Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $663

Standard/Professional

$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

Experience the epitome of tonal versatility with the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1. This iconic guitar amplifier head is revered for its three independent channels, providing a vast array of sonic possibilities for guitarists across genres. Each channel is meticulously crafted to deliver distinct tonal characteristics, from warm, vintage cleans to robust, high-gain leads. The TriAmp MK1 is a testament to Hughes & Kettner's dedication to innovation and quality, offering musicians a reliable and dynamic tool for both live performance and studio recording.

Incorporating a total of six preamps, the TriAmp MK1 ensures that every guitarist can find their unique sound. The intuitive control layout allows for seamless transitions between channels, empowering musicians to explore a rich tapestry of tones without interruption. Crafted with precision and housed in a rugged, road-ready chassis, this amplifier head is built to withstand the rigors of touring while maintaining pristine audio fidelity.

Whether you're chasing classic rock sounds or modern metal tones, the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 provides the flexibility and power needed to amplify your creative expression. Its reputation for reliability and tonal excellence makes it a favored choice among professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Key Features:

  • Three independent channels for versatile tone shaping
  • Six preamps for a wide range of sonic possibilities
  • Intuitive control layout for easy transitions between tones
  • Rugged construction ideal for both stage and studio use
  • Renowned for its reliability and exceptional audio quality

Product specs

Brand Hughes & Kettner
Model Triamp MK I 100-Watt Guitar Head
Finish Black
Year 1995 - 2001
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 6L6
Reverb None

FAQs

How many channels does the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 have, and what are their purposes?

The Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 features six channels, each designed to deliver a different tonal character ranging from clean to high-gain distortion, allowing for versatile sound shaping across various music genres.

What type of power tubes does the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 use, and how do they affect the sound?

The TriAmp MK1 uses 6L6 power tubes, which are known for their robust low-end, smooth midrange, and clear highs, contributing to a powerful and dynamic tone suitable for rock and blues.

Is the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 suitable for live performances with a full band?

Yes, with its 100-watt output, the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample volume to compete with a full band setup, including a drummer.

Does the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 include built-in reverb?

No, the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1 does not include built-in reverb, so you may need an external reverb pedal or effects unit if reverb is required for your sound.

What impedance options are available on the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK1?

The TriAmp MK1 offers three impedance options: 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, allowing you to match it with a variety of speaker cabinets for optimal performance.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1).

Build quality

  • The amp is extremely heavy due to its large enclosure, 13 tubes, and transformers, making it challenging to transport.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Retubing the power section can be costly, but a full set of 4-matched tubes and fresh preamps significantly improve performance and longevity.

    Source
  • Investing in a dummy load box is recommended for recording without a speaker; reactive models like Weber's mimic speaker inductance and impedance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Amp 3 B is highlighted for its exceptional high gain/distortion capabilities, considered among the best by some users.

    Source
  • The TriAmp MK1 requires a connected speaker or load, even when using the Red Box DI out, to avoid damage to the amp's tube output stage.

    Source
  • The Red Box DI is in-line with the speaker output, allowing the connected speaker's character to influence the recorded sound.

    Source
  • The TriAmp MK1 has a master volume that allows it to sound good even at lower volumes, making it feasible for bedroom use despite its 100w power.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • LED strips can be installed using 45-degree aluminum profiles with diffusers, allowing for remote color changes.

    Source

User experience

  • The TriAmp MK1 is praised for its versatility, effectively handling genres from clean blues to metalcore with ease.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite its weight, the TriAmp MK1 is favored over single-channel amps for its powerful, diverse sound output.

    Source
  • Unlike the TriAmp MK1, amps like the Friedman Runt 20 and Marshall JVM 205H have built-in dummy loads or DI out that functions in standby for silent recording.

    Source
  • The GM40 offers a "power soak" feature, allowing it to operate at 40w, 20w, 5w, 1w, or speaker mute, providing more flexibility for bedroom practice and recording.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Attenuators can be used, but not all support operation without speakers; some like Webers still require a speaker load.

    Source
  • The TriAmp MK1 paired with its matching cabinet delivers a full, rich tone, particularly favored by Strat players for its sweet tonal qualities.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thethoptergod

Amazing amp, but unbearably loud

This is one of the best amps I own, and yet I barley use it. Why? It is absurdly loud. The master volume is basically useless, as when you turn it down to semi comfortable levels you start under volting the power tubes (i think) which cause the amp to fizz and crackle in a very not good way. A good attenuator would probably fix this, but I am too stubborn to pay more for an attenuator than I paid for the amp (oxbox)!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Every setting is amazing, no joke.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nuno Bettencourt uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1)

Nuno Bettencourt

Singer, Guitarist

Supergroup A

...
Verified via Guitarampmodeling

Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt is associated with the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1), a versatile 3-channel, 150-watt valve amp head known for its distinct voices, including 50s Californian Clean and 90s Californian High Gain. Discussion on GuitarAmpModeling highlights its use on Bettencourt's "Stop the World" preset, showcasing its diverse tonal capabilities.

See how Justin Beck uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1)

Justin Beck

Guitarist

Glassjaw

...
Verified via YouTube

You get to see the amp multiple times in this 2002 gig and a few others (live the warped tour shows at a similar time)

See how Acey Slade uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1)

Acey Slade

Guitarist, Bassist

Misfits

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "White Wedding" by Murderdolls, Acey Slade is visibly positioned next to a Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1) amp head. He is listed and is known to be associated with the Hughes & Kettner brand but it is unsure if he ever used this specific amp live with Murderdolls

See how Miguel Rascón uses Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1)

Miguel Rascón

Guitarist

Coal Chamber

...
Verified via Photo

He used two of these amps according to this GuitarGeek diagram.

Album Usage

The Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1) 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 (MK1), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

DOD FX25 Envelope Filter
DOD FX25 Envelope Filter Filter Effects Pedals
1
Boss SYB-3 Bass Synthesizer
Boss SYB-3 Bass Synthesizer Bass Effects Pedals
1
Marshall 1960B 4x12'' Cabinet
Marshall 1960B 4x12'' Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay
Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay Reverb Effects Pedals
1
Boss BF-2 Flanger
Boss BF-2 Flanger Flanger Effects Pedals
1
Boss PN-2 Tremolo/Pan
Boss PN-2 Tremolo/Pan Tremolo Effects Pedals
1
Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter
Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter Phaser Effects Pedals
1

2 alternative and related items for Hughes & Kettner TriAmp (MK1), curated by the Equipboard community.

Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MK II Guitar Amplifier Head

$1,015.92

newer

The release before the current one. Not too different from the MKI to my ears.

Hughes & Kettner triAmp Mark III

$3,475.00 - $4,419.00

newer

The most recent release, has a lot more feature, for a lot more money.

More Hughes & Kettner Guitar Amplifier Heads

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    mogwai73
    mogwai73

    Gear IQ 325