No video
I finally got a Tone King, but does it live up to the hype?
Рет қаралды 27,071
Күн бұрынIn my search for the perfect companion for my Telecaster, I have found myself with a new @tonekingamps The simplicity of this amp should not be underestimated, it's truly an incredible sounding amp that let's you easily dial in a sound and just... play. There was a bit of an electrical issue in the room at the time of filming that has since been rectified, however the amp does not hum nearly as loud under normal circumstances. Let me know what you think in the comments down below, is this a great pair?
Below are some affiliate links that help the channel out if you do decide to use them, thank you!
Tone King Gremlin Combo Amplifier - sweetwater.sjv.io/QyGrW3
Sweetwater Affiliate link for any other gear you may need! - sweetwater.sjv.io/q403BL
If you enjoy the content on this channel please consider supporting me stay independent you by becoming a member!
/ @audiomomusic
If you choose to buy this amp or anything at all from Thomann, you'd greatly be supporting me and the channel by using my affiliate link - www.thomannmusic.com/?partner...
If you're interested in really understanding music theory and are serious about taking yourself to the next level, it would help the channel and myself out a lot if you were to use my affiliate link to check out the Signals Music Studio Theory and Songwriting Course -
signalsmusicstudio.com/ref/22/
Join the Audiomo Discord and come hang out! - / discord
0:00 Intro Riff
0:48 Why did I pick this amp?
1:32 Overview of amp itself
3:33 Rhythm Channel deep dive
11:01 Testing with pedals
14:33 Lead Channel deep dive
19:48 Attenuator test
23:18 Line Out Test direct into Pro Tools
25:22 What were they thinking?
27:22 So is it a keeper?
28:27 Wrapping it up
@changestrangers Жыл бұрын
Congrats Jim. Absolutely looks like a "less is more" kind of amp and those crystalline tones and tolex covering are to die for.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks Evan and that's a bang on description of it, less sometimes is more. I was very surprised I was able to get a little voxxy sound from it at one point haha
@gessopalena 6 ай бұрын
I thoroughly enjoyed this demo. Brilliant on every level. 👍
@andyjm7122 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review, this is definitely on my radar as a bedroom recording amp!
@michaelweinman9051 9 ай бұрын
Great for that jazzy chord melody stuff. Great Voxy jangly sound, too. Cheers from mtw in L.A.
@AudiomoMusic 9 ай бұрын
Thanks Michael I agree, it really does a great job with that.
@tjnugent62 8 ай бұрын
This amp reminds me of a 50's Princeton.
@colinli7906 Жыл бұрын
Like your style of review. Covers all topics matters with amazing demos. Thank you, man!
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Nah thank you Colin, and hope you do well in the Champions league - would love to see PSG sent home this early.
@mattsb17 Ай бұрын
Awesome video and great tones you’re getting ! This demo is a big reasons why I bought mine . I just recently put a 6v6 in my Gremlin and I feel like it fine tuned the amp to sound and feel even more blackface .
@CorNigrum Ай бұрын
I don't know where Tone King came from a few years back, but they are everywhere now, and they sound great. I mostly play metal, but this would be my clean channel of choice. Maybe Synergy ever does a module with Tone King.
@matthewmcclure8294 Жыл бұрын
Love this video man. Idk if you just started making videos, but it seems very professional and idk how you don’t have more subs! Keep making more videos brother! 🎸🤘🏽
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I've been making these for about a year and half so really just figuring it out as I go along. I don't think the algorhythm likes me enough or I must bore people but I do appreciate it!
@MarbsMusic Жыл бұрын
This sounds amazing! Looking to pick up the Fender Chris Stapleton 62 Princeton when I can but definitely impressed with the TK's ability to get that pure tube breakup! Sounds so sweet!
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
That's the amp I initially had my eye on, it was a great amp indeed just preferred this one to both that and the regular 65 reissue. Big difference between that one the 65 though, definitely preferred the Stapleton.
@diangara3298 Жыл бұрын
I've got the 62 reissue. It's a pretty unique beast compared to other fenders I've got. Pretty narrow frequency range. It's got low/high mids for days but doesn't have much low end punch/high end sparkle. I've run my 64 Princeton RI through the 62 cab and the speaker comes to life a bit more. And then ran the 62 through the 64 cab and that added a bit more range to the 62. So not sure if the stock speaker combined with the 62 circuit creates this narrow field of sound or what. Maybe that's what Chris specifically wanted for his stage sound and combined with his Jaguar. I'm considering buying another speaker to put in the 62. But i sense a rabbit hole and I've got a few other amps that do what this one doesn't. I do like it for it's individual characteristics and combined with the 64 Princeton it really adds the missing mids but on it's own I find it a bit limited in its range. But maybe it's got more to do with my playing style/guitars. I could also have an internal issue with my amp🤷Just a heads up if you haven't been able to play one in person. KZfaq vids can be a bit deceiving. On a side note, I played around with an eq pedal and that definitely added more frequencies but also a bit of noise which I find a bit annoying. The trem is very sweet.
