Tone King Imperial?

[bigjoeblue]

This amp sounds like just what I've been looking for. Lots of talk lately here on this, but I can't find any clips. I would really love to hear it with a Strat. Can anyone help? Lately when doing fill-ins for a friends band I've been using his PTP Bassman and loving some of the tones. It would be perfect if it had a little more sparkle and clarity for chord work, but the solo sounds are heavenly, especially when pushed a little with my G2D custom. It's also BIG to lug around. I think I just came to realize that I adore 6L6 or 6V6 type sounds, and I always favor a Strat. Opinions on other amps are welcome, I gotta' find an amp that inspires me when I'm gigging. Small to medium Clubs, and always miced with my band. Thanks!

[riffmeister]

I think I can get some clips loaded up from when I played my Imperial at one of the NYC Tonefests. Stay tuned....

[bigjoeblue]

Thanks

[Jon Silberman]

I ain't got clips but I do got pics (Continental owner here).

Mark Bartell (Mr. Tone King):


Mary Chapin Carpenter and her Continental:


A sweet quartet:


Imperial, Continental, and Galaxy:


Mr. Spacely - Jetson on line 5:

[Champlifier]

I've been using my TK Imperial reissue for about a year now. I bought it here, used, from a Gear Page member. I replaced the speaker with a Tone Tubby alnico. As advertised, it's alot like a Fender Deluxe Reverb on the rythym/clean channel, and the lead channel is tweed like. The rythym channel stays clean thru most of the range. The lead channel can really get crazy sustain if you want, but has many useful settings. I originally shied away from the lead/tweed channel but find I am using it more & more.
I have A/B'd my Imperial w/a '64 Fender Deluxe Reverb and found them very similar, my Imperial stayed cleaner longer on the rythym/clean channel. The Fender could not do some of the things possible on the lead/tweed channel. I gig in mostly small clubs/bars and this has plenty of power for these venues.

[getbent]

I have the red one, I got it new a year and 3 months ago through Stu at Fatsound. I have owned 2 bf super reverbs, a sf twin, and a variety of other amps in my life and built a tweed princeton clone... hands down this is the best amp I've ever owned. I have played out of almost every noteworthy fender style amp made... this one is the keeper.

I love lots of other amps (carrs, etc) the imperial is my favorite. the two channels give me what I need. I play country and old style country rock 2 nights a week and I never cease getting compliments on both the sound of the amp and the stunning look of it.

I have used both eh 6v6s in it and jj's and the eh's sound like what the amp was made for... although the JJ's sound good (I have JJ's in there at the moment) it is a great, great amp and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

If you like bf and tweed deluxes... you'll love this amp.




you can see my tkI behind the other guitar player (I'm playing the tele) in the back.. plenty of volume for pretty dang large crowds.

[bigjoeblue]

Thanks to all of you for the help. I just gotta' get a hold of one to try. It just sounds like the real deal for me. Would still love to hear some clips.

[riffmeister]

here's the clip that goes with my pic at the Tonefest shown above:

http://media.putfile.com/Imperial-at-NYC-Tonefest

I'm using a s/s/h Suhr Classic straight in.

[pvcpeterson]

Wow, I hope my Meteor II will sound that good!!

Well, I know it will.

[riffmeister]

Originally Posted by pvcpeterson

Wow, I hope my Meteor II will sound that good!! Well, I know it will.

Yup, it will!

The Imperial is actually a bit more mid-scooped on the clean channel than the Meteor, although the Meteor has a mid control so you can dial it in a couple of different ways.

I must say, the Imperial's lead channel really smokes! Even with my nervous wanking (playing solo guitar after Jackaroo will do that you you!!) it still sounds pretty good!