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Average Price: $60

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Sunn Concert Lead amplifier is a classic piece of gear that has been a staple in the music industry since its introduction in the 1970s. Known for its powerful 150-watt output, this guitar amplifier head delivers robust sound quality that can fill venues with ease, making it a favorite among rock and metal guitarists. Its solid-state design ensures reliable performance, providing consistent tone without the need for tube replacements.

The Concert Lead is equipped with two channels—Normal and Bright—offering a versatile range of tonal options. The Normal channel provides a clean, warm tone that's perfect for jazz and blues, while the Bright channel adds a sharp edge, ideal for cutting through dense mixes. Each channel includes independent volume controls, allowing for precise sound shaping. Additionally, the built-in reverb adds depth and ambiance, enhancing your playing experience.

The amplifier features a rugged design that can withstand the rigors of touring, with a durable outer casing that promises longevity. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether you're gigging in small clubs or large stadiums, the Sunn Concert Lead ensures your guitar cuts through with clarity and power.

Key Features:

  • 150 watts of power
  • Solid-state construction
  • Two channels: Normal and Bright
  • Independent volume controls for each channel
  • Built-in reverb for added depth
  • Durable construction for reliability
  • User-friendly interface

Product specs

Brand Sunn
Model Concert Lead Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Effects Loop No Effects Loop
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 200
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Sunn Concert Lead amp head best suited for?

The Sunn Concert Lead amp head is well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its powerful 200-watt output and solid-state design, which provides a clean yet aggressive tone ideal for high-gain settings.

Does the Sunn Concert Lead have built-in effects?

Yes, the Sunn Concert Lead features built-in effects, including spring reverb, which adds depth and ambiance to your sound.

How many channels does the Sunn Concert Lead amp head have?

The Sunn Concert Lead amp head has two channels, allowing for versatile sound shaping and easy switching between different tones during performances.

Is the Sunn Concert Lead amp head suitable for live performances?

With a powerful 200-watt output, the Sunn Concert Lead amp head is more than capable of handling live performances, delivering a loud and clear sound that can cut through a band mix.

Does the Sunn Concert Lead amp head have an effects loop?

No, the Sunn Concert Lead amp head does not feature an effects loop, so effects pedals will need to be placed in front of the amp.

Caleb Andresen

Caleb Andresen

1970s Sunn Concert Lead (Silverface) Amp Sound Demo - Great Rock, Stoner and Doom Tones!

Video thumbnail for 1970s Sunn Concert Lead (Silverface) Amp Sound Demo - Great Rock, Stoner and Doom Tones! by Caleb Andresen

1970s Sunn Concert Lead (Silverface) Amp Sound Demo - Great Rock, Stoner and Doom Tones!

Caleb Andresen

Caleb Andresen

Video thumbnail for The Ultimate Doom Metal Amp Shootout PT.4 "SOLID STATE AMPS" by Fuzzed Drones

The Ultimate Doom Metal Amp Shootout PT.4 "SOLID STATE AMPS"

Fuzzed Drones

Fuzzed Drones

Video thumbnail for sunn concert lead built in distortion by andrás schóber

sunn concert lead built in distortion

andrás schóber

andrás schóber

Video thumbnail for Sunn Concert Lead "Doom" by Fuzzed Drones

Sunn Concert Lead "Doom"

Fuzzed Drones

Fuzzed Drones

Video thumbnail for 1970s Sunn Concert Lead (Silverface) Bass Guitar Sound Demo by Caleb Andresen

1970s Sunn Concert Lead (Silverface) Bass Guitar Sound Demo

Caleb Andresen

Caleb Andresen

Video thumbnail for Sunn Concert Lead “Doom/Drone” by Fuzzed Drones

Sunn Concert Lead “Doom/Drone”

Fuzzed Drones

Fuzzed Drones

Video thumbnail for Sunn Concert Lead ( Earth - Seven Angels ) by Alex T

Sunn Concert Lead ( Earth - Seven Angels )

Alex T

Alex T

Video thumbnail for 1970's Sunn Concert Lead Demo (Crunch~High Gain~Fuzz) No Talking by Rust, Ruins, and Rides

1970's Sunn Concert Lead Demo (Crunch~High Gain~Fuzz) No Talking

Rust, Ruins, and Rides

Rust, Ruins, and Rides

Reviews

PROS

  • Shimmering, responsive clean tone

  • Versatile distortion and reverb

  • Classic tube-like overdrive

  • High-quality spring reverb ideal for surf music

  • Durable and relatively lightweight

  • Warm, dark sound with great low end

  • Takes pedals extremely well

  • Good value for a vintage vibe

CONS

  • EQ knobs not very sensitive, except for bass

  • Requires a boost pedal for optimal distortion

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sunn Concert Lead.

Features and functionality

  • The onboard distortion is described as "fizzy garbage," making it essential to rely on external pedals for desired tones.

    Source
  • Users have achieved powerful sound by setting the amp volume to 4/10 and using fuzz pedals, capable of shaking a house when amplified properly.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works well as a pedal platform, especially for hardcore and shoegaze bands, providing a clear and heavy sound when paired with pedals.

    Source
  • Pairing the Sunn Concert Lead with a Fender Jaguar and reverb pedals creates lush, shoegaze soundscapes, specifically utilizing TC Electronics Infinite and Keeley Loomer.

