Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar Manufacturer, Made in the USA by U.S. Masters Guitar Works • Custom Shop Factory Direct Guitars and Basses

30 watt Class A All-Tube Signal Path
Point To Point Hand Wired
2 Channels with Reverb & Effects Loop
Boutique Construction and Performance
Head & Cabinet or Combo style
List: $899
$699
 Amp Specs

 Power &
 Signal Path




 Wiring







 Channels


 Inputs

 Controls




 Rear Panel





 Speaker



 Colors

 Models



 Footswitch

All tube 30 Watt Class A power amp with 4-EL84/6BQ5 and 3-12AX7 preamp tubes. No solid-state devices are in the signal path nor are any used for creating overdrive or distortion.

Built for highest dependability and lowest noise - Point-to-point, hand wired and printed circuit board (see pictures and text below), shielded wiring for internal signal paths, no connectors are used internally except to connect to the reverb tank (uses RCA connectors)

2 channels - Clean and Drive (High Gain), footswitchable

2 - Low (attenuated) and High

Clean Volume, Drive Gain, Drive Volume, Channel Switch, LED Channel Indicator, Boost (affects both channels), Treble, Middle,
Bass, Reverb, Effects Level, Standby, Power

Effects Send (Pre-amp Out), Effects Return (Power Amp In), Stereo Footswitch Jack (reverb and channel switch), 2 Speaker Outputs, Speaker Impedance Selector (4 or 8 ohm), Power Cord and Fuse Assembly

Masters Design RedBack G1280 custom-designed high efficiency 12" speaker

Black, Cream, Red & Tweed

TVA30C - 1 x 12" combo; TVA30H - head; 112S - 1 x 12" closed back speaker enclosure

FT-200 metal case footswitch included with TVA30; switches channels and reverb
(click for larger image)
(Scroll down the page for more images & info)
 Dimensions
 HEAD
 Length
 Width
 Height
LJGF
21-1/4
"
11"
10-1/4"
 COMBO
 Length
 Width
 Height
LJGF
21
"
10-3/8"
18-1/4"
 CABINET
 Length
 Width
 Height
LJGF
21
"
11"
18-1/4"

The Cabinet
We use a finger-jointed void-free plywood cabinet, more expensive to produce but it's lighter weight, stronger, more durable and has greater structural integrity than conventional construction and is more resistant to damage from the bumps and bruises of the normal course of life.

The Output Transformer ... a critical link in performance
Here is the typical size of a 30 watt output transformer as you will see employed in many amplifiers of the 25 to 40 watt power range (including many "high-end" models). Beside it is our custom-made 70% overrated output transformer. It costs 7 times more than the conventional transformer but the difference in sound quality, reliability and performance is huge!

Component Mounting
Notice the size of the stud and hardware mounting the power transformer. It's not going anywhere! And, what is not visible on the other side of the chassis are the vibration isolation pads with which it is mounted to help eliminate any potential mechanical, electrical or noise problems.Tube sockets are fastened with machine screws and hex nuts locked with thread-lock compound - far more durable than rivets, and they'll hold tight for years of service on the road..

Toroidal Power Transformer
We use a Toroidal Power Transformer made especially for the TVA30. Toroidal transformers provide higher performance than conventional transformers, weigh less and are more compact. They generate less hum, audible noise and magnetic radiation, and provide higher and more stable output under demand. They're also more expensive, but the added performance is audible, and worth every cent. In addition, we're using a higher quality (and even more costly) toroidal transformer for long-term reliability.

Point-to-Point Hand Wired
Point-to-Point construction and PC boards are used for greatest reliability. No
connectors or multi-pin connectors are used inside the amp except for RCA connectors to the reverb tank. Everything is hardwired for reliability, lower noise and better conductivity. This is a much more expensive way to build an amplifier; so much hand labor is involved. But, the consistent performance, long-term reliability and low noise depend upon it.

Class A Power Amp
4 EL84/6BQ5 power tubes in a high voltage Class A (adjustable) DC bias grounded cathode design for greater stability and better performance under dynamic and high demand conditions.

Shielded Wire
Shielded Wire is used extensively for all critical signal paths. You won't find this in most amps. It costs a lot more and it adds a lot of labor, but it reduces noise so dramatically it is completely worth it. But wait, there's more. The shield of every shielded wire is only connected at one end. That way it shields the signal path without creating any internal ground loops, again reducing hum and noise. All of this tedious attention to detail adds up in the total performance, quality and reliability of the TVA30. Notice how neat and clean the whole assembly is. Loose wires can create varying noises in an amplifier. The high-end, hi-fi construction and workmanship of the TVA30 is evident in its performance.

It's Quiet! Low hum and noise.
A single point chassis ground is employed and internal shielded leads are drained at only one end to help eliminate internal ground loops. There are no connectors in the signal path to add noise or static and high quality capacitors are used to minimize component generated noise. And remember, the toroidal power transformer reduces hum and noise, too.

Reverb
It's custom made with 3 springs of different time constants and envelope characteristics. The drive and recovery circuits are equalized and tailored to control the attack envelope and overall timber. The reverb has a full response and a decay taper that isn't too long, but also not too short. It feels natural and realistic.

Effects Send/Return Plus
The Effects Send can be used as a Preamp Out or Direct Out without breaking the signal flow through the amp. Plugging into the Effects Return jack breaks the signal flow through the amp and can be used as a Power Amp In. The Return has a level control for matching effects levels or setting power amp input levels. The Effect Level Control is not active until a mono ¼" plug is inserted into the Effects Return Jack. You can even use the Effects Loop to make the TVA30 into a Master Volume amp!

RedBack G1280 high efficiency 12" speaker
With 80 watts average power handling, it won't break up and compromise the amplifier's performance. It has a wonderful fullness without being the dominating factor in your sound, allowing the sound of your guitar, your technique and the amp to shine through with detail and clarity.

•Amplifier Terms Explained
•Read the review
U.S. Masters Guitar Works is a product of M-Tec Corp.
2324 Pinehurst Dr. Unit B Middleton, WI 53562
608-836-5505 Fax: 608-836-6530
Toll Free (877) 716-0000 • email: sales@usmasters.com
These products are covered by U.S. Patents Nos. 5,886,272 & 6,051,765