Our 10 Favourite Guitar Amps - That Pedal Show

[@ee1971]

Dudes, I’m sitting here in my home just north of San Francisco, CA, USA. We’re surrounded by thick smoke from countless wildfires amidst a global pandemic. It’s warm inside but we can’t open the windows. No air conditioning. Band can’t rehearse. No end in sight. Feels like the End Times. But then, through the smoke, like a mighty LED from the heavens, 53 brand new minutes of TPS. The show is a total escape to a world I love. I look forward to it every week, but this week... it just feels different. It means more. It’s a freakin beacon of hope. A reminder that the flow state and good times will come again. Thanks, guys, I needed that.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah man, Eric - truly all the best to you and yours and everyone there. That sounds really scary. Stay well please, and with any luck we’ll be past all the crap before too much longer. Thanks for being with us!

[@amoores02]

Stay safe dude!

[@tonisiret5557]

Stay safe & well sir.

[@ee1971]

Thanks all!

[@joepeezy4sheezy]

Be safe dude. I’m in Santa Rosa and the fires about 10 miles away. Pray for low winds....

[@danmarcus1775]

Can I just say that among all the amazing aspects of your show, one thing that goes underappreciated is that with all the leaning over you guys do to tweak amps and pedals, I've never seen so much as a hint of butt crack. Your control over this sad reality of mandom is truly inspiring and gives me a target to shoot for. Keep on fighting the good fight!

[@bootlegnjack]

Yes I agree excellent crack management. Nobody got time for that.

[@nickbouvy6524]

Builders labourers cleavage is out of fashion in Australia

[@maximumguitarage]

Lol! I thought this the other day when I watched the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe segment.

[@curtissmith4554]

😂

[@godbyone]

It’s on pay part of thier channel then u get. Pant views

[@weaslemusic]

Millions of wallets suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced. Great show lads as always.

[@hatepaste]

Sovteks rule. I have a mig 100h. Slightly tweeked inside and nothing compares.

[@bootlegnjack]

Read this comment right at the start of the video and nearly closed the video buuuuuut I’m not a quitter and I have an addiction to maintain.

[@FSMBdemoes]

hahahahahaha

[@STETTRACE]

Ben!!!

[@LTJR.]

@@hatepaste yeah quite a few of them do and the real sleeper is that little 50 watt in the wooden box, smoking little amp in a small package totally light it's a little 45/Bassman.,... Oh what am I saying no no it's it sucks it really sucks... Awful little amps, just ignore them.

[@richardrigsby5286]

Y'all ever notice Dan is Mick's biggest fan. Every time Mick starts playing a tasty riff, you can see the enjoyment on Dan's face.

[@ThatPedalShow]

It could be a one-armed orangutan sat there chumming on a £20 Argos guitar and Dan would be the same. Hahahah!!!!

[@richardrigsby5286]

@@ThatPedalShow touche'

[@SilentJayBird]

@@ThatPedalShow "Ouch..." - Dan

[@scottyvalero3691]

That natural 335 into the Californian tweed was KILLER

[@AmnellAndreas]

Highly agree. Was my favorite tone in this video. And giving me serious G.A.S. for a natural ES335.. Ugh.

[@chameleon-dream-band-official]

I can honestly say this show has shown me the road to good tone. I invested in my Victory Kraken, a good power soak, and a plethora of good pedals and it has blown my tiny little mind. My bank account may be severely dented, but my musical soul is bursting with joy :-D Thank you.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Hoooray! This is all good news. Including the bank bit. Money buys you choices, not happiness. :0)

[@jetjock64]

This is one of my favorite TPS vids. I love the joy that shows through. The reason we play!! Well done.

[@jammergreg]

That mesa boogie California tweed spits and sputters just like a tweed. Nice!

[@jayzube]

26:50-32:15 - I love my AC302CX. I also love this quote. "A little part of me was yearning for a small amount of compression, which never happens."

[@BK-lx5mo]

Thanks, KZbin, for the "0.25x playback speed" feature, allowing me to steal all of Mick's blues licks.

[@groak7395]

I know this is 3 years old but blues Guitar World on YT is a gold mine lol

[@johncollins6490]

One of my favorite TPS videos of all time! You guys rock! Great to hear these amps that most of us will never get to experience. Silky smooth - great job guys!

