1994 Matchless Lightning 15 1x12" Combo - Black Pearl Wrap - Mark Sampson

Just in! This amazing piece of boutique amp history graces the floor of El Diablo with uncommon elegance. This 1994 Matchless Lightning 15 was handwired by the man himself, Mark Sampson, co-founder of Matchless and BadCat. The Lightning 15 is like your favorite old Vox AC15- a breed of amplifier Mark was particularly familiar with in his years of repair/tech work. Chimey, hifi cleans and raw, midrange focused overdrive. The Matchless amps are known for devouring pedals on more mild settings, but also sounding great with nothing between the input and the guitar's output. Crank it wide open, or utilize the high headroom cleans of the circuit. The build quality speaks for itself. And a backlit front panel- what's not to love?

The mythical Mark Sampson has passed away in February of this year, and this amp is a wonderful stamp on his legacy. Little can be said without it sounding like hyperbole- it must be heard to be believed.

NOTES: There is one cosmetic issue with the tolex near the front right bottom corner which was somewhat amateurishly glued back together. But given the pattern of the tolex, you need to be right up on it to notice. A couple other small scratches and nicks are there, but for the most part this amp is very clean and has been office living for the better part of the last 2 decades. 2 lifetime owners.

Excellent condition, includes original Manual and Warranty Certificate (not filled out).

Year: 1994

Brand: Matchless

Model: Lightning 15

Weight: 37lbs 5 oz

Finish: Black Pearl Tolex

Power: 15W

Speaker: 1x12" Matchless branded Celestion Speaker

Power Section: EL84 (Unbranded/Unable to identify)

Preamp Section: 3 x 12AX7 (2 x Ruby, 1 x Sovtek)

Rectifier: 5AR4 (Sovtek)

Inputs: Hi/Lo Sensitivity Inputs

Outputs: 4ohm Speaker Output, 8ohm Speaker Output, Line Output

Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Master

FX: N/A

Footswitch: N/A

Special Features: Handwired by Mark Sampson- co-founder of Matchless and BadCat Amps. A legendary amp builder who led the charge in boutique amp making in the late 80s/early 90s. Uncommon "Black Pearl" wrap is in great shape and looks absolutely beautiful.