Bad Cat Era 30 Mark Sampson Point-to-Point Hand-Wired 1×12″ Custom Combo (COD AMP_00253)

Designed by Mark Sampson, this 30-watt Class AB tube amp from Bad Cat represents one of the finest expressions of the American boutique philosophy: fully hand-wired, true point-to-point construction, premium selected components, and a circuit tailored to offer not just great tone, but a genuine interaction between guitar, amplifier, and player.The heart of the design consists of two deeply distinct and complementary channels. The EF86 channel, equipped with a TREBLE control and a six-position DEPTH selector, delivers an extremely lively, harmonic-rich response with a touch sensitivity that makes every nuance of your picking immediately perceptible. The second channel, powered by 12AX7 tubes, features linear BASS and TREBLE controls, offering a more familiar, versatile, and easily shapable voice. Thanks to the BLEND function, you can also run both channels in parallel, merging their characteristics to create deeper, more complex, and three-dimensional tones.Each channel features independent pre-phase inverter GAIN and VOLUME controls, while the global MASTER volume is positioned post-phase inverter. This allows you to precisely dial in the relationship between preamp saturation, phase inverter character, and overall output level. The buffered FX loop can be completely removed from the signal path via true bypass, preserving the absolute purity of the circuit when not in use.The tube configuration includes one EF86 and three 12AX7s in the preamp section, one 12AX7 serving as the phase inverter, and four cathode-biased EL84s in the power stage, paired with a 5AR4 rectifier tube. DC preamp filaments help maintain an exceptionally quiet circuit, while the Custom Bad Cat transformer set—crafted by Pacific Transformers—further highlights the meticulous care dedicated to every element of this design. The result is an extremely dynamic amplifier, capable of transitioning from full, detailed, and three-dimensional cleans to an organic, harmonic-rich saturation, while always retaining extraordinary definition.The rugged aluminum chassis and void-free Baltic birch cabinet complete a zero-compromise build. Dual speaker outputs can be configured for 4, 8, or 16 ohms, providing great flexibility when pairing with different speaker cabinets.This Custom Antique Green “Heidi” Tolex configuration, embellished with a gold grille cloth, gold piping, and tan leather handle and corners, makes the amplifier even more captivating and recognizable: an elegant, deeply vintage aesthetic that perfectly anticipates the character of the circuit hidden within. Designed and built in Costa Mesa, California, it comes complete with a dedicated cover and a two-button footswitch for 12AX7/EF86 selection and BLEND activation. A top-tier boutique amplifier for those seeking character, craftsmanship, and an uncommon musical response, available in Italy and Europe through Guitar Sauce.