[@hammyjammies]

That Vox/Jazzmaster combo actually unintentionally comes up with a really good bit of advice, if you are finding your amp too bright and harsh you can just get enough gain to get the treble to overdrive rather than simply turning down the treble controls on the amp!

[@craiger2399]

Man that Hiwatt sounded absolutely amazing to me. I loved the harmonics and sustain. You guys have awesome amps!

[@TheFibreman]

You know you're in for a treat when you're under a minute in and Dan's got his Big Chopper out

[@adrianjewell5995]

Trust me, Mick, there was bass before 1972, but not from AC30s, it came from bass players with 15 & 18 inch speakers in enormous cabs driven by valve amps. ‘‘Twas awesome! ( and sounded great on the way home from gigs with the van’s (valve) radio plugged into the bass cab!) Happy days!

[@tonybrooks476]

Ew.

[@mattgilbert7347]

"Big Chopper" means something quite different in Australia. Not a person you'd want to meet in a dark alley. Thankfully, he's either deceased or close to it.

[@ngsanfo7927]

Best sound of the show: The Jazzmaster through the vintage Vox. Sheesh that sounded great. Kinda sad you brushed over the Tone King Lead channel. I run mine with the volume at around 3 and the mid-bite around 2 and it sounds amazing on that channel.

[@kithobart2116]

One year and three months ago I went to Charlie Chandler's and bought an awesome 2001 Fender Custom Shop Strat. The service was so great and the guys there were so nice, I'm not sure I would want to go anywhere else to get gear, repairs and set-ups. I'm really glad you guys have gone there too because its an awesome store and Charlie is the best!

[@nathancloud6344]

Absolutely stunning choices men. The Hiwatt stole the show for me!!! Memories flood my mind everytime I hear that amp.

[@BrandOdyssey]

That matchless is amazing. All those preamp options and power scaling. No wonder they are so expensive.

[@raypolakovic1290]

Ef86 preamp breaks up so nicely

[@Smart-Alex]

I got a Blues Jr and I'm just starting to love that one and now this episode drops. Great!

[@NathanNagel]

Ended up here today because the livestream went down. Love having so much content from you wonderful leg-ends.

[@joshbabbitt9243]

I just love every guitar these fellers pull out. Love the tone and their complementary playing, ALWAYS. Every time I watch an episode, the guitars man, the guitars. I WANT! 😂😂😂

[@TheBurdenOfHope]

Gents. I loved this show - tonez for days. Can I just say; I'm loving how much you're both changing your guitars up within episodes. Don't get me wrong, I could listen to slinky strats and barking teles as much as the next day, but that change is just pricking my ears and stops ear fatigue. Keep up the great work chaps. Love y'all x

[@ampdrum1]

I'm a drummer, but I collect amps as a hobby. Garnet amps are my favorite. Our guitar player traded me a Traynor Bassmaster for a Mann (Garnet stencil, made for Canadian retail shops) 212 2 6l6. It's the best amp we've ever heard. These are fine hand wired Canadian amps. Garnets and Traynors can be had for pennies on the dollar to old Vox, Marshall or Fender amps. Don't know if many crossed the pond.

[@tenniswilliam]

I have Garnet Revolution l from 1971 and a Traynor YGM 3 from 1969 - these are great amplifiers

[@jsphillip60]

I used to own a Traynor head with Traynor 4X10 cab. Don't remember model number. Magnificent amp!

[@ampdrum1]

Much love. Have a great day!

[@justie1220]

12:15 and 12:22 I stood up and shouted HELL YEAH! at the top of my lungs and joined in the amazement of Mick and Dan

[@7Roeth]

My that 87 Marshall, shew.. sounded so classicly awesome.

[@riloh58]

Love the end of the show where li’l ole Brisbane gets a shout out. Pedal Empire and the crew there are just great. It’s been a while since I’ve been in store but itching for some new gear. There is so much good stuff out right now. Love to That Pedal Show from Down Under. Great round up today and so many sweet, sweet tones.

[@frankgreco]

That Matchless was amazing sounding... Harmonic content indeed. Good show boys.

