For our money? Brian Gerhard of TopHat Amplifiers has created 'the' perfect AC15-based combo.

Why We Love This

The new TopHat Puretone 18's name says it all - this simple, AC-15-based amp delivers just that. Pure Tone, nothing more, nothing less.

A remarkably great sounding, touch sensitive Princeton Reverb sized 1x12 combo, the Puretone features two identical channels based on a 12AX7 driven AC15 circuit. Each channel features a volume and a fat-off-bright switch with a global tone control for final tone shaping. With the aid of a simple A/B box (not included), you can 'preset' your clean and overdriven sound which would makes this the perfect grab-and-go combo with no need for an overdrive pedal.

One major difference between the Puretone and a Vox AC15 - which to be sure, the Puretone isn't a clone - is the bass response and the way it breaks up. The Puretone has a much fuller low end than any AC15 we've owned or played, and the break-up is quite a bit richer and less bristly than an AC15 (which gets somewhat ragged when pushed - in a cool way, but it's not always want you want).

A fantastic amplifier we'd be proud to own!!
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Brian Gerhard has been building Vox and Marshall-inspired amps for decades, while amassing a legion of users like Bonnie Raitt, Buzz Feiten, Cesar Rojas, Dan Huff, David Hidalgo, Dean Parks, Elliott Smith, Greg Leisz, Michael Landau, Pete Thorn, Rusty Anderson, Tim Peirce, Walter Becker, and many more if you can believe it! Incredible tones, incredible attention to detail, relentless devotion to quality, and an unwavering excitement for the craft are hallmarks of Brian's work. Think Two Rock, Bartel, etc...meaning, these are seriously well made amps.