. now I know. It's kinda easy to learn playing guitar. It's hard to find the right teacher/ mentor. but we are on your platform now .. Just wanted to say thank you for the time and all your knowledge that you give to people like me. Cheers.

[@thelonghaul5214]

My man, that mystery substance was probably nicotine. I used to clean windows, and one of my accounts was a pizzaria and the owner was a chain smoker. The substance that came off the windows was pretty similar in color.

[@jackko21]

It makes me think of the film clip of here without you by 3 doors down i love the look of it makes me feel nostalgic and reminds me of cd players from the time

[@ashleynewton9083]

He played the notes inbetween 😮

[@MatthewBaron]

The brownish substance is nicotine.

[@piemanmusic]

I had one of these for about 15 years. Absolute weapon. Only reason I sold it was because I stopped gigging and it was waaaaaay too much amp for a bedroom.

[@hoobastanker9]

I miss my Triamp like crazy!!!! I would love to hear Channel 3B vs your rectifier???

[@riffstud93]

The stuff coming off the glass looks like it was in a smokers home. I’ve been in chain smokers homes and that gunk is on all the windows and walls. Like a nicotine/smoke grease 🤢🤢

[@HaydenMcCarry]

Hi man, love the fact youre loving the MKII as well, I love mine and it is so underated!!

[@marcoheerema540]

Nice job I love those German Amps, Engl, Framus and ofc H&K. But ok...ok... The H&K win just cause of their looks, I love the blue lights

[@donbishop6994]

Man, I love how you have a 5k prs 10 top and you usually prefer your hb sig. Most people would shove the tremonti sig down our throats every other video. Very classy my man.

[@russellzauner]

Oh man I thought you were going to say Spider Valve MKII for sure.

[@gdawgs101]

12:03 someone please remind me where this riff is from

[@stevegee218]

Anchang of the Japanese band Sexmachineguns always preferred the Triamp MK1 over the MK2. He has a great metal tone live and from the studio.

[@kennethschaar2596]

at 3:40 i believe its residue from cigarette smoke

[@Naughtforeye]

Absolutely cigarette smoke that made that film brotha. Previous owner gigged that bad boy HARD lol!!!! Nice steal homie.

[@mvalentino5650]

That full mix sounded like Batman Beyond in all the best ways.

[@mcghghy]

Or maybe they will skyrocket in price like what Josh Scott did for the Bad Monkey or RJ did for the Rockman???

[@Polarium416]

I'm not first

[@barrymiller2272]

Hunter...what the literal fuck! I liken that amp to a Chevy blown 454...gentlemen, start you're engines.Fuck me, that a BEAST!

[@wckoek]

I remembered playing side by side, a Duotone vs Triamp Mk1 and vastly preferred the Duotone. I wondered any difference there is of the Mk2 to the Mk1 or currently the Mk3?

[@craigmsmithmd]

Great show! I would definitely watch more like this. Rock on!

[@EspeciallyCrunchy]

Owned one of these and the CC412 with greenbacks for 3 years and loved the ever-loving crap out of it, but I ended up parting with it for the Synergy stuff just recently. Anyways, this amp is tight without a boost (I'm using EMG retroactives though, if that matters). BUT, if you feel inclined, I recommend setting the bias a little hotter. At factory, these things were set cold and it robs the bottom end of how tight and crunchy it's capable of being. This amp got CRUNCHY. The guys that rebiased it said they would rather have my MKII over a Bogner Ecstasy. I agree with AGUFISH here, an EQ in the loop (set to serial) helps get a consistent EQ across the channels because they are all voiced differently (as they were meant to be!) The only time I ever used a boost on this amp was on channel 2B, but really, it didn't need it. It's the Plexi voiced channel (and not the EVH kind), so setting it too high on the gain was trying to make it into something that channel wasn't meant to be. HOWEVER, if you wanted 2B as a different high gain flavor, you'd dial the gain back on the amp to a medium-low plexi crunch (Think Humble Pie) and boost it with a hard-clip OD--like an OCD--and it starts sounding kinda like Channel 2(+) of the Diezel Herbert...That ripping, velcro-ish vibe, for lack of a better adjective. A hard clip boost on 2B is ADDICTING! Anyways, don't buy these amps, they suck. *wink wink*

[@randomtrollguy_23]

I had a triamp mk1, thing weighed 66lbs. Also cost nearly a grand to retube and repair. After several months on my tech's workbench I sold it, wish I haven't though.