[@simonnaji]

That was fun with two Fs, if you catch my drift. Loved the playing and the joyful faces. This is exactly what we need in these strange times. Thanks, chaps!

[@mrlowquality711]

A new TPS vid. My day is made. You guys are the best. And to everyone else, Hello from Malaysia.

[@XXjg_]

These guys are always so enthusiastic about this gear that even though they’ve heard it a million times, for years, they still are amazed every time as to how much they love these sounds.

[@ecantalk]

Love that Tone King Imperial. It’s been on my wish list for quite some time now. Great playing as always, gents.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Such a cool amp. I really like it. Mick here

[@scottbrady4472]

@@ThatPedalShow how does it compare to the combo? I can't really find any info on this apart from the head being handwired.

[@VonBlade]

The HiWatt finally gets dusted off and put to good use. That's a like and .. oh wait I already do the other stuff. Can't wait.

[@mitchellferre1652]

Matchless HC30 really stood out from the pack to my ears.

[@calleyhoov]

Dan- your playing is improving at an astronomical rate. You were never a bad player but just watching every episode it seems that every new episode you have something new to say on the guitar. Love you guys

[@rbrwr]

Dan demonstrating that the four guitars every guitarist needs are a Telecaster and, uh, maybe a spare Tele? and... yeah, I think you know where I'm going with this.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yep! Mick here. If he wasn’t here, it’s probably what I’d be playing these days. On my own. In a bed sit. In the dark.

[@astewart9410]

Truth! :)

[@duarteestelita7257]

I think I've watched this episode like 5 times..already.. I come back to it, every once in a while.. It is one of my favourite ones. The Two Rock sounds amazing.. And loved the Tone King. But that AC30.... Bloody hell...! PS: and paired with a Twin Reverb... It's heaven. I can't thank you enough for this. I really really like this channel...and this episode rocks. 😉 Kudos from Portugal

[@xdoctorblindx]

The plexi gets a lot of flack for it's brightness, but what most folks fail to mention, is that the bright cap emphasizes a particular band of frequencies that give you high end without the fizziness associated with highs and high gain. I have a Stiletto Ace, and I wouldn't trade it for a single amp on their list.

[@jamesemerson4102]

That Jazz master through the vox definitely one of my favorite moments. That sounded ridiculous!

[@mcpribs]

If guitar tracks recorded with that AC30 show up to a mic engineer it’s “Right then...job done. Onto the keys.” It’s an already mixed sound. Sits perfectly, no flubby low end to high pass and EQ out. Just breathtaking!

[@danxthexman82]

Those are some great sounding amps. My favorite was the Two Rock Classic Reverb. I just love the sound of it pushed hard i guess cause I love some SRV/John Mayer pushed tube amp tones! But all the amps sounded killer! Thanks for all the great content you guys put out!

[@geras2058]

48:03 when Dan goes to look at the dB meter and somehow the universe knows so it drops from 111 to 105 until he turns away lol

[@Adventuresingearland]

Larry here, hello. Couple of suggestions for mid-week episodes from the new space at TPS towers: - Mick's vlogs: The sound I was chasing was actually a Marshall. Set out the sound you were after covering what you collected/used in years gone by, what the influences were, what was lacking and what the Marshall said to you in this episode which struck a chord. Possibly worth mentioning when Josh Smith tore the book up at the old pedal shed during a similar light-bulb moment? - It's all in your head! The Hiwatt hit 107dB and had you both breathless. 111dB from the Two Rock, yet the reaction was more reserved. Pedals and guitars draw out different sounds, could you discuss what it is about a badge, a feeling/response to a sound and also what's scientifically going on in the various amp circuits which induces different results from you as players? Neither are gear reviews, more concept, artistic response discussions. Sure it would spark uproar among the keyboard warriors, but they're not the ones you do this for are they! Thanks for another lovely episode.

[@bobilly]

If this video taught me anything it's that I love Telecasters and open position rock chords. 🤟

[@skullstjohn]

I enjoyed this episode though I have to say that you two can make ANY amp sounds good! Great playing.

