Old Rusty

This is the pride of my lineup—the Old Rusty. It’s a true vintage-inspired design, built with an attention to detail that reflects the look, feel, and construction of classic 1950s amplifiers.

The Old Rusty features a 6-inch Weber speaker and a compact cabinet measuring approximately 11½ inches wide by 11½ inches tall. The cabinet is 6 inches deep at the bottom and approximately 5¼ inches deep at the top.

The aged tweed finish is carefully crafted to replicate the character and appearance of a well-loved vintage amplifier. The cotton twill covering is true to the materials used on many original 1950s-style amps. The aging process is something I’ve developed over time, and much of the technique remains a closely guarded secret. I use varnish flakes, carefully cooked in copper or cast-iron pots to create the colors and tones, before hand-applying the finish throughout the cabinet.

Underneath the vintage appearance is a commitment to quality. The amplifier uses quality transformers, cloth-covered wire similar to what was used in amplifiers during the 1950s, and carefully selected capacitors, including Orange Drop-style and F&T capacitors. MOD Electronics also produces some excellent capacitors, and I incorporate their components where appropriate.

The cabinet itself is constructed entirely from #2 pine—the same basic material used by Leo Fender in the early days of Fender amplifiers. Leo simply used the materials that were readily available to him at the time, and that approach helped define the classic construction of those early cabinets.

The difference? Mine doesn’t come on a shipping skid.

The Old Rusty is a combination of vintage-inspired construction, carefully developed aging techniques, and modern attention to component quality—all built to capture the character of a true 1950s-era amplifier.