Austin 18
The Austin 18 is an 18-watt Class AB amplifier that
combines many of Bilco’s unique features creating one of the smoothest
amps ever produced. Don't be fooled by the low wattage, this single
channel monster has plenty of headroom, making it the perfect gigging
amp and equally at home in the studio.
EL-84 tubes were chosen to attain that exceptional punchy clean and ballsy crunch tones that vintage British amps are famous for. When you dig in, it produces moderate break-up to heavy saturated gain with massive bottom end and throaty mids while maintaining its focus.
Austin 30
The Austin 30 is an
30-watt Class A amplifier that
is based loosely on a Marshall JTM-45...The beauty of this amp, is that
it offers a cathode biased circuit so that you can choose EL-34, 6L6, or
KT-66 tubes without the need to re-bias! It offers a similar tone
to the 18 watt model, but a little more volume and the option of
changing the power tubes to suit your personal taste.
Bilco Austin 2550
Bill Nance announces the introduction of a new line of amplifiers under the Bilco brand name, spearheaded by the newest in the Austin line, the Austin 2550. This amplifier, as denoted by the title, has 50 clean watts of pure EL34 power (72 max) with a clean channel and a separate drive channel, footswitchable. Simplicity was foremost in the design of this amp, as denoted by the clean front panel layout. Volume 1 ( clean), Gain and Volume 2 ( drive), and shared treble, middle, bass, and presence controls are featured. Designed into the package is a tube-driven parallel effect loop with separate send and receive levels. Green (clean) and red (drive) LEDs are included, as well as a red LED on the footswitch to indicate mode of operation (as if you couldn’t tell!) There is also a 25 watt mode for those intent on torturing the power section for the ultimate tone at a reasonable volume. (By the way, this is encouraged!) 1-12”, 2-10”, 2-12”combos as well as heads are available. The 1-12” features the Eminence “TonkerLite” 125 watt 12” speaker for max headroom as well as fabulous tone. The 2-10” features an Eminence Ramrod-Lil’ Buddy hempcone combination for a fat, complex tonality.
The Austin “Hot 5” is a 5 watt monster. Featuring the gain channel from the 2550 with a clean option, it allows rockstar tone at a whisper volume. Perfect for recording! A 10” Eminence Lil’ Buddy hempcone speaker, 6V6 tube (supplied with a 6EY6 for better headroom), 5Y3 recto tube and 2-12AX7 preamp tubes are featured as well. Preamp out-power amp in and ¼” speaker jacks allow for patching flexibility. Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Master controls round out the picture. High and Low gain inputs are featured a’la 2203.
Speaking of which, if you’re a “set and forget” type of player and don’t really use channel switching, there are 3 other options. The Austin 118 (2- EL84), 150 (2- EL34) and 1100 (4-EL34) feature the simplicity of the Hot 5 front end with the addition of a presence control and 18, 50, and 100 watts respectively. The parallel effect loop from the 2550 is included. Austin 118 and 150 available in head, 1-12”, 2-10”, and 2-12” versions, Austin 1100 in head and 2-12” versions only. 1-12”, 2-12”, 2-10” and 4-12” cabs available as well.
Of course, the obvious question is, “how does it sound?” Well, tone is subjective, so let’s just say that there’s a “Spoonful” of sweetness here, and you can “Fillmore” spaces up with it. Your wardrobe may change to “Back In Black” once you come to the “Crossroads”! (Enough pun-ishment.)
With the addition of there amplifiers to the Bilco “Austin” range, there is an amp to be found for every serious player here.
P.S. If it looks British, why “Austin”? Simple. Tone as big as Texas.
Bill Nance
Hanahan, SC USA
July10, 2007
Bilco also offers Vintage Blackface and Tweed designs, as well as modern high gain models or modifications to virtually any type of tube amp
For pricing, availability, options, etc...
Call Bill Nance
843-452-1272
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