@stephanematis Жыл бұрын
Nice review. My ancient Fender non-Reverb Princeton may need to be set aside at some point and this might be exactly the replacement. Thanks for getting into the depths.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Those old NR princetons are great but its nice having something that can get pretty close and have some other cool sounds in it. Happy this could help
@FilipeReishandmade 3 ай бұрын
I dig that telecaster color ! Stunning !
@AudiomoMusic 3 ай бұрын
if only it didn't have the fake relicing from the factory, would have been close to perfect!
@FilipeReishandmade 3 ай бұрын
@@AudiomoMusicPlease, whats the model name of this guitar and name of the color ?
@AudiomoMusic 3 ай бұрын
it was a fender custom shop 1960 journeyman relic telecaster in burgundy mist metallic
@FilipeReishandmade 3 ай бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic thank you man !!
@BravoActual4756 Жыл бұрын
Excellent review. Liked, subbed and obviously commented. Well done.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks man I really appreciate that and yes, I did see you commented haha
@IanNorsworthy Жыл бұрын
Amazing tones on this- the variation of tones is incredible too and very impressed with the option to switch the valve so easy if you want to as well - but that said I can’t imagine wanting to change that - beautiful tones!!!
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I think it'll be a lot of fun to mix things up and also keep in mind, should certain tubes not be available for one reason or another i have a huge stock and variety so the amp will always have a way to be repaired if the power tube goes out. Simply amazing
@jerryhorton5708 4 ай бұрын
Great review and tasty chops!
@AudiomoMusic 4 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot! I'll be doing the same kinda video for a different Tone King amp in the next few days!
@jerryhorton5708 4 ай бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic Awesome! I'll be on the lookout
@valueofnothing2487 Жыл бұрын
Well that sounds great!.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I happen to think so too! It really makes each guitar I try through it shine in it's own way too, it's been a while since I had an amp that did that.
@guitareveryone Жыл бұрын
I’ve got no experience with Tone King amps but have always loved that retro look. Great tone here.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
They look the part and now I know they also sound it as well, need to hit some sort of guitar youtuber lottery so I can buy the Imperial MKII and be done with it all 🤣
@guitareveryone Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic I agree. I would to try one of the higher power models although even 30 watts may be enough. Another amp I would just love to try is a Little Walter amp. They are so well built.
@billkline1450 Жыл бұрын
I found your video because I just left Guitar Center where I went to buy a Princeton, tried 3 different Princetons and they all sounded great. Then i plugged into the Gremlin and forgot about the Princeton. Absolutely love the simplicity of the amp, the attenuation is fantastic the sounds are so good. I just thought it was funny to hear you say the Princeton part of your video. Thanks for the video
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Hah! It really is the princeton killer, if it came with a spring reverb/tank I don't think Fender would be selling many Princetons at all anymore. I'm really happy you love yours and it is great that you had a very similar experience that I did in finding it
@Otrain82 11 ай бұрын
Amazing review. Just got the amp last week in part due to your review. Thanks!
@AudiomoMusic 11 ай бұрын
Love to hear that! Which color combo did you get and what do ya think so far?
@Otrain82 11 ай бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic I got the brown/cream color combo. I love your color and is favorite but just didn't think fit in my space as well. So far so good. What was the pedal you recommended in the video that you mentioned you don't have anymore. Believe a strymon, but I just can't make out in the video. I am beginner in learning process and have never used pedals but something I'd like to explore.
@AudiomoMusic 11 ай бұрын
I’ll rewatch the video to be sure of which but it had to have been either the flint or the volante from Strymon
@Otrain82 11 ай бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic 28:06 or so. I am pretty certain you said the Flint. Thanks for help. I noticed on your website you offer music consulting. Might this include gear recommendations? I would pay for the time of course.
@AudiomoMusic 11 ай бұрын
Absoluely and yeah it's he Flint. Shoot me an e-mail at info@audiomomusic.com I've helped people building rigs for both personal and touring purposes in the past it's right up my alley
@grawman67 Жыл бұрын
Color me really impressed by this bad boy. Great video, man! I always brushed off Tone King for some reason but I need to see if somewhere nearby has them to try. The clean tone itself can be tuned a lot with that tone knob and it sounds killer with a touch of reverb. And the drive is pretty killer! Especially when driving it!
