Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb 1x12-inch 15-watt Tube Combo Amp

Name: Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb 1x12-inch 15-watt Tube Combo Amp
Brand: Magnatone
Rating: 5 (10 reviews)

15-watt 1-channel All-tube 1x12" Guitar Combo Amplifier with 2-band EQ, Negative Feedback Switch, Spring Reverb, and 2 Inputs

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Item ID: VarsityCRev

Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb 1x12-inch 15-watt Tube Combo Amp

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Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb 1x12-inch 15-watt Tube Combo Amp

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Vintage-style Tube Tone with Reverb

The Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb 15-watt, 1 x 12" all-tube electric guitar combo is a top-quality amplifier that is a great option for players who want vintage-style performance and a true spring reverb. Its simple-to-use control layout consists of a non-master volume and 2-band EQ. As you turn up the amp volume, you'll enjoy added harmonically rich tube overdrive. And by utilizing the high- or low-sensitivity inputs and flipping the top-mounted negative feedback (NFB) switch, the Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb can be a thick-sounding overdrive machine or a more neutral pedalboard platform.

Old-school tube tone

The natural voice of the Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb 15-watt, 1 x 12" all-tube electric guitar combo exudes plenty of high-end snap and throaty midrange, while its carefully designed cabinet enhances the amp's low end. When you dial up the volume, you'll love how much the Varsity 12 Reverb cops a vintage tweed-style grunt. And it reacts with the addictive sag of many legendary circuits. The addition of a 4-spring, long-pan reverb adds even more ambient flexibility. Sweetwater is proud to offer you an amplifier of such distinction.

Deceptively versatile

Though the Varsity 12 Reverb's control layout is as straightforward as they come, the amp is capable of a wide range of useable tones that will deliver in just about any musical situation. At 15 watts, the Varsity 12 Reverb is voiced to hit its sweet spot, whether onstage or in the studio. Winding up the volume from there adds in thick tube breakup. Back off a touch, and you'll enjoy a cleaner tone that works well with pedalboards of all types. Whether you're driving the amp at a recording session or backing it off for a cocktail lounge jazz session, the Varsity 12 Reverb will get you there in style.

Easy to dial in your tone

Unlike some amplifiers with a world of switches, buttons, and knobs, the Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb 15-watt combo amp can dial up your personal tone in seconds. The signal path starts with high- and low-sensitivity inputs that determine how hard your guitar hits the preamp. From there you shape your tone with a volume control, bass, and treble. Need to shape your gain staging a bit more? Just flip the NFB (negative feedback) switch, plug into your chosen input, turn a couple of knobs, hit a single switch, and you're ready for the downbeat.

Magnatone Varsity 12 Reverb Combo Amplifier Features:

Single-channel tube combo amplifier with a vintage flavor
4-spring, long-pan reverb tank with single reverb control
Custom Magnatone 12" ceramic speaker
Simple-to-use controls with a 2-band EQ
High- and low-sensitivity inputs expand your tonal capabilities
External speaker output allows for use of an extension cabinet
15 watts is perfect for studio and performance use
Negative feedback switch offers 2 separate gain voicings and feel
Chiming EL84 power tubes

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Tech Specs

Type: Tube
Number of Channels: 1
Output Power: 15W Class A
Speaker Size: 1 x 12" Ceramic speaker
Preamp Tubes: 2 x 12AX7, 1 x 12DW7
Power Tubes: 2 x EL84 (power), GZ34 (rectifier)
Reverb: Tube driven, Long spring tank
EQ: Treble, Bass
Inputs: 2 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (extension speaker), 1 x 1/4" (line out)
Bias Type: Cathode Biased
Power Source: Fixed AC cable
Height: 18"
Width: 21"
Depth: 9"
Weight: 34 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number: 280

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Reviews

5.0

Customer Photos & Videos

I've been a tweed guy from day one, but after I played the Varsity Reverb, I had to have it. You CAN'T make it sound bad. Turn the knobs wherever you want, it's anlmost impossible to not have a good tone. The reverb is delightful whether it's dimed out or barely on. I'm blown away by this amp everyday. Great for a bedroom amp or a gig. Don't let the 15 watt rating scare you off for live gigs. This thing gets loud. Also sounds great at low levels for the bedroom practice session. Great for recording and handles pedals like a champ.

I've wasted time spending money on more expensive guitars, when I should have just upgraded my amp. Not that I'm bummed about having a few nicer guitars. I was loyal to the tweed for 20 years and I still love those amps, but there's a reason all these stars are jumping on the Magnatone train.

Oh yeah, it's beautiful and well made, too. Don't go play one if you don't have the money to buy it, because you're going to want one.

I pulled the trigger on this thing without ever having heard it and was kind of nervous. There isn't a ton of videos of these online, and being a mainly humbucker player, I couldn't really get a feel for how it'd sound. However, it sounds incredible and I couldn't be happier. It truly feels and sounds like the highest quality. The tone controls are SUPER responsive and the feedback switch is so useful for going from edge of breakup to a little raunch. It sounds like John Fogerty and Neil Young's guitar tones banged and had a baby. The cleans are so good and it's not overly bright. It has plenty of headroom and takes pedals like a champ too. Can't wait to gig this thing. Yes, it's a loud 15 watts, but it is totally usable and would give plenty of stage volume without going into full rage mode. Thanks to my sweet water reps for being God tier as well. Sold a Mesa Boogie Cali Tweed for this and I will never look back.

I've had this a couple of months now, and got it based on the videos I'd seen online. Sadly, the first one I ordered got some water damage during shipping, (I live in a rural area). My engineer John Tonello got a replacement shipped right away. I have owned Fender '59 reissue, 65 amps Red Line, Mesa Boogie 5/25. This matches the tone in my head more than any amp. I play a Jeff Beck sig and a Music Man BFR Cutlass through the Magnatone and they just sing. I usually AB the Magnatone with a Dr Z Jetta to get a nice wet/dry mix. The VARSITY also sounds great using an 8 Ohm extension cab with a Celestion G12 H30. Everything you hear on the videos is true. The touch sensitivity, the chime, the bass response are all there in spades. The reverb is like liquid Jesus. I can only imagine what the Stereo Panorama sounds like, but I certainly intend to find out. There are so many amps out there but at the $... mark for this handcrafted wonder, I doubt there's better value. The amp feels like complete quality without breaking your back and its a LOUD 15 watts. If you're in the market I highly recommend.