WATKINS WESTMINSTER

British-made Watkins Westminster valve (tube) amp in excellent cosmetic condition. This stunning-sounding vintage amp has just had superb rebuild with all failing components replaced. Watkins amps of this era are generally full of out of spec parts: a good rebuild can really transform them into stunning little amps. Everything important is still original and in very good condition; it sports its original Mullard valves, 8″ Elac speaker and metal footswitch (with tape to the base).

Dating from around 1963, this model 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 (see our other listings). 

Don’t be fooled by this amp’s staid 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 – has been repaired but sounds great, and a great tremolo circuit complete with footswitch.  There’s a useful external speaker output in the cable compartment.

It sounds fabulous, is a 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.

In very good cosmetic condition – a few scuffs to the case, gold metal grille very clean, as is the control panel (please see detailed photos). 

It is a UK 240v model and will require a step-up transformer for use in Canada and USA. We can supply high quality UK-made transformers if required.