Dr Johnson's Handmade Vintage Tube Amplifiers in Coutts Crossing, New South Wales | Musical instrument store

Dr Johnson's Handmade Vintage Tube Amplifiers

Locality: Coutts Crossing, New South Wales

Phone: +61 432 147 041

Address: Armidale Rd 2460 Coutts Crossing, NSW, Australia

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25.01.2022 6G3 Brownface Deluxe circuit with the Doctors improvements... The Brownface deluxe 6G3 was one of the highest gain amps Leo ever created, think Marshall 18w without the bite..although short lived it has become a favourite among the fender classics, Watch as it is paired with its cabinet & 30w Lorantz driver, This amp will be for sale! Message me for details...

25.01.2022 How old are your Tubes? While your amp may still function correctly, your tubes will grow tired over time and their performance will diminish, loss of brilliance, tone, punch & general wow factor... If your amps has lost some of its mojo maybe consider some new tubes, you dont have to replace all the tubes, leave rectifiers, trem & reverb drivers in place if they are functioning ok, tonal benefits will be found in power tubes & early stage preamp....For the love of great Tone

25.01.2022 Birth of a Princeton Reverb! Latest build, PR AA1164 thats a little bit different. Seperate post coming shortly, this amp will be for sale!!

25.01.2022 Vox ac30 build exits the Lab... 1 x12 combo employing the vox AC30 circuits, no trem, normal & top boost channels & a warehouse ET65 speaker, It’s ‘voxy’ voice sings with authority...

25.01.2022 Dr Johnsons Laboratory Happenings.... Greetings friends, as usual theres plenty happening in the Lab, heres a couple you may enjoy... A recent revamp of a stunning 60s Aussie made Moody GA20, it was very original inside, full PTP so full recap was in order, replace faulty OT and a few pots and jacks. Interesting circuit layout and an unusual tube selection but jeez, what a sweet tonebox, think BF Fender with a bit more mids, very groovy reverb & trem. Original speaker re...moved for preservation and replaced with a Warehouse G12Q, Just perfect Next for some light entertainment, You have to hand it to the marketing team at Vox, this valvetronix amp came in for repairs, it boasts one 12ax7 in the preamp and to be absolutely sure the potential buyer can see the tube glowing (because its a real tube amp) they placed an amber led in the base of the tube socket that shines up through the tube so the fella can look through the vents and see his tube glow like a kid with a lollipop, Im sorry but thats just next level cheese imo

24.01.2022 Various stages of Cabinet production, Lots happening in my Lab atm, Heres a bunch of Cabs Im currently working on. Stay tuned as they all come together

24.01.2022 Who likes Blondes? Just completed this Princeton Reverb AA1164 in a 59 style Cabinet in naked Blonde finish. Such an awesome circuit, one of Leos best. Chassis made locally in Grafton, leather handle by Red horse leather in SA, Amp handcrafted in sunny Coutts Crossing, trying to keep these Amps as Aussie as possible, we can make great stuff here, we have in the past and I believe we still can! Thank you Anthony for your patience and placing your trust in Dr Johnson to build your dream Princeton

24.01.2022 **Is this your next Amp** 6G3 Brownface Deluxe circuit. Oozes creamy gain & the most amazing deep trem effect... Features normal & bright channels with tremolo effect on both channels.... Improvements over original design include: Fibreglass eyelet board Increased filtering Adjust fixed bias Centre tapped heater windings Elevated preamp ground buss Low inputs omitted. 12 30w Lorentz driver.. Weight- just 10.5kg This amp is for sale, completely handmade to DrJs ocd specs, unique amp, one off thats sure to please, if you know what to expect from a Brownface deluxe you will not be disappointed! Please message me (Marty) in messenger if youd like further info..

24.01.2022 **General notice** I have closed down my website Due to my general lack of IT geekiness I found it very difficult to be able to edit my website. I figured it was pointless having it sit dormant. Without being able to update it and keep it evolving made it a somewhat futile exercise.. However the Lab is still in full swing, Im always happy to answer any enquires and can be contacted via fb messenger or my email [email protected]... or call/txt on 0432147041 See more

23.01.2022 Outlaw Reverb Amp departs for central Queensland This was an ex demo amp I built a couple of years ago, I decided it was time to let her go...It got a good freshen up, changed grill cloth to oxblood/yellow stripe & some chocolate chicken heads.. 40w of spanking blackface tone, ready to honky tonk!