[@naboygtr1746]

Hello where i can find led light replacement? Thanks

[@dwheel502]

@aguafish what do you use for a string dampener above the nut?

[@stepannecil8401]

The brown stuff you cleaned of the front might be a result of the amp being owned by a smoker

[@danieljwillen1993]

Were you playing dust by tremonti when showing off the channels? Lol

[@bobnoxious9717]

Not a VGA; it's a DB9, commonly used in data applications. Its reliable and EASY to replace. Better choice than the ones used by most other manufacturers.

[@BraedenGMcMahon]

I have an original Triamp. And I noticed it the other day. It’s a table 💀. They sound awesome. But they’re real heavy. Can’t bring myself to part with so many sonic capabilities

[@flapjack413]

"I'm a fucking moth."🤣 Not gonna lie, when they first came out, I wanted one, too, because it lit up, ANNNNND had a lot of knobs, lol.

[@BenjaminRoethig]

From the color, probably tobacco tar.

[@RevGerryRM]

That my friend comes from playing in smoke filled room !

[@lucyfuir6386]

I literally just bought one with the pedal for 700 cash US

[@chrishall5176]

Definitely a dream amp.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

The disgusting mess that can be left by outgassing plastics might be a culprit....I have an older car which has spent a lot of time in direct sunlight and last year I had to mix up a concoction of soap, lemon juice, distilled water, and vinegar to actually finally clean the inside of my windshield and not have blinding streaks in it. Then I had to spray distilled water on it and squeegee it.

[@brooksrownd2275]

Should have got a matched pair of bulbs and replaced both at the same time. (plus you'd have a spare sitting around)

[@andybungert]

YT SQUAAAAAAD first this time

[@Kudabear1]

It's the notes in between that are fucking with me

[@goranmarinic2923]

So called "HECKLER UND KOCH"

[@joshuataft5541]

Armor all works awsome on most plastic ey amp covers.

[@kirillsamarcev1988]

im buy MKii in 2020 , price about 850$ , Im Big fan Breacking Banjamin and Killswitch Engage who use this amp, about month ago retolex cabinet and update light diods, cleaning , now MKII new condition but need new grill because original grill have many scratches

[@TrioxinZombie83Gaming]

had a option to buy this model triamp or engl invader 100. i took the engl invader. i regret nothing engl all day long for me that signature sound just tickles my pickle

[@edwinstovall3334]

That brown stuff looked like caked smoke to me, else I wouldn't have offered an answer. I figure the amp was gigged out in small to medium size clubs, where the smoke can get so thick one can dribble it like a basketball. Or, worse luck, the owner smoked. Probably cigarettes, with a layer that thick.

[@ZephyrHFN]

Ugh, need to get a Triamp, asap

[@BelugaTheHutt]

Anyone else getting a kick out of the beanbag chair wiggling alongside him while he rocks out?

[@ibanezleftyclub]

Why on earth would they use a real neon tube and not LEDs? Seems like a easy way to possibly inject noise into the amp since those need a HV converter.

[@meatsmudge5349]

I mean, this is late 90's tech. LED strips weren't really all over the place yet. Never noticed any noise from mine, and I've run my DuoTone with and without them. Yes, it's preferable to have an amp tech retrofit the amp for an LED strip. I haven't done it, but there's plenty of video of guys who've done it.

[@johncraftenworth7847]

can do a hk duotone amp vs triamp mkII or mkiii? i can't afford to buy all simply to compare what sounds best :O

[@Blep42O]

Who ever owned it was an indoor smoker, you’re cleaning up smoke residue.

[@briannorwell202]

I added a mirror on the back panel...double the tubes..lol

[@vexxiv]

Any updates on when we will see a new run of your harley benton signature? been wanting one for a good while now and thought it wouldnt hurt to ask :P

[@agufish]

The order was submitted to the factory, I'll let you know more when I know more!