I'm still listening... you might be right. I had one of their original Imperial combos and sold it. One of the biggest mistakes I EVER made. TK's Mark Bartel, while leaving TK to build his own amp line, builds legendary amps, best in business IMHO. 👍👍
This show and tell is 10X than what I've seen on Chicago Ex video - is it mic or something - but here it just sounds insane -> using more than one guitar - you guys rock.
One of the best channels out there, great demos, playing & personalities. This demo sold me on this head, ordered one yesterday can’t wait. Keep up the outstanding work 🤘🏻
This is the best modern amp I’ve ever heard. It cleans up so incredibly well when you roll off the volume. I’d love to hear a tube screamer in front of it, or any kind of gain boost really
Finally someone who knows how to dial this amp in. I've heard so many muddy, loose, woolly, farty (add your sloppy bottom end adjective here) that I was really starting to think this amp sucked. This video finally shows me all the sweetness I constantly hear AND that the bottom can be big and full without being a fart fest. Great job guys. You probably just sold another Tone King to me thanks to this video.
No one can complain about the price of this unbelievable hand wired amp. No doubt they have solved a lot of headaches. Do you know how many Marshalls victory and other amps I have stacked up to get all of these tones the money over the years I have spent and playing guitar for 40 years and finally they come out with this Sandman, my head has obviously been in the sand because I didn’t realize it was back out. They released a British style amp back in around 2014 or so, but had to take it off the market due to name either way glad to see this and I’m going to look to order one very soon. Thanks for having the demo up. Great review killer amp and still cheaper than a regular GTM 45 if you buy the standard version by the time you buy the speakers and the head you spent way more than 25 or $2600. Unbelievable thanks man. 4:15
@@theuserthatishere really I thought all tone king amplifiers were hand wired. I did not realize they were PCB board amplifiers. They advertise hand wired on the page. It may be to board construction, but I’m definitely going to do some more research on that now that you have brought it up and I noticed your comment today. Thank you for the feedback but I really did have the impression but if you have an imperial and it’s a PCV board then obviously it’s not
Well I think Marshall want to keep the tradition of there Amps intact but they could definitely do with a more inventive amp line offering something similar to these amps.
@@NickVondo-su5olI doubt that. The lead 12 wouldn't sell or sound better than their Studio amps line but you should maybe try them before making such claims?
Well they were solid-state amps but based on Marshall 're releasing classic valve amps you'd think they would possibly do a vintage line of Marshall solid-state
Other amp builders are taking advantage of Marshall's lack of creativity and innovation. Friedman alone is taking a huge chunk of Marshall's revenues for exactly these reasons.
All I can say is I have purchased a lot of amps over the years and lot! Both vintage and newer models Including purchasing the Tone King Royalist head / 1x12 cab a couple weeks ago. If you are searching for a vintage low gain to crunch tone search no further this set up delivers! 40w, 2 channel with foot switch, push pull fat switch’s, 3 way switch for different gain structures and 2 antinuators. Crunch with note separation and articulation from my Nash T63 with lollars. Hitting it with an Archer for more gain is perfect and to enhance the leads my tube screamer timnus delivers. So much that this may be the one ! Or at least closer to the tone I have searched for than any other amp I’ve had. Get ya one it is the real deal! Reach out to Musicians Friend rep Chad Evans he will get you hooked up. Tell him Curt sent ya!!
This is my favorite demo of this amp. I really want one. There’s some criticism of this amp lacking an FX loop. My question is, will I be able to run effects, like echo or chorus through the front end of the amp at a low volume clean? (like demonstrated) Not gigging levels, just home use. Also, does using the attenuators at their 24 or 36 dB levels eat through tubes? Thanks again for the quality video.
“I don’t think for one minute that anybody’s going to be using this as a high headroom clean amp” - Wrong. We might be outnumbered by crunch fans, but there are those of us who only like Hendrix clean/edge of breakup tones from a Marshall. So thanks for not skipping demos of those as well.
I am absolutely gutted that they made this without an effects loop. I am convinced this would have been the perfect amplifier if it had an effects loop.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitarare there more details as to why that is? I’m new to guitars and amps as of last year. Will this amp still work just as good with modulations pedals as well as a looper without a loop?
The lack of an FX loop on an amp you can get cranked tones at lower volumes is just silly to me - it's 2023 - good fx loops do exist. Use them. Especially on an amp design like this. I don't get it either dude. It's the one thing that has kept me from buying any Tone King amp.
On an amp design like this it doesn't make any sense, as the drive is actually coming from the power stage, which would still be after the effects loop. Tone King confirmed this. I can't understand so many people complain about this, because effect loops are useless on amps with actual power tube overdrive. If a plexi style amp has one, either the drive is coming from the preamp or it's simply there for show.
@StevenAnthonyGuitar I totally get it (especially after it was explained how the drive is being achieved). I'd much rather just get an actual Marshall JTM45 or SLP (the real thing) and run it through a Power Station - power amp gain AND an fx loop. And it looks even cooler because it's literally a Marshall amp.
