Why Magnatone Makes Some of the Best Guitar Amps in the World

When it comes to boutique American guitar amplification, Magnatone stands apart as a true original. Born in the 1930s and refined throughout the golden age of rock 'n' roll, Magnatone’s amps were the secret weapons of studio greats and live legends alike. Known for their shimmering true pitch-shifting vibrato and rich, dynamic tone, these amps weren’t just tools, they were part of the performance. Fast forward to today, and Magnatone has not only retained its identity but evolved it, delivering vintage-inspired amps that are hand-built in the USA with precision, passion, and a clear love for tone.

Magnatone’s resurgence in the modern era is more than nostalgia, it’s innovation with integrity. While many amp builders chase the past, Magnatone blends it with the present, offering bulletproof construction, refined circuit design, and features that cater to both studio players and road warriors. The brand has found new life on the stages of iconic players such as Billy Gibbons, Slash, Neil Young, and Lukas Nelson, each drawn to Magnatone’s lush cleans, rich harmonic breakup, and perhaps most famously, their next-level tremolo.

That Legendary Magnatone Tremolo

Let’s talk about the one thing no other amp does quite like a Magnatone: tremolo and vibrato. Unlike standard amplitude tremolo found in most amps, Magnatone’s circuit uses true pitch-shifting vibrato, which creates a lush, swirling movement that sounds more like a vintage tape machine or a Uni-Vibe than a traditional tremolo.

Their Stereo Pitch-shifting Vibrato, which can be found on amplifiers like the Panoramic Stereo, offer a 3D sonic landscape that surrounds you with movement and modulation. Whether you're playing surf, ambient, indie, or classic rock, this tremolo is not a gimmick, it’s a musical tool that inspires new ideas.

Varsity Reverb – The Modern Vintage Workhorse

A modern classic, the Varsity Reverb is a 15-watt EL84-powered combo that delivers vintage British chime with an American soul. Think Vox meets Supro, but smoother. It’s known for its touch sensitivity, glassy upper mids, and ability to cut through a mix without sounding harsh. From indie to blues, garage rock to country, the Varsity is a go-to for gigging musicians who need reliability and character in one box.

Its sweet spot covers a broad sonic spectrum. It's crisp and clear enough for nuanced jazz articulation, yet gritty and punchy enough to drive roots rock and blues. The Varsity responds beautifully to pedals, preserving your tone while adding dynamic depth. Whether you’re playing solo or powering through a full band mix, this amp delivers warmth, clarity, and a vibrant presence that makes your guitar truly sing.

The Magnatone Varsity Reverb features two inputs for high and low sensitivity pickups, a Volume control that drives gain and breakup, and Bass and Treble knobs for precise tone shaping. It includes a smooth, spring reverb with its own control, plus a Feedback Switch that adjusts the amp’s feel by engaging a negative feedback loop. The amp comes with a two-button footswitch to toggle feedback boost and reverb on and off. Additional controls include a Standby switch for tube longevity, a Power switch, and outputs for remote speakers and line-level DI use.

Baby M-80 - Powerful Tones, Small Size

The Baby M-80 may be the little sibling of the M-80 series, but it punches way above its weight. This 20-watt combo delivers rich, articulate tones that range from sparkly cleans to crunchy overdrive, perfect for recording and small gigs. It’s incredibly touch-sensitive, making it ideal for players who love to control their gain with just their guitar’s volume knob.

Think of it as a modern take on a classic American amp, but with tighter low end, smoother mids, and a more refined top-end sparkle. It shines in blues, classic rock, and Americana, offering the kind of dynamic response that rewards expressive playing.

The Magnatone Baby M-80 features a straightforward input for your instrument, with a Gain Select switch that toggles between LO gain for classic clean tones with slight crunch and HI gain for rich, chewy overdrive. The Gain knob controls the amount of distortion, breaking up around 3 to 4, while the Master controls overall volume, with power tube saturation starting around 6 to 7. Tone shaping is handled by Treble and Bass controls centered at 2 kHz and 60 Hz respectively, with a unique mid scoop activated at full bass for added tonal versatility. For pedal integration, the Baby M-80 includes FX Send and FX Return jacks, ensuring seamless connection with your effects chain using high-quality shielded cables.

Panoramic Stereo 2x10 – The Ultimate Studio Amp

The Magnatone Panoramic Stereo 2x10 is a dream come true for tone connoisseurs. This 22-watt stereo-output combo creates a wide, immersive soundstage that must be heard to be believed. It’s powered by four EL84 tubes and voiced for articulate cleans and creamy breakup at player-friendly volumes—ideal for recording engineers, ambient musicians, and jazz players who seek pristine tone rich with character.

