Bad Cat Amplification proudly announces the Cub 15 Mod Shop Edition, a handcrafted, American-built amplifier that returns one of the company's most beloved designs to its original philosophy while incorporating refinements developed over more than two decades of amplifier building.
Available as either a 1×12 combo or head, the Cub 15 Mod Shop Edition traces its lineage directly back to the original 1999 Mark Sampson Cub. Rather than chasing higher gain or additional complexity, Bad Cat focused on refining what made the original amplifier exceptional: dynamic response, touch sensitivity, harmonic richness, and effortless musicality.
Powered by two EL84 output tubes delivering 15 watts, the Cub features a completely re-voiced EQ section engineered to more closely capture the character of the original Cub while expanding its versatility for modern players. A single-channel layout is paired with a Clean/Overdrive selector and dual foot-switchable master volumes, allowing players to move seamlessly between rhythm and lead settings without sacrificing simplicity.
"The Cub helped define who Bad Cat became," said Jon Bingham, Director of Sales at Bad Cat Amplification. "This wasn't about creating another version of the Cub—it was about rediscovering what made players fall in love with it in the first place. Every decision was made to preserve the feel, immediacy, and musical response that made the original amplifier so inspiring."
Built entirely in Costa Mesa, California, each Cub 15 Mod Shop Edition features Bad Cat's hand-wound transformers, a Baltic birch cabinet, a UK-made 12-inch Celestion Greenback speaker in the combo, buffered effects loop, studio-quality reverb, balanced line output, and a two-button footswitch included with every amplifier.
The Cub occupies a unique place in the Bad Cat lineup. While many amplifiers attempt to recreate classic British tones, the Cub builds upon that heritage with greater dynamic range, tighter low-end response, and the articulate, harmonically complex voice that has become synonymous with Bad Cat over the last twenty-five years. Whether played clean, pushed into edge-of-breakup, or driven into singing overdrive, the Cub responds naturally to the player's touch rather than relying on excessive preamp gain.
Key Features
- 15-watt EL84 power section
- Re-voiced EQ inspired by the original 1999 Cub
- Single-channel architecture
- Clean/Overdrive selector
- Two foot-switchable master volumes
- Bass, Middle, Treble, and Global Presence controls
- Studio-quality reverb
- Buffered effects loop
- Balanced line output
- Hand-wound Bad Cat transformers
- Baltic birch cabinet
- UK-made 12" Celestion Greenback (combo)
- Built by hand in Southern California
- Five-year limited warranty
Pricing & Availability
The Cub 15 Mod Shop Edition Head carries a U.S. street price of $1,999.99, while the 1×12 Combo is priced at $2,199.99. Both models are available at all authorized Bad Cat dealers beginning July 30, 2026.
