Portland, OR
Benson Amps
“I started building amps because I wanted something that didn’t exist yet - something that felt alive under my hands.”
~ Chris Benson
We carry pieces that answer one question: "does this make me want to play more?" Benson Amps answered that question instantly.
Plenty of amps sound good. Far fewer feel right. Benson circuits have that elasticity players chase - rich, dimensional cleans that bloom under your hands and transition into overdrive naturally, simply by changing your touch.
These aren’t clones. They’re original designs rooted in decades of tube tradition, built for modern reliability and expressive response.
Founder Christopher Benson is a guitarist first, and many of his designs began as personal tone quests.
Each amp is built in Portland, Oregon by a small team of craftspeople and musicians who understand that an amplifier isn’t just gear - it’s the engine behind your voice.
And in our experience, a great Benson often becomes the one you keep.
Original Circuits, Not Clones
While inspired by classic American and British traditions, Benson amps are not recreations. They’re thoughtfully engineered, original designs that blend vintage warmth with modern reliability and usability.
Touch Sensitivity Above All
Benson amps are celebrated for their dynamic response. Clean tones shimmer and bloom, and harmonic overdrive emerges naturally from your hands - not from pedals or excess gain.
Built by Musicians, For Musicians
Every amp is assembled in Portland, OR by a small team of working musicians and craftspeople. This isn’t factory production - it’s intentional, small-batch building with long-term ownership in mind.
