Magnatone
The Historic Amp, Making History Again.
The classic vintage tube amp is back, built by hand and played by the world’s best. Since inventing true pitch-shifting vibrato in 1957, Magnatone has set the standard for dimensional sound. Today’s amps still use that original vibrato circuit, combining vacuum tubes and silicon carbide varistors to deliver the unmistakable Magnatone tone.
Magnatone Pledge
We pledge to build the best amps in the world…
and the most trusted relationships in the business.
We recognize that our most important asset will always be the confidence of our dealers, peers, and customers.
We will always be unwavering advocates of American manufacturing, and use American-made parts and labor in our American products.
We are committed to fair and equal opportunity employment practices concerning all those we are proud to hire at Magnatone.
We will foster a culture of openness, honesty, and integrity at every level — among employees, our partners, and customers.
We understand that those who sell our products are personal representatives of our brand, and we will take every opportunity to support them and their businesses.
We will never forget that while our customers keep us in business, our dealers keep us in customers.
Magnatone’s Legacy
Founded in 1937 by Delbert Dickerson, Magnatone emerged as a pioneer in amplifier technology, becoming renowned for its groundbreaking pitch-shifting vibrato and rich, expressive tone. Embraced by influential artists throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Magnatone helped define the sound of rock ’n’ roll, blues, and beyond. Though the original company closed in 1969, its spirit of innovation and craftsmanship left a lasting mark on music history that continues to resonate today.
Bridging Legacy and Innovation
In the early 2000s, Ted Kornblum rediscovered the Magnatone brand and was inspired to revive its storied legacy for a new generation. After reclaiming the dormant trademark, he assembled a team of industry legends, including Billy Gibbons and Neil Young’s guitar tech Larry Cragg, to reimagine Magnatone amplifiers with classic pitch-shifting vibrato and modern enhancements.
Magnatone officially returned in 2013 at the NAMM Show, debuting six new amplifiers to widespread acclaim. The relaunch reaffirmed the brand as a historic icon and a modern force, bridging Magnatone’s past with the future of music.
Handcrafted in the USA
Magnatone amplifiers are hand-built in St. Louis, Missouri using premium American-made parts, ensuring exceptional quality, reliability, and tone. Crafted by skilled artisans, each amp honors Magnatone’s golden-era legacy while delivering the iconic warmth, clarity, and true pitch-shifting vibrato that continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
The Traditional Collection
The Magnatone Traditional Collection pays tribute to the golden era of American amplifiers, delivering warm, expressive tone through impeccable, hand-built craftsmanship. Designed to honor Magnatone’s legacy while meeting the needs of modern players, each model reflects timeless design and rich, dimensional sound.
Featuring the Starlite, Varsity Reverb, Panoramic Stereo, Twilighter, and Twilighter Stereo, the collection offers something for every style, from compact and dynamic to spacious and immersive. Hand-built in the USA, the Traditional Collection blends vintage character with modern precision for players who demand the best.
The Master Collection
The Magnatone Master Collection draws inspiration from the bold tones and raw energy of classic British rock, reimagined with Magnatone’s renowned craftsmanship. These hand-built amplifiers combine iconic sound with modern reliability, delivering the power, versatility, and dynamic response demanded by today’s players.
Featuring the Baby M-80, Super Fifteen, and Super Fifty-Nine M-80, the Master Collection offers everything from compact punch to full-stage authority. Hand-built in the USA, each model reflects Magnatone’s commitment to precision, artistry, and unmistakable tone.
Measured by the Artists, Defined by Our Tone
Magnatone amplifiers are trusted by some of the most influential artists in modern music, a testament to their unmistakable tone and craftsmanship. From the rich, dynamic sound favored by Billy Gibbons to the power and clarity embraced by Slash and the expressive warmth relied on by Jason Isbell, Magnatone continues to inspire players across genres. Together, these artists reflect the versatility and enduring impact of the Magnatone sound.