[@brianpara1407]

You guys are on a HOT STREAK! Guitar arsenal, music videos, now top 10 amps - SPECTACULAR! Got to get a Magnatone Twilighter or Panoramic Stereo and a Fender Princeton hand-wired in the Room with you gents. Love you guys and what you do! Cheers 🍻

[@rs700910]

Great episode Chaps! For us dreamers who have never heard some of these Amps, and couldn't pick em' out of a line up, you've given me an experience and even I can tell the difference now... Educational, thats what this show is... Awesome! Thanks..

[@goswo]

The Strat + The Two Rock = tone heaven

[@MG_____]

Great video guys. I bought a Cali Tweed based on Mick's past vlog he did on it. Thanks for the continued inspiration and endless pursuit of great tone. Now I may have buy a Duellist..

[@Sonic_Axe]

That Matchless takes number 1 in my book.

[@sauropoda]

Hey Mick! I know what you mean about chasing a Strat tone with Fenders, and finding it with that Marshall. My main rig is the Marshall 1987x run along side a Fender '65 Super Reverb reissue, both amps set to just over 6 on the volume dials. the Fender sits under the Marshall in the mix and gives it incredible definition and clarity, while still retaining that glorious sag and crunch of the Marshall. Step on a tube screamer for leads, and the Fender just roars through the band mix like nothing I've ever heard! It's a match made in heaven for any Hendrix/SRV fan.

[@VonBlade]

I know we're talking amps today, but I've come from a rewatch of the "money no object" video, and Blue is now so very nearly just as lovely as the 61. 49:07 is so (with apologies to Blackstar) The Sound In My Head. I kept expecting Mick to break into Love Struck Baby.

[@michelmoe]

great great episode!!! AND THE HONK IS BACK

[@johnott193]

Divided by 13 CCC 9/15 is still the best amp I’ve ever played. Sounds cool on it’s own, absolutely shines in a mix and takes pedals great. Love the California Tweed and Two Rock as well.

[@jonathanrolland3419]

I chased a Fender Jazzmaster Classic Series Lacquer for a year, 6 escaped me at the last minute. I was finally making peace with the fact that I had to let it go. I came here to listen to a good amps selection. And I am now searching a Jazzmaster Classic Series Lacquer again. Thanks TPS.

[@brucefellowes4848]

I have one and highly recommend one..Great guitar for the money.

[@vojtasTS29]

The mesa with dan's tele. That's just the tone oh man.

[@nickcoulter973]

Chris Buck style licks through the Victory are the sweetest sounds to my ear.

[@maz109]

Partially based on an earlier comment and response from Mick, I picked up a Two Rock Studio Signature and continue to be blown away by that amp. Seemed like a good show to comment and say thanks! ...of course now I want to add a Matchless HC-30...

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yay! Congrats Maz. Such a cool amp!

[@willgoodfellow3144]

Loved this episode. Mick- you really do know how to get the absolute best of your two rock. Sounding sublime mate!!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks Will. I’m still learning. One day I’ll be brave enough to play it the Matt Schofield way!

[@michaelclarkphoto]

I would love to see you guys revisit this video and give us your 2023 favorite amps!

[@Steven-re3tx]

I play a Hiwatt DR 504. Fun you finally played a Hiwatt and keep one front and center. I use both channels and run pedals so everything is at 12:00 except volume. THANKYOU.

[@zosojstro]

Epic!! I didn’t hear a bad sound. I could easily live with any of these amps. Was surprised you never mentioned the Laney 30bl. As always guys great episode thank you!!

[@ThatPedalShow]

We don’t have one. If we did, it’d probably be in.

[@SC-wu2dn]

Awesome post guys!! THANK YOU!! I’m waiting for my California Tweed to arrive as I ordered a different colour and wicker front. I haven’t even tried it but its a Boogie and Im confident I wont get any complaints from my #1 (1992 SRV strat). This was the BEST Demo so far and after watching all of the KZbin posts it captured the sound I wanted to hear. GREAT WORK AS always and some great choices there with the other amps you selected👍👍👍👍

[@Adamnoisetog]

Hiwatts are quite honestly some of my favourite tones I’ve ever heard! My bands 1st EP’s rhythm guitar tones for the album was a custom 50, jumped and boosted with a Boss SD-1 - and my god, myself and my bands lead guitarist Rob were blown away! We play in a Post-Metal/Prog-ish/Doomy style band, and the hiwatt just sat in the mix so nicely! Won out next to an EVH 5150!

