The Home/Studio amps came about due to the Covid-19 shutdown. Certain suppliers had closed and parts needed to build the other amps weren't available. I had a handful of chassis and blank faceplates that had been in the attic for years. I figured that, since all the bars, restaurants, and theaters were closed and there were no gigs, guitar players could use an inexpensive amp intended for home use. The original run sold out very quickly so I decided to add the amps as a permanent part of the lineup. They're built like the other amps - hand wired turret board, chassis mounted tube sockets, jacks, and switches, Hammond transformers. Manufacturing cost is kept to a minimum by using simple pine cabinets covered in black DuraTex and faceplates without lettering.
First up is the 5F1, based on the '58-'64 Champ with a few upgrades. It's a single-ended amp with one 6V6 power tube and a Volume control. That's about as simple as it gets and it puts the tone in your hands and your guitar's volume and tone pots.
Features:
- Two inputs
- Volume control
- 4 and 8 ohm outputs
- One 12AX7, one 6V6, one 5AR4 A 12AY7 is an excellent, lower gain substitute for the 12AX7. May be ordered with either tube.
- 14 3/4" wide x 8" tall (less feet) x 9" deep 13 lbs.
- $399.
In 1964 the blackface AA764 amp was introduced. It added the "blackface" EQ to the Champ. Again, there are minor enhancements to the original circuit as well as the addition of a Mid control. This amp has the classic mid-scooped tone and doesn't break up nearly as quickly.
Features:
- Two inputs
- Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass controls
- 4 and 8 ohm outputs
- One 12AX7, one 6V6, one 5AR4
- 14 3/4" wide x 8" tall (less feet) x 9" deep 13 lbs.
- $449.
The 5 has been our most popular amp since its introduction in 2006. It is based on the blackface Champ with many added features and upgrades. The Mercury Magnetics output transformer, the larger cabinet, and the Eminence GA-SC64 12" speaker allow the amp to be louder with greater low end than the original amps ever could. A Midrange control and pull bright switch have been added to the tone stack for greater flexibility. The Gain control blends the tone stack out of the circuit for greatly increased gain and midrange. When the Gain is up full, the amp is essentially a tweed Champ. The Gain control is also foot switched and can be used to toggle between a clean rhythm tone and a louder, more distorted tone for leads. A Master Volume control allows you to dial in as much distortion as needed with the Volume & Gain controls at any volume.
- Front Panel: Volume, Gain with Pull Bright Switch, Treble, Mid, Bass, Master Volume
- Rear Panel: AC Switch, Speaker and Extension Speaker Jacks, Foot Switch Jack
- Tubes: 12AX7, 6V6 or 6L6, 5AR4
- Dimensions: 20"w x 16"h x 9 1/2"d. 31 lbs.
- $899. Available as a head for $799.
The 18 and 36 are based on the 22 and 35 watt blackface amps of the mid 60's. They're identical in size and features. Single channel with 3 band EQ. Choke filtered power supply. Convenient bias measurement points. The ideal pedal platform. A 1x12" combo that's smaller and lighter than any of the amps from the 60's. The 18 has a pair of 6V6 power tubes and the 36 has 6L6s.
- Front Panel: Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass
- Rear Panel: AC Switch, Speaker and Extension Speaker Jacks
- Tubes: 12AX7, 12AT7, 6V6 pair (18) or 6L6 pair (36), 5AR4
- Dimensions: 20"w x16 1/2"h x 9"d 34 lbs.
- 18 - $1199. 36 - $1299.
Order Info
Gries amp are sold directly from the manufacturer or at a small number of select dealers.
Contact us at 508-287-2339 or:
We accept payment by check or money order at:
Gries Amplification
P.O. Box 514
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Or Paypal at:
Gries amps are also available at:
Alpha Audio Works
Mystic, CT
860-572-0460
All amplifiers are sold on a 3 day trial basis. Amps may be returned for a full refund, less shipping, in new condition. Contact us for more details.