Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,015

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head is a powerhouse designed for guitarists who crave versatility and performance in their sound. This amplifier head stands out with its six independent channels, providing a vast spectrum of tonal possibilities. Each channel is meticulously crafted, offering everything from classic clean tones to aggressive modern distortion, making it perfect for any genre or playing style.

This amp is equipped with three pairs of preamp and power amp circuits, allowing you to switch between them effortlessly via footswitch or MIDI control. The TriAmp MK II features EL34 power tubes, renowned for delivering a warm, dynamic response and rich harmonics. Its intuitive layout ensures ease of use, even in live settings, while the integrated effects loop and direct out make it highly adaptable in the studio.

Whether you're playing small gigs or large venues, the TriAmp MK II delivers consistent, high-quality sound that cuts through the mix. Its robust construction ensures durability and reliability, making it a trusted companion for touring musicians.

Key Features:

  • Six independent channels for a wide range of tones
  • Three pairs of preamp and power amp circuits
  • EL34 power tubes for warm, dynamic sound
  • Footswitch and MIDI control for easy channel switching
  • Integrated effects loop and direct out for studio versatility
  • Robust construction for durability on the road

Product specs

Brand Hughes & Kettner
Model Triamp MK II 100-Watt Guitar Head
Finish Black
Year 2002 - 2014
Made In Germany
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 6 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of tonal versatility can I expect from the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II?

The Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II offers six channels, each with distinct voicing, allowing for a wide range of tones from pristine cleans to heavy distortion, making it suitable for various genres from blues to metal.

Is the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 100-watt output, the TriAmp MK II is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample headroom and clarity on stage.

Does the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II work well with effect pedals?

The TriAmp MK II is known to take pedals well, allowing for enhanced tonal shaping and effects integration, making it a versatile choice for pedal enthusiasts.

What are the power tube types used in the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II?

The Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II uses EL34 power tubes, which contribute to its dynamic range and classic British-style tone.

Can the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II be used with different speaker cabinets?

Yes, the TriAmp MK II supports multiple impedances (16, 8, and 4 ohms), allowing it to be paired with a variety of speaker cabinets for different tonal outcomes.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head.

Comparisons

  • The TriAmp MK II is preferred over the MK I, highlighting a notable enhancement in sound quality across versions.

    Source
  • The TriAmp MK II is compared favorably to the Framus Dragon v1, with particular praise for its clean tones despite being a high-gain amp.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The TriAmp MK II can connect via preamp out or FX send into a Focusrite, requiring an IR for optimal sound quality.

    Source
  • The Redbox output allows direct connection to an XLR input on the Focusrite without needing an IR.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Always connect the amp's speaker output to a speaker or quality loadbox to prevent damage.

    Source
  • For cosmetic restoration, some suggest using "Aero Thunder" by Malco for effective cleaning and shine on the tolex.

    Source
  • Replacing chipped knobs can improve both functionality and aesthetics without impacting the amp’s vintage appeal.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Instrument input settings are crucial for devices like the Tube Screamer to function properly with the Focusrite.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider replacing the original TAD tubes to experiment with different tonal qualities.

    Source

Build quality

  • The amp's LED lights may require repair, as some owners report one side being out.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with road-worn amps debate between maintaining the original aesthetic or opting for a fresh tolex color like seafoam green or white with black piping.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hughes and Kettner Triamp MkII head review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head is a powerhouse that competes with top-tier American and British amps. Offering a vast array of tones through its well-designed features, it boasts stunning looks and ample power for any performance setting. The amp's construction is impeccable, with thoughtful details like a luminous Perspex panel and an advanced effects loop. However, the footswitch corners could be improved, and the handle design might not appeal to everyone. Overall, the TriAmp MK II is a high-value choice for serious musicians seeking versatile, high-quality amplification.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
h_errbst

Great Amplifier

The tonal options with this 100W head are absolute great. From Sparkling Cleans to a massive, evil wall of sound on Amp 3. Would recommend.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Lifeson uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

"Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar, Rush's Alex Lifeson's tech Scott Appleton shows us one of Alex's amp heads which is a TriAmp MK II (shown in the top right). This particular amps is where all the effects run through. Scott also mentions that they run everything through this rig in mono audio.

See how Rob Chapman uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

Rob does double duty during this #product-demo by playing a PRS 25th Anniversary Swamp Ash Special Narrowfield Electric Guitar through a TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head.

See how Zacky Vengeance uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Zacky Vengeance

Guitarist

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this whole video you see Zacky Vengence Playing The Tri Amp. He was using Hughes and Kettner amps for many interviews in that era and I am sure he used the amp in a 2005-2007 span before becoming a Marshall the eventually Jet City user.

See how Benjamin Burnley uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Benjamin Burnley

Singer, Guitarist

Breaking Benjamin

...
Verified via YouTube

Ben used this amp live during the "Saturate" days, and used it both live and in the studio during the "We Are Not Alone" days.

See how Adam Dutkiewicz uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Adam Dutkiewicz

Guitarist, Drummer

Killswitch Engage

...
Verified via Photo

He uses two H&K Triamps. One for backup.

There's a picture for more information.

See how Sugizo uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Sugizo

Guitarist, Composer

X Japan

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Sugizo's backline can be shown consisting of a H&K Triamp MkII amp head.

See how Syu uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via YouTube

Back in Galneryus' live show of "Phoenix Living In The Rising Sun" in 2012, Syu was seen using a Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MkII alongside his Core Blade.

See how Joel Stroetzel uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Joel Stroetzel

Guitarist

Killswitch Engage

...
Verified via Photo

A Hughes & Kettner Triamp MKII amp is listed among Joel's gear, on his website.

See how Josh Rand uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Roadrunner United

...
Verified via YouTube

At the beginning of this interview with Josh Rand and Jim Root of Stone Sour, Josh talks about his use of the TriAmp MK II. He's been using these amp heads since 2005.

See how Masaru Teramae uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Masaru Teramae

Guitarist, Bassist

Demetori

...
Verified via Twitter

One of his main amps. He talks about using this amp in the linked tweet.

See how Chris Henderson uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Chris Henderson

Guitarist

3 Doors Down

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see Henderson with Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MKII guitar amp head.

See how Brett Scallions uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

Brett Scallions

Guitarist

Fuel

...
Verified via Photo

According to Guitar Geek, Brett uses a Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II.

Album Usage

The Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Hughes & Kettner 4x12 Cabinets
Hughes & Kettner 4x12 Cabinets Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
2
Electro-Harmonix HOG Harmonic Octave Generator
Electro-Harmonix HOG Harmonic Octave Generator Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
Yamaha BB614 fretless
Yamaha BB614 fretless Fretless Basses
1
Korg Trinity
Korg Trinity Synthesizers
1
The GigRig G2
The GigRig G2 Switch Effects Pedals
1
Suhr Modern Custom
Suhr Modern Custom Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

2 alternative and related items for Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Hughes & Kettner Guitar Amplifier Heads

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides