Benson Monarch Combo w/Reverb

The Monarch Reverb features a unique British-American switch, simple yet highly versatile controls, and perfect range of power to be used both cleanly and pushed on the stage and studio without wearing out its welcome, and incorporates tube driven spring reverb in a completely transparent, no-compromise fashion into the classic Monarch circuitry.

The circuit design is 100% original, or actually maybe just a combination of 30 different amps Chris likes plus a few ideas of his own. Either way, the resulting amplifier could be, and often is, the end of your search for perfect guitar tone.

The Monarch was designed to make you consider ditching your drive pedals (though it takes pedals like a winner). It was designed to have harmonics when clean, and clarity when it's pushed. It is designed to transition from clean to compressed to distortion with a complete lack of harsh harmonics or weird resonances. The cabinet is open-backed and constructed of pine to project sound in all directions like an acoustic guitar...a true tone wood that lends it's own musicality to the guitar's sound. The build and finish quality is second to none.

Benson gets asked constantly "What is the Monarch based on?" Translation: "which 60s/70s amplifier did you clone and tweak when you developed your product?" It's a fair question; most builders do this, and that is fine. Benson did something new, so there isn't a simple answer. However, here is where the Monarch falls in terms of sound and feel compared to existing amplifiers:

The Monarch was designed to fulfill the needs of players who:
- enjoy a Tweed Deluxe but find it can be lacking in punch and versatility
- enjoy a Top Boost AC15 or 30 but find the upper frequencies a little quacky and grating
- enjoy a Supro Thunderbolt but want more clarity and better harmonics
- think some boutique amps they have tried are too bright and/or lacking a certain something...what is it called...tone that satisfies.

I've been a professional guitar player for over 40 years. As you can imagine, I've played through hundreds of different amplifiers. All kinds. Famous brands. Revered vintage brands. Amps that were brilliantly modded and amps that were built by some of the finest boutique makers of their day. So you can imagine that it takes something pretty special to grab my attention. This Benson Monarch does. It's a unique design, not a mere or near clone of a vintage amp from the '50s or '60s. It is an amp with few knobs, but deep musical soul.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT BENSON AMPS
Benson Amps grew primarily out of Christopher Benson’s obsession with sound. The products are deceptively simple - but every nudge of the simple tone controls does something musical - a feat most three band EQs only aspire to. Every detail has been scrutinized and obsessed over. Benson Amps are UNIQUE DESIGNS, not mere clones or near-clones of vintage amps from the '50s and '60s. Armed with ears, knowledge, and taste only an experienced musician and builder can possess, Chris Benson continues to make design choices that produce unmatched sound quality and tone.