Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$2,695.00
Guitar Center
$2,695.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$971.03 New
$1,899.99 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,695.00
zZounds
$2,695.00
Thomann
$2,648.00

Average Price: $2,374

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Tone King Royalist MKIII 2-Channel 40-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Tone King Royalist MKIII 2-Channel 40-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo Amplifier is a tribute to the golden era of British amplification, delivering a dynamic range of tones from sweet, vintage cleans to roaring rock crunch. This all-tube combo amplifier features three iconic British amp voicings—1964, 1967, and 1970—that transport you back to the era of legendary rock sounds. Each channel is equipped with independent volume controls and a PULL FAT switch to add depth to your tone by enhancing the bass frequencies, ideal for rich cleans or thick, overdriven textures.

The Royalist MKIII boasts Tone King's Iron Man II attenuator on each channel. This ingenious feature allows you to enjoy full power tube saturation without the ear-splitting volume, making it a perfect companion for both stage and bedroom use. The tuned reactive load ensures that your tone remains transparent and natural, regardless of how much you dial down the volume.

This amp's straightforward yet versatile design includes a global 3-band EQ, a Presence knob, and channel-specific 3-way voicing switches. These controls give you the flexibility to tailor your sound to perfection, whether you're aiming for delicate blues licks or thunderous rock anthems. The rear-panel line-out and selectable impedance ensure seamless integration with various rigs and setups.

With its classic aesthetic and modern functionality, the Tone King Royalist MKIII is not just an amplifier; it's a gateway to the timeless tones that defined a generation.

Key Features:

  • 40-watt all-tube 1x12" combo amp
  • Two channels with independent volume controls and PULL FAT feature
  • Three-position voicing switch per channel (1964, 1967, 1970)
  • Iron Man II attenuator per channel for volume control without tone loss
  • Global 3-band EQ and Presence knob
  • Custom Celestion "1660" speaker
  • Line-out with level control for silent recording
  • Selectable impedance (4, 8, 16 ohms)
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Type Tube
Number of Channels 2
Output Power 40W
Speaker Size 1 x 12" Celestion Custom 1660
Preamp Tubes 2 x 12AX7 (preamp), 1 x 12AX7 (phase)
Power Tubes 2 x EL34 (power), 1 x 5AR4 (rectifier)
EQ 3-band EQ, Presence, 2 x 3-way voice switch, 2 x "Fat" switch
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 2 x 1/4" (4/8/16 ohms), 1 x 1/4" TS (Line out)
Footswitch I/O 1 x 1/4" TS (channel)
Bias Type Adjustable Fixed
Construction Material Baltic Birch
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 21"
Width 24.5"
Depth 12"
Weight 59 lbs.

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Tone King Royalist MKIII 2-Channel 40-Watt Combo?

The Tone King Royalist MKIII offers classic British tones with its EL34 power tubes, featuring a three-way voicing switch for 1964, 1967, and 1970 sounds. Its dual-channel design provides a versatile range from clean to high-gain tones.

How does the Iron Man II attenuator enhance the Tone King Royalist MKIII's performance?

The Iron Man II attenuator allows for reduced volume levels while maintaining tone integrity, making it ideal for both stage and studio use. Each channel has its own attenuator, enabling precise control over output without sacrificing sound quality.

Is the Tone King Royalist MKIII suitable for live performances?

With its 40-watt output and 1x12" Celestion speaker, the Tone King Royalist MKIII is powerful enough for live gigs. Its dual channels and independent volume controls offer flexibility for different performance settings.

What type of speaker is used in the Tone King Royalist MKIII?

The Tone King Royalist MKIII is equipped with a 1x12" Celestion Custom 1660 speaker, providing a balanced and dynamic sound that complements the amp's British-inspired tones.

How does the channel switching work on the Tone King Royalist MKIII?

The Tone King Royalist MKIII features a footswitchable channel design, allowing seamless transitions between its two channels. This setup is ideal for dynamic live performances requiring varied tonal settings.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

TONE KING ROYALIST MK III - A PLETHORA OF BRIT TUBE AMP TONES!

Video thumbnail for TONE KING ROYALIST MK III -  A PLETHORA OF BRIT TUBE AMP TONES! by Pete Thorn

TONE KING ROYALIST MK III - A PLETHORA OF BRIT TUBE AMP TONES!