22.01.2022 Unique creation rolls out of the Birthing Suite Have had this project here for way too long & with an influx of jobs recently it was time to get it done. My good mate Marco knocked up this rustic looking cabinet & gave me the job of building the chassis & finishing it off.... We decided a clean 22w Ace of Clubs circuit with an added mids pot and hairy switch paired with a 12 Lorantz speaker would do the trick, It was a tight fit but managed to get it all in there..I had my reservations about the cabinet size & construction but this rig actually surprised me, tone rich machine and howls like a baby when you dime it. Heres a few snaps as it all came together ..Enjoy your weekend peeps

21.01.2022 Leather handles anyone? Just took delivery of these superb leather Amp handles, Beautifully hand made using English bridle leather, Big shout out to Jason Gwiazda for your skill and attention to detail, you are a master of your craft..... If anyones wanting a boutique quality upgrade in the handle department, Jasons your man.. See more

20.01.2022 **Laboratory Happenings **Pleased to announce an awesome new range of finishes are now available. Eight in total and offered as standard with every build, choice is good & these finishes can really give your amp the custom vibe Meanwhile....3 new amps under construction! Consisting of a 59 cab Princeton Reverb, 5e3 Deluxe with some special enhancements and venturing into the land of Vox, an AC30 1x12 combo, cabinets cut, box jointed & glued, ready for further routing,... fascias & cleats... Stay safe peeps & keep on pickin

19.01.2022 **Lets make the Speaker Baffle** Princeton Reveb speaker baffle comes together... The sterile looking grill was cloth washed in a coffee bath to tone it down some and complement the nicco stained faceplate. 10 speaker cutout for a vintage Celestion G10s-50 ... Photos attached for your viewing pleasure, stay tuned as this lovely amp comes together See more

19.01.2022 79 Vibrolux Reverb comes in for a luv up.. Main issue was one blown speaker, replaced with Jensen P10q Alnico & hardwire speaker connections. Balance power tubes, tension socket pins, Replace 3 faulty preamp tubes, reflow some crusty looking solder joints, De-ox pots & tighten all hardware, Scope & soundcheck and were ready to rock for another 40yrs ... love seeing these old amps restored to their former glory See more

19.01.2022 A pair of Dr Johnson’s Amps earning their keep at Ravenswood festival over the weekend, thanks for sharing Rick

17.01.2022 Tone Junkies caught loitering in the Lab.. AA1164 Princeton Reverb 6G3 Brownface Deluxe AB165 Bassman Combo

17.01.2022 Jeremy White came down to pickup his Fender Super 6 wall of tone..I think its in good hands & so glad this Amp will be seeing some playtime again after many years of dormancy... Thank you Jeremy for trusting the Doctor with this special Patient

17.01.2022 Outlaw Chassis Cut & stuff Currently working on a custom Outlaw, 1x12 40w BF Tone, with onboard tube verb, Building an entire amp is a complex task, it involves constructing sub assemblies in a methodical & logical way, and then marrying these assemblies together to create tonal rewards one would expect from the hours invested...... Heres a few snaps detailing the process of cutting the chassis, stamping and installing the engine room These Chassis are locally made in Grafton using 1.5mm aluminium sheet with fully welded seams..

16.01.2022 Outlaw assemblies come together, As we head down the home straight, this build has come together so nicely, Quite as a mouse & serious BF spank Just need to mount the reverb tank correctly and well give it some burn in time.... Heres some snaps that help document the birth of this killer tonebox..

16.01.2022 Ace of Clubs’ Reverb Amp Straight from the birthing suite... 22 watts of clean & spanky blackface tone, 2 x 6V6 power amp, mids pot, glorious tube reverb & 3 way impedance selector make for a great versatile combo, the amazing Warehouse ET65 really brings this amp to life. ... Bound for central Queensland, thanks Mick Conaghan for entrusting Dr Johnson to create your dream Amp

16.01.2022 Princeton Reverb Head & Matching 1 x12 speaker Cab departs for Tassie... Hobart is about to get a good dose of awesome tube tone.. Thank you James for choosing Dr Johnsons to create your dream amp..

15.01.2022 Jason Sines called in today to drop some amps in for service, while he was here he took the Princeton Reverb for a quick test drive with his very nice Fender avr strat in fiesta red, sweet tones all round Cheers Jas, was a nice catchup

15.01.2022 6 Amps caught loitering in the garden.. A rare gathering of some of DrJs creations; Top Left: 6G3 deluxe (for sale) Top centre: AA1164 Princeton Reverb Top right: 5F10 Harvard Fruitbox... Lwr left : 35w Preacher Amp (for sale) Lwr centre: AA864 Bassman combo Lwr right : 40w Outlaw BF Spank! Always happy to answers any questions...

