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65amps Introduces the Empire

The Empire represents years of attention and ultra-detailed research into the subtleties of several eras of EL34-based British amps ranging from the mid-sixties up through the ‘90s.

North Hollywood, CA (February 9, 2011) – 65amps introduces the new Empire 22-Watt head. The Empire represents years of attention and ultra-detailed research into the subtleties of several eras of EL34-based British amps ranging from the mid-sixties up through the ‘90s. Taking the best from each era, 65amps has put together the Empire, which can deliver three distinct, useful and rich British tones.


Players can select their tone of choice using a foot pedal or the select switch. The first voice is derived from that cleaner early ’60s Townsend-like tone; the second is from the classic, fat and dirty ’68-’72 era; and the third is a higher-gain, hot-rodded ’80s tone. Bass, Mid and Treble controls, plus 65amps’ proprietary Bump switch, let you tweak the tone to your liking. Three independent volume controls allow you to set the level of each voice as you wish. The Empire can instantly go from a crunchy rhythm to a wailing lead and everything in between.

The Empire tube compliment consists of 2 6V6s and a 12AX7 preamp. 65amps owners Peter Stroud and Dan Boul have worked their magic to make 6V6s sound exactly like vintage EL34s. The pair has been pursuing this effect since the late ‘80s when they used to mod small old American amps to sound like big British amps. With over 20 years of pursuit, they discovered the exact formula! Equipped with 65amps’ proprietary “Master Voltage,” the Empire can deliver amazing tone at a variety of volumes, from big stages to bedroom volumes. With the 65amps Empire, now guitarists can have those classic British sounds at their fingertips at volumes that meet modern requirements.

Dan Boul, president of 65amps, shares, “Peter and I have been chasing this sound that we’ve been in love with ever since we were little kids, and we weren’t going to share it with anyone until we got it just right. Now guys can go out and gig with a proper amp that’s the right power level for today’s players. The Empire truly is the amp we’ve been dreaming of making for years, and we are so pleased with the response players have been having to it.”

65amps Empire list price: Head $2900

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