Watkins Westminster Red & Cream

These Westminsters have long been my go-to amp in the studio: often outclassing vastly more expensive vintage Fender, Vox and Marshall amps from the same era.

Dating from the early 60s. This amp is in superb working order. Serviced by John Chambers at Champ Electronics, it has a full complement of Mullard valves, original pressed metal footswitch and a tremolo to die for. A real wolf in sheep’s clothing – it’s deceptively loud and has real grunt for such a compact amp.

The condition is excellent for its age. There are a few scuffs to the finish and wear at the corners, and the grille is no longer flat, but overall it’s in excellent order. Click on the photos to zoom in and see more shots.

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.