Jet City

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Overview

Jet City Amplification is a brand specializing in all-tube guitar amplifiers designed for affordability and quality. It targets guitarists seeking high-performance amps inspired by classic designs from designers like Mike Soldano and Andy Marshall, initially mass-produced overseas and now focused on custom boutique builds assembled in the US²³⁴.

History

Founded in 2009 by Douglas White and Dan Gallagher, former executives from Behringer USA, Loud Technologies, and Gibson, with input from designers Mike Soldano and Andy Marshall. The company launched affordable tube amps designed in the US and manufactured overseas, gaining market attention. Production ceased around 2019-2020 before relaunching as Jet City Custom X with a direct-to-consumer model emphasizing US-assembled custom amplifiers using overseas parts²⁴.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Custom 22 Head	British-flavored versatile amp	~$1000
20W Single Channel Amps	Classic high-gain designs	$500 - $800
Custom Builds	Personalized boutique configurations	$700 - $1500

Manufacturing

Amplifiers are designed in the United States. Early models were manufactured in China; current custom models are assembled in the US with overseas parts²³.

Notable Products

Custom 22 - 20W head with two foot-switchable channels and British voicing.
SLO-100 Inspired - High-gain amp based on Mike Soldano's classic design.
20R8 - Affordable single-channel tube combo amp.
Custom X Series - Personalizable builds with tube, capacitor, and circuit options.

Reputation

Enthusiasts value Jet City for delivering Soldano-inspired tones at budget prices, with the custom relaunch praised for personalization under $1000. Professionals note improved versatility in newer models like the dual-channel Custom 22. Criticisms center on the original overseas manufacturing quality and the brand's temporary disappearance around 2020²³.

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