The 30J12 is a Class A, cathode biased amplifier, with the same circuit and features as the 20J12, but utilizes larger transformers and the “turbo” tube Standel used in the early 60s, the 7591 – a higher fidelity tube – which is a magical combo when paired with the Standel sound.
The 7591 offers a higher headroom, warmer, fuller Standel clean tone, with smooth clipping and a Marshalleque grit when overdriven – making this a very versatile amp.
The 30J12, along with the 20J12, is the core Standel sound and aesthetics. While all of the amplifiers we are reproducing are the very best Standel ever offered – this particular model is a standout and is our staff choice for the max in tone, looks, volume and portability. Twangy, powerful, clear, with plenty of headroom and great clipping and smooth overdrive, the 30J12 is great for every style of music.
Ideal for standard guitar for small to medium venues, studios, and your favorite music room. Steel guitar appropriate for “period” work.
Shown here in standard tan with standard handle. Custom colors optional.
Note: To see the latest amps we are producing please visit our Instagram page through the Contact page on this website.
Specs:
- Tan Tolex w/ Brown/Silver Stripe Grill
- Brushed Aluminum Metal Photo Faceplate
- Aluminum trim
- Point to Point, terminal strip wired circuit
- Standel “Slantback” Trapezoid Profile Poplar cabinet w/ Baltic Birch baffle
- 2×7591, 2x12ax7, Solid State Rectifier Plug (any 8-pin rectifier can be subbed) Class-A, cathode bias
- Mojotone 12” Anthem Speaker
- 18-watts
- 33 pounds
- Made in the USA
Dimensions:
- Combo: 23.75W x 10.5D x 17.5H
For covers, visit: www.amplifiercovers.com
To purchase and for current lead times, please use contact form or email: standelamps@gmail.com.
Charles Buchanan –
Love it!! Am getting that sweet, crisp beautiful sound with pic and fingers I was after. Totally the STANDEL ARTIST is what I needed. I studied with Carol Kaye. Played dates w Keith Richards, Stones, Ronnie Wood, AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Willie Nelson, Neil Young. In my world your STANDEL ARTIST is the best amp now made. Could not be happier totally is everything I hoped it would be. Thank you so much for keeping this brand alive. – Charles Buchanan, NM
Phil Sylvester –
There is a magic about the 30J12. I don’t understand it, I can’t explain it or give it a name, but it’s definitely there. I have played guitar for nearly 60 years and have owned loads of boutique amps and nearly every iconic vintage design. These days, whenever I play through one of my other favorite amps, it just sounds like there is something missing, something I love in the sound of the 30J12 that the old favorite lacks. I find I go back to the 30J12 again and again as my number one. And not just for one guitar. Because the two channels are voiced somewhat differently, the 30J12 has become my favorite amp for whatever guitar I pick up. I’ve never experience that before in a single amp. Finally, though the 30J12’s clean voice is gorgeous, its breakup is also exceptionally musical. One amp that sounds better than all of my others, with every guitar, clean or dirty. I wouldn’t have believed it had I not experienced it first hand. I love this amp.
Phil Sylvester, Pheo Guitars
Joshua Parsons –
A couple years ago I found myself in the market for a vintage or ‘60s-inspired combo amp. Around this time and despite playing guitar for over 25yrs, I first stumbled across the storied legacy of Standel. I initially reached out via a message and then Owen and I chatted for an hour-plus on a phone call. I explained what I was looking for, but importantly, what I did not enjoy in other name-brand amps of that period. Between all the history and the geeky talk, I felt more than comfortable with rolling the dice on a brand I had only recently discovered.
As a tele player, I was pointed in the direction of the 30J12, and this amp holds its own. It is a true contender against all the other marquee names. For my personal tastes, I did swap out the original speaker for a Celestion Ruby. Besides aesthetically matching the oxblood grill cloth and handle better, this singular change bridges the pond, if you will, between some of my favorite clean tele tones from ‘90s Brent Mason and early ‘00s Brad Paisley.
This amp does cover a lot of ground. I have used it for more than twangy, clean Country and Western. For that Louisiana-Texas Blues, it does that. For that ‘70s Funk and Disco, it does that, too. I have even played acoustic gigs through this almost limitless amp! I submit that this 30J12, especially when paired with single-coils, is the ideal for any bar band gig. It is simple, yet tonally flexible.
The hallmark of a great amp is that it allows the player to focus on the playing. The tones in my head and my hands are not encumbered by someone else’s design expectations. Over nearly three decades, I have owned and/or played through scores of notable and iconic amps. Presently, I own two other high-end, boutique amps, and they are amazing. But my Standel 30J12 is the only amp I have ever played that feels special. A great design is one thing, but a special amp, wherein the stars align between design and parts, builder and player, is musically transcendent. Instead of endlessly chasing tone, I have found in my Standel inexhaustible inspiration.
All-in-all, every Standel amp is a special amp. Owen keeps striking lightning with each one he builds.