It’s interesting that many companies are making Marshall inspired amps that are better than anything Marshall put out. Friedman, Bognor, Soldano and many more , trading on legacy far too much
I agree that this demo is very ice picky. But, they’ve got the presence up to around 1:00 or so and on this amp I’ve kept the presence off and it far from brittle and thin. I wish they would have killed the presence. Also not sure on mic placement either, that plus the presence being up I think attributes to the tinny ice picky that you and I are hearing.
It's a great sounding amp, no doubt in that. However it does NOT sound like a Marshall. The 20-watt SV20H is one of Marshall's recent releases that proves they are KING of their OWN tone. NOTHING SOUNDS LIKE A REAL-DEAL MARSHALL!!!!!!
I think this is the greatest modern amp on the planet. Omg I want one.
I'm still listening... you might be right. I had one of their original Imperial combos and sold it. One of the biggest mistakes I EVER made. TK's Mark Bartel, while leaving TK to build his own amp line, builds legendary amps, best in business IMHO. 👍👍
Wow, that sounds great, imagine if they made an amp with 3 Marshalls on one channel and 3 Fenders on the other!
It would be perfect
Could they do something? I always there is some kind of technical hurdle. Because if not, I don't understand why they didn't already do that.
This show and tell is 10X than what I've seen on Chicago Ex video - is it mic or something - but here it just sounds insane -> using more than one guitar - you guys rock.
One of the best channels out there, great demos, playing & personalities. This demo sold me on this head, ordered one yesterday can’t wait. Keep up the outstanding work 🤘🏻
This is the best modern amp I’ve ever heard. It cleans up so incredibly well when you roll off the volume. I’d love to hear a tube screamer in front of it, or any kind of gain boost really
In person?
Kemper!
I have one and use an Archer and Tube Screamer Tumnus….. yep it’s what you imagine!!!!
Finally someone who knows how to dial this amp in. I've heard so many muddy, loose, woolly, farty (add your sloppy bottom end adjective here) that I was really starting to think this amp sucked. This video finally shows me all the sweetness I constantly hear AND that the bottom can be big and full without being a fart fest. Great job guys. You probably just sold another Tone King to me thanks to this video.
Agreed. So many really horrible sounding demos on this amp out there. This one finally shows what the amp is capable of doing.
Dial it in? Its turning knobs lol
Great videos, guys. Thank you so much.
Les Paul sounded unreal across the board. I liked the Strat on the JTM45 setting. Big, clear and warm
A Strat into a JTM45 circuit is my absolute favorite Strat tone. It's so big, bold, and punchy, yet still articulate and full of chime.
Love my Falcon Grande.
This may be next on the list😀
You know where to come, James!
It sounds glorious IMHO 😃
No one can complain about the price of this unbelievable hand wired amp. No doubt they have solved a lot of headaches. Do you know how many Marshalls victory and other amps I have stacked up to get all of these tones the money over the years I have spent and playing guitar for 40 years and finally they come out with this Sandman, my head has obviously been in the sand because I didn’t realize it was back out. They released a British style amp back in around 2014 or so, but had to take it off the market due to name either way glad to see this and I’m going to look to order one very soon. Thanks for having the demo up. Great review killer amp and still cheaper than a regular GTM 45 if you buy the standard version by the time you buy the speakers and the head you spent way more than 25 or $2600. Unbelievable thanks man. 4:15
not hand wired. these are circuit board amps. i own an imperial, sound great but is not hand wired.
@@theuserthatishere really I thought all tone king amplifiers were hand wired. I did not realize they were PCB board amplifiers. They advertise hand wired on the page. It may be to board construction, but I’m definitely going to do some more research on that now that you have brought it up and I noticed your comment today. Thank you for the feedback but I really did have the impression but if you have an imperial and it’s a PCV board then obviously it’s not
Yes they sound great! I wish I could afford one!
Nice Demo, sounds awesome 🎸
Why can't Marshall do this??
Well I think Marshall want to keep the tradition of there Amps intact but they could definitely do with a more inventive amp line offering something similar to these amps.
@@NickVondo-su5olI doubt that. The lead 12 wouldn't sell or sound better than their Studio amps line but you should maybe try them before making such claims?
Well they were solid-state amps but based on Marshall 're releasing classic valve amps you'd think they would possibly do a vintage line of Marshall solid-state
They are too busy making beer coolers and bluetooth speakers. Marshall aren't an amp company anymore
Other amp builders are taking advantage of Marshall's lack of creativity and innovation. Friedman alone is taking a huge chunk of Marshall's revenues for exactly these reasons.
Love Tone King since Mark Bartel ..Their amps from gremlin to this hit the mark..
All I can say is I have purchased a lot of amps over the years and lot! Both vintage and newer models Including purchasing the Tone King Royalist head / 1x12 cab a couple weeks ago. If you are searching for a vintage low gain to crunch tone search no further this set up delivers! 40w, 2 channel with foot switch, push pull fat switch’s, 3 way switch for different gain structures and 2 antinuators. Crunch with note separation and articulation from my Nash T63 with lollars. Hitting it with an Archer for more gain is perfect and to enhance the leads my tube screamer timnus delivers. So much that this may be the one ! Or at least closer to the tone I have searched for than any other amp I’ve had. Get ya one it is the real deal! Reach out to Musicians Friend rep Chad Evans he will get you hooked up. Tell him Curt sent ya!!
