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Description

The WEM Dominator MK III 15 Watt Guitar Amplifier by Watkins is a classic choice for guitarists seeking authentic British tone. Revered by musicians for its unique valve-driven sound, this combo amplifier delivers a warm, rich sound that can handle everything from subtle blues to gritty rock riffs. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for both practice sessions and small gigs, ensuring you get a powerful sound without the bulk.

The Dominator MK III is equipped with a straightforward control layout, making it user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned players. Its twin EL84 tubes provide the amplifier with its characteristic tonal depth, while the built-in tremolo effect adds a layer of vintage vibe to your sound. This combination of features makes the Dominator MK III a versatile tool for musicians who appreciate classic amplifier aesthetics and performance.

Whether you're playing at home or taking the stage, the Watkins WEM Dominator MK III is a reliable choice for those who value tone and tradition. Its enduring design and legacy in the music world make it a cherished addition to any guitarist's gear collection.

Key Features:

  • 15-watt power output
  • Twin EL84 tube-driven design
  • Built-in tremolo effect
  • Simple, intuitive control layout
  • Classic British tone suitable for various music styles
  • Compact and portable design for easy transport

Product specs

Amp Type tube
Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

BUY THIS AMP if you find one - Talk&Jam

Video thumbnail for BUY THIS AMP if you find one - Talk&Jam by Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

BUY THIS AMP if you find one - Talk&Jam

Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

Video thumbnail for WEM Dominator (MK3) Guitar Amp. 1973 Service and test. by Nick Adams

WEM Dominator (MK3) Guitar Amp. 1973 Service and test.

Nick Adams

Nick Adams

Video thumbnail for Wem Dominator MK 3 from 1972 Full Service and Demo Volume One by Vintage Guitar Amp Repairs & Online Guitar Teacher

Wem Dominator MK 3 from 1972 Full Service and Demo Volume One

Vintage Guitar Amp Repairs & Online Guitar Teacher

Vintage Guitar Amp Repairs & Online Guitar Teacher

Video thumbnail for WEM - Watkins Dominator MK3 1970s 1x12 Combo Serial CW64904 by James Robinson-Wyatt

WEM - Watkins Dominator MK3 1970s 1x12 Combo Serial CW64904

James Robinson-Wyatt

James Robinson-Wyatt

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier.

Setup and maintenance

  • With a modern, high-efficiency bass speaker and potentially an additional filter capacitor, the amp might be optimized for certain bass-heavy music styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The amp's lineage is linked to Marshall's 1974x, suggesting a potential for similar tonal qualities in a lower wattage format.

    Source
  • The Watkins WEM Dominator is described as having a sound that is a mix between Marshall and Hiwatt, with a unique "3D" sound quality that stands out in mixes.

    Source
  • The Watkins WEM Dominator MK III is compared to a 1972 version, which "absolutely screamed" with an 18-watt output that sounded like 50 watts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Originally a bass amp, it struggles with low frequencies but excels with guitars, much like the Fender Bassman did historically.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its bass origins, the amp delivers a sparkling clean tone with electric guitars, making it versatile for bluesy jams.

    Source
  • Although originally designed as a bass amp, the Dominator Mk3 is praised for its ability to produce a sound that is particularly effective for guitar applications.

    Source
  • Known for its versatility, the Dominator MK III is favored for its ability to produce a substantial and vibrant sound, making it a strong choice for various musical styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners frequently express regret after selling their Watkins WEM Dominators, highlighting its lasting appeal and unique sound profile that becomes hard to replace.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Watkins WEM Dominator Mk3 can cut through live and studio mixes effectively, providing a unique auditory presence compared to other amplifiers.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Watkins WEM Dominator as having a "massive tube sound," indicating it delivers a powerful audio presence despite its lower wattage.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
john_hogg

limited but stunning

Limited range of sounds but stunning at the ones it does make. Makes a good blues harp amp too.

jimmarchi1

a marshall 20 watt with treble and bass controls, nice find

john_hogg

Canny grumble for free... Well ok a speaker with better ohm match and a new valve (was just phase inverter though) all audio valves are still mullard :)

jimmarchi1

I love when people give me their 'broken' gear ;-)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

Noel Gallagher is seen here with a WEM Dominator MKIII 15 Watt Amp behind him.

This amp was heavily used on Definitely Maybe - both recording and touring for it. In Oasis' first debut for TV, he played through this amp and some kind of Marshall combo amp.

See how Dylan Carlson uses Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier

Dylan Carlson

Guitarist

Earth

...
Verified via Photo

"The Dominator 1x15 combo w/ treble booster my albionic amplifier (my last instagram from england till sob september)"

See how Porl Thompson uses Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier

Porl Thompson

Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via the-saleroom.com

This piece of gear was also included during his massive gear auction.

See how Alvin Lee uses Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier

Alvin Lee

Guitarist

Ten Years After

...
Verified via Photo

Alavin is asked what type of gear he uses in this Guitar World article, to which he replies "Mainly a Gibbo Gibson ES-335 and a Martin acoustic. I used a Wal bass and a Gretch baritone guitar for bass, as well as Pete Pritchard’s Music Man and a doghouse double bass called Charlie Boy. Amp-wise, I used a Wem 15 Dominator and a very old Yamaha I bought from Mick Abrahams. I also used the original Pod, which is better than the new ones, as a pre-amp into a Fender Champ and Mustang. Plus Guitar Rig and Amplitude and too many others to mention."

See how Eoin Loveless uses Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier

Eoin Loveless

Singer, Guitarist

Drenge

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video you can see the Dominator behind him next to what looks like a Fender reissue Bassman.

See how Jamie Hall uses Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier

Jamie Hall

Guitarist, Singer

Tigercub

...
Verified via Photo

Jamie Hall is using a WEM Dominator for its clean tone on stage for As Blue As Indigo tour (2021) This has been seen on many pictures and also featured in an interview in Total Guitar Magazine (see picture)

J

Jesse D. Vernon

Guitarist, Keyboardist

This Is the Kit

...
Verified via YouTube

Jesse D. Vernon uses the Watkins WEM Dominator MK III 15 Watt Guitar Amplifier during live performances with This Is The Kit, as seen in their full performance on KEXP. My guitar teacher, Neil, who is also in the band, frequently plays this amp on stage, showcasing its great sound.

Album Usage

The Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:

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 Watkins WEM Dominator MKIII 15-Watt Guitar Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Martin 2-20
Martin 2-20 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson L-00
Gibson L-00 Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1
Roland JX-3P
Roland JX-3P Synthesizers
1
Lovetone Brown Source
Lovetone Brown Source Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Lovetone Big Cheese
Lovetone Big Cheese Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Lovetone Meatball
Lovetone Meatball Filter Effects Pedals
1
Electro-Harmonix Small Stone
Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb
Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
1

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