Victoria Electro King

The Victoria Electro King is a boutique guitar amplifier designed as a faithful recreation of the 1957 Gibson GA-40, also known as the McCarty-era amp.

History of the Victoria Electro King

• Introduction: The Electro King was created by Victoria Amplifiers, a company renowned for its meticulous recreations of classic vintage amps. Designed by Mark Baier, it is modeled after the Gibson GA-40 from the late 1950s, incorporating its signature features and tonal characteristics.
• Design and Features: The Electro King features a 15-watt Class A circuit powered by two cathode-biased 6V6 tubes, delivering warm, harmonically rich tones. It includes a single 12-inch speaker and onboard tremolo, which replicates the lush modulation of the original GA-40. The amp's hand-wired construction and high-quality components make it ideal for studio recording and small club performances.
• Legacy: While the Electro King honors the legacy of the Gibson GA-40, it also appeals to modern players seeking vintage tones with reliable build quality. Its limited production has made it a sought-after amplifier among collectors and tone enthusiasts.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Volume: Set around 3-4 for warm, clean headroom.
  • Tone: Adjust to taste for balanced highs and lows.
  • Tremolo: Use sparingly for subtle modulation.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Volume: Push to 7-8 for natural tube saturation with rich harmonic content.
  • Tone: Increase slightly to enhance brightness and clarity.
  • Ideal for blues and early rock ‘n' roll styles.
• Temolo Effects:
  • Tremolo Depth: Set around 5-6 for pronounced modulation.
  • Tremolo Speed: Adjust to match song tempo or create atmospheric textures.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to picking dynamics and guitar volume adjustments, allowing players to transition seamlessly between clean and overdriven tones without pedals.

Notable Players

• Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys): Auerbach has been associated with Victoria amplifiers, including models like the Electro King, for their vintage-inspired tones that complement his raw blues-rock style.
• Bob Margolin: While primarily known for using other Victoria amps like the Regal, Margolin's endorsement of Victoria's craftsmanship highlights the brand's appeal among blues musicians.

Summary

The Victoria Electro King stands out as a modern tribute to one of Gibson's most iconic amplifiers. Its combination of vintage tone, hand-built quality, and versatility makes it a favorite among guitarists seeking classic sounds with contemporary reliability.