"Master of the fifth sense!"

I have been playing guitar for approximately 50 years - much of it semi-pro. I play, rock, folk, and contemporary praise music (e.g. Chris Tomlin, Lincoln Brewster, 3rd Day, etc.). Like most guitarists, I am in that quest for the ultimate sound and performance - in both amps and guitars. Recently I asked Brian Gray to upgrade my Fender Bassman piggy back amp that I (actually my dad) purchased in 1964. The amp had been previously worked on, a decade before. Brian did the following:

1. Installed a complete new set of JJ Tubes
2. Installed Sprague Electrolytic Capacitors in the power supply and preamp section
3. Installed new Alpha potentiometers and Switchcraft Input jacks
4. Installed an adjustable bias control
5. Replaced all of the wiring connected to the pots and input jacks and added shielded wire connections to the tubes from the pots
6. Replaced several resistors on the power tube sockets and board
7. Replaced fuse
8. Rewired transformer voltage tap, eliminating the mechanical connection and soldering the 120 volt lead, direct.
9. Improved the grounding system of the preamp section
10. Cleaned the vinyl head cab and removed the severe rust from the metal corner guards, screws, and retaining straps on the top of the amp
11. Vacuumed out the dirt inside the amp head
12. Replaced the back panel mounting screws

I must say, there is a huge difference in its performance and sound.  It exceeds my expectations!  As you can see with what Brian did, he is quite knowledgeable.  I would recommend his services to any 'serious' musician for both amp and guitar work.  I say 'serious' because he is not inexpensive.  Usually, non-serious guitarists can't appreciate the level of work that he does.  But for those who have discriminating tastes and high expectations, Brian will not disappoint.  This is the 3rd amplifier that I have had modified and upgraded.  The other two were a Fender Twin and a Vox AC15.  My next amp will be one that I will have built by him from his GrayTech Sound line.

Hi, I'm a guitar player, not the latest and greatest, but o.k.  I've always (it seems) been looking for that sound in my head; you know what I'm talking about, the sound that makes you want to pick up the guitar in the next room and play it until you can't hold it anymore.  Well, I found an amp overseas that I thought just might do that for me.  However......

While doing research on the Internet, I stumbled across GrayTech Sound.  So....I contacted Brian Gray by email, at first.  I was so impressed with his knowledge of amplifiers that I wanted to know what would get me to where I wanted to go.  I will tell you, I had no idea what makes a great amp.  But, I found out!  And he knows, so I gave him free reign to build an amp for me with no rules, except: "This sound is what I want".  I sent Brian to YouTube for sound samples, and he told me, "I can do that, but it might be expensive"!  And he did.  Brian tells you everything 'upfront' with no BS, just the truth.  So... this took about a month or so.  He was in contact with me the whole time.  I chose the fabric and grill cloth, and he did the rest.

I now have everything I wanted in an amplifier, based on a 5F6-A Bassman design, but it goes way beyond a Bassman!  It's so easy to change tubes and set the bias; 10 minutes is all it takes.  This amp makes pedal effects do what they're supposed to do and sound the way they were intended.  I can't thank him enough!   It has made my guitar playing sound better than I really am.  The finest workmanship, and paying attention to the details is standard; he's someone you can trust...No, we're not related.  If you want to see the amp, go on his web site www.graytechsound.com.  It's the amp covered in distressed, brown leather.  If you're serious and want an amplifier that will do what YOU want it to, call and talk to him.

I own two GrayTech amps.  I had them made to my tone preferences.  What I got for my money was more than expected.  I realized this when I had a chance to compare vintage amps of the same circuit design in a music store.  I knew there was a difference, but I had no idea just how much.  The comparison was a real eye-opener.  The "59" and the GrayPlex 50 just sing! They both have considerable amounts of sustain and attack. When cranked, the notes up and down the neck go into harmonic feedback with very little effort.  The articulation of every note is there! 

I've searched for 20 years and never found an amp that allowed my technique to come through.  In the past, I've had to rely on pedals.  Now, I just use my effects pedals without compromise.  Whether I'm plugged straight in, running a Wah, phase shifter, or digital delay, I get the performance I've always dreamed about!  These amps may be for 'stage' but I've tested them doing session work, and the sound was phenomenal!  The solos cut right through the mix, as if an enhancer was used.  The bottom line -  I doubt if anyone could find an amp that does it better, or even as good.  If you love playing electric guitar, get one and you'll see what I'm talking about.

The "59" brings a new voice to each of my guitars that I've never heard before.  It is a 'tweed sound' but it goes beyond any vintage amp I've used in the past.  The sound and workmanship is more than impressive!  It is unequalled in all respects.