Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,366
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Tone King Imperial Mk II 20-watt Tube Head with Attenuator and Reverb". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Tone King Imperial Mk II 20-watt Tube Head is a product steeped in legacy, designed for the discerning guitarist who craves the perfect blend of classic American tones. With a legacy spanning two decades, the Imperial Mk II is an improved version of Tone King's flagship Imperial combo, praised as one of the best American-voiced amps ever made.
The Mk II version retains all the beloved features of the original, including the vintage-voiced tube reverb and tremolo. It also carries forward the intuitive controls and the spanky blackface-style voice, along with the gritty tweed tones that have made it a favorite among players.
A standout feature is the Ironman II reactive power attenuator, which ensures you get all of these tube-driven tones at any volume. This makes the Imperial Mk II not only versatile but also perfect for all playing environments, from gig to bedroom.
Tone King's Imperial Mk II is more than just an amp; it's a testament to their commitment to quality, versatility, and the pursuit of the perfect tone.
Key Features:
- 20-watt tube amp head with American-voiced tones
- Two channels for sweeping from California cleans to tweed-style overdrive
- Onboard Ironman II reactive power attenuator for dynamic control and maintaining the feel at any volume
- Tube-driven reverb and tremolo for vintage sonic vibe
- Rhythm channel controls: Volume, Treble, Bass
- Lead channel controls: Volume, Tone, Mid-Bite
- Preamp tubes: 3 x 12AX7A; Power amp tubes: 2 x 6V6; Rectifier tube: 5AR4
- Hand-wired board construction for improved midrange and highs
- Reactive Load Technology for maintaining the feel and response of the guitar amplifier
- Includes a 2-way foot switch for channel selection and tremolo
- Made in the USA.
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Preamp Tubes | 4 x 12AX7A, 1 x 12AT7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x 6V6 (power), 1 x 5AR4 (rectifier) |
| Reverb | Tube-driven Spring Reverb |
| Effects | Tremolo |
| EQ | 3-band EQ (rhythm), Tone control (lead) |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms) |
| Effects Loop | No |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (channel, tremolo) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 2-button footswitch |
| Bias Type | Cathode Biased |
| Features | Ironman II Reactive Attenuator |
| Construction Material | Baltic Birch with Brown Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 9" |
| Width | 22.5" |
| Depth | 10.5" |
| Weight | 25 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the main benefit of the Ironman II Reactive Attenuator in the Tone King Imperial Mk II?
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The Ironman II Reactive Attenuator allows you to achieve cranked tube amp tones at lower volumes, making it ideal for home use or studio environments without sacrificing sound quality.
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How does the reverb in the Tone King Imperial Mk II differ from digital reverb?
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The Tone King Imperial Mk II features a tube-driven spring reverb, which provides a warm, authentic reverb sound that is often preferred for its natural decay and vintage character compared to digital reverb.
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Is the Tone King Imperial Mk II suitable for live performances?
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With its 20-watt output and high-quality construction, the Tone King Imperial Mk II is well-suited for small to medium-sized venues, providing rich, dynamic tones and reliable performance.
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Can the Tone King Imperial Mk II handle both clean and overdriven tones effectively?
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Yes, the amp features two channels with a 3-band EQ for rhythm and a tone control for lead, allowing you to switch between pristine cleans and smooth, overdriven tones with ease.
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Does the Tone King Imperial Mk II include a footswitch?
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Yes, the Tone King Imperial Mk II comes with a 2-button footswitch, enabling you to switch channels and control the tremolo effect conveniently during performances.
Videos
Shawn Tubbs
Tone King Imperial MKII In-Depth Demo Video by Shawn Tubbs
Reviews
PROS
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6V6 tubes deliver a preferred sound over other tube types
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Attenuator, reverb, and tremolo reduce pedalboard needs
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Channels cover a wide range of tonal ground
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Highly responsive controls with multiple sweet spots
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Ironman attenuator works effectively, great for various playing situations
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Excellent pedal platform for versatile setups
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Lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for gigging musicians
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Cool vintage-inspired design with reliable build quality
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Tremolo and reverb integrated, reducing the need for extra pedals
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Vintage tubes enhance the overall tone quality
CONS
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On-board tremolo can be choppy or sterile for some users
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Some find the amp to be a bit too bright
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Lacks dynamics in the attack compared to some other models
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Higher price point may deter budget-conscious buyers
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tone King Imperial Mk II 20-watt Tube Head with Attenuator and Reverb.
Features and functionality
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The Tone King Imperial Mk II's attenuator allows for whisper-quiet operation, even at its max setting of -36 dB, crucial for late-night practice.
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The amp seamlessly transitions from clean to lead sounds by adjusting the guitar's volume knob, negating the need for an FX loop.
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The amp's built-in reverb and tremolo are noted to be of high quality, eliminating the need for external pedals for these effects.
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The Imperial Mk II features a notably low bright cap at 34pf, different from the 65 Deluxe Reverb's 47pf, which affects brightness at lower volumes.
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User experience
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Owners note the amp's volume knob offers precise control, avoiding abrupt jumps from silence to loudness, making it suitable for bedroom levels.
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The amp can produce a unique tonal effect by swelling the mid-bite control while sustaining notes, particularly effective at higher volumes.
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The built-in attenuator allows cranking the amp to achieve tube breakup at home volumes, crucial for capturing vintage tones without disturbing neighbors.
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The amp exhibits excellent bass response, avoiding the thin or muddy tones often found in other vintage-style amps like the 65 Deluxe Reissue.
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Comparisons
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The Imperial Mk II's 6V6 tubes maintain a consistent American vintage tone, unlike the Divided by 13 with its EL84 and 6V6 tube variations.
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Compared to the Victory V40D, the Tone King offers more natural tube breakup, while the Victory is favored for its high headroom and pedal platform capabilities.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners recommend using the amp's attenuator to gradually break in the speaker, enhancing its tonal richness over time.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend swapping the V1 tube with a GE 5751 NOS for smoother breakup and better range on the Rhythm channel at home volumes.
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