Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $3,900
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Soldano SLO 100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of iconic sound with the Soldano SLO 100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier, a celebrated titan in the realm of high-gain amplifiers. Debuting in 1987, the SLO 100 redefined the landscape of guitar amplification and continues to be revered by artists across all genres. Crafted with four cascading stages of 12AX7-driven preamp gain, this amplifier head delivers a breathtakingly thick and harmonically rich sound that has found a place in the setups of legends like Eddie Van Halen and Eric Clapton.
Designed for both versatility and power, the Soldano SLO 100 features two footswitchable channels. The Normal channel offers pristine, crystalline cleans with the flexibility of a Bright switch and a Crunch switch for added grit. The Overdrive channel, on the other hand, releases an earth-shattering roar with a searing, high-octane edge. Shared EQ controls—Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, and Depth—provide comprehensive tone customization to suit any musical style, from blues to metal.
Built to withstand the rigors of touring, this amplifier is constructed from premium, military-grade components, ensuring durability and reliability. Its tube-buffered effects loop and variable slave output allow for seamless integration with effects pedals and direct interfacing with PA systems or recording rigs. A rotary impedance selector offers compatibility with various speaker cabinets, making the SLO 100 a versatile choice for any guitarist's arsenal.
Key Features:
- 100W, 2-channel all-tube guitar amplifier head
- Four cascading stages of 12AX7-driven preamp gain
- Independent preamp gain and master volume controls
- Tube-buffered effects loop with return level
- Rotary impedance selector for 4, 8, or 16-ohm speaker cabinets
- Includes a 2-way footswitch for channel and mode switching
- Made in the USA, featuring Black Tolex finish and Classic Metal Grille
Product specs
| Available since | July 2020 |
| Powerrate in W | 100 W |
| Power Amplifier Tubes | 6L6 |
| Channels | 2 |
| Reverb | No |
| Footswitch | No |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Soldano SLO 100?
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The Soldano SLO 100 is renowned for its high-gain, smooth overdrive, and powerful sustain, making it ideal for rock and metal genres. Its clean channel offers clarity and depth, providing versatility for blues and classic rock sounds.
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Is the Soldano SLO 100 suitable for gigging with a band?
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Yes, the Soldano SLO 100's 100-watt power output is more than sufficient for live performances, providing ample headroom and volume to cut through a full band mix, including drums.
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Does the Soldano SLO 100 work well with effects pedals?
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The Soldano SLO 100 is known for taking pedals well, especially overdrive and modulation effects, thanks to its robust clean channel and transparent signal path.
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What type of tubes does the Soldano SLO 100 use?
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The Soldano SLO 100 uses five 12AX7 tubes for the preamp section and four 6L6 tubes for the power section, contributing to its distinctive tone and high-gain capabilities.
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Can the Soldano SLO 100 be used for home practice?
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While the Soldano SLO 100 can be used at home, its 100-watt output is designed for larger venues. For home practice, consider using a power attenuator or a smaller amp model for more manageable volume levels.
Videos
Rabea Massaad
Soldano SLO-100 | One HELL Of An Amplifier
Reviews
PROS
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Legendary overdrive and gain settings offer a wide tonal range
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Minimal EQ adjustments result in significant tone changes
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Quiet operation even at high gain settings
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Depth control enhances sound quality distinctively
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Compatible with a variety of stompboxes and effects
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Transparent effects loop improves sound customization
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Versatile enough for many styles of music
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Unique aesthetic options like gray snakeskin tolex
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Improved versions maintain the brand's quality standards
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Maintains clarity and depth at high volumes
CONS
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Clean sound quality considered unusable by some
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High price point may deter potential buyers
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Limited versatility compared to other amps on the market
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Soldano SLO 100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier.
Features and functionality
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The SLO 100's overdrive channel starts to achieve high gain past 6 on the gain knob but becomes fuzzy and undefined when pushed further.
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The SLO 100 achieves a fuller and more compressed sound when the channel volume is set to 7, eliminating harsh high-end frequencies and adding lushness.
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The SLO 100 can transition to pristine clean tones using the guitar volume, much like a non-master volume amp.
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The SLO 100 is noted for its simplicity with a focus on delivering one great channel, rather than multiple footswitchable channels.
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Mods and upgrades
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Many users suggest using a power attenuator like Fryette Power Station or Rivera Rock Crusher to manage the SLO 100's volume for home use.
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Use cases and applications
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The SLO 100 is best suited for stage volume, with its tone coming alive when the power stage is cranked to around 7 on the master volume.
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Despite claims of its suitability for bedroom playing, the SLO 100 truly shines when played at higher channel volumes, as this enhances its unique tonal qualities.
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Some musicians prefer the SLO 100 for its musical sweetness in high-gain settings, distinguishing it from other high-gain amps like the early Peavey 5150.
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Comparisons
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Users frequently compare the SLO 100's overdrive to the Friedman BE-100 Deluxe, noting the Friedman feels more fluid and smooth under the fingers.
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The SLO 100's Crunch setting offers a familiar feel to Marshall fans, providing more gain than a JCM800 but with less harsh highs.
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Users note that the Peavey 5150, while inspired by the SLO circuit, sounds thinner and more mechanical compared to the SLO 100's smoother gain.
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Other
Build quality
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The SLO 100 is praised for its modern circuit design changes, contributing to its reputation for reliable construction.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings
88
Slammin' Soldano Sound!
The SLO-100 amp features (2) channels; clean (w/ or w/out crunch) + Lead channel. This amp rocks! It easily cuts through during band performances and also has an effects loop. It came in different tolex coverings including a nice gray snakeskin, which is what I had... pretty cool amp and great sound!
