Collection: Soldano Amps

As far as guitar tube amplifiers go, there’s nothing more Rock & Roll than a 100-watt Soldano amp head. Something about having a deafening amount of power at our fingertips makes electric guitarists giddy. It’s about more than just volume, however, as high wattage amps also have a distinctly sweet and full tone. In 1986, an amp tech named Michael Soldano felt that he could improve upon the 100-watt models that players were bringing to him for mods and repairs. After taking careful notes on what each amp did well, and where it fell short, he harnessed his hard-won knowledge into a new design. Before long, he had rock royalty knocking at his door.

The SLO-100, Super Lead Overdrive 100-watt head, expanded the possibilities of high-gain amplification, and went on to define an entire era of tone. With blooming harmonics and touch-responsive sustain, it felt more like an extension of the instrument than anything to come before it. It wasn’t just shredders who were smitten, however, the glistening clean channel with its optional “crunch” setting proved popular among blues players. Within a few years of opening, Soldano had built amps for Howard Leese (Heart), Mick Mars (Motley Crüe), Warren de Martini (Ratt), Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy), Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Lou Reed, and Eric Clapton.

After conquering the stadium circuit, Soldano amps decided to build a SLO that was better suited for small clubs and bars. The 30-watt SLO-30 has all the same character and features as it’s big brother, along with some modern additions inspired by the most requested Soldano mods. Depth and presence knobs expand the EQ section, and a tube-buffered effects loop makes it pedal-board friendly. We’re proud to be a Soldano amp dealer and welcome you to come test drive one of these beasts. It’s a good thing that they’re so loud, because they deserve to be heard.