I'm shopping for a new amp, one with reverb and that I can crank at home without getting arrested. I've narrowed my choices to the Kingsley Deluxe 30 and the Victoria Regal II, and perhaps the Carr Mercury as a distant third. I'm fond of Tweed or vintage American tones as I own a Tweed Deluxe reproduction, which I'd guess would have most people pointing me to the Victoria because the Kingsley is apparently more AC30-ish; but I'm speaking out of ignorance as my preferences are constrained by the very few amps I've listened to, and maybe I'd like the Vox sound as much. Both amps have power scaling of sorts; it's part of the Victoria and an option for the Kingsley, although the Kingsley can also run in triode mode. I'm also not sure whether the 15-inch speaker on the Victoria might sound too boomy.

If anyone on the board knows something about either or has an opportunity to play through them, I'd very much appreciated your thoughts.

Gregory

I'm no expert, but the Regal II sounded fantastic when I was trying my new G&L through one last year. Never heard an amp with tone so rich (though I'm working from a small sample). I tried the Carr a couple of weeks ago when I was test-driving the CL and I-35. It sounded good, but I'd have to spend more time with it (didn't find out if it would overdrive, for example). Just my $0.02.

Much appreciated, Uponamouse. The thought of running a single 6V6 flat out and playing with the trem sure makes the Victoria Regal appealing.

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Both amps have power scaling of sorts; it's part of the Victoria and an option for the Kingsley, although the Kingsley can also run in triode mode. I'm also not sure whether the 15-inch speaker on the Victoria might sound too boomy.

Correction to my original post: the Victoria Regal II does not have power scaling. You can swap power tubes or run just one instead of two, and that allows outputs of between five and 35 watts. Pretty cool I think.

Gregory,

Before you buy anything in the tweed range, I absolutely urge you to check out the Swart Atomic Space Tone. About 20 watts, on-board tube reverb and tremolo. Simply phenomenal sound. Has all the familiarity of a vintage tweed, but there's more magic. I can play it at just about any volume with no sacrifices in sound quality. Call Stu at Fat Sound Guitars for a better description of this incredible amp. Anyone considering something in the tweed department should give this one a serious look. Best of luck in your search.

Thanks for the heads-up, JS. I'll try one. I think that Boutique Tone in Montreal carries them.

Regards,

Gregory

Agree on the Swart AST. I'm very pleased with mine. Let us know what you end up deciding on.

Robert

Thanks Robert,

Haven't had a chance to try a Swart Atomic Space Tone yet, but I think one drawback for me will be the 20 watts. I want to be able to crank it at home, so I'd like something I can configure to 5 or 7 watts max.

Hello everyone,

Just to let you know that my Victoria Regal II arrived yesterday. Tweed and came stock with two 6L6s and a Weber Alnico 15-inch loudspeaker. The tremolo and reverb are outrageous. What fun playing Walk Don't Run a la The Shadows on an I-35 Deluxe! I was a little concerned that the 15-inch speaker would be too boomy, but it's not at all, actually just tight enough and is already breaking in nicely. Since it can take any combination of one or two tubes (6L6, 6V6, EL34, KT66), I'll most definitely swap the two 6L6s for a single 6V6 because I'm fond of that sound.

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful amp suggestions when I was on my hunt,

G.

Congrats, Gregory! I'm still trying to convince my spouse that I should get a Regal II. I would love it if you could post some sound files some time, if you're willing. No hurry---just enjoy that amp!!!

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Congrats, Gregory! I'm still trying to convince my spouse that I should get a Regal II. I would love it if you could post some sound files some time, if you're willing. No hurry---just enjoy that amp!!!

Love to, but let me get my courage up. I'm still a relative novice, although I don't know how long I can use that excuse. The amp is built like a tank. There's also a very useable difference between the two inputs. The second allows for quite subdued playing. The first is perfect for bringing out humbuckers.

Gregory,What's the weight on that Vicky ? Being a member of the OFWBB club (Over Fifty With Bad Back)...I gots to know.That seems like a really great design to be able to swap tubes and power.Keep giving us tone updates as your Regal II breaks in.Thanks