Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$2,395.00
Guitar Center
$2,395.00
Reverb
4.0 (4)
$2,355.41 New
$2,226.49 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,395.00
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$2,439.00 $2,399.00 $40.00 · All time low

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

What is the main benefit of the Ironman II Reactive Attenuator in the Tone King Imperial Mk II?

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.

How does the reverb in the Tone King Imperial Mk II differ from digital reverb?

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.

Is the Tone King Imperial Mk II suitable for live performances?

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.

Can the Tone King Imperial Mk II handle both clean and overdriven tones effectively?

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.

Does the Tone King Imperial Mk II include a footswitch?

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.

Shawn Tubbs

Shawn Tubbs

Tone King Imperial MKII In-Depth Demo Video by Shawn Tubbs

Video thumbnail for Tone King Imperial MKII In-Depth Demo Video by Shawn Tubbs by Shawn Tubbs

Tone King Imperial MKII In-Depth Demo Video by Shawn Tubbs

Shawn Tubbs

Shawn Tubbs

Video thumbnail for First look at the Tone King Imperial MK II by ToneKing Amps

First look at the Tone King Imperial MK II

ToneKing Amps

ToneKing Amps

Video thumbnail for THE BEST AMP EVER - Tone King Imperial MK II by Guitar George

THE BEST AMP EVER - Tone King Imperial MK II

Guitar George

Guitar George

Video thumbnail for Shootout: ToneKing Imperial MKII Vs Fender 64 Deluxe Reverb Custom Handwired by Gary Roberts

Shootout: ToneKing Imperial MKII Vs Fender 64 Deluxe Reverb Custom Handwired

Gary Roberts

Gary Roberts

Video thumbnail for Tone King - Imperial MkII - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Tone King - Imperial MkII - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Tone King Imperial Mk II Review | Better Music by Better Music

Tone King Imperial Mk II Review | Better Music

Better Music

Better Music

Video thumbnail for Stratocaster demo of the NEW Tone King Imperial MkII with built in IRONMAN II Attenuator! by Johan Segeborn

Stratocaster demo of the NEW Tone King Imperial MkII with built in IRONMAN II Attenuator!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Tone King Imperial Mk II / Walcott's Corner by Wallie Audio

Tone King Imperial Mk II / Walcott's Corner

Wallie Audio

Wallie Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • 6V6 tubes deliver a preferred sound over other tube types

  • Attenuator, reverb, and tremolo reduce pedalboard needs

  • Channels cover a wide range of tonal ground

  • Highly responsive controls with multiple sweet spots

  • Ironman attenuator works effectively, great for various playing situations

  • Excellent pedal platform for versatile setups

  • Lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for gigging musicians

  • Cool vintage-inspired design with reliable build quality

  • Tremolo and reverb integrated, reducing the need for extra pedals

  • Vintage tubes enhance the overall tone quality

CONS

  • On-board tremolo can be choppy or sterile for some users

  • Some find the amp to be a bit too bright

  • Lacks dynamics in the attack compared to some other models

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • The amp seamlessly transitions from clean to lead sounds by adjusting the guitar's volume knob, negating the need for an FX loop.

    Source
  • The amp's built-in reverb and tremolo are noted to be of high quality, eliminating the need for external pedals for these effects.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the amp's volume knob offers precise control, avoiding abrupt jumps from silence to loudness, making it suitable for bedroom levels.

    Source
  • The amp can produce a unique tonal effect by swelling the mid-bite control while sustaining notes, particularly effective at higher volumes.

    Source
  • The built-in attenuator allows cranking the amp to achieve tube breakup at home volumes, crucial for capturing vintage tones without disturbing neighbors.

    Source
  • The amp exhibits excellent bass response, avoiding the thin or muddy tones often found in other vintage-style amps like the 65 Deluxe Reissue.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend using the amp's attenuator to gradually break in the speaker, enhancing its tonal richness over time.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend swapping the V1 tube with a GE 5751 NOS for smoother breakup and better range on the Rhythm channel at home volumes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for indie rock and garage rock styles, the Imperial Mk II excels at producing sounds reminiscent of The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Rhett Shull uses Tone King Imperial Mk II 20-watt Tube Head with Attenuator and Reverb

Rhett Shull

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Rhett compares the Imperial MKII to a plugin.

See how Christopher Cross uses Tone King Imperial Mk II 20-watt Tube Head with Attenuator and Reverb

Christopher Cross

Guitarist, Singer

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Christopher shows how “Sailing” came to be and he has a Tone King stack behind him.

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 Tone King Imperial Mk II 20-watt Tube Head with Attenuator and Reverb, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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