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Average Price: $1,799

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$300

$801+

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Description

Head

Power: 15 Watts

Channels: 1

Controls: Volume, Tone Switch, Master Volume

Power Tubes: 2 x EL84

Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7

Rectifier Tube: 1 x 5AR4

Features: Dual inputs - high low gain

Speaker Output: Switchable Impedance of 4, 8 Ohms

Weight: 35 lbs.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 18 x 9.25

Driven by one 12AX7, simplistic in design but with a wide range of function and tone. The creamy tone of the Spitfire perfectly galvanizes the bridge pickup sound for both classic and modern rock sounds. The easy to dial controls and minimalist foundation makes it perfect for Jazz, Blues, Chord Melody, Country picking, and Rock.

The Spitfire comes in a lightweight, compact cabinet, but still packs the same punch you’ve come to expect from Matchless.

Like all Matchless amplifiers, the Spitfire is hand made, point to point wired and tough as nails. User controls are Volume, Tone, and Master Volume

Driven by one 12AX7, simplistic in design but with a wide range of function and tone. The creamy tone of the Spitfire perfectly galvanizes the bridge pickup sound for both classic and modern rock sounds. The easy to dial controls and minimalist foundation makes it perfect for Jazz, Blues, Chord Melody, Country picking, and Rock.

Notes and tips from Phil Jamison:

“Starting with the Volume control slightly up towards the 11-12 o’clock position and the Tone control completely off you will hear the amp as fat and rolled off, lots of bass and no highs. Slightly turning up the Tone Control you will hear the preamp become slightly brighter near the 9 o’clock position. This is ideal for an ultra warm jazz sound or for strumming chords to add a rich layer to the rhythm section.

Turning up the Tone Control again will now not only add even more brights but will also add slightly more drive to the attack. Setting it further up to the 3 and 4 o’clock position will give the amp considerable more punch and clarity. This is where most of the amps abilities will leap out with that classic Matchless Touch Response sound will come from. This will add more hair on the front end attack and give that “crash and burn” feel. As you dig in and play your guitar harder the amp will have more breakup on the attack, as you back down it will clean up to your hands lighter touch.”

Product specs

Brand Matchless
Model Spitfire 15-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Various
Year 2005 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Electronics Tube
Output Power (Watts) 15
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier use?

The Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier uses EL84 tubes, which are known for their bright and chimey tone, making it ideal for classic rock and blues genres.

Is the Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier suitable for gigging?

With 15 watts of tube power, the Matchless Spitfire 15 is well-suited for small to medium-sized gigs, providing enough volume and clarity to cut through in live settings.

How does the Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier handle pedals?

The Matchless Spitfire 15 is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, allowing effects like overdrive and modulation to integrate smoothly without losing tonal clarity.

What is the core tonal characteristic of the Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier?

The Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier is renowned for its rich, warm midrange and sparkling high-end, offering a versatile sound palette that is particularly favored for clean and slightly overdriven tones.

Does the Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier have a master volume control?

No, the Matchless Spitfire 15 does not feature a master volume control, which means users rely on the natural tube breakup for overdrive tones.

AtlantaDiscountMusic

AtlantaDiscountMusic

Matchless 15 Watt Amp Shootout Spitfire, Lightning & Nighthawk Comparison Demo

Video thumbnail for Matchless 15 Watt Amp Shootout Spitfire, Lightning & Nighthawk Comparison Demo by AtlantaDiscountMusic

Matchless 15 Watt Amp Shootout Spitfire, Lightning & Nighthawk Comparison Demo

AtlantaDiscountMusic

AtlantaDiscountMusic

Video thumbnail for Matchless Spitfire 15 Reverb by Lance Keltner Music

Matchless Spitfire 15 Reverb

Lance Keltner Music

Lance Keltner Music

Video thumbnail for Matchless Spitfire | Three Knobs & The Truth by Zach Wish

Matchless Spitfire | Three Knobs & The Truth

Zach Wish

Zach Wish

Video thumbnail for Matchless Spitfire Demo & Review by Rock Class 101

Matchless Spitfire Demo & Review

Rock Class 101

Rock Class 101

Video thumbnail for Matchless Spitfire 15 by L.A. Vintage Gear

Matchless Spitfire 15

L.A. Vintage Gear

L.A. Vintage Gear

Video thumbnail for MATCHLESS AMPLIFIER SPITFIRE 15 COMBO QUICK DEMO by Marc Malouf Guitar

MATCHLESS AMPLIFIER SPITFIRE 15 COMBO QUICK DEMO

Marc Malouf Guitar

Marc Malouf Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier.

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for dedicated spaces like a garage due to the volume needed to reach its optimal tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the amp's volume can jump from too quiet to excessively loud quickly, potentially complicating volume control in certain venues.

    Source
  • Owners of Bad Cat amps appreciate the effectiveness of the master volume, making them more suitable for varied volume settings than Matchless.

    Source
  • Vintage tubes can reduce the brightness of the Matchless Spitfire, providing a more balanced tone for users preferring a tamer sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Older Bad Cats are considered close in sound quality to Matchless amps, offering a potential alternative.

    Source
  • Dr. Z Maz 38 is suggested as an alternative for those interested in Voxy tones, implying a similarity in tonal qualities to the Matchless and Bad Cat amps.

    Source

Build quality

  • The amplifier's large transformers contribute significantly to its sound, but also make it heavy and less portable.

    Source
  • The Matchless Spitfire's power transformer is notably large, designed originally to support multiple organ functions, contributing to its durability and sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Bad Cat amps offer a switchable EF86/12AX7 preamp with a five-way tone selector, providing extensive tone sculpting options not available on the Matchless.

    Source

Other

  • Mark Sampson, initially involved with Matchless, is now back with Bad Cat, potentially influencing future product designs and features.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting the Hammond AO-35 into a Matchless Spitfire involves using its large transformers, which are robust and contribute to excellent sound quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Exposed chassis design requires careful handling to avoid electrical shock, emphasizing the importance of building a protective head cabinet.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Matchless Spitfire 15W Combo 112 review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Matchless Spitfire 15W Combo Amp impresses with its premium build and versatile clean tones, ideal for jazz, blues, and rock players. Its hand-wired construction ensures durability and quality sound, making it a standout choice for professional musicians seeking a bespoke amp. However, its single-channel design and lack of features like an effects loop or headphone jack might limit its appeal for some. While it shines in clean sound and pairs well with pedals for added grit, it may not satisfy those looking for high-gain options. Overall, it's a top-tier amp for clean sound aficionados.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Erick Hansel uses Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier

Erick Hansel

Guitarist, Composer

Chon

...
Verified via YouTube

A close up of the amp can be seen at 10:46 into the video.

See how Rob Cantor uses Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier

Rob Cantor

Singer, Guitarist

Tally Hall

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Rob Cantor can be seen using the Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier. Judging by the shape of the amp, it is the Small Box model of the Matchless Spitfire 15.

See how Julián Saldarriaga uses Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier

Julián Saldarriaga

Guitarist

Love of Lesbian

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see this amp on minute 1:44

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 Matchless Spitfire 15 Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Matchless DC-30 2x12 Combo Amp
Matchless DC-30 2x12 Combo Amp Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

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