Jackson’s dynamic new range

Texas amp maker packs tone in small packages

Brad at Jackson Ampworks recently completed the ambitious task of revamping and expanding his amplifier range – the results of which he had on display at the NAMM show in LA last month. The new additions include the most bare-bones Jackson offering to date – the NewCastle – and the company’s first commercial bass amp – the Behemoth.

The NewCastle is an 18-watt, all-tube hand-wired amp designed as an affordable, grab-and-go tone machine. The NewCastle features an EL84-based power section and a 12AX7 preamp with independent Volume and Tone controls framed by a new, Jackson-standardized head configuration that is only 14″ wide. Jackson promises a clean, power experience with the new amp. According to the builder, the amp was designed to offer rich clean tones with sparkling highs that never become brittle or piercing. The low end was specifically designed to remain tight and punchy… even when cranked. MSRP on the NewCastle is $1,495.

“This amp was created specifically for guys who want a budget friendly amp that delivers killer tone with plenty of clean headroom,” said Jackson Ampworks’ Brad Jackson. “It’s the perfect pedal platform for players who use a lot of effects.”

The Behemoth is a two-channel bass amp that offers switchable power output of either 30-watt Class A/B, 60-watt Class A/B or 120-watt Class A/B using 6L6 output tubes. The adjustable power feature allows the player to tailor the amps response to any given musical setting. Channel One of the Behemoth is the Vintage Channel and is based on the 8-pin 6SL7 preamp tube known for its warmth and wide frequency response. Channel One can conjure vintage 1960’s Motown and West Coast tones. Channel Two is the more Modern Channel and is based on the 9-pin 12AX7 preamp tube. The channel is modeled after a simplified version of the SVT and is higher gain and punchier than Channel One, making better suited for Rock tones and musical styles that demand crisp, tight bass tones. MSRP on the Behemoth is $2,850.

“Taking the best elements of the Ampeg SVT and the B-15 Portaflex, the Behemoth offers tons of power and the ability to cop many of the most iconic bass tones of the last 50 years,” added Jackson.

Lastly, Jackson has updated both of the popular Britain and Atlantic models. The Britain 4.0 adds a fourth power mode that features four (4) EL84’s running in Class A to produce 30-watts. The Britain 4.0 also offers switchable 15-watt Class A, 30-watt Class A, 25-watt Class A and 50-watt Class A/B operation, which allows the guitarist to adjust the power to cater to his/her setting. Channel One features an EF86 preamp with footswitch-able Boost mode and independent Volume, Treble and Bass controls. Channel Two boasts a 12AX7 preamp with independent Volume, Treble and Bass controls.

The new Atlantic 4.0 was designed as a tribute to Ken Fischer from Trainwreck Circuits. A high gain, non-master volume amp, the Atlantic 4.0 allows the player to take the sound from clean to over-the-top overdrive with a simple twist of the guitar’s volume knob. The new amp also features the switchable power scaling that the new Britain boasts. The amp sports a 12AX7 preamp with independent Volume, Edge, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Presence controls – and independent Normal/Bright, Single Coil/Humbucker, Thin/Thick, Low Gain/High Gain, Presence On/Off switches.

MSRP on the Britain 4.0 is $2,650, while the Atlantic 4.0 is $2,750. You can find out more about Jackson’s new range here.