In the shop with the new 2013 Sky King

Here's a quick first look at Tone King's new Sky King model. It was taken with an iphone, so you'll have to excuse the audio quality. Better quality video will be produced as time permits, but in the interest of providing a brief look in a more timely manner, I thought it appropriate to post this off-the-cuff run-through for now.

[@johndenton3785]

Mark,
You answered all my questions about the Sky King and I bought one immediately.
I just know I'm going to love it! Thank you for being there for your devoted customers!
Doc

[@dominodoggy1]

A year and a half later I'm still lovin' my Metropolitan. Keep making awesome amps, Mark!

[@tonekingamps]

Thanks ! Will do !

[@tonekingamps]

Thanks Jere ! Can wait to hear you play this one at NAMM. Should be a great match for your style. Part of the reason I used the Sky King name was as kind of a 40s/50s cowboy reference - I was listening to a lot of stuff like Deke Dickerson and Joe Maphis at the time, and that kind of seeped into the feel of the amp in the ultralinear mode.

[@MrCaribbean]

I am glad I found this channel, I usually play my guitar very clean (Chicago blues, contemporary blues and R&b), I love getting that clarity and tone cutting through the mix and I usually play single coil PU guitars, the xotic RC booster, vox wah pedal (Thinking about acquiring a Electro-Harmonix soul food for some drive and added boots). Your clean channel (Rhythm channels) is what is attractive to my ear, it's VERY NICE,!, WARM, organic, versatile, think it would be great for playing out doors in the open air as well...I've Listen the Greg Koch and Lance Keltner on those demos, I must say it's a very interesting and rich sounding amplifier....the tremolo and reverb is beautiful. I'll have to give one a go when I get the chance. Your Amps are very interesting indeed, especially the Sky King and the 20th anniversay. I'll keep listening...thanks for sharing your talent.

[@SFolkes97]

Aaarrgghh G-A-S! Always wanted an amp that could possibly go from Santana to Clapton to Atkins and Setzer. Very tall order, but this may be the one. Excellent job detailing the subtleties - the hardest thing to demo on an amp video.

[@guitfan1954]

I just got an imperial a few weeks ago..amazing..much better than any of my vintage fender amps...and I had some nice ones! Good job!

[@1SensitiveGuy1]

Hey, Mark: Sounds great! I really dig the separate attenuation for the Lead and Rhythm channels. Looking forward to seeing you and demoing the Sky King at NAMM.

[@widowmakerheartattack5212]

Nice job mark.I bought 4 of your amps including this one 10k 1 day.Love that darn falcon...mini plexi

[@Sonofrest1]

Hi Mark, looks like you've created another gem! My Comet is still sounding great, but this looks like something I should check out. Oh, BTW, this is George N.

[@tonekingamps]

It's 35W, from two 6L6s. The built-in attenuator lets you attenuate down from 35w to just a whisper - bedroom volume - in 6 discrete steps.

[@tonekingamps]

Thanks ! Yes, we can wire for all international voltages.

[@hsuchieh1007]

Sounds amazing...damn it's time to save money....

[@tonekingamps]

It doesn't appear that youtube will allow me to post the link, but if you search youtube for "20th anniversary imperial", it should show up on top.

[@BenPrevo]

very nice !

[@tonekingamps]

Thanks ! I just sent this very amp to Lance Keltner, and he'll be doing a proper demo video for it, so you can get a better idea of how this amp really sounds.

[@tonekingamps]

I've been moving toward a more authentic vintage sound and vibe, and I find that the type of attenuator I'm using (precision reactive load, transformer coupling) is more consistent with that. The output power control circuitry in the Metropolitan gives you a tighter feel and more saturated distortion, while the attenuator allows the power supply to sag, so it retains the cranked amp feel a bit better, and is better at moderate overdrive / edge-of-breakup tones.

[@tonekingamps]

Thank Ben ! Still working on that tune. Need to do more guitar playing and less amp building, I suppose !

[@GTRJohnny66]

Dual attenuator is a great idea. Like! :)

[@starboy2013]

I want one....

[@tonekingamps]

Doing well, I believe, though we've only sent a handful to them so far.

[@BenPrevo]

I think you have the balance right...

[@dominodoggy1]

One question I did want to ask, out of curiosity, why are you going with built-in Ironman attenuators in your amps now rather than the "phase 4" type of output volume control like you have on the Metropolitan? Simpler? Better?

[@StevieStirrup]

release the falcon with reverb that is foot switchable as well as the channels being foot switchable and it may be the best amp ever.

[@thebytegrill]

OK... I'm sold! Do you do these in export 240 volts?

[@gtrplarkerry]

What? 20th Anniversary Imperial? Details please!

[@nickstephens2108]

What wattage is this amp......... Was looking at the falcon but at the cost I rwally need something to do medium size gigs.

[@johndenton3785]

Sky King is hand wired.

[@johndenton3785]

Mark,
Are you still building these Amps "yourself" with the same quality level?
I heard a bunch of scuttle butt about the Premier Builder's Guild? Doc
Which speaker do you prefer...the scumback or the cream back?

[@snotmale]

How are Andertons Music in UK doing with selling these for you??

[@leochen1960]

the tune is as cute as the guy :)
don't get me wrong, i ain't no gay.

[@amazingme1408]

u are gay very.

[@Usgmusteret]

is the sky king hand wired?

[@amazingme1408]

foot

[@Teachering]

The guitar needs a tune up.

[@nickstephens2108]

Sorry 35 watts dohhhhhhhh.