    Source
  • The combination of Digitech Polara reverb on 'halo' and Walrus Lore soundscape generator on '3' setting contributes to unique reverse reverb and pitch shift effects.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The red knob version is a single channel, contrasting with the silverface, which is noted for having slightly more midrange.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners found the amp not as loud as expected in band settings, needing it to be "dimed out" to compete with a loud drummer.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Concert Leads are often priced reasonably compared to other Sunn amps, with frequent availability in the market.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A 120Hz hum issue may arise from a loose .0047 uF capacitor, primarily affecting the speaker output but not the preamp output.

    Source
  • Component failures such as cracked 22 ohm 5W resistors can cause excessive heat, potentially desoldering parts and requiring careful identification and replacement.

    Source
  • Farty fuzz on all channels can resemble failing filter caps in tube amps; replacing C305 and C308 is recommended for maintenance and sound improvement.

    Source
  • Diagnosing distortion issues may require tracing the signal with an oscilloscope, focusing on large can caps and 1000 microfarad caps on the rear board.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading transistors Q1-Q5 and Q101-103 has been part of successful repairs for improving sound quality post-maintenance.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
T

A tube amp of a solid state amp. It doesn't seem like it, but this amp is veratile.

This amp has a stunning, shimmering and responsive clean tone. The distortion and reverb make it surprisingly versatile even when the EQ knobs are not very sensitive, (except for the bass, I feel this amp has a TON of bass). When the distortion is engaged you get a very classic tube like overdrive that is very distinct and unique, very fat and sort of bright. My personal favorite thing to do with this amp is too use a boost pedal (amp boost off) with the distortion on 10. It give a biting, cutting, but very fat and wide sounding distortion when the treble is high. I love this amp, they are relatively light and very durable, it just inspires me hugely! it can be used for doom, thrash, alternative, pop, and I think this amp would especially good for surf, even though I've never legitimately played surf on it, I can tell that the giant sounding spring reverb, brite and clear sound in it would be perfect for surf. It is also very easy to use and dose not require much tedious tweaking. If you can, Go buy one!

adamrobertstewart

Clean, loud, great low end

Mine is a 1973 Concert Lead (red knob). Warm and dark, great low end, takes pedals extremely well. Very dependable despite age.

rodrigo_lopez_islas

eVEN FOR BASS gUITAR!!

Not too costly, full round sound, vintage vibe

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adam Jones uses Sunn Concert Lead

Adam Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tool

...
Verified via Gibson

Item Wrong! Model was a BETA LEAD

See how Justin Trosper uses Sunn Concert Lead

Justin Trosper

Singer, Guitarist

Unwound

...
Verified via Photo

Countless photos and videos exist of Justin using the same Sunn Concert Lead throughout the entire history of Unwound, typically paired with a 2x15" 70s Plush Brand Tuck-n-Roll cabinet. According to fan accounts, the amp would often cut out in the middle of a performance, which would be corrected by Justin banging on the top of the amp with his guitar.

See how Norman Westberg uses Sunn Concert Lead

Norman Westberg

Guitarist

Swans

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Swans Band Practice" by The FADER, Norman Westberg is seen using a Sunn Concert Lead guitar amplifier head, positioned beneath a Music Man HD-130 throughout the session.

See how marissa paternoster uses Sunn Concert Lead

marissa paternoster

Singer, Guitarist

Screaming Females

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In an interview with Premier Guitar, Marissa Paternoster of Screaming Females praises the Sunn Concert Lead amplifier, describing it as "rad," "super loud," and great-sounding, highlighting her use of this gear in her performances.

See how Tim Bagshaw uses Sunn Concert Lead

Tim Bagshaw

Guitarist, Bassist

Electric Wizard

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Electric Wizard • Live in Massachusetts 2001 • We Hate You," uploaded by Night of the Shape, Tim Bagshaw is seen using a Sunn Concert Lead amplifier with red knobs at the 3:44 mark. This identification is based on the distinct layout and color of the knobs.

See how Nick Steinborn uses Sunn Concert Lead

Nick Steinborn

Guitarist, Drummer

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram Post, Nick's Sunn Concert Lead can be seen on top of a Fender 8x10, along with the Top Hat Emplexador and Orange OR120

See how Chip King uses Sunn Concert Lead

Chip King

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Here, Chip King can be seen using the Sunn Concert Lead Red Knob amp head. This is a screenshot taken from a youtube video of THE BODY live at Saint Vitus Bar, May 27, 2016.

See how Alexander Gregory Kent uses Sunn Concert Lead

Alexander Gregory Kent

Singer, Guitarist

Sprain

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in his studio in this youtube video (documentary about the making of the album Flesh and The Devil by August), around 21:17.

See how Adam Forkner uses Sunn Concert Lead

Adam Forkner

Guitarist, Drummer

The Microphones

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, one can see a Sunn Concert Lead behind Forkner.

See how Jake Orrall uses Sunn Concert Lead

Jake Orrall

Guitarist, Singer

Be your own PET

...
Verified via Photo

You can see in this image behind jake that he is using his 1972 Sunn Concert Lead. It is also confirmed he uses this amp in this article http://americansongwriter.com/2012/06/nashville-garage-jeff-the-brotherhood/

See how Dominick Larocca uses Sunn Concert Lead

Dominick Larocca

Guitarist

SeeYouSpaceCowboy

...
Verified via Photo

Dominick Larocca is seen using the Sunn Concert Lead amplifier in a photo shared by Instagram user nuvolascura_, captioned "erica made a mess."

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 Concert Lead, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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elihanson

elihanson

Gear IQ 64

thesonictitan

thesonictitan

Gear IQ 137

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