Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,130

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Simplicity was the goal when we set out to design the Astro - the purist in me knew something could be gained by minimizing the circuit design, but I wanted to do it without sacrificing the wide range of great tones available from the silktone amp's full TMB controls. Well, it worked - we kept them and they're now super easy to dial in.

The single tilt-style tone knob controls both treble and bass simultaneously: set to noon bass and treble are evenly balanced, turn it clockwise to get a treble boost and at the same time a bass cut, counterclockwise to get a bass boost and a treble cut. You’ll also find a 3-way voice switch for full mids ("Dense"), scooped mids ("Light") or to bypass the tone stack entirely for a flat EQ and gain boost ("Raw Silk")

We didn't want to mess with a good thing too much here, so the Astro shares a lot with the silktone amp. Same cab, same speaker, same KT66 at the heart of it for those huge power tube overdrive sounds when pushed. What the Astro gains is nuance and clarity while still delivering a nice musical sweetness. It has a looser and even more responsive feel.

Also standard is our new fixed reactive attenuator with the ability to bring the output down to a half watt for bedroom level playing or quiet recording sessions without any tone or feel loss. Our reactive design lets both the output transformer and speaker see what they need to for an unchanged response.

Oh, and no reverb this time - but it takes pedals even better with it's increased headroom.

Product specs

Brand Silktone
Model Astro 12-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Various
Year 2021 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 12
Power Tube Type KT66
Reverb None
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Silktone Astro Amp use?

The Silktone Astro Amp uses KT66 power tubes, which are known for their warm, rich tone and dynamic response.

Is the Silktone Astro Amp suitable for gigging?

With its 12-watt output, the Silktone Astro Amp is ideal for small to medium-sized venues, offering ample volume and clarity for live performances.

Does the Silktone Astro Amp have built-in reverb?

No, the Silktone Astro Amp does not feature built-in reverb, allowing players to use external reverb pedals for customized effects.

How many channels does the Silktone Astro Amp have?

The Silktone Astro Amp is a single-channel amplifier, designed to deliver a straightforward and pure tube tone.

What speaker configuration does the Silktone Astro Amp have?

The Silktone Astro Amp features a 1x12" speaker configuration, providing a balanced and full sound suitable for various music styles.

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Silktone Astro | 12watt KT-66 combo amp

Video thumbnail for Silktone Astro | 12watt KT-66 combo amp by R.J. Ronquillo

Silktone Astro | 12watt KT-66 combo amp

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R.J. Ronquillo

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Demos in the Dark // Silktone Amps Astro // Guitar Amp Demo

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Demos In The Dark

Video thumbnail for Silktone Amps in STEREO Feat. the Brand New Silktone Astro by Mark Johnston

Silktone Amps in STEREO Feat. the Brand New Silktone Astro

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silktone Astro Amp.

Features and functionality

  • Silktone's reverb is praised for its versatility, offering multiple control options and unique 'preset' sounds, outperforming many reverb pedals.

    Source
  • The Astro Amp's built-in WGS speaker is noted for its ability to handle fuzz pedals without muddiness, preserving harmonic clarity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Silktone's 12w output is surprisingly loud, surpassing amps like the 12w Fender Princeton and 20w Marshall Studio Jubilee in terms of perceived volume.

    Source
  • Silktone's built-in WGS speaker is noted for its complementary sound, similar to an Eminence Cannabis Rex, contrasting with V30s typically used for Marshalls.

    Source
  • Compared to the Fender Blues Jr, the Silktone Astro Amp offers a tighter bottom end, avoiding the "flubby" sound some users experience with the Blues Jr.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate Silktone's powerful ceramic speaker and KT66 Power tube, which contribute to its robust sound and air movement.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the amp's ability to maintain clarity and definition even at higher volumes, a critical feature for live performance settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Silktone's 'Raw Silk' mode boosts volume further, offering a louder experience when the EQ is bypassed.

    Source
  • The Silktone Astro Amp is praised for its clean channel, making it a preferred choice for pedal users who want to shape their tone primarily with effects.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users have successfully swapped the stock speaker with a Celestion G12H for a more vintage British sound, enhancing midrange presence.

    Source

Build quality

  • The amp's controls are described as intuitive and responsive, with high-quality knobs that provide a satisfying tactile feel.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Silktone Launches New Astro Amp - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Silktone Astro Amp is a minimalist powerhouse that delivers a wide range of tones with just two knobs. Its unique tone control offers a clever balance of treble and bass adjustments, making it easy to find your sound. The amp’s responsive feel and ability to swap tubes without rebiasing cater to players seeking versatility. However, its simplified design may leave advanced users wanting more control options. At a street price of $1599, it’s a worthy investment for those who appreciate quality and simplicity, but budget-conscious musicians might find it a stretch. Overall, the Astro Amp shines in performance but might not be for everyone.

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