May Birthdays 
After extensive R&D, I'm proud to offer the Secret Agent Amplifier from Pierce Custom Instruments! I've been working to combine the best Fender tones from the 1960s into one powerful grab-and-go combo, and I do believe I've succeeded...
The circuit starts with the Fender 6G2 Brownface Princeton - including the hallowed bias-vary tremolo from that era! - and adds in Blackface-styled reverb. Tone is then refined to tighten up the bass response, create a bit more clean headroom and add a Dwell control for additional tone shaping over the reverb signal.
Everything is handwired on fiberglass eyelet board with quality components. I use CTS pots and dual-covered wire (cloth over insulation) so these amps are built to withstand a gig at Bob's Country Bunker. This amp is built with vintage-spec carbon comp resistors in the signal path, and all the resistors in the power circuit are metal film for durability.
Output is around 14W into a 10" speaker with a cabinet that's slightly larger than a Princeton or Blues Junior, and it sports a full-size 17" reverb tank. The speaker is a Weber 10F150T, which is a great pairing for this circuit and adds a bit of volume over Alnico options.
Physical dimensions
20" wide X 18.25" high X 9.5" deep
35 pounds w/ a 10" speaker
The tone is incredible. Cleans are warm and full, and it winds up into overdrive beautifully. The uncluttered signal path of the 6G2 perfectly straddles the mid-heavy Tweeds and sparkling Blackface clean. It responds beautifully to your guitar's volume knob and your pick attack, and it will get flat-out mean when you cut it loose. Throwing a clean boost in front of it makes things even more fun, goosing the preamp into a tighter sound with more single-note definition.
The reverb is the ultimate addition. There's plenty of sproing on tap, but I've added the Dwell control lets you pull things back into a more tasteful space that's closer to a room/hall reverb than the typical Fender sound.
And the tremolo? Oh, the tremolo... I've owned the pedals that try to replicate this sound, and let me tell you that "try" is the operative word. This tremolo is not-to-be-believed. It makes Blackface trem sound like an on/off switch - Pure Duane Eddy, and I've wired it with plenty of sweep on both Speed and Depth controls to get whatever version of vibe or seasickness your ear desires.
For the cosmetics, I drew inspiration from the "Tuxedo" editions that existed between the Brownface and Blackface eras. I've always thought the Tuxedo 6G2 Princetons were handsome bastards, so the Secret Agent sports lacquered black tweed with wheat grill cloth, Cream knobs and a black leather handle.
Additionally, this amp is sporting an upgraded mix of NOS and current production glass. The tube complement is as follows:
Rectifier: NOS JAN 5U4GB
Power Tubes: Matched pair of NOS Sylvania 6V6s
Preamps: JJ 12AX7
Reverb Driver: JJ 12AT7
Phase Inverter: JJ 12DW7
Price dropped to TRADED. Normal price for the stock model is $1500 plus shipping, so this is quite a discount with the upgraded glass, etc.
Given that gear cash can be tight around the holidays, I'm also willing to trade this against an AVRI Jaguar, Jazzmaster or some form of Gretsch.
Also, for anyone who would like to order one, lead time is approximately two months with a 50% deposit and you have a choice of stock and custom options below.
Stock Options (No addl. charge)
- Signal Resistors: Carbon comp or carbon film
- Cabinet: Black tweed w/ wheat grill, brown tweed w/ wheat grill or blonde tweed w/ oxblood grill
- Knobs: Vintage cream or black
Custom Options and Upgrades (Addl. charges vary)
- NOS Tube Upgrade - Depending on availability, your amp can be built up and tuned with a partial selection or full complement of NOS or vintage tubes.
- NOS Resistor Upgrade - When available, I can build using NOS Allen-Bradley resistors in the signal path for the best carbon comps have to offer.
- 12" Speaker Upgrade - Same cabinet size but with a 12" speaker for more volume and punch.
- Speaker of Choice - Just like it says. You want Alnico? Maybe you already have a speaker and just need a kickass amp to pump into it? All options are on the table.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or offers, and thanks in advance for the consideration!
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Last edited: Nov 29, 2015 20:37:22
