Used
Sound Pure's Take
An all arounder that can handle just about any need you have, and then some! A 100% completely tube circuit (including the reverb and tremolo) assures the most authentic and accurate vintage tone and it's astounding how dynamic this amp can get. The onboard tremolo can do everything from the subtle warble to a syncopated chop and the on board 'verb is as lush and dreamy as can be (hence the name Space Tone). The ability to nail all these classic tones is not something typically found in a smaller amp of this price point - and with Swart Amps, you know the quality control will always be to the highest caliber!
Condition: Great
From Swart Amplifiers
AST HEAD Mk II & Cabinet
Arguably one of the best combos ever made, the Atomic Space Tone returns in Head Form, now with Michael's fully bypassable Master Volume with its own dedicated tube stage • Runs 6V6 & 6L6
©2008-2013 swart amplifier co. 2031 wrightsville ave wilmington nc 910.620.2512 info@swartamps.com design & hosting by i-vol: web design - editing - photography - hosting
We feel this amplifier hits it out of the proverbial park just like the original AST. It's just a hair bit hotter than the original combo with some more angst when switching to MV circuit. A quick swap of the 12AX7 to a 12AY7 in the MV V4 slot WILL yield unity gain, however. And although it was a long wait, it's well worth the patience because you're going to be blown away all over again. And although there is already a line that's been forming for this beast, musicians can take solace that this is NOT going to be a limited run. We only make that mistake once. And one last point... this is a LIGHT beast at only 19lbs with the 1x12 cab weighing LESS than the AST.
AST Head MkII & Cabinet Specifications
• All Tube circuit ~18-20w twin 6V6 High Class A Biased AB
• Can be powered by 6V6 & 6L6 Family
• Tube stage Master Volume that is bypassable for Purists
• Cathode "AUTO" Biased (no need to bias)
• JJ 12AX7(3) - JJ 12DW7 - EH 6V6 - JJ GZ34
• Tube Rectification ~ GZ-34 or NOS 5Y3 (See below)
• Sub NOS 5Y3 for earlier breakup/increased compression
• 100% Tube Reverb & Tremolo ~ Quality Spring Tank
• Hi/Lo Inputs for better PU Output matching
• Hand wired point to point ~ Made in USA
• Standby Switch ~ Amp warmed up|extends tube life
• Carbon Comp Resistors for BEST TONE
• Mallory, Sprague and JJ Caps, selected for Application
• Finest silver tinned cloth & Teflon covered wire
• Twin Outputs to run two Cabinets
• 4 / 8 / 16 Ohm selectable ~ Rear Panel Switch
• Dedicated 2 button foot switch included
• Extra Large Rubber Feet for Vibration/Protection
• As all Swarts, optional Export Transformer/Plug ~ $30k
• Solid, finger-jointed Cabinet ~ Lacquered Tweed
• 1x12 cab standard with Mojo BV-25 ~ Options available
• Head Dimensions: 17 7/8W x 9D x 10H ~ 19lbs
• 1x12 Cab Dimensions: 24W x 11D x 16 7/8H ~ 26lbs
Some more highlights of the AST Head circuit...
Designed to be powered by Twin 6V6's putting out 18-20 cathode biased Watts; the twin 6V6s seem to really put out an amazing mixture of soul~tone. We love this combo! You can also sub the 6L6 family for more headroom due to the extra beefy Transformers. And unlike the original AST Head, the MkII has TWO outputs and can run 4/8/16 ohm cabinets/speakers.
The JJ 12AX7 does duty as the driver and bias regulated Tremolo. Ever heard tube tremolo? You will now. If you're a tremolo fan, you won't go back.
Reverb is all tube. Tube Reverb is the only way to go and our implementation leaves the competition sounding rather two-dimensional.
Simply put, it’s one of the most tonally expressive, organic, soulful, rich, and dimensional amplifiers in production, now in Head form with a Master Volume that's a step above the rest!
Also, please take a look at our Atomic Boost pedal - The combination of the Atomic Duo has to be heard to be believed!
AST HEAD MK II SAMPLES
Ole Lucian stops by one eve...
Introductory Pricing
AST Head II............................................................$1999
AST 1x12 Cab........................................................$550
NEW 2x12 w/BLUES ~ This blew me away - kh
Price............................................................................$inquire
Introductory Head & 1x12 Cab Deal
AST Head II & 1x12 Cab..............................$2498
The introduction of the Swart Atomic Space Tone (AST) was a smashing success, earning raves across the board, whether in studios, clubs, or living rooms. Everyone loved this 12" all-tube combo, with its multi-dimensional tone, excellent break-up, and soulful tube reverb and tremolo. Many were claimng the AST achieved a rare benchmark in category without peer, some saying it might be the best amplifier they've ever played. Those are strong words considering the myriad of boutique and vintage offerings.
Soon after introduction, Michael took the AST and literally placed the combo circuit/chassis inside a head cab with nary a mod, this to appease musicians needing this format. The acclaimed "Limited Run" head sold out within 45 days and we've been getting emails and calls ever since.
The all new AST Head MkII is Michael's assault on perfecting the AST circuit for a head with 4/8/16ohm impedance selection, the ability to run the 6V6 & 6L6, along with the addition of our completely bypassable dedicated tube stage master volume, designed from the ground up to bring MV convenience without leeching the tone/soul from the amazing AST circuit. The all aluminum, star ground chassis is housed in a hand-made , finger-jointed, solid wood cab, covered in lacquered tweed (Now availabe in DARK lacquer for $100)
AST Head MkII & Cabinet Specifications
• All Tube circuit ~18-20w twin 6V6 High Class A Biased AB
• Can be powered by 6V6 & 6L6 Family
• Tube stage Master Volume that is bypassable for Purists
• Cathode "AUTO" Biased (no need to bias)
• JJ 12AX7(3) - JJ 12DW7 - EH 6V6 - JJ GZ34
• Tube Rectification ~ GZ-34 or NOS 5Y3 (See below)
• Sub NOS 5Y3 for earlier breakup/increased compression
• 100% Tube Reverb & Tremolo ~ Quality Spring Tank
• Hi/Lo Inputs for better PU Output matching
• Hand wired point to point ~ Made in USA
• Standby Switch ~ Amp warmed up|extends tube life
• Carbon Comp Resistors for BEST TONE
• Mallory, Sprague and JJ Caps, selected for Application
• Finest silver tinned cloth & Teflon covered wire
• Twin Outputs to run two Cabinets
• 4 / 8 / 16 Ohm selectable ~ Rear Panel Switch
• Dedicated 2 button foot switch included
• Extra Large Rubber Feet for Vibration/Protection
• As all Swarts, optional Export Transformer/Plug ~ $30k
• Solid, finger-jointed Cabinet ~ Lacquered Tweed
• 1x12 cab standard with Mojo BV-25 ~ Options available
• Head Dimensions: 17 7/8W x 9D x 10H ~ 19lbs
• 1x12 Cab Dimensions: 24W x 11D x 16 7/8H ~ 26lbs
Warranty
This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Returns
This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.
You may also like
Browse Amp Heads →
Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
Come hear it in our control rooms.
Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.