The Panoramic shines with its dimensional clean tones and expansive stereo modulation effects. It’s perfect for players who use stereo pedals, ambient textures, or experimental sounds, turning any pedalboard into a versatile sonic playground. Its unique stereo design delivers lush, spatial depth that transforms the way your guitar interacts with the room.

The Panoramic Stereo 2x10 features two inputs: Input 1 (High Sensitivity) for guitars with lower output pickups, providing maximum frequency response and clarity, and Input 2 (Low Sensitivity) which reduces the input signal by 6dB, ideal for hotter pickups or players seeking a cleaner tone with less gain. The Volume knob controls overall gain and volume, with natural breakup beginning around 6 to 7 on the dial. Treble and Bass controls allow you to shape high and low frequencies centered at 2 kHz and 60 Hz respectively, while the smooth Reverb adds lush ambiance with optimized decay.

The FM/AM switch lets you toggle between Magnatone’s exclusive pitch-shifting vibrato (FM) and classic amplitude tremolo (AM), both adjustable with the Speed and Intensity control. For hands-free operation, the optional remote pedal disables the front panel speed knob and controls the effect rate. Additional features include stereo remote speaker outputs, a speaker-compensated line out designed for DI use (speaker load required), a standby switch to prolong tube life, and a standard power switch.

Slash SL-100

Built in collaboration with Slash, the SL-100 is a 100-watt monster that balances British grit with American power. Think searing leads, thumping low-end, and rich sustain—all tailored to a rock legend’s standards. But it’s more versatile than you’d expect. At lower volumes, it cleans up beautifully, offering tight, clear articulation for rhythm work.

Ideal for hard rock, classic metal, and stadium-level gigs, the SL-100 is for serious players who want their amp to push air and respond to nuance. Whether you're riffing through a Les Paul or noodling on a Strat, the SL-100 brings every note to life with authority.

 

The Slash SL100 features a clean and powerful front panel with LO and HI gain modes, offering everything from classic British crunch to rich modern overdrive. A four band EQ section with Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence controls allows precise tone shaping, while the Master Volume sets the overall output without affecting gain character. The amp includes High and Low sensitivity inputs, a tube buffered effects loop for seamless pedal integration, and a speaker compensated line out for direct recording or live use. There is no onboard reverb or vibrato, keeping the signal path focused on delivering pure, uncompromised tube tone.

Starlite Reverb 1x8

Don’t be fooled by the Starlite Reverb’s diminutive size, this 5-watt 1x8 combo is one of the most expressive small amps on the market. Built for low-volume players, apartment dwellers, and recording aficionados, the Starlite delivers sweet, harmonically rich tones that bloom beautifully under a microphone.

It’s voiced with vintage tone in mind, making it perfect for blues, jazz, and roots players, but it also works wonderfully with pedals, serving as a compact platform for creative soundscaping.

The Starlite Reverb offers two inputs: Input 1 is a high-sensitivity option that delivers maximum clarity and full frequency response, ideal for standard or vintage-output pickups. Input 2 reduces the signal by 6dB, making it perfect for hotter pickups or players seeking a cleaner tone. A single Volume control sets the amp’s overall level, with natural breakup starting around five or six. The Tone knob covers a wide range of voicings, from Black Panel sparkle to Tweed-style warmth, with a subtle mid-cut below halfway. A Feedback Switch adjusts the amp’s feel by engaging a negative feedback loop, and the onboard Accutronics Digi Log Reverb adds lush, spring-inspired ambience. An external speaker output is also included.

Why You Should Buy A Magnatone From Peach Guitars

Magnatone amplifiers are a rare blend of vintage character and modern performance. From their iconic true pitch-shifting vibrato to their hand-built quality, these amps deliver a playing experience that goes beyond tone. Each model is crafted with care in the USA, offering rich cleans, dynamic overdrive, and an unmistakable sonic personality. Whether you are a studio guitarist, a live performer, or a tone purist, Magnatone offers something truly special. 

Peach Guitars is proud to be one of the UK's top destinations for premium guitar equipment, and Magnatone is a standout part of our lineup. Our team is passionate about helping you find the perfect amp, and we offer expert guidance whether you visit us in store or shop online. Every Magnatone amp we stock is hand selected to meet the needs of serious players who want the best in tone and reliability.

To check out our full Magnatone range, CLICK HERE