A multitude of aspiring Zoso imitators have embarked on a quest to uncover Jimmy Page's amp tone mysteries: A deep dive into Sundragon's remarkably authentic, replica Led Zeppelin amps, designed to recreate the enigmatic guitar hero's live sound.
The music world is abuzz with the reissue of a legendary piece of rock history - the Sundragon amplifier, a faithful recreation of Jimmy Page's modified 1959 Supro Coronado 1690T amp. This amplifier, originally launched as the Supro Thunderbolt, gained popularity in the 1960s for its versatility and power. Jimmy Page, the renowned guitarist for Led Zeppelin, famously modified this bass amp with a smaller 12-inch speaker, transforming it into a uniquely powerful and characterful guitar amp.
The Sundragon amplifier is a testament to this unique modification and tonal character. It aims to capture the blend of vintage tone and raw power that helped define Page's pioneering rock sound. The Sundragon Amplifiers, a company formed by Mitch Colby and Perry Margouleff, have painstakingly replicated the circuitry and speaker configuration known from Page’s setup.
A Piece of Rock History
The original 1959 Supro Coronado 1690T, modified by Page, became a significant part of his sound. Its raw and aggressive tone, a departure from the typical clean tones of the time, was a defining feature of Page's guitar work on iconic Led Zeppelin tracks such as 'Whole Lotta Love' and 'Stairway to Heaven'.
The Sundragon amplifier seeks to recreate this unique tone. It features recreated transformers by Heyboer, New Old Stock GE 6550 valves, Allen Bradley and Iskra resistors, and Philips 'mustard' capacitors. The preamp valves are Mullard ECC83s, and the power valves are General Electric, just like those in Page's original amp.
Two Distinct Channels
The Sundragon amplifier offers two distinct channels. Channel 1 has a purer sound, with overdrive increasing gradually, becoming more compressed and saturated. It offers a tweed-like interaction between the volume and tone controls, with higher tone settings sounding more gainy and brighter.
Channel 2, on the other hand, provides a useful contrast. It sounds less clear but offers a bluesy, expressive, and vocal quality that complements Channel 1. The tremolo channel on the Sundragon amplifier has a very useful speed range, generating a thick pulse at lower frequencies and graduating to a 'Bang Bang' flutter at full speed.
A Limited-Edition Masterpiece
A limited-edition run of 50 Sundragon amps was made with New Old Stock electronic components and valves, and each one was signed by Jimmy Page himself. The Sundragon amp with selected JJ valves and modern components retails at $3,875, making it an investment piece for any serious guitar enthusiast.
The Sundragon amplifier delivers its goods at volume levels that are comfortable even in close proximity. It's a faithful recreation of a piece of rock history, offering modern players the chance to experience the signature sounds associated with Jimmy Page's early work.
In a nutshell, the Sundragon amplifier is a must-have for any guitarist seeking to replicate the raw, powerful, and characterful tone that defined Jimmy Page's early work with Led Zeppelin.
- The Sundragon amplifier, modeled after Jimmy Page's modified 1959 Supro Coronado 1690T, has regained popularity due to its versatility and power, just like in the 1960s.
- The music world hails the Sundragon amplifier as a tribute to Page's signature sound on iconic tracks like 'Whole Lotta Love' and 'Stairway to Heaven'.
- The Sundragon Amplifiers' faithful recreation includes Heyboer transformers, New Old Stock GE 6550 valves, Allen Bradley and Iskra resistors, and Philips 'mustard' capacitors.
- The Sundragon amplifier boasts two distinct channels – Channel 1, with a gradual overdrive and tweed-like interaction between the volume and tone controls, and Channel 2, offering a bluesy, expressive tone.
- The Sundragon amplifier's tremolo channel generates a thick pulse at lower frequencies and a 'Bang Bang' flutter at full speed, providing a useful range of effects.
- A limited-edition run of 50 Sundragon amps, each signed by Jimmy Page, was made with New Old Stock electronic components and valves, making them valuable collector's items.
- Modern players interested in replicating Page's unique guitar work will find the Sundragon amplifier a valuable addition to their gadgets and technology, enhancing their entertainment and sports-analysis capabilities.
- The Sundrangon amplifier, a symbol of rock history and Jimmy Page's pioneering sound, is a sought-after guitar accessory for any serious enthusiast, with its retail price of $3,875 serving as an investment in music and entertainment history.
