Benson Vinny Reverb Combo Blue Tolex, Wheat Grille

The Benson Vinny Reverb: point-to-point built for guitarists who know five watts can be enough

There are amplifiers that impress with their wattage, and there are amplifiers that impress with their character. The Benson Vinny Reverb belongs to the latter category. Built by Chris Benson in Portland, Oregon, the Vinny is a hand-built tube combo that, from the very first chord, makes it clear that no compromises have been made. This unit is pre-owned but in excellent condition.

The sound of the Vinny is intimate, warm, and exceptionally dynamic. Its variable power output from a quarter to five watts makes it equally suitable for late-night sessions and small stages, without sacrificing tonal character. The EL84 power tube gives the Vinny a light, open breakup that responds to every nuance of your touch, while the 6V6 acts as a voltage regulator, keeping the power supply stable. The built-in reverb is understated but effective: just enough space without drowning out the amp's directness. The 10" Celestion Greenback gives the tone the body and presence you'd expect from a speaker of this caliber.

The construction is point-to-point on terminal strips, without circuit, eyelet, or turret boards. Inside, you'll find Mallory 150 capacitors and custom Triad power and output transformers. The tube complement consists of a JJ EL84 (power), a JJ 6V6 (voltage regulator), a 12AX7, and a 12DW7. The controls are deliberately kept minimal: volume, tone, reverb, and power. Speaker output: 1x 8 ohm. The cabinet is made of Baltic Birch and covered in Blue Tolex with a Wheat Grille. Dimensions: 40 x 38.7 x 22.2 cm, weight: 20 lbs (approx. 9 kg). An amplifier you won't forget.