PRS Paul Reed Smith 30 Combo Amp – USA 2010

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Here is a PRS 30 Combo amplifier, a 30-watt all-tube combo from Paul Reed Smith’s early amplifier range, first introduced in 2009 as part of PRS’s collaboration with master amp designer Doug Sewell. Designed and handmade in Stevensville, Maryland USA, the PRS 30 represents a carefully voiced blend of classic American and British amplifier influences, resulting in what is often described as an “English sound with an American twist.”

The amplifier is built around a cathode-biased quartet of EL84 power tubes, delivering classic EL84-style response with added PRS refinement in the EQ and voicing. It is paired with a single 12-inch WGS (Warehouse Guitar Speakers) ET65 speaker, known for its transparent, neutral character, allowing the amp’s natural tube tone to come through without heavy coloration.

Tonally, the PRS 30 is highly responsive and dynamic, offering a wide range of expressive clean and edge-of-breakup sounds. It is extremely touch-sensitive, reacting strongly to picking dynamics and guitar volume changes. Players can move from clean rhythm tones to semi-overdriven lead sounds simply by adjusting attack or rolling the guitar volume up, making it a very interactive and musical amplifier.

The EQ voicing has been specifically refined to give the amp its own distinct identity within the EL84 family. According to PRS, the design combines elements of the Sweet 16 and Dallas amplifier circuits, resulting in a versatile platform suited to a broad range of styles including blues, country, classic rock, funk, and R&B.

Additional features include onboard reverb, a bright switch for added clarity and presence, and a unique master volume design that is effectively removed from the signal path when the amp is run at full volume, allowing for a more direct, uncoloured response at higher output levels.

Despite its versatility, the PRS 30 remains a relatively straightforward amplifier design, focusing on core tone rather than extensive switching or modern features. It does not include channel switching, high-gain voicing, or an effects loop, making it more suited to players who prefer simplicity and organic amp response over complex functionality.

This example is a one-owner unit, originally purchased new in Sydney and kept primarily in a home environment. It presents in pristine, virtually new condition with no modifications, repairs, or operational issues. It retains its original 240V power configuration and will require a step-down transformer for use in Australia if operated from a different voltage supply.

Video Demo from PRS - https://youtu.be/scu2-3ZCIpo

Specifications: 

Year: 2010
Country: USA
Model: PRS 30 Combo
Type: Tube
Power: 30 Watts (cathode biased)
Design: English sound with American twist
Designer: Paul Reed Smith & Doug Sewell (nearly 4-year collaboration)
Tubes: Quartet of EL84 power tubes
Controls: Includes reverb, bright switch, and master volume (removed from circuit at max setting)
Speaker: 1 x 12” WGS (Warehouse Guitar Speakers) ET65
Cabinet: Combo format, compact design
Tone: Classic EL84 character with enhanced EQ voicing; highly touch-sensitive, cleans up with guitar volume roll-off, smooth transition from clean rhythm to semi-overdriven lead tones
Style Range: Country, Blues, Classic Rock, Funk, R&B (not designed for high-gain modern metal)
Build: Hand-built in Stevensville, Maryland, USA
Condition: Pristine, virtually new condition, one-owner unit, no modifications, repairs, or issues
Power: Original 240V supply (step-down transformer required for use in Australia)
Features: No channel switching, no effects loop
Performance: Wide tonal variation based on picking dynamics and guitar volume; highly responsive and dynamic tube amp platform