[@tonisiret5557]

They're all cracking amps! Funny, being a self - taught guitarist (as many are) I never knew what a tube amp was until 2014; 20 year's after picking up the guitar 🍩 I've learnt all my amp knowledge from TPS, so I thank you all, immeasurably, for that👍

[@JamieK_89]

Matchless is the winner for me. Unbelievable sound, that top end sounds so good mic'd up. I love how clean it sounds when playing quietly, but when you push it the top end gets crispy and a little bit fizzy (in a good way), the perfect amp for me. Wonder how different they all sound in the room compared to being mic'd. I will have a Matchless one day!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Erm, more different we’d say after watching this back. Much more differenter.

[@STETTRACE]

Yeah I think I like the AC-30 the best. It DOES surprise me a bit I guess. I love mine but I also LOVE my JCM-800 but tonight? That Vox with Mick is just stellar. Bravo

[@elusivemoose2325]

Great episode guys! I could watch you two just playing through the gear that inspires you all day. The tone of Jazzmaster through that AC30 was a revelation! Made me want to go listen to some Nels Cline :-)

[@SocksworthRiffs]

I think you guys need to get more Orange amps on the show! Loved the video too, the Hiwatt and Sovtek were definitely a standout - magical sounds those were

[@alanchow5465]

Yay first time I’ve caught you chaps ‘live’!! Greetings from Singapore and whilst I watch this, I’m hoping you guys will do more on using attenuators/IR cabs etc ‘cos loads of us (usual excuse) live in apartments/flats and can’t turn it up. Sad life for us but hey Ho....Mick and Dan, stay epic!!!

[@gbarge4]

Great show, guys. Having just added a Magnatone Stereo Twilighter (which is spectacular, loud and weighs more than a grown bull and should have an exclusion in any roadie's contract) it's amazing the differences in pedals' tones to my Morgan AC20. Different tones was the point and the versatility is wonderful. Mick, I just got my first Strat ever and immediately handed it over to Larry Cragg who worked his magic and installed his own spec'd pickups wound by Lindy Fralin. (P90 on the bridge) Middle control is now a blend control instead of middle pickup tone control. It blends the neck pickup as you like. I don't know Strats yet but the tones and versatility are incredible. And miles to go before I sleep... Cheers, Guys.

[@markweaver8529]

That tone king though❤️❤️❤️

[@gabesandholm]

"More bottom end takes more energy". Truer words have never been spoken!

[@philhatton3053]

I had my unicorn amp and didn’t even know it, a Carol Ann OD3R, man that things had everything. Gorgeous cleans and two drive channels to die for!! So gutted I sold it.

[@chrislestermusic]

Phil Hatton Alan is a great builder for sure.

[@robertkrause85]

Entertaining and GAS inducing as ever. Would love to see an episode of the top 5 pedal types each of you did not like/get but grew to like through doing This Pedal Show

[@ThatPedalShow]

GREAT idea. Thanks Robert. Mick here.

[@grendelicious]

Please wear hearing protection D: edit: also cheers at including the Mesa. Amazing amps

[@stewartperry7797]

I love watching a reviewer/musician who tapes his glasses back together. Shows he’s working hard! I’ll take the tweed.

[@pmjosh]

i watched the video of josh saying he would send a mig50 and then immediately searched out a video with it. this was great!

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

That 100 W High Watt did me in man! Years ago I had a High Watt 50 watt combo with two 12-inch Fane ceramic magnet speakers and that amplifier just railed! I haven't had Fane speakers in any amplifiers since then but it's something that I think I'm going to go on a search for. My current rig consists of a Dr Z MAZ 18 Jr with two 10-in gold Celestion alnico Mag speakers. I run my rig in stereo through my effects and it's nothing short of glorious!

[@TimO-wt9sz]

Sir.Dan . Im so serious when I tell you this you make me laugh so much.From my hart and soul your such a kindred soul .I would so love and hope to gosh that our paths meet so I can give you a hug mate . Your so funny .when mick plays you just sit and know with emphasysm more milk more i just love you guys and all you do for us .thanks tim from london ontario 🇨🇦

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah, cheers Tim 🤓👍

[@stratorarious]

@ 17:40 just stunning clean tone that touches the soul...

