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Average Price: $1,499
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Description
Step into the world of classic tones with the Magnatone Custom 280, a legendary combo guitar amplifier celebrated for its distinctive pitch-shifting vibrato and vintage appeal. This amplifier is cherished among musicians who value authentic sound and reliability. The Custom 280 combines a robust all-tube design with modern craftsmanship, ensuring it delivers both warmth and clarity in every note. Its unique vibrato effect sets it apart, offering a sound that has been a favorite for decades, capable of adding a rich texture to your music.
The amplifier features dual 12-inch speakers, providing a full-bodied sound that fills the room. Whether you're playing in a studio or on stage, the Custom 280's powerful output and dynamic range make it a versatile choice for any guitarist seeking that classic rock or blues vibe. The control panel is intuitively laid out, allowing you to easily adjust the tone to your liking, while maintaining a clean and professional appearance.
With its sturdy construction and timeless design, the Magnatone Custom 280 is more than just an amplifier—it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire and excite musicians of all genres.
Key Features:
- All-tube design for authentic warm tones
- Dual 12-inch speakers for full-bodied sound
- Distinctive pitch-shifting vibrato for unique tonal effects
- Intuitive control panel for easy tone adjustments
- Sturdy construction for reliability and durability
- Ideal for studio or live performances
Product specs
| Amp Type | tube |
Videos
Taylor Johnson
Magnatone Custom 280 w/ stereo tremolo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Magnatone Custom 280.
Features and functionality
Build quality
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True point-to-point wiring and varistor use make servicing challenging, suited for experienced technicians.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Alex Turner plays a Magnatone Custom 280 that replaced his long used Selmer Zodiac Twin 30 for live performances during Arctic Monkeys 6th tour of their “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino” tour. Turner switched his amps on the bands UK tour of their 6th album in 2018 around the time of their Manchester and Sheffield shows. Alex uses this Magnatone for guitar, replacing his Selmer Zodiac that he has been using since the bands “Favourite Worst Nightmare” tour. Alex also uses a Dynacord Rex, this amp replaced his Fender Twin Reverb that he used to amplify his Wurlitzer 200.
Magnatone's top of the line amplifier of the late 1950's was the true stereo output amplifier called the 280. The 280 comes with two input channels each with "volume", "treble", and "bass" controls in a Baxandall tone stack arrangement. The inputs are mixed through the Stereo F.M.Vibrato. Turner’s tone during the “Tranquility Base Hotel And Casino” era is vastly different compared to previous years. Alex switched back to a single amplifier, formerly his Selmer and now this Magnatone. During the “AM” tour, alex used a Magnatone 480 with his Selmer for vibrato and reverb tones. This amp is the best of both worlds for what Alex seems to get out of his amps.
Pictured during the bands show in 2018 at Austin City Limits, the Magnatone 280 can be seen behind the keyboard next to Alex’s Gretsch Reverb Unit and Roland Space Echo.
Album Usage
The Magnatone Custom 280 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.
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A Memphis by Crazy Tube Circuits is a simple Magnatone style vibrato in pedal form, with a dry wet toggle for mono setups.
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The Origin Effects Magma '57 is an all analog reproduction of a vintage Magnatone preamp and vibrato circuit, with additional EQ options.
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The Killer V is a FET based clone of the classic Magnatone preamp, along with the Vibrato circuit famously featured in the 200 series amplifiers, such as the 280.
The Maggie Stereo Vibrato pedal is a pedal clone of the vibrato circuit featured in the vintage Magnatone Custom 280 amplifier, that accurately replicates its stereo functionality.
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