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I've been playing it this morning with the Jaguar slightly broken up with reverb and it's just an absolute joy. The other stuff is great too but just the cleans and that edge of breakup are worth the price of admission in my book
@grawman67 Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic I agree. The cleans and edge of break up sounded great. Thanks for posting, just in general. Your videos are always awesome, man!
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks, I really do appreciate that you and others seem to enjoy these ramblings of mine haha
@Mitch-Master 6 ай бұрын
Good job bro
@AudiomoMusic 6 ай бұрын
Thanks man!
@Jakal-pw8yq Жыл бұрын
I don't know who your rep is at Sweetwater dude but I have never ever gotten a deal from those guys! Beautiful amp and it sounds wonderful! I have a tone king imperial Mark 1 without the attenuator and I absolutely love it! The reverb is to die for!! I play in a pretty loud Fusion band so I don't need the attenuator but I sure as hell need the ear plugs!😉 great demo man!!
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Oh I'd love a MK 1 of the imperial, those are incredible amps and the reverb is much better than the one on the Victory V40 deluxe I currently have but to get the sweet spot you absolutely gotta crank that thing up haha
@GUITARTIME2024 Ай бұрын
ask for caleb lowrey.
@SweetPicklenation Жыл бұрын
This amp kicks ass! Only use with teles though. Perfect for most small live gigs.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I 100% agree, the thing is unbelievably good
@glennevans5824 Жыл бұрын
Nice review….I had the falcon grande but even at home in apt..with attenuation it was only good for gigs..I’m thinking of the gremlin for more home use …this demo sounds like you can get that …tweed/blackface ..clipping ..pretty well and the tube options make it a versatile too..🤙🏻🤙🏻..Ps with tele in overdrive it has that zeppelin 1st album vibe..Supro
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Yeah the gremlin has become my number 1 at home amp. With no attenuation or set to the first two clicks you can still get a nice clean sound, but it's actually very, very usable the more you use it and up the volume and adjust the iron man ii accordingly for when you want to get dirty. It's just incredible really. Great amp!
@mossstephen1066 Жыл бұрын
I had the gremlin and the fixed attenuation levels didn't work for me. The first 4 notches or so are all too loud for home use on the tweed input. Last 2 usable but still either too loud or too soft with no dynamics. Plus the Tweed input is louder than the clean so you have to keep changing the attenuator when you change input. It's not practical.
@rafke182 9 ай бұрын
Nice review, can you gig with it or should i buy a princeton for home and gigging ?
@Kamil92Zgon Жыл бұрын
Great intro
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks Kamil, if only I could finish it and make a full song haha
@michaelweinman9051 Жыл бұрын
Coooooool!
@rumy6871 Жыл бұрын
Jim, may I please propose a video topic? Given your knowledge of telecasters, would you be open to doing a video that explaining the differences among 3 saddles, 6 traditional saddles, and 6 modern saddles. Pros and cons of each and moreover what kind of player would likely prefer which? I play mainly les pauls but would like to add a tele. I have tried them with all three versions of the saddles but it is hard to make a decision in the guitar store.
@518rhdavis Жыл бұрын
Oh yea, do your home work on this one Jim.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I went deep down this rabbit hole about 5 years ago, I tried every possible thing and even weighed each piece, we will see haha
@518rhdavis Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic i can help out on this hit me up on Instagram if you desire
@JBM_71 Жыл бұрын
Hey Jim! Not familiar with KT66 valves. How do they compare to, say, 6L6s in general and how might 6L6s change the tone in this particular amp? I mention 6L6s as a Fender amp guy! The amp sounds gorgeous by the way. 🙂🙂🎸🎸
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I think it will give it a bit more headroom if i switch to 6L6, especially if the preamp tubes go with 12ay7 over 12ax7. It's nice knowing that I can dramatically change the character of the amp here at home with ease. I also happen to have quite a few NOS 6L6 tubes so at some point you will indeed hear it with that instead
@Gaslight.Guitar Жыл бұрын
Hey, whats the difference of the channels volume wise? channel 2 is significantly louder than channel 1? thx
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Thankfully no it is not! It's a big problem I have with other amps but I will be doing a follow up video with humbuckers and I'll be sure to do a channel switch using an A/B box so you can hear for yourself.
