Watkins Westminster

Dating from around 1963, this Westminster has long been my go-to amp in the studio: often outclassing vastly more expensive – but admittedly better-looking – vintage Fender, Vox and Marshall amps from the same era. 

Don’t be fooled by this amp’s restrained looks – sonically it’s an absolute beauty. Close your eyes and listen – the sound is unmistakably that of a top vintage valve amp – rich, warm, huge tones with great break-up when pushed hard. This little 10w amp has all the right components brought together in one of Charlie Watkins best amp designs: it has a full complement of original Mullard valves, original 8” Elac speaker – and a great tremolo circuit complete with footswitch.

It sounds fabulous, is a joy to play through and an absolute revelation when recording, sounding bigger and more expensive than it’s diminutive stature suggests. In short, a belter of an amp that’s not so loud that you can’t use it for great tone at home – delivering sweet creamy valve tones at living room levels.

There are two inputs and controls for Volume, Tone and Tremolo Speed.

The condition is fair – it has sustained woodworm damage (no longer active!) with holes visible mainly on the front and rear. It also has some other scuffs and signs of wear and age including one missing knob cap. It was given a thorough service about a year ago – all the failing/out of spec components were changed. I’m only selling it to make way for… another Westminster.