This is the AMPSAMPS PICA SPEAKS Model 2. The Model 2 circuit is my “homage to American Tweed amps”, and the first circuit that I standardized for AMPSAMPS. The Model 2 has its roots in the Fender Harvard and Supro Thunderbolt circuits, and is wired up in an AO-29 organ chassis from a 1950s Hammond M3 organ that I had powder coated in Prismatic Illusion Apple Sugar. The chassis includes the original Hammond power and output transformers - vintage American iron. The pine speaker cabinet with three-part removable rear baffle is loaded with two 6x9 Jensen speakers - one ceramic and one alnico. The front speaker baffle is convertible, which allows customers to swap from the classic Valco double 6x9 speaker configuration to a more conventional single 12” speaker setup. 10” speaker adapters are available as well. The unique speaker configuration and the use of 7591 power tubes in the output stage really sets this amp apart from other cathode-biased amps in the 12-15w range.

Tube Lineup: 12AX7, 12AX7, 2x 7591, 5U4. Controls: Volume, Tone. Hi & Low Impedance Inputs.

Dimensions: Head 19” x 9” x 9” LWH, Cabinet 20” x 11” x 20” LWH

With all of my amps, my goal is to get the signal from your fingers to the speaker the shortest route possible so as to capture all of the sonic information of your playing and to enrich the interactive experience of playing electric guitar through an amp. All of my builds are hardwired featuring a mix of turret board & point to point construction. I employ thoughtful lead dress and component choice to minimize noise & maximize tone. 

This amp is one of a kind and for sale directly here through this website. I will reach out to the buyer directly to arrange shipping or local pickup.

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AMPSAMPS and THE PICA SPEAKS are collaborating on a limited run of amps that feature the last of my stash of Hammond Organ chassis, wired up with my signature blend of new and vintage parts for a series of one of a kind, “new vintage” amps.

As I’m getting closer to my 100th amp, I wanted to get back to the sound and ideas that inspired me to build in the first place - bootstrapping circuits into old salvaged Hammond Organ chassis. From 2014-2020, I drove all over the Bay Area of California picking up old Hammond M3s, M-100s, L-100s etc. that were in various states of disrepair and on the way to the dump. If they still worked or could be salvaged, I’d chop and modify them; if not, I’d pull the amps and wire up a circuit, salvaging and reusing all of the good old parts that I could. Tubes, speakers, capacitors, resistors, transformers, wire, hardware, wood… I tried to make sure nothing went to waste. A lot of good memories learning about circuits, building amps, and of all the wonderful people I met along the way.

The Pica Speaks (Rye Barrett) is building the cabinets for this limited run. His unique design sensibilities and aesthetics set him apart from other cabinet builders. About The Pica Speaks: THE PICA SPEAKS is based in Milwaukie Oregon and specializes in designing and building unique speaker cabinets for guitarists. Utilizing salvaged hardwoods and atypical finishing techniques such as shou sugi ban, ebonization, and sometimes splatter paint straight out of the 80’s, our goal is to build cabinets that are sonically excellent, visually striking and will look cool whether they reside in your studio, living room, or on stage.