@music-writinglife1813 9 ай бұрын
YOu need to do a Delta King demo :)
@AudiomoMusic 9 ай бұрын
If Supro sends me one I'd be happy to do it haha, I've thougth about the 64 reverb from them but haven't pulled the trigger yet
@clovergrass9439 6 ай бұрын
Putting a 12ay7 pre amp tube might sweeten the max volume. Or a different 12ax7 tube. I'm waiting for one right now via fed ex.
@TheHappyBeans 4 ай бұрын
This works great! With the stock tubes the Gremlin is mostly crunch/overdriven with humbuckers, switching out one of the 12ax7 with a 12ay really sweetens it up and gives you usable headroom.
@hormosapiens Жыл бұрын
Hey I have the same amp. I am curious to find different sound by changing the tubes. So what would be possible with a 5751 in V1 position and a KT88? Would love to hear another review with different tubes. Thanks
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I'm going to run this tube into the ground but I'm 100% going to experiement with other tubes once it goes. I'm going to have a LOT of fun with that
@vinced5741 Жыл бұрын
Best review of the Gremlin on youTube.
@sooparticular Жыл бұрын
JUST DISCOVERED U! U ARE AWESOME ..WHAT EXACT MODEL IS THAT TELE? GREETINGS FROM NYC!
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Hey Chris thanks man, we're from Inwood been a while since i've been back up that way. That tele is a custom shop 1960 tele custom
@sooparticular Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic kool I am subbing now Im lookin for a great electric all arounder...U like the tele or a kool prs p 90 guitar? u can get em for a good deal! where is In wood??? lol thanks
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Tele is the best of the bunch, but I love the PRS too. Inwood is in northern manhattan
@sooparticular Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic oh wow hey neighbor
@sooparticular Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic why did you write its been a while?? I live right next to you..lol some miscomunication here
@damianjoseph9222 Жыл бұрын
Hi Jim, any videos with the Jag through this amp?
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
That's a genuinely good question. I've absolutely used it in short form demos but never in depth. I haven't done a full video of the Jag yet, so when I do all the cleans will go through that.
@joeblack7841 Жыл бұрын
I've been looking at the Gremlin but headroom is a priority for me. Does anyone know what preamp tubes would help to get more headroom out of this lovely little amp?
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
It really isn't going to make a huge difference, and honestly if headroom is your number one priority I would be looking at a different amp and that's coming from someone that really does love this amp. Maybe the Falcon Grande or the Imperial would be better to save for.
@ScreamingMoon 7 ай бұрын
I find that Gibson SG"s tend to work best when doing tests like this. We all know they sound just a hair better than all other guitars for some reason, hence why they work well for testing amps and fx.
@AudiomoMusic 7 ай бұрын
Nah, the Telecaster is light years better than the SG at everything.
@Sams911 2 ай бұрын
well it's no Sky King, but for the $, it sure sounds close to as good!
@AudiomoMusic 2 ай бұрын
Sky King is one different animal indeed
@josephstewart5201 Жыл бұрын
No longer a Mark Bartel product, but still awesome, if I was into Jazz, and to be clear, in My view, my '65 Princeton is most definitely competitive with the Gremlin.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I'll always love princetons, I do at times miss the tank as well, but it's so much easier to hit the sweet spot with this amp I guess is the main thing I noticed playing them back to back. Tinnitus is.. something I suppose. Regardless of this amp or any others, I'll always love princetons too.
@tjnugent62 8 ай бұрын
I bet this amp sounds great with an EL34 or a 5881 for rich mids...
@Michael-xp1fq 7 күн бұрын
That pink tele is gorgeous.
@AudiomoMusic 3 күн бұрын
If only it wasn't relic'd, woulda been pure aces
@TomLuck Жыл бұрын
Do you feel like you miss the spring reverb in this amp?
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
It was my one and only concern about it, but I've found I actually don't mind at all. A solid reverb pedal in front of it does the trick perfectly, and it also gives me a sound I haven't heard in ages that I've grown to really like when adding a little bit of drive in front of it you simply don't get when the reverb is either built into the amp or used in an effects loop... it's dirty and really cool sounding.
@ushnicyuvnikof2748 Жыл бұрын
Do a Telecaster tier list. Is they American Series underrated?
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I have never done a tier list, but I'm sure I will anger many, many, many people if I do it. I think i'm going to do it haha
@ushnicyuvnikof2748 Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic Yep you could very easily set the Internet on fire - it's they oldest (1st) mass produced electric guitar. You could potentially trigger they entire guitar community - with ease. 🤣🤣🤣
@CustomTele52RI 5 ай бұрын
How does it compare to the Laney Lionheart?
