Matchless Lightning Reverb Combo - USA 2004

The Matchless Lightning has become one of the benchmark boutique amplifiers of the modern era. Introduced as a compact single-channel design inspired by the legendary Vox AC15 Top Boost, the Lightning quickly earned a reputation for delivering far more volume, headroom, and touch sensitivity than its modest 15-watt rating would suggest. Built without compromise, it remains one of Matchless' most celebrated designs.

Built in 2004, this Lightning Reverb carries serial number G00104 and showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that established Matchless as one of the world's premier amplifier builders. Hand-wired throughout using a point-to-point terminal strip layout and housed in a void-free Baltic Birch cabinet, every component is chosen with reliability and tone in mind.

At its heart is a pair of cathode-biased EL84 power tubes driven by three 12AX7 preamp valves, producing the unmistakable British-inspired voice that Matchless is famous for. Clean tones are rich and three-dimensional with exceptional harmonic complexity, while pushing the volume introduces smooth, articulate overdrive without sacrificing clarity. Thanks to its oversized transformers and exceptionally robust power supply, the Lightning projects with far greater authority than a typical 15-watt amplifier, making it equally comfortable on stage or in the studio.

Completing the package is a tube-driven spring reverb, adding depth without overwhelming the amp's naturally articulate voice. Combined with the highly interactive EQ and master volume, the Lightning Reverb is capable of everything from shimmering cleans to harmonically rich edge-of-breakup tones that have made Matchless a favourite amongst professional players for more than three decades.

Specifications:

Year: 2004

Serial Number: G00104

Model: Matchless Lightning Reverb

Amplifier Type: Hand-Wired Tube Guitar Combo/Head (adjust to suit your version)

Output Power: 15 Watts Class A

Channels: Single Channel

Inputs: High & Low Sensitivity

Preamp Tubes: 3 × 12AX7

Power Tubes: 2 × EL84

Rectifier: 5AR4

Controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Master Volume, Reverb

EQ: Interactive Active Tone Stack

Reverb: Tube-Driven Spring Reverb

Speaker Outputs: 4Ω & 8Ω

Cabinet: Void-Free Baltic Birch

Construction: Point-to-Point Hand-Wired Terminal Strip

Hardware: Chickenhead Control Knobs

Features: Illuminated Matchless Front Logo

Crafted in: Los Angeles, California, USA