That les Paul is sick fellas
I'm now seeing Marshall and Fender in my rear view mirror.
Nice Rolex too 😀
I came to the comments for this…paused and zoomed to see if it was a “Coke” or a sub 😂
This is my favorite demo of this amp. I really want one. There’s some criticism of this amp lacking an FX loop. My question is, will I be able to run effects, like echo or chorus through the front end of the amp at a low volume clean? (like demonstrated) Not gigging levels, just home use. Also, does using the attenuators at their 24 or 36 dB levels eat through tubes? Thanks again for the quality video.
“I don’t think for one minute that anybody’s going to be using this as a high headroom clean amp” - Wrong. We might be outnumbered by crunch fans, but there are those of us who only like Hendrix clean/edge of breakup tones from a Marshall. So thanks for not skipping demos of those as well.
It almost ticks all the boxes for me. But I really want a effects loop
Curious: what happened to the fellow who used to play the demos, did he leave?
when Tone King amps produce recordings such as Brothers In Arms (JTM45) or anything by Koss (Superbass) then I'll be happy.
Didn't laney do something with optional channel attenuation? It was more metal oriented I think
How much in US? for each one..
Killer licks, very killer indeed..
What pickups are in that Strat is what I wanna know?
Sounds phenomenal!! Would be the perfect amp if they just had included an fx loop 🤷🏽♂️
Great sounding amp. Modern features but no fx loop. Unfortunately that’s me out I got to have my reverb and delay! Shame
I am absolutely gutted that they made this without an effects loop. I am convinced this would have been the perfect amplifier if it had an effects loop.
An effects loop is useless if the gain stage produces tge overdrive. That's why they didn't do it. Not an assumption, they confirmed this themselves.
@@StevenAnthonyGuitarare there more details as to why that is? I’m new to guitars and amps as of last year. Will this amp still work just as good with modulations pedals as well as a looper without a loop?
No effects loop.
@@silvel2edgeeffects pedals will still work but have to go
Through the front end of the amp. Many people run pedals this way.
Sounds great. No FX loop though so it sort of rules it out for me plus they insist on using db for the scale of the attenuator. It's dB FFS lol
The lack of an FX loop on an amp you can get cranked tones at lower volumes is just silly to me - it's 2023 - good fx loops do exist. Use them. Especially on an amp design like this. I don't get it either dude. It's the one thing that has kept me from buying any Tone King amp.
On an amp design like this it doesn't make any sense, as the drive is actually coming from the power stage, which would still be after the effects loop. Tone King confirmed this. I can't understand so many people complain about this, because effect loops are useless on amps with actual power tube overdrive. If a plexi style amp has one, either the drive is coming from the preamp or it's simply there for show.
@StevenAnthonyGuitar I totally get it (especially after it was explained how the drive is being achieved). I'd much rather just get an actual Marshall JTM45 or SLP (the real thing) and run it through a Power Station - power amp gain AND an fx loop. And it looks even cooler because it's literally a Marshall amp.
Yes it is.
Would love to have a great Amp but not in my budget just a dream to own one.
Reminds me of metro amps
It’s interesting that many companies are making Marshall inspired amps that are better than anything Marshall put out. Friedman, Bognor, Soldano and many more , trading on legacy far too much
Shared global eq defeats the purpose of 2 channels or independent controls for each channel.
I don’t know guys, I think the highs are too thin sounding and buzzy
Ive read reviews from owners of this amp that its eq has too much treble. Im startin to hear it more and think its not quite full enough.
Love the treble but the bass and mids seem to sound too "farty". So I prefer my Marshall JTM Studio
You are in watchable.
Why on earth did you not show it with a humbucker guitar as well?!
Did you not make it 20 seconds into the video?
I'm an idiot, I had skipped ahead! Love your vids.
😂😂😂😂
Sounds good but I will be waiting for an expert electrical engineering clean bill of health from someone like Psionic given the price.
I don’t think he’s a fan from the vids I’ve seen???
Both Marshall and Fender should clean shop, forget making as much money as possible, and go boutique.
Thin, brittle…. i can get that for far less than 3k
not handwired as you might think, circuit board..quality circuit boards, but too much for mass produced average quality
I only hear dirthy sound...as usual!!!
Brittle and tinny to my ears 🤷🏿
I agree that this demo is very ice picky. But, they’ve got the presence up to around 1:00 or so and on this amp I’ve kept the presence off and it far from brittle and thin. I wish they would have killed the presence. Also not sure on mic placement either, that plus the presence being up I think attributes to the tinny ice picky that you and I are hearing.
It's a great sounding amp, no doubt in that. However it does NOT sound like a Marshall. The 20-watt SV20H is one of Marshall's recent releases that proves they are KING of their OWN tone. NOTHING SOUNDS LIKE A REAL-DEAL MARSHALL!!!!!!
Looks ugly, sounds ugly and certainly not at all like a Marshall. Nothing for me!