In 1954, Chet Atkins traded away a Fender Pro amplifier (Fender's model with a 15" speaker) for a Standel 25L15. Jimmy Day, the steel guitar player best known for his association with Ray Price, didn't know it at the time--but he was providing Chet with a lifelong companion that would help create his signature sound.

"Since 1954, every recording Chet ever made in his career was made with that amp," says Paul Yandel. "Chet said its the best amp he's ever had." I talked to Paul by phone some time ago (for those who are new to this world, Paul Yandel was Chet's guitar sideman on just about everything he did for the last 26 years of his life). Paul informed us that Chet played on the front pickup of his guitar in those early days. By the mid 60's he used both pickups. A typical example of his signature sound can be found on the tune, Tiger Rag, recorded for RCA. Chet used his Gretsch Country Gentleman along with his Standel 25L15 amplifier.

There were 64 of these Class "A" tube amps in the original series, made in inventor Bob Crooks' garage. The amps were proudly purchased by great country steel and guitar players of the day. Nobody ever got one for free (a common practice among larger manufacturers to get star power for their advertising efforts)! Steel guitarist Speedy West owned #1, and Merle Travis had #2 (among other Standels he bought over the years). Paul Yandel owned #38, and made a gift of this amp to his son, Mica. Chet still had his #20 up until the time of his passing.

My amp, #49, was used as a model in the re-creation process of the new and improved 25L15 Vintage+ Standel. The amp was taken apart on many occasions, measured, examined, and analyzed. The power section was useful, but the pre-amp represented a variation that was unique, and its circuitry was abandoned in favor of the earlier design of the #2 amplifier used by Merle Travis (now owned by Richard C. Allen). What's new is the turn-of-the-new-century technology that has elevated the integrity of the unit to "audiophile" status. Class "A" tube amps, such as this first Standel re-release rated for 26 true watts, use a different numbering system. They produce a much louder sound than a conventional Class "AB-1" amp of the same number. The tone is the important subject here. From its 13-ply Baltic Birch cabinet joined tongue and groove, to its discrete, hand wired point to point circuits, this musical, sweet sounding amp is clearly a big evolutionary step. At $3,400 for the basic configuration (pictured below), this amp is for people who are serious about fun--and capturing the tone that has eluded others in the amplifier business for over 28 years.

Hats off to the late Bob Crooks and Standel's President, Danny McKinney. Danny has added more models to the line, covering the needs of Blues, Rock, Jazz, Classical, and Country players. Standel is unique in the amplifier market, in its focus is on tone above price. No shortcuts are taken in delivering the highest caliber tone that technology and Danny's crew can provide. I personally stand behind everything Danny makes, and references are available. Don't be shy!

For purchase inquiries and pricing information, contact me at Fine Guitar Consultants, (619) 265-5900. For a while longer, we can get you a 25L15 Vintage Plus serial number under #64, which has that wonderful nostalgic tie-in with Standel's original ground-breaking history among those who love sweet, clean tone.

Call right away to discuss the Standel "25L15 Vintage+," "Virtuoso", "Artist", 100UL15 and "Switchmaster" models! Seperate heads and speaker cabinets, extension speakers, and even new speaker options.

You won't find these amplifiers or other Fine Guitar Consultants guitars, amps, and accessories in your average music store. We are committed to offering excellence in all categories, even though our margins remain low. When it comes to music, we do business with people who put music before money. This is an affair of the heart.

Click Here for Amplifier Inventory