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for The Tone King Royalist MK III! | Is This The New...Tone King??? 👑 by Peach Guitars

The Tone King Royalist MK III! | Is This The New...Tone King??? 👑

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Is There a New Tone King in Town? | Tone King Royalist MKIII by Chicago Music Exchange

Is There a New Tone King in Town? | Tone King Royalist MKIII

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for EPIC BRITISH TONES - Tone King Royalist MKIII by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

EPIC BRITISH TONES - Tone King Royalist MKIII

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Tone King Royalist MKIII by N Stuff Music

Tone King Royalist MKIII

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Tone King Royalist MK III Demo | Ultimate British Guitar Tones by GUITARGUITAR

Tone King Royalist MK III Demo | Ultimate British Guitar Tones

GUITARGUITAR

GUITARGUITAR

Video thumbnail for Amp of the Month | Tone King Royalist MKIII Breakdown by Distinctive Guitar

Amp of the Month | Tone King Royalist MKIII Breakdown

Distinctive Guitar

Distinctive Guitar

Video thumbnail for Tone King Royalist MKIII demo by Sam Coulson

Tone King Royalist MKIII demo

Sam Coulson

Sam Coulson

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures classic Marshall tones with ease

  • Two channels with distinct voicings for versatile play

  • Built-in attenuators enhance sound control

  • Exceptionally bright and cutting tone

  • Delivers vintage Marshall overdrive and clean chime

  • Encourages use of guitar tone and volume controls

  • Gig-friendly with powerful out-of-the-box sound

  • High-quality component interaction for superior response

  • Optimized EQ settings enhance playing experience

CONS

  • Lacks an effects loop

  • Weight may be cumbersome for some users

  • High-gain settings can be too loud for home use

  • Limited to six attenuation settings for volume control

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tone King Royalist MKIII 2-Channel 40-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo.

Features and functionality

  • The Tone King Royalist MKIII offers exceptional attenuation, making it versatile for both quiet home use and loud gigs without losing tonal quality.

    Source
  • The Royalist MKIII is noted for having three distinct British voicings, allowing versatility in tone shaping, particularly suited for classic rock styles.

    Source
  • The amp's attenuator is frequently praised, crucial for apartment dwellers who still want to achieve a cranked amp tone without disturbing neighbors.

    Source
  • The amp lacks an effects loop, which some users find limiting for integrating outboard effects seamlessly.

    Source
  • The amp's three distinct British voicings provide versatility, offering options for classic rock enthusiasts seeking specific tonal nuances.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Royalist MKIII is praised for its performance across different settings, easily transitioning from bedroom practice to live gigs.

    Source
  • It's suggested for those wanting a Marshall sound without the typical Marshall loudness, making it ideal for players needing flexibility in volume control.

    Source
  • The amp's 40 watts offer "tight low end," making it suitable for players looking to achieve classic rock tones with minimal pedal assistance.

    Source
  • Despite its power, the built-in attenuation allows the Royalist MKIII to be used effectively in both small club settings and larger venues.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the amp's ability to maintain consistent tone at different volume levels, making it reliable for varied musical environments.

    Source
  • Real-world usability is highlighted by one owner who mentions the amp's ability to handle different environments, from quiet apartment settings to full live gig volumes.

    Source
  • Without reverb, some users might miss the "lushness" found in amps with built-in effects, especially for bluesy cleans.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Tone King Royalist MKIII is likened to a Marshall for its British voicing, providing a unique alternative to the more Fender-like Tone King Imperial MKII.

    Source
  • The Royalist MKIII is compared to the Bad Cat Hot Cat for its clean tones that can reach "full-on Tool" with the right setup.

    Source

Critic Reviews

“An impressive rethink of the best of early British rock tones”: The Tone King Royalist MkIII 1x12 combo is reviving the attitude of the British invasion | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Tone King Royalist MkIII impresses with its authentic early British rock tones and versatile dual-channel setup, ideal for modern performance. Its independent voicing and attenuation controls offer a wide sonic palette, while the 40-watt power and custom Celestion speaker deliver robust sound. However, the lack of an effects loop might deter some players, and its open-back design keeps it cleaner than expected, even at higher volumes. For those seeking portability and flexibility, the head version might be a better choice. Overall, it’s a clever reimagining of classic rock amps, but not without its quirks.

Tone King's Royalist MkIII: a greatest hits of Marshalls | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Tone King's Royalist MKIII is a nod to vintage Marshall tones, packed with features that blend nostalgia with modern functionality. With its all-tube design and the inclusion of the Iron Man II attenuator, players can explore classic sounds from the '60s through the '70s without the hassle of cranking up the volume. The three-way voice switch offers versatility, catering to different tonal preferences from JTM45 to Plexi and Super Lead vibes. While the price is steep, starting at $2,495, the craftsmanship and tonal authenticity might justify the investment for serious enthusiasts chasing that iconic British sound.

positive

Tone King Unveils Royalist MKIII Amp Line - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

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Artist usage

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See how Greg Koch uses Tone King Royalist MKIII 2-Channel 40-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo

Greg Koch

Guitarist, Singer

Koch Marshall Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by That Pedal Show titled "Greg Koch - Not So Slight Return! [JAM Koch Ness Monster, New S-Shaped Reverend & More]," Greg Koch mentions at 15:30 that he has been using the Tone King Royalist MKIII 2-Channel 40-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo.

Genre Usage

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