FX Pedal Planet Online Store is excited to share a new episode of the Chairmen of the Boards podcast featuring Victory Amps' head designer, Martin Kidd. The Chairmen of the Boards podcast is hosted by three of the world's top rig builders: Grant Klassen from Goodwood Audio, Brian Omilion of Omilion Audio, and Mason Marangella, also known as The Rig Doctor from Vertex Effects. Together, they bring their expertise to the table, helping guitarists master the art of pedalboards with insider tips, tricks, and resources to build the ultimate rig.

In this latest episode titled Cracking the Code on Hybrid Tube Amps, the hosts dive deep into the world of guitar amps with Martin Kidd, a highly respected figure in British guitar amplification. Known for his time at Cornford, Martin is now the mastermind behind Victory Amps, a brand that has become synonymous with boutique, high quality guitar amplification. His modern, hybrid approach seamlessly blends traditional valve technology with solid state reliability, making Victory Amps a favourite among players seeking a versatile, powerful tone.

Victory Amps, based in the UK, offers a wide range of amps that cater to both touring professionals and home players alike. Their amps are meticulously crafted, combining hand wired tag boards where they can make the most tonal difference, and printed circuit boards for enhanced efficiency. Martin’s designs aim to bring the warmth and natural compression of tube amps while using modern technology to ensure durability and consistency. This approach has pushed the boundaries of British amp design, with their hybrid models being a standout in the market.

During the podcast, the discussion focuses on the growing trend of hybrid guitar valve amps, which use a combination of tube and solid state technologies. Martin shares insights into how Victory Amps integrates these technologies to create amps that deliver the tonal richness of valves with the reliability and practicality of solid state components. He highlights the challenges and innovations involved in bridging the gap between traditional tube sound and modern demands for consistency and durability. 

The hosts also touch on the unique characteristics of hybrid amps, noting that while they don't fully replicate the experience of playing through a 100% tube amp, Victory Amps has worked hard to retain that signature valve warmth. The episode gives listeners an in-depth look at how hybrid amps are evolving and what players can expect when using them in their setups.

To hear more about how Victory Amps is pushing the boundaries of amp design and to get exclusive insights from Martin Kidd himself, be sure to check out the full podcast episode. It's packed with valuable knowledge for both seasoned musicians and those just starting to explore amp tones.

After listening, make sure to follow Grant, Brian, and Mason on their social media channels for more gear demos, behind the scenes content, and pedalboard inspiration. You won’t want to miss out on the wealth of expertise they share regularly with their community of tone enthusiasts!

To listen to the Podcast, please click, POD.

« Back to blog