Sampson Mark Sampson DC 30 Custom 2x12 2022

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

This amp was hand built by Mark Sampson of Matchless and Bad Cat fame - one of the most highly regarded amp designer/builders of all time.  Mark built the amp in 2022, a variation on the DC30 with a twist, dubbed his Blue Stripe series.

The amp is of the gnarly, industrial build quality that Sampson baked into the Matchless amps he designed - a variation on the Vox AC circuit, but with sturdier components.  The amps are built to last.  The testimony is everywhere - look what the 90s Matchless amps go for and how they perform 30 years later.

This iteration keeps the front panel controls simple, including gain, tone, and master volume controls along with vibrato depth and speed.  Also on the front panel is the tremolo footswitch jack, and switches for power and standby.

The rear panel hosts a phase switch, a power cut switch, two speaker outputs and a 4/8/16 ohm switch.  The cables to the speakers follow the rest of the build - they're stoutly wrapped.

Mark wrapped the cabinet in my favorite covering, black 'shower curtain".  The bottom blue panel, likely the source of the Blue Stripe moniker, fills a void below the sparkle-grilled speaker baffle.  Two Celestion G12 Gold 12" AlNiCo speakers are mounted to the other side.

Take a look at the chassis and transformers.  The amp is simply built like a tank.

As for the tone - it is big, glassy - substantial and rich to hard and cutting.  There's a lot of variability, even with the simple controls.  The sweeping tone control cuts lows, mids, or highs as you move from left to right.  Riding the master volume and gain offers even more variability, and the power cut switch is almost like changing a channel. 

One thing I really like about the amp is that it just doesn't seem as loud as older DC30s - it gets the tone at more reasonable volumes.  I'm not sure if that is by design, if it is the speaker selection, or what, but it is welcome because the DC30 just wants to be opened up to a level that is not useful to many players.  This amp sings at more reasonable levels.

The amp is just a treat.  Its big and heavy, but it is worth the effort and is sure to be a classic one day as it was made in very limited numbers.  You can see how Mark must have used the cabinet for a different chassis configuration - there are four spare chassis holes in the top that are unused.  It is part of the charm of finding a stealthy amp like this.

Included is a letter that was delivered to the previous owner, signed by Mark.

We tested all the tubes on the way in and everything checked out nicely.

We will ship the chassis separate from the amp to ensure that the amp arrives safely.  This is something we do with amps that have heavy transformers like this one.  If we ship the amp as one piece, a big drop in transit can distort or damage the chassis - I've seen it many times.  Some easy assembly will be required on arrival.  We're happy to help over the phone if needed.

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Black Pearl
• Dimensions: H22.25" x W27.25" x D10.75"
• Weight: 75 lbs
• Watts: 30 Watts
• Date: 2022
• Where is Date Noted?: Authenticity Letter
• Speaker 1 - 2 Brand: Celestion Gold G12 
• Speaker 1 - 2 Size: 12"
• Speaker 1 - 2 Code: 5 25 140
• Speaker 1 - 2 Cone: Original
• Power Transformer Brand/Codes: Stanley 2 17
• Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: 9355
• Output Transformer Brand/Codes: 9356
• Extension Speaker Out? Yes 
• Effects Loop?: No
• Reverb or other effects?: Vibrato
• Rectifier Tube: 5AR4C
• Rectifier Tube Brand: Ruby
• Power Tubes: 4 x EL84
• Power Tube Brand: JJ
• Preamp Tubes: 3 x ECC83
• Preamp Tube Brand: JJ, TAD
• Filter Caps: Original
• Pedal: Not Included
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Tolex/Tweed: Original
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original
• Power Cord: Included
• Notes: 4 Screw holes in top of cabinet, see pics

Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.