[@johnnybegood2693]

Beautiful tones out of the Matchless and the Two Rock! But you know what.. the (vintage) vibe came from the Vag... sorry Vox AC30 and surprisingly cool the Mesa California - instant LA Lukather tones jumped out there.. my two favorites of that battle show! Great - thanks - cheers, party on Mick, party on Dan!

[@phillipasby9202]

Fun show as always! Top choices weren’t surprising of course but the 5-2 spots were interesting for sure ... You’ve sent me down a Puretone rabbit hole ... :)

[@curtevans838]

Morning coffee in the States with some TPS! I can dig it!

[@mdawg1985]

I love my 1996 Matchless HC-30. Thanks for the video gents!!

[@AKSnoopy7]

The boogie for the win! What a lovely sound.

[@thorandersen5529]

Great topic! Can't wait to get going with the video. Cheers chaps

[@michaelnagher6719]

Love your show. Bought a Mesa Cali Tweed. Great amp. What setting are you using on the Cali Tweed ?

[@ThatPedalShow]

All of them! Here I think maybe one attenuation down from max. Cheers!

[@danielrios4280]

Yo great show guys. Out here in California. You guys should do more of this!!! Love and keep at it. Thanks for the show guys and maybe Tube Shoot out next. 12aX7s...Idk but cool stuff. Cheers

[@brettboston463]

OMG how beautiful is that Matchless! Bank balance is shaking in its boots....

[@dk2428]

So many brilliant options here. Yet to me, a good strat through a two-rock amp...unbeatable.

[@DBMorris]

Dude! I absolutely agree! It's just a whole other level of tone!

[@thehightenor2596]

The Tone King Imperial sounded so incredibly musical !!

[@superreverbking]

Agree 100%!

[@simoneric8183]

Agreed - I must also say that evrytime I hear one of those T.Kings I try to imagine how it would sound paired with my fav guitar : a reverend Crosscut. On the neck pickup, volume around 20%, bass control at 0, tone open just by a tiny 20 -30 % gives a small awsome galaxy of sweet spots I discoverd just recently on a Laney Super Cub 12! ( Volume 2-3 Treble = 0 - Middle = 9 - Bass = 0 - Gain = 5 )

[@digbyranford6657]

The Matchless to my ears was in a different league to them all, fantastic playing too 👍🎸

[@kerrywilliams8469]

When Mick plays the Sovtek and his jaw drops and has to turn back to stare at the amp...priceless. With his experience and time spent with gear, it must be so cool to still have that “Wow” feeling. 👍 Then Dan says “Play that again!” Loving it.

[@sparknado]

"If only we were smart enough to do click bait." But this is literally why I watch your videos. I know it's not going to be some gimmicky click bait garbage like half the guitar content out there. Just always comprehensive and honest content that is perfect for gear heads like me

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

I like the Marshall and Hiwatt the most for my type of tone but also love the AC30 and Matchless HC30 about the same for my second fav type of tone. Also liked the Dutchess and Imperial.

[@neilgaydon5430]

I own a bunch of vintage amps including a near mythical 1963 Fender 2X10 Vibroverb. The best amp of all of them that I’ve now had 5 years and gig with is a ‘new’ Magnatone Stereo Twilighter. It’s like a vintage BF Deluxe reverb but huge headroom, amazing reverb and true vibrato or tremolo in stereo that fills a room like nothing else, difference between guitars type is huge and brilliant for pedals.

[@Connor33558]

Still waiting for a Tweed Bassman on the show guys

[@joeschlicht]

yes

[@joepell3352]

So there was an episode on dec 2018 where they played 5 vintage amps. The first one was a late 50s tweed 4x10 bassman.

[@eaglerayrob]

Mick and Dan, I hope you're enjoying your well deserved vacation (holiday). Thanks for all your hard work. Cheers!!!

[@joeschmidhofer2674]

We need a 2024 update please....

[@tpdorsey]

Caught up with this week's shows via the KZbin app on our big family room TV. Great shows, and you guys sound fab in surround with the subwoofer. Be well. Cheers.