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Description

Discover the 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head, a masterful blend of vintage charm and modern engineering that invites guitarists to explore a rich tapestry of classic British tones. This meticulously crafted amplifier head is the result of four years of dedicated research, aimed at encapsulating the quintessential sound of iconic British amps from the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

The Empire's standout feature is its proprietary bump control, which allows you to transform the amp's gain structure at the flick of a switch. This feature, coupled with the footswitch-accessible three distinct voicings, offers unparalleled flexibility—ranging from a cleaner '60s sound to a high-gain '80s roar. Whether you're after the smoothness of a vintage EL34 or the gritty edge of a high-gain beast, the Empire delivers with precision.

Designed to preserve tone integrity at any volume, the amp's Master Voltage control is a game-changer. It lets you dial down to as low as three watts without compromising the rich harmonics and dynamic response that tube amps are celebrated for. Crafted in the USA from durable finger-jointed Baltic birch, the Empire promises both sonic brilliance and robust longevity.

Key Features:

  • 22-watt handwired tube head with 6V6 power amp tubes
  • Three footswitchable voicings for versatile tonal options
  • Proprietary bump control for expanded gain structure
  • Master Voltage control for maintaining tone at low volumes
  • Constructed from finger-jointed Baltic birch for durability
  • Includes footswitch
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Brand 65 Amps
Model Empire Head
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Effects Loop Effects Loop
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 22
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of music is the 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head best suited for?

The 65 Amps Empire is known for its British-inspired tones, making it ideal for classic rock, blues, and vintage-style music. Its single-channel design and 6V6 power tubes deliver a warm, dynamic sound perfect for these genres.

Does the 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head have an effects loop?

Yes, the 65 Amps Empire includes an effects loop, allowing you to integrate your favorite effects pedals seamlessly into your signal chain without degrading the amp's natural tone.

Is the 65 Amps Empire loud enough for live performances?

With its 22-watt output, the 65 Amps Empire is suitable for small to medium-sized venues. It provides enough volume to compete with a drummer, especially when mic'd through a PA system for larger gigs.

What are the main tonal characteristics of the 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head?

The amp is characterized by its rich, harmonic overdrive and smooth, articulate cleans. It captures the essence of classic British amps, offering a versatile range of tones from subtle breakup to full-on crunch.

What kind of power tubes does the 65 Amps Empire use, and how do they affect the sound?

The 65 Amps Empire uses 6V6 power tubes, which contribute to its warm, mid-focused tone with a smooth overdrive. These tubes are known for their ability to produce a creamy, vintage sound with plenty of character.

Reviews

Critic Reviews

65Amps Empire Amp Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head is a notable contender in the boutique amp space, bringing British-voiced tones with a solid build. Its Art Deco design and lightweight frame make it appealing, while the all-tube circuit delivers authentic Marshall-esque tones at manageable volumes. Praised for its touch sensitivity and versatile sound palette, this amp excels in producing vintage Marshall sounds with modern adaptability. However, its detail-oriented nature means there's little room to hide mistakes behind gain, and achieving pristine clean tones may require some tweaking with your guitar's volume knob. Ideal for those seeking classic British rock tones without excessive volume, but may not satisfy those needing more power or reverb. Overall, the Empire's nuanced performance and craftsmanship make it a rewarding choice for discerning players.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike McCready uses 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head

Mike McCready

Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"I’m using 65 Amps right now. Peter Stroud makes them and I love the amps a lot."

See how Peter Stroud uses 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head

Peter Stroud

Guitarist

Pete Droge & The Sinners

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"For Big Hat, I’m not sure what I’ll use live, but probably the 65 Empire. In the studio, I used a nice old Park 75 head for “Delilah.”"

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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