• Devan
  • Devan
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  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
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Topic: New Jim Kelley Amps...

A few days ago I posted my thread on my Mesa/Boogie MkIIC amp, and Joe chimed in with the note that he owns two 'similar' Jim Kelley amps.  I must admit I didn't know much about Kelley amps.

Then just today, I say a news alert mentioning that Suhr were building a limited edition model of Jim Kelley's amp and distributing it.  I must say it is a cool looking amp.  Very simple...

http://www.suhrguitars.com/JimKelley.aspx

I wonder how similar they are to the early 'Mark' series Boogie amps?

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  • macg1
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

pretty awesome.  i am glad he has partnered with Suhr.  Genius design and uncompromising manufacturing standards delivers an awesome product!

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  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

That looks a superb and simple amp. Bet it isn't cheap but quality oozes from the construction from what I can see.

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • From: London town
  • Registered: 2011-10-15
  • Posts: 99

Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

Very nice looking amp, don't usually see four 6V6s in an amp, I'd love to see take one for a ride (price dependant of course).

Hasn't Joe been using a proto of this amp, or am I getting muddled up?

  • Registered: 2012-06-04
  • Posts: 15

Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

I used to shop in a place called The Guitar Store in CA in the 80s
They had a Jim Kelley that i would try every guitar through.
I was crushed the day I walked in the store and it was GONE
Snooz ya looz......

  • From: Fairfax, VA
  • Registered: 2009-09-11
  • Posts: 1,337

Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

Has a price been set on these yet?

ES-335 #37
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  • sted
  • sted
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  • Registered: 2011-03-20
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

Very nice, classic Mark series looks, bit concerned by the lack of a master volume in there, not going to be a home body amp that one!

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

No FX loop?

  • Devan
  • Devan
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

jclark42796 wrote:

Has a price been set on these yet?

Jim Kelley posted over on TGP that these would be $3995...

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • From: Fairfax, VA
  • Registered: 2009-09-11
  • Posts: 1,337

Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

Devan wrote:
jclark42796 wrote:

Has a price been set on these yet?

Jim Kelley posted over on TGP that these would be $3995...

Thanks Devan.  Oh, and yikes!!

ES-335 #37
Pictures http://www.flickr.com/photos/jclark42796/sets/
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  • Devan
  • Devan
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

^^^ lol

It was also pointed out on there that $4995 is equivalent to around $2000 in 1986, which was their going price when released back then...

John Suhr himself also posted on TGP that a certain Mr. Joe Bona-something-or-another has amp serial number #001 (and possibly #002) off the production line! big_smile

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

I own 5 original Jim Kelley amps... 4  of which Jim himself has graciously worked on for me.  I find them to be the  best  combos in my book...  Jim and John built me a prototype head that is awesome and was in the rig and will be going forward.  The new ones sound just like the originals..Trust me if you like a Fender Deluxe reverb with more articulation and twice the power  its money well spent...Plus the Power Soak is revolutionary in my opinion..
Joe B

  • From: Caribou, ME
  • Registered: 2008-11-26
  • Posts: 418

Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

Joe,

I see Suhr has new video up on the site for combo or head version.  Does yours have the power scaling feature on it?   Suhr first introduced on his Badger 18 head, kick butt feature for sure!!!

Jay

Self-Professed "GOLDIE" Nut-Job!!!!

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  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

Guytron wrote:

Joe,

I see Suhr has new video up on the site for combo or head version.  Does yours have the power scaling feature on it?   Suhr first introduced on his Badger 18 head, kick butt feature for sure!!!

Jay

Great question I was wondering the same. Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
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15 Reply by Devan (edited by Devan 2012-06-05 21:33:39)

  • Devan
  • Devan
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

Yeah, I think the power soak answers sted's concern above about this amp not having a master volume control... ?!?

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • DougH
  • DougH
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Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

I like the looks.. reminds me of the old Legend amp's from the early 1980's with the wicker grill

that power soak looks like some sort of resistive attenuator
(I think they could have done a better item than that, London power scaling or Dana Hall VVR or something)

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • Registered: 2012-04-26
  • Posts: 6

Re: New Jim Kelley Amps...

These are re-issues of the Jim Kelley amps and attenuators that were originally designed and built in the late 1970's and early 1980's. You can hear the sound they got back in the day in the song Money For Nothin by Dire Straights.  The price seems comparable to the used price on eBay.