Let's get one thing straight right off the bat:  Greg Germino is old school.  From the vintage 1939 General Electric refrigerator and 1948 Hotpoint stove that sit in his kitchen to the dog-eared LPs in his music collection, the founder and builder of North Carolina-based Germino Amplification has an unabashed affinity for things from days gone by. He is especially fond of vintage Marshall amplifiers, which is clearly evident in his products; but don't dismiss his amps as merely wannabes.  Like a number of boutique manufacturers, Greg is striving to put his own twist on classic and proven designs from the past.  He reveres the sounds and products of yesteryear while being receptive to more modern elements.

Germino Amplifiers are aimed at the premium segment of the market, yet they are priced fairly compared to many competing offerings available today.  Building amps by hand with great attention to detail can be a time-consuming and costly process.  Suggested retail prices ranging from about $1900 for amp heads to $2200 for combos, provides the guitarist with handwired craftsmanship and aggressive tube tone.
 

Here are some convenient links to points in this article or you may view everything in order by simply scrolling down the page:
 
 

According to Germino:

Germino Amplifiers are totally handmade limited production electrical instruments crafted here in the USA.  Each amp features some of the finest components and materials available.  High quality carbon comp resistors mixed with metal film resistors in certain areas for low noise ensure a warm vintage tone.  Each amp is hand assembled and wired from the drilling and installation of turrets on the circuit board to the final testing and tweaking by ear.  Attractive "plexi" style face plates.  Custom wound transformers by OEI, Linco and Shinrock, Sprague caps, 2 watt Military style pots, NOS cinch octal sockets or ceramic sockets.  Carling switches, fully insulated cliff jacks.  JJ tubes and filter caps all wired with stranded copper wire in a welded aluminum chassis.
 

As of this writing, Greg's lineup consists of two core models:  the Lead 55 and the Rockgrinder- both available in head formats with the latter also being produced in a 2x12 combo inspired by Eric Clapton's "Beano" days with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers.  Both models feature identical control panels (4 inputs- 2 normal, 2 high treble-  Treble, Mid, Bass and Presence) with the primary differences being the Lead 55 having a 55-watt rating, solid-state rectifier and a 2 x EL-34 power section versus the Rockgrinder's 45-watt rating, GZ34 tube rectifier and 2 x KT-66 power tubes.
 
 

Aside from the open-back Rockgrinder combo, Germino offers cabinets in 2x12 and 4x12 closed-back configurations including finger-jointed construction from Baltic Birch plywood.  His current speaker offering of choice consists of Celestion G12M Greenbacks.
 

Looking inside any of Germino's amplifiers reveals meticulous and clean construction.  There are no printed circuit boards (PCBs) to be found anywhere.
 
 

Greg Germino showing the interior of a Rockgrinder combo

Greg Germino riffing with a Rockgrinder 2x12 combo

Greg Germino demonstrating some clean and overdriven capabilities of the Rockgrinder

Greg Germino playing the Lead 55 head and 2x12 closed-back cabinet

Greg Germino demonstrating some clean and overdriven capabilities of the Lead 55

Greg Germino displays a blistering slide tone with the Lead 55

 
 

Part 1- Introduction, Greg's History, seeing the Allman Bros. for the first time, influences

Part 2- Initial interest in electronics and repairs, experiences

Part 3- The decision to build amps, first amp he built, working for Mojo Supply

Part 4- History of Germino Amplification, dealers, mission/niche of Germino Amps

Part 5- General Overview of Germino Amp models

Part 6- Components involved in production of Germino Amps (cabinets, speakers, tubes, transformers, etc...)

Part 7- Future plans/ ambitions/ upcoming new models, more amp philosophy, does he use his own amps live on-stage?

Part 8- Closing remarks

--- Steelbender is happy to present the debut of the brand new Germino Masonette 25 amplifier from Germino Amps.  Greg called and wanted to use this forum as an opportunity to preview his latest model, which will be on public display at the 2003 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA.  The actual amp you see in the photos below is serial # 001 and had not even been completely assembled when our photo shoot began ...that is how new this is!  This unit will be exhibited at the Mojo Musical Supply booth #5785 at NAMM.

Featuring 3 12AX7s and a GZ-34 tube rectifier, the heart and soul of the Masonette 25 centers around a pair of 6V6 tubes.  As the name implies, the amp produces about 25 watts and provides the creamy and singing gain sounds associated with Germino's other acclaimed models at lower volumes.  The Masonette 25 breaks up much earlier than Greg's higher-wattage amps and is easily coaxed into endless sustain and feedback at relatively low decibel levels.

The Masonette 25 will be offered in both head and 1x12 combo formats.  Greg has wanted to offer a 6V6-based amp for a long time and feels that this model will fulfill the demands of guitarists wanting a vintage Marshall-influenced tone with a lower power rating.  Yet unlike the venerable 18 watt Marshalls of years gone by and their copies, the Masonette 25 offers a  more versatile EQ section.
 
 

On February 15, 2003, Greg Germino assembled the first 1x12 Masonette combo and we were there to witness it.  This is a stunning little amp that is best described through the following photos and videos...

Germino Amplification
921 E. Gilbreath St.
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 437-0317

www.germinoamps.com

e-mail:  greg@germinoamps.com