• BTO
• Lil' Rock
• Pro
• Pro Super Series
• Pro Vocal
• Session Man

BTO

Model Numbers L260D - B260D - LB260D

Perhaps the most sought after of vintage Garnet amplifiers these brutes had the power to cut through the mix of even the loudest bands and features that were not only cool but ahead of other amps of the period. The "Stinger" built in fuzz circuit can drive its dedicated tube so hard you'd swear it was about to explode. The tremolo set standards for immense depth and a wide speed range that few others match to this day and provided a lamp that flashed in time with the frequency setting.

Later production models were inverted, i.e. the chassis was mounted to the bottom of the cabinet with the tubes pointing up for better cooling of this powerful amp.

Contrary to popular urban legend the amp is not named after the seventies rock band BTO (Bachman Turner Overdrive) but instead stands for "Big Time Operator". The band BTO used Garnet gear and latched onto the moniker.

PRO

Model Numbers L190D - B190D - LB190D

This amp is the little brother to the famous BTO (Big Time Operator). The only differences between the two being the deletion of two of the 6CA7 power tubes and somewhat less robust transformers. Features and appearance are identical, so much so that early era production models with the "no name" logos can't be distinguished from the front, you either have to check the model number, count the power tubes, or lift it up (if you get a hernia, its a BTO). The Pro heads lend themselves well to studio work where super high volume levels are not required, but with 190 watts peak power they are no slouch either.

Pro's were never produced in an inverted version with the chassis mounted to the bottom of the cabinet, as was the BTO, probably because cooling is not as great an issue with these amps. When the model was revised and renamed the Pro 200 (model number LB200F) chassis were mounted to the bottom.

PRO Vocal

Model Number PA190

Based on the Pro series chassis this amplifier (shown on top in the picture to the right) was intended for vocal reinforcement in the days before the modern P.A. system. Each channel has its own dedicated 12AX7 pre-amp tube.

Despite being intended for vocals these amps work very well for guitar as well as for direct injection of vocals to a recording soundboard, by providing tube compression and a natural tone.

PRO Super Series

Model Numbers LB200S - LB400S - LB600S

Introduced in 1972-73, this update of the BTO/Pro series came in six 6CA7 (LB600S), four 6CA7 (LB400S) and two 6CA7 (LB200S) versions. The rare 225 watt LB600S was the most powerful amp Garnet ever produced.

Where the BTO/Pro series had pull out knobs for treble and bass boost, here a rocker switch is used above the knob. Tone control is expanded with the addition of a mid level knob and two 3 position EQ selector knobs.

The BTO/Pro tubes and transformers on an expanded chassis, in a larger cabinet and with front venting, kept things a lot cooler.

The "Stinger" built-in fuzz, and the tremolo circuit were dropped in favor of an effects loop.

Session Man

Model Numbers G250TR (Combo) - G250D (Head)

As the name suggests this amp was designed for the player who required versatility in the creation of different tones in a medium sized package that could easily be lugged to a gig (with the exception of the massive 4x12 combo version).

Introduced in 1969, it was based on the same twin 6CA7 power tube setup as the Pro series. This amp added many features used to produce varied tones. Two independent channels, each with its own tone controls were provided, along with a spacious reverb and deep tremolo.

Initially introduced with a fuzz circuit later versions substituted a master volume control that allowed loud clean tones when cranked, or could be backed off and the preamps driven into distortion without huge volume levels, essential for the studio.

The head version was introduced in 1972-73. A rare four 6CA7 powered version was also produced.

Lil' Rock

Model Number L90L

This is Garnet's take on the classic three knob tube combo. There's nothing fancy here, just volume, bass, treble and of course a whole lot of tube tone.