14.01.2022 Next Contestant Ive been busy in the Lab lately... What your looking at is essentially a 22w BF clean crt with mids pot added, Its housed in my fruit box style cab, the thinner 15mm panels & 3/8 speaker baffle make for a highly resonant & light cab, paired with a 12 alnico Jensen, its simple circuitry yields tone that is clean and articulate, but certainly gets hairy up at the high end...and dont be fooled by its size, this thing can punch!... If you can picture this rig in your lineup...flick me a message!, this Amp is FOR SALE!! 22w Controls: Vol, Treb, Mid, Bass.. 2 x 6V6 power amp GZ34 Rectifier 9.5kg *** P12q Alnico Jensen

13.01.2022 PRINCETON REVERB For SALE! Fresh from the birthing suite... This Princeton Reverb comes in a 59 tweed style cab, different but actually looks rather scrumptious! Classic AA1164 crt, long spring verb, dreamy vibrato effect, features include fibreglass eyelet board construction, Hammond Iron, additional 1st stage filtering, low input omitted, bias pot added, elevated preamp ground buss, ... Amp Is nice & quiet and delivers the gorgeous Princeton tone youd expect.. This Amp is for sale Shoot me a message if youd like any further info *13w 1x10 Combo *tube Reverb & vibrato * 2 x 6V6 power tube * GZ34 Rectifier * Jensen P10q 40w Alnico speaker * weighs just 12kg

13.01.2022 Burning Baffles 3 sets of rear baffles get their Dr J logos burnt in with the branding iron bringing these cabinets one step closer to completion. Great day for a Rainbow

13.01.2022 Cabinet Construction hits the home straight.. Four Cabinets just about done, 2 are for combo conversions where the customer has supplied their chassis to me, a repro 6G3 Brownface deluxe & an original Blackface 64 bassman, The other two will be complete builds of Princeton Reverb in the 59 style Cab & Ace of Clubs Reverb Amp-22w BF with tube reverb onboard. Just about time to heat up the soldering iron again, Stay tuned, hope your all having a great weekend..

12.01.2022 Try that again , Troy Cassar-Daley test drives the Bassman combo, Thanks for the clip mate

12.01.2022 PRINCETON REVERB comes to life Always very rewarding to hear a new creation come to life for the first time. I often contemplate its future role, the places it will travel, the people who will play it & the pleasure she will give.. Bound for Nth Qld, Thanks for your order Rick Gough and placing your trust in Dr Johnson, Im sure youll chalk up plenty of great memories with this lovely Amp.... It was created with much love & passion See more

11.01.2022 Vox 1x12 Cabinet home run.... What will become a Vox ac30 in a 1x12 combo with the awesome Warehouse ET65 on duty.. Cab features new Jarrah stain with Aussie made leather handle by Redhorse Leather SA, thanks Jason, great product made right here in Oz.

11.01.2022 For your enjoyment, A 1974 Super 6 Reverb Amp pops in for some tlc... The amp came to me in original unmolested condition, begging for new filter caps, fried screen resistors & general tidy up, speaker baffle had turned to dust.. Its essentially a 100 watt amp powering 6x 10 Alnico speakers allowing this rig to sing with authority..

10.01.2022 PREACHER Amp...ready to Preach For Sale - $2200 The Preacher Amp is essentially a 5e3 tweed deluxe but runs larger iron for 6L6 bottles, power amp is converted to fixed bias circuit.....think 5e3 on Steroids! ... 35w 1 x 12 warehouse ET65 2 x 6L6 GZ34 rectifier. Adjustable fixed bias.. 15kg Flick me a message if you interested or for more info,

10.01.2022 . FOR SALE. Music Man are great quality workhorse Amps! c1980 Music Man RD-112 65w combo, This Amp came to me in original unmolested condition, I have replaced the main filter Caps, new tubes & replaced worn out grill cloth, general service & tighten up, This Amps ready to gig for another 39yrs... MM amps feature a solid state preamp section into a tube driven power amp, The result is big bold tone, stacks of headroom with gorgeous poweramp breakup on tap. Seriously well made amp! Like they actually took pride in their product Ponderosa Pine Cab, Jensen Speaker. 19kg Ill probably regret it but I just have too many tone machines around atm, Heres your chance to grab a classic Amp thats ready to rock FOR SALE - PM me for price, Thanks, ***Please stay safe anyone affected by these fires.. It got close to us but were fine. Shout out to the Amazing Firies for all their fantastic efforts, you guys are heroes

10.01.2022 **Respect your elders Our awesome drummer brought over a pile of old Down Beat magazines from the 60s, there were some classic Amp adverts in them so I snapped a few to share with you all.. Enjoy

10.01.2022 **And on goes the Tolex** Current Princeton build underway, today saw tolex application, fit handle, glides & shielding...thats one giant leap... Time to get into the circuitry side of things & breathe some life into this Rig Ive had quite a few orders come in lately so the Lab is in full swing You guys waiting for your builds, I very much appreciate your patience.

