Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $900

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Elevate your bass tones with the classic Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head, a testament to the golden era of rock and roll. Crafted during the late 1960s to mid-1970s, this amplifier head delivers a rich, analog warmth that modern amps strive to emulate. Its 120 watts of power, driven by eight tubes, offer an authentic sonic experience, perfect for musicians seeking a vintage sound with modern reliability. With two inputs and a single channel that includes reverb and vibrato, the Sunn 1200S stands out as a piece of musical history ready to take on the stages and studios of today.

Key Features:

  • 120 watts of power for full, rich bass tones
  • Eight tubes deliver authentic analog warmth
  • Single channel with two inputs
  • Includes reverb and vibrato for added depth and texture
  • A piece of musical history with modern reliability

Product specs

Brand Sunn
Model 1200S Head
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Effects Loop No Effects Loop
Electronics Tube
Impedance 2 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 1200
Power Tube Type 6550
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What kind of tubes does the Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head use?

The Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head uses 6550 power tubes, known for their robust power output and reliability, making it suitable for high-volume performances.

Is the Sunn 1200S suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the Sunn 1200S is a bass amplifier head designed to deliver powerful, clear tones, making it ideal for bass guitar applications.

Does the Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head have built-in effects?

Yes, the Sunn 1200S features built-in spring reverb, adding depth and dimension to your sound without the need for external effects.

How many inputs does the Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head have?

The Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head includes four inputs, providing flexibility for connecting multiple instruments or signal sources.

What is the impedance of the Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head?

The Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head has an impedance of 2 ohms, which is crucial for matching with compatible speaker cabinets for optimal performance.

I Like Old Stuff

I Like Old Stuff

Sounds Sick Episode 17: Fender Bassman 1200 Pro / Sunn 1200 S

Video thumbnail for Sounds Sick Episode 17: Fender Bassman 1200 Pro / Sunn 1200 S by I Like Old Stuff

Sounds Sick Episode 17: Fender Bassman 1200 Pro / Sunn 1200 S

I Like Old Stuff

I Like Old Stuff

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head.

Setup and maintenance

  • The amplifier may require new capacitors in addition to tubes, with a tech quoting $300 for full servicing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • For non-functioning units, value is primarily in chassis and parts, worth only a couple hundred dollars unless fully restored.

    Source
  • A functioning Sunn 1200S can reach $1,100 on the market; subtract retube kit costs for broken units to estimate worth.

    Source
  • A second-hand Sunn 1200S in good condition can be found for around $700, making it a powerful and cost-effective choice for bassists.

    Source

User experience

  • Some tubes glow upon power up, indicating partial functionality, but full testing is needed to confirm operational status.

    Source
  • Owners value the Sunn 1200S's reliability and tonal quality, frequently choosing it over other heads like the Ampeg SVT 200T for its unique sound profile.

    Source
  • Some users report that 15" speakers, while not universally loved, can offer a unique tonal quality when paired correctly, such as with a 2x15 setup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Sunn 1200S has four separate speaker inputs, allowing you to fully utilize its 1200W power capacity with multiple cabinet configurations.

    Source
  • The Sunn 300T and 1200S combined with both 4x10 and 2x15 cabs provide versatile rig options, catering to both clean and overdriven sound preferences.

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Comparisons

  • The Sunn 1200S can emulate the Ampeg tone effectively when paired with a Tech21 VT Sansamp pedal, offering versatility in sound options without needing an Ampeg head.

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  • The Sunn 1200S is often favored for its powerful bass performance over the 300T, which some suggest is more suited for guitar due to its easier breakup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for stone rock projects, the Sunn 1200S is powerful enough to drive a 2x15" Peavey Black Widow cabinet, delivering approximately 800W of output.

    Source
  • Owners frequently pair the Sunn 1200S with a 2x15" Peavey cab for a deep, clean tone, while using an A/B box to integrate the 300T for overdrive.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Sunn 1200S is a 2U rack-mounted unit, which can be paired with additional rack components like a power conditioner for enhanced protection during gigs.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Stephen O'Malley uses Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head

Stephen O'Malley

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

In the guitar.com's interview with Stephen O'Malley, a list of O'Malley's guitar rig was published. One of the items included on the list was Sunn 1200S.

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 Sunn 1200S Amplifier Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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