Back in 1999 I modified three Silvertone model number 1472 guitar amps for a couple of guitar players and a harp player in the Raleigh area. The modifications consisted of making it a single channel with more gain and redesigning the phase inverter using a 12AU7 to give it a more dynamic response. This mod became very popular and soon I was modifying dozens of them. I showed one of these amps modified in this way to Stuart Carter of Fat Sound Guitars in Cary, N.C. and we decided to build our own version of it. This became the System 110, and in its original form consisted of (1) 12AX7,(1) 12AU7,(2)6V6 tubes with a triode-pentode switch making 6 and 12 watts. Since then I've utilized this front-end with many different power sections resulting in amps making anywhere from .9 to 30 watts. The simplicity of the design gives the amp a very versatile and dynamic characteristic. At the low end of the volume control the tone is very reminiscent of the 59 Bassman, and when cranked morphs into a very Marshall-like tone. This is the perfect amp for the plug and play player. In its original form, this amp is right at home on stage or in the studio. The lower wattage versions when coupled with de-tuned cabinets also work great in either venue.
