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The original Supro Thunderbolt is the red wolf of amps—a noble beast with a legendary snarl that, while rarely seen, is regarded with reverence. Unlike the red wolf, the essential DNA of amps can be duplicated. And the popularity of tones generated with Valco-made Thunderbolt by Jimmy Page, Ry Cooder, and other masters saved the bloodline from the endangered species list. Now, Florida-based boutique amp-builder ValveTrain makes its own genetically modified, 3-knob take on the Thunderbolt called the Thunder/Train.
Bottle Collection
The Thunder/Train has vintage-style gumption and a welcome touch of extra versatility. Like original Thunderbolts, it kicks out 35 watts. It also has a Valco-spec’d American-made transformer set from ClassicTone that’s made in the same Schiller Park, Illinois factory—using the same winding machines—as the originals. For amp nuts like me, that’s impressive. Thunder/Train’s circuitry is point-to-point hand-wired on an eyelet board, which is nice to see in this price category. A pair of 5881 tubes drives the output section of the class AB circuit and sits alongside a 12AX7 that juices the preamp and another that gasses the phase splitter. The rectifier tube is a 5AR4/GZ34. Clearly, all these bottles were selected with an ear for authentic ’60s Supro tone.
The Thunder/Train is switchable between pentode (35W) and triode (17W) operation, thanks to a toggle on its back panel. That’s a big deal for players that need fast, organic Valco-style break-up and the option of Fender-like warmth and headroom in a single amp. The Thunder/Train has one guitar input, but adds a bright switch, rather than the “hi” and “lo” dual inputs of historic Thunderbolts.
Though Thunder/Train is available as a head or a combo, we reviewed a head, clad in red, tan, and black vinyl. The head is easy to lug at 9" x 8 ½" x 17" and 20 pounds. The combo meanwhile, comes with an Eminence Wizard for an additional $300, or as a 2x10 combo with an Eminence Ramrod and a Ragin Cajun or a pair of custom Weber Red Baskets for $350 more. Sturdy as it is handsome, the head has an aluminum chassis and pine walls.
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