Classic 45

Germino Classic 45 control panelGermino Classic 45 board Germino Classic 45 red combo Germino Classic 45 top viewGermino Classic 45 head chassis
We are proud to present our take on the JTM-45 At the heart of the Classic 45 is a custom wound version of the Radio Spares output transformer. This unit has 6.6K, 8K and ultra-linear taps on the primary. The 6.6k primary is used as on early JTM-45's. This relatively high primary impedance works well with 6L6/5881 tube types and of course KT-66's. El-34's can be substituted after re-biasing the amp.  The Classic 45 with these tube types is rated at 30-35 watts.

Early plexi tone control values are used consisting of a 56K slope resistor and 250pf capacitor. Filtering in the Classic 45 is 32uf. for each stage except for 16uf. in the preamp section. Plate voltage is 460vdc with GZ-34 rectifier. The Classic 45's power transformer uses a high grade M6 laminate for better cooling and is now selectable via a switch for 120v, 200v, 220/230v and 240/250v operation.

Each amp I personally hand build using the finest parts and materials. Spot welded aluminum chassis, NOS carbon comp resistors PEC or Allen Bradley 2 watt mil spec potentiometers, Heavy duty Carling switches, NOS cinch tube sockets, Cliff jacks, Sprague and other high quality capacitors such as the TAD "mustard replica" coupling caps. A handsome electrical grade fiberglass turret board completes the interior layout of components.

The Classic 45 faithfully replicates the tone of an original JTM-45, only better! This amp is a delight to play being just at home doing "Beano" era Clapton as it is replicating AC/DC to early ZZ Top. The Classic 45 goes from an amazing clean tone to the best crunchy overdriven sounds imaginable. Excellent bottom end, incredible frequency response and exceptional 3D balance are all there to enjoy. The Classic 45 takes pedals extremely well and is not overly compressed sounding.

Now shipped with TAD 6L6WGC output valves.  NOS GEC KT-66's available on request for an additional charge.


"The amp not only excels in tone and feel, but also has allowed me to sell half my other amps...I have never had an amp that was so expressive, brought the passion in your heart to your fingers, and was transferred to the audience in tone." - Harmony Central review

"If you're looking for an affordable boutique amp that can faithfully recreate the most vintage of all Marshall tones ... you'll have to look long and hard to find an amp that does it better than the Classic 45. Germino has done a great job of capturing that elusive and irresistible vintage Marshall magic. Well done! - Guitar Player Magazine (September 2004) - Read the full review (7.9MB PDF)


Classic 45 video clip1 (Les Paul, 8.2MB, 1:32 runtime)
Greg Germino playing a Les Paul. This video shows how well the Classic 45 cleans up with the guitar's volume control, going from clean comped chords to buttery lead tones. Click here for audio-only version of this clip.

Classic 45 video clip 2 (Strat, 7.7MB, 1:26 runtime)
Jason Barker playing a Strat through the Classic 45, playing through various pickup positions and riding the volume knob on the guitar. Click here for audio-only version of this clip.

Classic 45 video clip 3 (Strat, 9.1MB, 1:42 runtime)
Jason Barker playing a Strat through the Classic 45. Click here for audio-only version of this clip.

Classic 45 video clip 4 (two Les Pauls, 14.9MB, 2:51 runtime)
Greg Germino, Jason Barker, and a couple of Les Pauls jam out on a Classic 45 and a 55LV. Click here for audio-only version of this clip