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Description

Welcome to a new realm of tonal possibilities with the Swart AST Head MKII. This guitar amplifier head combines vintage-inspired design with modern enhancements, making it a versatile choice for both studio and stage performances. The AST Head MKII features a 20-watt, Class A circuit that delivers rich, harmonic overtones and dynamic response. Its all-tube design, including the use of 6V6 power tubes, offers a warm and organic sound that can seamlessly shift from clean to overdriven tones.

The AST Head MKII is equipped with a custom Mercury Magnetics transformer, which ensures optimal performance and reliability. This amplifier head also includes a built-in reverb and tremolo, providing musicians with additional layers of texture and depth. The intuitive control layout allows for easy adjustments, so you can quickly find your perfect sound. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or jazz, the Swart AST Head MKII is designed to elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • 20-watt, Class A circuit for rich, harmonic tones
  • All-tube design with 6V6 power tubes
  • Custom Mercury Magnetics transformer
  • Built-in reverb and tremolo for added texture
  • Easy-to-use control layout
  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres
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Elite Music Sales - Swart AST MKII - Suhr Antique Classic

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Elite Music Sales - Swart AST MKII - Suhr Antique Classic

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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 Swart AST Head MKII.

Features and functionality

  • The Swart AST Head MKII features an 18-20w twin 6V6 class AB circuit, a 12" Mojo BV-25 speaker, and includes tube stage master volume, tube rectification, and tube reverb and tremolo.

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  • The offset control knobs and retro 50s space-themed design are highlighted for their unique style, with the Atomic Space Tone branding being particularly praised.

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  • The master volume on the AST Head MKII can be bypassed with a switch, allowing for rich overdrive and breakup at low volumes.

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  • The AST Head MKII head unit and cab match perfectly, creating a cohesive set despite not being an all-in-one combo.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the visual appeal of the glowing tubes through the built-in window, enhancing both the aesthetic and playing experience, especially in low-light settings.

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  • Owners report the amp delivers superb tube-driven tremolo and reverb, appealing to those who enjoy retro styling and sound.

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  • Owners describe the lacquered tweed and pin-striping as reminiscent of vintage suitcases, providing a distinct aesthetic break from standard black amps.

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  • The Swart amp's cabinet, featuring a MojoTone VM25 speaker, is noted for adding depth and dimension to its sound when paired with other amps, like the Orange Micro.

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Comparisons

  • Users note the Swart AST Head MKII pairs excellently with fuzz pedals, potentially due to its 6V6 tubes and all-tube design, resulting in a sweet, expansive tone.

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  • One user prefers the Swart AST Head MKII over Bartel due to its perceived value and quality at a more accessible price point.

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  • One user transitioned from a MonoPrice 15w 1x12 StageRight to the Swart AST Head MKII, finding a significant improvement in achieving fully saturated tube tones.

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Use cases and applications

  • The amp is noted for handling rockabilly setups well, indicating a versatile application across different musical styles.

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  • The amp is ideal for home use, with 20 watts providing ample power while maintaining sound quality at lower volumes.

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Build quality

  • Users describe the Swart AST Head MKII as having an intoxicating fresh wood and glue scent upon arrival, highlighting its craftsmanship.

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  • The solid wood construction of the cabinet is credited with enhancing the amp's rich, warm sound.

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Value and pricing

  • It's noted that the Swart AST Head MKII is seen as a worthwhile investment despite the initial cost, blending artistry with practicality.

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Artist usage

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See how Ian Hultquist uses Swart AST Head MKII

Ian Hultquist

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Passion Pit

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Verified via Photo

"been endorsing @swartamps since 2008! they're the best. even using the AST on fly dates/tours now...fits right into a pelican case." - Hultquist about Swart amps.

See how Marisa Anderson uses Swart AST Head MKII

Marisa Anderson

Guitarist

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Verified via YouTube

Marisa's Swart AST Head MKII is visible in the background of the August 7, 2020 video and is mentioned in this December 10, 2020 Premier Guitar interview.

What’s your recording setup at home?

It’s super simple. I usually run two amps, three mics. I’ll do a room mic and a close mic on each amp. It’s usually a Princeton Reverb set to have a lot of tremolo, a lot of reverb, very high-end shimmery. Then I have another amp, usually a Swart amp—a custom AST Mk II HP that I like a lot—and I set that with a clean, solid tone. Then a room mic that blends the two and adds a little room body to it. That way, when I record, I’m not too worried about picking an exact tone. Both are available later.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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    Gear IQ 120856