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Average Price: $1,900
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$300
$701+
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Description
Step into the world of vintage sound with the Swart Atomic Space Tone, a combo guitar amplifier that expertly bridges the gap between classic tonal warmth and modern reliability. This amp is a powerhouse of hand-wired craftsmanship, featuring a single-ended Class A circuit that delivers rich, organic tones. Ideal for both studio and live environments, the Atomic Space Tone offers a dynamic range that's perfect for blues, rock, and jazz enthusiasts alike.
Powered by a single 12AX7 preamp tube and a 6V6GT power tube, this amplifier offers a hearty 5 watts of output, ensuring you'll be heard while maintaining a comfortable level for intimate settings. The Swart Atomic Space Tone is equipped with a 12-inch custom Mojotone speaker, providing full-bodied sound with plenty of clarity. Its onboard tremolo and reverb effects, driven by dedicated circuits, add a touch of vintage flair and depth to your soundscape, letting you explore the nuances of your music like never before.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, the Swart Atomic Space Tone's retro aesthetics and robust performance make it a valuable addition to any guitarist's arsenal.
Key Features:
- Hand-wired, single-ended Class A circuit
- 5 watts of power output
- Contains one 12AX7 preamp tube and one 6V6GT power tube
- 12-inch custom Mojotone speaker
- Onboard tremolo and reverb with dedicated circuits
- Suitable for blues, rock, and jazz genres
- Designed for studio and live performance settings
Product specs
| Brand | Swart |
| Model | Atomic Space Tone 20-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 2005 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Direct Output | No Direct Output |
| Effects Loop | No Effects Loop |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 20 |
| Power Tube Type | 6V6 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 1x12" |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Swart Atomic Space Tone best suited for?
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The Swart Atomic Space Tone is ideal for genres that benefit from warm, vintage tones, such as blues, rock, and jazz. Its tube-driven design and spring reverb offer a classic sound that appeals to players seeking a rich, organic tone.
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Does the Swart Atomic Space Tone work well with pedals?
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Yes, the Swart Atomic Space Tone is known for taking pedals well, particularly overdrive and distortion pedals, enhancing its versatility for various soundscapes.
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How loud is the Swart Atomic Space Tone for live performances?
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With 20 watts of power and a 1x12" speaker, the Swart Atomic Space Tone provides sufficient volume for small to medium-sized venues, making it suitable for both practice and live gigs.
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What kind of reverb does the Swart Atomic Space Tone feature?
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The Swart Atomic Space Tone features a built-in spring reverb, known for its lush and natural sound, adding depth and dimension to your playing.
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Is the Swart Atomic Space Tone a good choice for home use?
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Yes, the Swart Atomic Space Tone's manageable power output and rich tonal characteristics make it an excellent choice for home practice and recording environments.
Videos
Jeremy Stern
Duesenberg Guitar and Swart Atomic Space Tone- Boutique Tone
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Swart Atomic Space Tone.
Build quality
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Hand-wired construction from Wilmington, NC, ensures a high-quality build with attention to detail, appealing to those who value craftsmanship.
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Value and pricing
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It's noted that the Swart AST is considered underpriced on the used market, suggesting good value for buyers seeking high-quality sound at a lower cost.
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User experience
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Users report that the amp is easy on the back, indicating its lightweight nature contributes to its portability.
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The AST is appreciated for its combination of sound, aesthetics, and portability, being described as the ultimate amalgamation of these qualities.
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Some users find the rear control placement inconvenient but note that the "Tuxedo front" version offers top-mounted controls, enhancing usability.
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Users describe the reverb as unique and more akin to a "subtle dark plate verb" rather than a traditional spring reverb.
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Comparisons
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Owners highlight that the AST offers unique tones difficult to replicate with typical Fender, Marshall, or Vox amps, covering both vintage and modern sounds.
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Inspired by Gibson Scout circuitry, the Swart AST is distinct from Fender BF or Tweed circuits, offering a different tonal palette.
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The Swart AST's tremolo is described as lush and unique, differing from other amps by offering only one style of tremolo that stands out for its quality.
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The Swart AST's power/volume is situated between a Princeton Reverb and a Deluxe Reverb, offering distinct sonic differences from common boutique market builds.
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Features and functionality
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The Swart AST Pro is praised for its high-fidelity performance and quiet operation, making it a preferred choice for clean, pure sound.
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The Swart AST includes an internal/external switch for seamless switching between the combo and an external cab.
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The amp includes a "Space" knob, providing users with a unique control over the tonal space, adding a distinct character to the sound.
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The Night Light attenuator is included but not universally used immediately by owners, indicating versatility in volume management.
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Use cases and applications
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Used for the guitar on the soundtrack for Deadbeat, as specified in the appendix of this August 28, 2014 Electronic Musician interview.
James Iha’s Studio Gear
Thanks to Clear Lake Recording and engineer Brian Blake for the specs on James Iha’s Deadbeat music and recording equipment:
Recording/Studio: API DSM console, KRK V8 monitors, Mac Pro, Pro Tools 11
Guitar Recording Chain: Neumann U87 and M49B mics, Focusrite ISA 215 mic pre/EQ, Focusrite Red 2-channel compressor, Neve 1073 mic pre/EQ
(Borrowed) Guitar Amps: Matchless DC30, Swart AST, Ampeg B15, Fender Deluxe
Other Essential Recording Pieces: API 2500 compressor, API Channel Strip, Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, Radial DIs
Not sure if he uses them live but here's a quote from an article he wrote: "I've been playing electric guitar for forty-two years now, and the Atomic Space Tone is absolutely the finest amp I've ever played through."
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 Swart Atomic Space Tone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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