Q: What is the difference between the Mosaic, Mosaic MKII and the Velvet Glove?

A: The 8” Mosaic is my optimized 5F1 Champ circuit. with a Weber 8” speaker. The Mosaic MKII adds a tone control, larger cabinet and the T12Q Alnico speaker. The Velvet Glove retains the larger cabinet, but uses the T10Q Alnico speaker with a very special output transformer , different tube setup and high end capacitors throughout.

Q: What is the difference between the Cortez and Crema Wheat?

A: The Cortez is my dead stock 5E3 Deluxe reproduction with the period correct transformers and the T12 Alnico speaker which is a dead nuts clone of my original 1954 P12Q target speaker (Thank you, Ted Weber!). The Crema Wheat is my optimized version of the 5E3 with less bass, less sag, more dynamic range, gradual volume pot tapers and crunch on tap not to mention a catchy name.

Q: What is the difference between the Oxnard 12 and the Cortez?

A: The Cortez is the period correct 5E3 Deluxe clone. The Oxnard 12 is based on the 5E3 with less of the wooly Mammoth bass and more headroom. Think of it as a very pedal friendly 5E3.

Q: What is the difference between the Oxnard 12/25 and the Crema Wheat/Buckwheat?

A: The Oxnard series retain the typical tweed voicing that one would expect from any mid to late 1950’s Fender amplifier. The Crema Wheat and Buckwheat amplifiers feature a modified voicing that reduces bass and increases preamp gain, making them sound a little more edgy and modern.

Q: What is The Odessa Project?

A: The Odessa Project is a concept more than one specific circuit. If Jim Marshall had used the 5E7 Bandmaster as the basis of his JTM45 development, that’s about the starting point of The Odessa Project. From there, it’s pretty wide open and each amp in this series will be a custom piece that can be partially or fully spec’ed out to your wishes.

Q: Do any famous musicians use your amps?

A: Yes. I don’t generally list them because name dropping is gauche, but Tungsten amps have been used on every major stage from clubs to arenas, worldwide, by people that you’ve heard of. None of that should matter, tone is tone.

Q: Do you do endorsements?

A: No. I’m a one man shop and cannot compete with the deep pockets of the corporate amp companies. If you see a musician with a Tungsten amp, it means they liked it enough to buy it. That’s the most honest endorsement you’ll ever see in this industry.

Q: What is the order process?

A: Standard orders can be placed through the website. Custom orders should be called in. I also list amps on Reverb.com a few times per year.

Q: What is the turnaround time?

A: Current turnaround time is usually 90 days or less. Supply chain issues can cause delays that are outside of my control.

Q: Do you accept returns?

A: I do not accept returns. If you have any questions about which Tungsten model is right for you, please do not hesitate to give me a call. I’m always happy to help make sure that you receive the amplifier that best suits your needs.

Q: What is your warranty?

A: I offer a limited lifetime warranty on every amplifier that I build, as long as no one else has soldered inside the chassis. In the case that a modified/serviced amplifier needs repair or restoration, I am happy to bring them back to stock condition at normal bench rates.

Q: Do you offer repair services for vintage amplifiers?

A: Yes. I am happy to repair select vintage handwired amplifiers. I do not work on PCB amplifiers of any age. My bench rate is $125/hour plus parts and return shipping where applicable.

Q: Do you repair modern amplifiers?

A: Some. I will do repairs on modern handwired “boutique” amplifiers from reputable companies.