This month, we delve into the world of hand-made, small production amps that you won’t necessarily find at your local music store—boutique amps, if you will. These low-watt monsters have a lot to offer. We begin with a look at the Victoria VIC105, which is also known as the Ammo. The Victoria Amp Company started in the nineties and quickly gained a reputation as a leading boutique amp manufacturer. Even though the company got its start by building ’50s Fender tweed-style amps that recreated the classic vintage amplifiers down to the component level, Victoria also builds amps of their own design that are just as impressive.

FEATURES
The Victoria VIC105 “Ammo” amp is housed in an actual re-fabricated US ARMY .50 caliber ammunition can. This hand-wired, point-to-point amp features a unique Half Power/Full Power switch that toggles between single tube/single ended (5 watts) and dual tube push-pull operation (10 watts). The tube configuration includes one 12AX7, two EL84s and one 6CA4/EZ81 rectifier. A boost switch with variable tuning dial, volume and tone round out the controls on the VIC105. Half the fun is just setting up the amp and turning it on! Since it’s an actual ammunition can, it comes with a metal lid cover with a handle for easy transport, yet is durable enough to take to war. After unlatching and opening the lid, the amp’s faceplate is revealed. (There is also enough room inside to store the amp’s power and speaker cables, which are also included.) The amp’s speaker jacks and power cable jack are completely built into the back of the box. After powering it on, bright green lights glow through the space age Lexan chassis faceplate. Quite a cool and inventive design! The amp also has custom subchassis that houses the guts—very clever and classy.

SOUND AND EASE OF USE
I grabbed a handful of guitars to try out the VIC105, including a Les Paul, a Strat and a PRS Starla X with soapbar pickups. I hooked the amp up to my Marshall Lead 1960 cabinet with four G1275 Celestion speakers. With the Boost off, you’ll get pure clean tone. I only had to set the tone about half way, and there was plenty of shimmer and sparkle to add to the full, warm tone. With the Boost turned on and the Volume set pretty low, it responded very nicely to the velocity of my playing. The tone was clean and clear when I played lightly, but I also got a nice boost with just a touch of fuzz when playing harder. The VIC105 really shines when cranking the volume and boost up, for the fully-saturated, glorious tube distortion. No matter what guitar and pickup configuration I used, the distorted tone remained thick and creamy, and never got too harsh. Power chords were tight and punchy, and leads sang loudly and clearly with plenty of sustain. You have the choice between Half Power and Full Power with the flick of a switch, so you can have that extra boost if desired.

IS IT FOR YOU?
I was impressed with the VIC105’s unique design, high quality construction and excellent tube tone. I also liked the choice in tube modes between Full Power and Half Power for a variety of tone. In a world of mass-produced, “one size fits all” amps, the Victoria VIC105 is one boutique amp that stands out for its great looks and performance, as well as its price. Players will appreciate that the cost of the VIC105 makes it an excellent value when compared other boutique offerings.

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IN A NUTSHELL

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