Rob Layton

Carl's Custom Amps The Kirn

"How many people get to say that they have a custom made amp? Me! After going through amp after amp after amp I knew I had to try something else so I contacted Carl's custom amps in New Mexico and together we came up with an amp that was exactly what I needed. The first channel is based on a EF-86 Vox AC-15 circuit, everything you want in a Vox but the EF-86 gives you more gain on tap than you can possibly image. The second channel is a based on a Supro Duo-tone, Zepplin tones for days. The best part about it is that I can dial in any combination of the two ciruits that I need which makes it incredible for what I do. The power section just adds to the perfection. The variable power scaling circuit gives me the ability to run it anywhere from 1/10th of a watt to all the way open at 15 watts. I can dial in those "edge of break up" tones at any volume. All of that goodness running through an Avatar Alnico 25... it's dope!"

Rob Layton discusses his Vox TB-18 amplifier in a Facebook post, highlighting its design by Tony Bruno and manufacture by Vox. He praises its versatility, comparing its tones to those found in Princeton or Tweed amplifiers. Layton mentions replacing the stock Celestion G12 speaker with an Eminence Cannabis Rex to shift from a British to a classic American sound. He notes the amp sounds exceptional on its own and even better when paired in stereo with his CCA Kirn.