@AudiomoMusic 5 ай бұрын
Good question, I haven't played one of those in quite some time so I couldn't give an honest take but I remember liking it
@bobpedone6168 7 ай бұрын
I purchased one of these, it works with a tele,BUT it is way too dark with any other guitar. With the treble up to max with humbuckers it was dark and muffled like a blanket was over the amp. On a stand, on hardwood, on carpet made no difference. I returned the amp to Guitar Satan and it sat there for over a year until they slashed the price and someone bought it. I still think it may have been defective
@AudiomoMusic 7 ай бұрын
Yep, this amp is extremely bright so I'd say you got a defect.
@f33fifofum Жыл бұрын
How loud can it get? Been eyeing off one as a home/recording amp for a while
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
It can get pretty loud indeed, but it's a tough call whether it will work clean with a drummer or trio in a live situation without help from the PA system. In the second video of this I do try it looped and then get behind the drum kit to try and show how it does in that scenario but this video would have been around an hour if I included everything and the two other guitars I ran through it. Soon enough we shall see!
@SweetPicklenation Жыл бұрын
I play live with this amp with a solid drummer. It’s plenty loud in a 3 piece band. I love this amp. Have Falcon grande as well but prefer gremlin!!
@waynegram8907 Жыл бұрын
What color is that telecaster, plum color? or metallic plum color
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
Burgundy mist
@waynegram8907 Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic I don't think fender or squire has this color the burgundy mist. The mist is a high end price color
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
there are lots squiers that have burgundy mist -a lot of the affinity line. There are also quite a few mexican Fenders that have them from the offset players to the vintera 60s strats.
@waynegram8907 Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic but it's not the same it's a burgundy mist metallic it's called. They added the metallic which the squires and other models don't have. It looks more like a plum metallic color
@stringlocker Жыл бұрын
It says assembled in the USA. Do you know what that means.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
"Tone King all-tube amplifiers and attenuators are proudly built in the USA using hand selected components. Each vintage-style design takes you on a tonal journey to the familiar sound of yesteryear." Of course some components are from overseas, just like even the highest tier of Gibson Custom Shops, Fender Custom shops, etc.
@stringlocker Жыл бұрын
Thank you. But for the price of the gremlin leaves me a little suspect. I mean the cabinet the chassis everything else I'm wondering if they just put the screws in. It seems like a great amp at a great price. Assembled could mean a million things. Thank you for your response it's not an easy thing to research. When companies are vague that means something's up. If that was totally made in the US cabinet and all it would be probably $2,000 or close to it. I do understand they have to go look in other places for certain capacitors. But I think assembled means more than that. I have to believe the whole thing is made in Asia and they just put it together.
@stringlocker Жыл бұрын
I'm not disrespecting Tone King. I'm actually ready to pull the trigger but I want to know what I'm getting.
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
I actually totally get your concern, I saw an in person tear down of a new Supro amp that was "assembled in the USA" and it was a complete disaster. Nothing I would remotely consider purchasing no matter how it sounds. That's the risk we all kind of take these days when it comes to these things, but having had this amp taken apart I can say it is quite obvious which one had more thought and precision used when being designed and built. I'll reach out to Mark and see if I can get him to give an actual concrete or answer of hell if I swing for the fences see if he'll actually give me a small interview about this topic as I feel it is something I wish more brands were transparent about.
@stringlocker Жыл бұрын
Okay cool thank you for your response.
@anthonycrystal33 Жыл бұрын
Lacking in low end and sounds a bit "tinny" to me!
@timjoseph887 10 ай бұрын
No reverb…
@AudiomoMusic 10 ай бұрын
That is correct, just like many of the original princetons
@keithanderson8488 Жыл бұрын
Sounds like a Telecaster, don't hear anything special about it
@AudiomoMusic Жыл бұрын
You just contradicted yourself, a telecaster that sounds like a telecaster is special.
@keithanderson8488 Жыл бұрын
@@AudiomoMusic i have 4 Telecaster,all custom, hand built,each makes same sounds because of way I play. It's the Amp,pedals that change things. Contradiction
@ushnicyuvnikof2748 Жыл бұрын
Bro 🤣 - a Tele is they best sound in the world!
@EdBenji 8 ай бұрын
All hype that's for sure!
@clovergrass9439 6 ай бұрын
Nope. Killer amp.
@EdBenji 6 ай бұрын
@@clovergrass9439 Only the price tag will kill you!
Pete Thorn
Рет қаралды 117 М.
60 Cycle Hum
Рет қаралды 44 М.