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, Heyboer, or Mercury Magnetics transformers. Manufacturing cost is kept to a minimum by using simple New Zealand pine cabinets covered in black DuraTex.
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
- 5 watts
- 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.
- $ 429.
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. Mercury Magnetics output transformer. 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
- 8 ohm output
- 5 watts
- One 12AX7, one 6V6, one 5AR4
- 14 3/4" wide x 8" tall (less feet) x 9" deep 13 lbs.
- $ 499.
Five Watt Attenuator. There are times when even a five watt amp can be too loud. This simple attenuator connects between the amp's speaker output and an 8 ohm speaker cabinet. Three settings: -6 dB, -12dB, and bypass.
3 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2" tall (including switches)
$59.
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. *Amps that are ordered with any custom cabinet options are not returnable. All amps come with a 3 year warranty covering parts and labor. Tubes have a 90 day warranty. Speakers are covered by their manufacturer's warranty. Normal wear and tear, abuse, modifications, and shipping costs are not covered. Contact us for more details.