09.01.2022 Vox ac30 build exits the Lab... 1 x12 combo employing the vox AC30 circuit, normal & top boost channels & a warehouse ET65 speaker, It’s ‘voxy’ voice sings with authority...

09.01.2022 Exit stage left...Custom 5e3 Deluxe departs for WA The 5e3 custom Deluxe is built around the classic tweed 5e3 circuit and employs adjustable fixed bias & increased filtering to provide more headroom and smoother breakup. The warehouse G12q speaker sits right at home in this classic combo.. Thanks Rob Findlay for your order & patience during the build, I hope it lives upto your expectations.

08.01.2022 Beauty is more than skin deep... My passion is woven into each & every detail. They are all unique creations & all have their own distinct personalities

08.01.2022 Cabinet round up.. And just like that..three more Cabinets roll out. Busy few weeks, awesome custom finishes & grill cloth chosen by their respective owners.. But wait, there’s more! I still have much chassis & wiring work to complete before we can breathe some tone into these beauties..... Stay tuned as they approach the birthing suite See more

08.01.2022 Ace of Clubs Reverb Amp Straight from the birthing suite... 22 watts of clean & spanky blackface tone, 2 x 6V6 power amp, mids pot, glorious tube reverb & 3 way impedance selector make for a great versatile combo, the amazing Warehouse ET65 really brings this amp to life. ... Bound for central Queensland, thanks Mick Conaghan for entrusting Dr Johnson to create your dream Amp

08.01.2022 Whos a happy chappy then Steve trots out with his new Preacher Amp. The Preacher is built along the lines of a 5e3 deluxe, it boasts larger iron & 6L6 bottles in a 1x12 combo with the awesome warehouse ET65 speaker. Thanks for shopping with the Doctor Steve and enjoy your new Amp

07.01.2022 Outlaw eyelet board construction Eyelet board manufactured from 2mm fibreglass, German F&T Caps on filtering duties while Mallory, Sprague & Vishay Caps look after coupling & tone shaping.. Elevated preamp ground buss pays dividends in reducing noise as well as shield wires for reverb grids..(the reverb crt is the most sensitive to noise in the amp and care must be taken in layout & design to tame the wild beast...... Check out the process..

07.01.2022 New cabs, new finishes,

05.01.2022 6G3 Brownface Deluxe Amp FOR SALE - $2100 Wicked little Amp, one of Leos highest gain creations, it can really scream, 2 channels offer different voicings for added versatility,... Dr Johnsons luv factor throughout! 15w 1 x 12 Lorantz driver 2 x 6v6 GZ34 rectifier.. 10.5kg Adjustable fixed bias. And features the most amazing tremolo effect Ive ever heard... Please message me if your interested or would like further info

04.01.2022 Rare one off STAR AMP 5w 1x12 Tiny Terror for SALE! A second bite at the cherry , I built this amp for Shannon about 18 months ago, his circumstances have changed and he unfortunately has to let it go.. What we have is the much loved 5w Champ circuit 5F1 housed in my Fruitbox style cabinet with a unique & vintage handcrafted Star shaped speaker baffle..it would certainly make a nice surprise under the tree this Xmas...IS THIS YOUR NEXT AMP?? 5 watt 1x12 warehouse speaker...! The Amp is located in Goulburn NSW and Shannon is happy to freight anywhere in OZ at buyers expense...The amp is in as new condition and he has recently retubed it with premium Genalex gold lion tubes, asking price is $1800- negotiable...

03.01.2022 Princeton Reverb Head & cab arrives safely in Hobart, tonight it makes its debut as James Hunts band plays support for Red Hot Chilli Peppers! So much love for the Princeton, one of Leos best creations..

03.01.2022 Custom built Cabinet for Princeton Reverb chassis. Jason sent me his PR chassis and we got to work making his dream cabinet to suit.. Premium knot free pine, box jointed, 12 speaker baffle dressed in oxblood with yellow stripe ... Dead Cabs Restorations New Builds Heads to Combos **Dr Johnsons can custom build a cabinet to suit your requirements.. Drop me a line anytime...