Placing out from its extra traditionally impressed fashions just like the Black Magick and Delta King, Supro’s new Montauk 1×10 combo tacks a more-original line and, within the course of, throws down a strong rival to the perennial Princeton Reverb and others within the grab-and-go-amp sector.

The Montauk delivers 15 watts to its Celestion BD10 10″ speaker through an all-tube sign path. Controls embrace Achieve, Treble, Bass, each Degree and Dwell for the tube-driven spring reverb, and Grasp. Slightly than the pair of 6V6 or EL84 output tubes you’d count on in an amp of this measurement, nevertheless, it faucets one bigger 6L6 in single-ended mode for real Class-A operation, plus three ECC83s (a.ok.a. 12AX7s) within the preamp and reverb phases.

Along with the reverb footswitch jack on the underside panel are 1/4″ jacks for Dry Out, Reverb Out, Combine Out (with Degree management) to faucet assorted line-signal choices post-preamp, plus Energy Amp Enter. A single 8-ohm and two 4-ohm speaker outs full the array. It’s all housed in a 17.75″ x 16.5″ x 7.5″ cab lined in conventional Blue Rhino vinyl with white stripe and silver grillecloth, making a trendy, simple carry at simply 29 kilos. Designed within the U.S., the Montauk’s made-in-China origins allow the sub-$1,000 price ticket, however shouldn’t indicate any apparent downgrading in high quality, with the well-built and properly completed cab and strong chassis development all inspiring confidence.

Examined with a Telecaster and an ES-355 together with a number of overdrive pedals, the Montauk impressed instantly with a strong and characterful efficiency – far more than we’ve come to count on from the common new providing on this class. Its clear tones are wealthy, clear, and vintage-leaning, with good headroom for its measurement and far tighter low-end than most single-ended amps can handle. Reverb is lush and versatile, but with character that doesn’t ape the same old suspects.

With judicial Achieve ranges, the combo proved an impressive platform for drive pedals; by itself, it ushered juicy, tactile overdrive when pushed exhausting, with out falling aside (the ten″ speaker fits the format nice). Patched right into a 2×12″ extension, it positively roared.
The Montauk is arguably the most effective new 15-watter at this value that we’ve performed in fairly a while, and positively price a strive should you’re wading in these waters.

This text initially appeared in VG’s January 2025 challenge. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.