Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,321
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
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Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Tone King Gremlin 5-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Tone King Gremlin 5-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo is a powerhouse of vintage tones compacted into a manageable, modern package. This tube guitar combo amp delivers the sound of cranked vintage amplifiers, replicating the saturated overdrive and sparkling cleans that guitarists crave. With a simple two-channel design and the built-in Ironman II power attenuator, you can dial in your perfect sound with precision and control.
The Gremlin's custom 12" Celestion speaker gives it a retro vibe with a responsive bite. Its two channels, Rhythm and Lead, are meticulously voiced to capture the essence of coveted blackface and tweed amps from the golden age of rock 'n' roll. Whether you're using the Gremlin as a pedal platform or pushing it into overdrive, its harmonically complex tone and dynamic response feel tangibly alive.
Despite its small size, the Gremlin delivers a mighty 5 watts of all-tube tone, keeping up with drummers and other band members with ease. The Ironman II power attenuator lets you scale back the Gremlin's volume without sacrificing richness, dimension, or touch sensitivity. With just five knobs and two inputs, the Gremlin keeps things straightforward, proving that when it comes to tone, less is indeed more.
Key Features:
- Compact tube combo with American-style tones
- Rhythm and Lead inputs offer differing levels of headroom and gain
- Tones range from Blackface cleans to tweed-era grind
- Onboard Ironman II power attenuator achieves cranked-amp tones at whisper-quiet levels
- Custom-voiced cabinet and 12" speaker offer a much larger voice than expected
- Preamp tubes: 2x 12AX7
- Power stage tubes: 1x KT66
- Made in the USA
- Optional A/B/Y footswitch allows for on-the-fly channel switching
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Output Power | 5W, built-in variable attenuator |
| Speaker Size | 1 x 12" Celestion 870 speaker |
| Preamp Tubes | 2 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 1 x KT66 |
| EQ | Tone control |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (rhythm), 1 x 1/4" (lead) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (line out) |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (channel, tremolo) |
| Footswitch Included | No |
| Bias Type | Cathode Biased |
| Construction Material | Baltic Birch cab with turquoise finish |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 17.5" |
| Width | 19" |
| Depth | 8.75" |
| Weight | 29 lbs. |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Tone King Gremlin 5-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo?
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The Tone King Gremlin offers classic American clean tones on the rhythm channel and British-style overdrive on the lead channel, making it versatile for blues, rock, and country genres.
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Is the Tone King Gremlin 5-Watt Combo suitable for home use?
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Yes, the 5-watt power output and built-in attenuator make the Tone King Gremlin ideal for home use, allowing for full tube tone at manageable volume levels.
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Does the Tone King Gremlin 5-Watt Combo work well with pedals?
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Yes, the Tone King Gremlin is known for taking pedals well, particularly overdrive and modulation effects, enhancing its tonal versatility.
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What is the construction quality of the Tone King Gremlin Combo Amp?
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The Tone King Gremlin features a robust Baltic Birch cabinet with a stylish turquoise finish, ensuring durability and a distinctive look.
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Does the Tone King Gremlin Combo Amp include a footswitch?
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No, the Tone King Gremlin does not include a footswitch, but it has a footswitch input for channel and tremolo switching if you purchase one separately.
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How portable is the Tone King Gremlin 5-Watt 1x12" Combo?
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Weighing 29 lbs and featuring a compact design, the Tone King Gremlin is relatively easy to transport for practice sessions and small gigs.
Videos
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Reviews
PROS
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Built-in attenuator for low volume playing without sacrificing tone
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Delivers clear, rich, and powerful sound even at 5 watts
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Simple controls for easy use
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Offers both tweed and black face tones
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Excellent for home practice, recording, and small gigs
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Vintage design and looks
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Works well with pedals, enhancing versatility
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Allows guitar's natural sound to shine through
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Offers great value for its price
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Durable and well-made exterior
CONS
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Lacks an effects loop
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No footswitch included for channel switching
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Some users report noise issues and poor internal component quality
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Customer support described as nearly impossible to reach
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tone King Gremlin 5-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo.
Comparisons
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The Gremlin achieves edge of breakup tones at lower volumes, while the Imperial offers pristine cleans, ideal for pedal use when louder volumes are achievable.
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The Supro Delta King 12 rivals high-end amps in tone and volume, offering exceptional value and character at a lower price point.
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The Carr Mercury is noted for its rich sound and versatility, with some users preferring it to the Tone King Gremlin due to its low-volume capability and build quality.
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The Ibanez TSA15H, no longer in production, offers Fenderish cleans and a built-in tube screamer circuit, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a clean and dirty combo.
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The Gremlin's lead channel is praised for its cranked/overdriven tweed tone, preferred by some over the Blues Jr's sound.
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Use cases and applications
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The Gremlin's rhythm channel can serve as a clean pedal base, providing versatility for players seeking low-volume breakup tones with the lead channel.
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The Benson Reverb Vinny Combo, known for its 5w, 1x10 setup, is praised for its non-traditional Fender sound and performs well with a treble booster in pop band mixes.
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The Gremlin is noted for being surprisingly loud despite its small size, with sufficient volume for small venue gigs when not attenuated.
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Features and functionality
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The Imperial Mk II provides rich cleans on the rhythm circuit at full volume, with effective attenuation for overdrive on the lead channel, suitable even in apartment settings.
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The attenuator on the Carr Mercury is effective, with the 1/2w setting being ideal for late-night use without disturbing neighbors.
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The Milkman Hi-Fi Mini Stack is favored for its simple two-knob setup, providing excellent low-volume performance in apartments with its dynamic tone-shaping capabilities.
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The Tone King Gremlin's built-in attenuator allows players to enjoy cranked tones at lower volumes, maintaining sound quality without disturbing neighbors.
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User experience
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The Imperial Mk II is appreciated for its warm and rich cleans, though it requires space, making it less ideal for smaller apartments compared to a Princeton with an attenuator.
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The Carr Skylark, although more expensive, is highlighted for its superior tone control and attenuator, offering better low-volume crunch than a 5w Champ.
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Owners appreciate the Gremlin's ability to deliver both Fender blackface and tweed-like tones, offering versatility for different playing styles.
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