760
A Must have for 90's van halen fans.
I have always liked EVH's tone during the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and Balance albums and so I I've wanted to get the same sound but use it in my band. I love it.
Artist usage
Add artistThis is the amp that John used during the ‘Mother’s Milk’ studio sessions, however, during the album tour, he used either a Mesa/Boogie (unknown model), or a Marshall JCM800.
(For the album, I played through a Soldano head, which goes to “11.” [Guitar Player (USA), April 1990])
In this video, at 2:12, the Soldano SLO that John Mayer is using in this performance with Ed Sheeran can be seen.
Eric Clapton consistently recorded and performed with the Soldano SLO-100 amplifier throughout the 80s and early 90s. He can be seen playing the amp in its full stack version for Cream’s Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction performance in 1993.
Mark Knopfler is well-known for using the Soldano SLO 100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier, especially in live performances. In a performance featured on Max Jansson's YouTube video, "Mark Knopfler - What it is - Parkinson - BBC," he is seen using this amplifier. Notably, his use of the SLO 100 reportedly influenced Eric Clapton to adopt it as well.
when prince was auto-named "the artist"
Used on the following albums from www.guitarcloud.org:
o(+> (Prince) Soldano Caswell X99, Soldano SLO-100, Mesa Boogie Strategy 500, Marshall 1960 and Peavey 5150 (EV speakers) cabs, Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmounts, and Bag End D12-M cab. (Levi) Roland GP-8 and Zoom 9010 rackmounts. (Sonny T.) Roland GP-8 rackmount, Trace Elliot AH350, and Trace Elliot 1048 cab.
Come (Prince clean) Soldano Caswell X99, Mesa Boogie Strategy 500, and Marshall 1960 4x12 cab. (Prince dirty) Soldano SLO-100 and Peavey 5150 (EV speakers)cab. (Prince racks) Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmounts. (Sonny T.) Roland GP-8 rackmount, Trace Elliot AH350, and Trace Elliot 1048 cab.
The Gold Experience (Prince clean) Soldano Caswell X99, Mesa Boogie Strategy 500, and Marshall 1960 4x12 cab. (Prince dirty) Soldano SLO-100 and Peavey 5150 (EV speakers)cab. (Prince racks) Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmounts. (Sonny T.) Roland GP-8 rackmount, Trace Elliot AH350, and Trace Elliot 1048 cab.
Chaos & Disorder (Prince clean) Soldano Caswell X99, Mesa Boogie Strategy 500, and Marshall 1960 4x12 cab. (Prince dirty) Soldano SLO-100 and Peavey 5150 (EV speakers)cab. (Prince racks) Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmount (Sonny T.) Roland GP-8 rackmount, Trace Elliot AH350, and Trace Elliot 1048 cab.
Chaos & Disorder Tour - Peavey 5150 and Ultra 120+ heads with 5150 (EV speaker) cabs.
Emancipation (Prince clean) Soldano Caswell X99, Mesa Boogie Strategy 500, and Marshall 1960 4x12 cab. (Prince dirty) Soldano SLO-100 and Peavey 5150 (EV speakers) cab. (Prince racks) Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmounts (Kat) Rocktron Chamelon rackmount. (Rhonda) SWR unknown head and SWR 4x10 Goliath cab.
Newpower Soul (Prince clean) Soldano Caswell X99, Mesa Boogie Strategy 500, and Marshall 1960 4x12 (offstage) and Peavey 5150 (onstage) cabs. (Prince dirty) Soldano SLO-100 and Marshall 1960 4x12 (offstage) and Peavey 5150 (onstage) cabs. (Prince racks) Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmounts. (Rhonda) SWR unknown head and SWR 4x10 Goliath cab.
Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (Prince clean) Soldano Caswell X99, Mesa Boogie Strategy and Marshall 1960 4x12 (offstage) and Peavey 5150 (onstage) cabs. (Prince dirty) Soldano SLO-100 and Marshall 1960 4x12 (offstage) and Peavey 5150 (onstage) cabs. (Prince racks) Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmounts. (Combo amps) Peavey Delta Blues 1x15 and Tech 21 Trademark 60. (Larry) Zoom 9030, slap-wah setting.
The Rainbow Children (Prince clean) Soldano Caswell X99, Mesa Boogie Strategy 500 and Marshall 1960 4x12 (offstage) and Peavey 5150 (onstage) cabs. (Prince dirty) Soldano SLO-100 and Marshall 1960 4x12 (offstage) and Peavey 5150 (onstage) cabs. (Prince racks) Roland GP-16 and Zoom 9030 rackmounts. (Combo amps) Peavey Delta Blues 1x15 and Tech 21 Trademark 60. (Live) Fender Bassman. (Rhonda) Mesa Boogie M-Pulse 600 and Mesa Boogie Powerhouse 2x15 cab.
Art Official Age Plectrumelectrium (Prince) Soldano SLO-100 and Mesa Boogie Rectifier 4x12 cab. (Donna) Traynor YBA-1 and Traynor YBX 212 cab. (Ida) TC Electronic Blacksmith and TC Electronic RS410 and RS212 cabs.
Album Usage
The Soldano SLO 100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:
Funeral for Justice (Injustice Version)
Mdou Moctar (2025)
Oh France
Mdou Moctar (2024)
Funeral for Justice
Mdou Moctar (2024)
Rheia
Oathbreaker (2016)
Obscure Verses for the Multiverse
Inquisition (2013)
THE BETRAYED
Lostprophets (2010)
Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts
Kula Shaker (1999)
Wicked Sensation
Lynch Mob (1990)
Mother's Milk
Red Hot Chili Peppers (1989)
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 Soldano SLO 100 100-Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
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