"Man, I'm just blown away"   - Too many to count...

""I've been playing electric guitar for forty-two years now, and the Atomic Space Tone is absolutely the finest amp I've ever played through. It will be a long time before I plug into anything else. I've been playing through these amps about 6 hours a day since I got them! There is no other amp in the world that I'd rather be playing through now.

You have delivered me the tone that I have been looking for all my life. I am totally blown away by the sound, the look, and by how small and light they are.

If it never went above "2", it would be an amazing amp. But when I cranked it all the way up, it just went into orbit. It sounds like the Beatles on Volume 1 through 2. Like stoned Beatles on 3 through 5. Like The Undertones on 10. For the hell of it, I tried it all the way down to zero, and it still sounded great - like a nicely blown huge amp in the distance. Every volume and tone level combination is sweet. Low volume has chime and sustain, loud volume has growl without issues.

These amps have brought me so much joy in so little time. They sounded so good with no pedals, I was worried how it would react to them. Everything in my pedal board sounds better now, especially my old 808 Tube Screamer. Do you have a Hughes Kettner RotoSphere? You might want to try one out with two ASTs. Lately, I've been playing my ASTs with the volumes set on "1". There isn't anything I can't do at that setting. And have you ever tried the volume set to zero and the reverb turned all the way up? I'm telling you, its cool.

My hopes and expectations have been greatly exceeded. Your design is a masterpiece."

Paul Leary
Butthole Surfers / Carny / Producer
Austin, TX

"I just bought two of your amps from Musictoyz. I started with the Space Tone 2 weeks ago, & just got an Atomic Space Tone.

I produce/engineer lots of records & a monthly XM radio show called "Robbie's Secret Country" with Yep Rock artist Robbie Fulks. I have a large collection of amps (vintage & new Marshalls, vintage & new VOX, vintage Hi-Watt, vintage Fenders, Kustoms, Gretch, Epiphone, Tone King, Magnatone, Dr. Z,  Z Vex,  etc...). 

I have to say the Atomic Space Tone is possibly the best recording amp I have ever heard.   

I am normally a big EL84 (EL34) fan, but this amp seems to do it all (I don't work with many "scooped metal" tones).  It sounds great with an old Neve 1063 mic pre & an old U-47 (U-87) or Sennheiser 421. Great reverb & the best tube tremlo I have.   It is very quiet & works extremely well with Joe Barden pickups. You can barely tell the amp is on with that combo, even playing in the control room by the dreaded computer monitor.   I can't say enough about the Swarts.

Thanks for the great amp, & I look forward to checking out anything else you make.  Oh, and thanks to Paul from the "B H Surfers" for the volume on 0 reverb on 10 trick.  It will get used around here.

Jay O'Rourke
Rax Trax Studio
Producer / Engineer / Guitarist
Chicago, IL

"The Atomic Space Tone is the amp I've been waiting for for 25 years! Real tone, lush reverb, thick tremelo and perfect break up at regular volume-and everybody loves the tweed. I'm retiring my Deluxe."

John Flansburgh
They Might Be Giants

Am still loving the amp... I plugged in a Stratocaster and turned up the reverb and tremolo and the sound is inspiring.

Dean Wareham
Galaxy 500 / Luna / Dean & Britta
New York, NY

Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips - Cat's Cradle, Chapel Hill, NC - 3/24/07

Michael Swart is really onto something special with his toneful and artful designs...it feels as though I'm gliding amongst the notes of a sonic vista.

The Atomic Space Tone has been my go-to club amp and I've received lots of praise on its tone. The little 5 watter is getting tons of use here as my studio/practice amp. It works great with pedals as well. Feels wonderful to play with nice Sag and compression switch setting for low volume.

Greg V
Guitarist Extraordinaire
Nashville, TN

"...My all time favorite guitar amp is the 100% tube-driven Atomic Space Tone from boutique amp builder Swart Amplification.

I got one of these in for review on my blog, but after spending three weeks with the amp I quite honestly couldn't bear parting with it, so I just bought it outright.

Tiny & light, with just 20-watts of power and a single 12" custom Mojotone speaker, the Atomic Space Tone is simply the most expressive amplifier I've had the pleasure to play. In fact, it blew my tweed Fender Blues Deluxe right out of the water––an amp that I was quite happy with until the AST came along.

Tube reverb. Tube tremolo. JJ5 AR4 rectifier. Dual JJ 6v6s for power. 12AX7 in the preamp. Carbon comp resistors. Tweed & Oxblood covering on a finger-jointed, hand-made pine cabinet.

I've never played such a soulful amplifier in my life, and it's surprisingly loud as well... I haven't taken it on stage as of yet, but I don't expect to have any trouble in a small club. A mic should take care of it if I do.

In fact, looking at Swart's website this morning I discovered that two of my favorite artists are playing the Atomic Space Tone as well––Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, and the incomparable Dean Wareham, currently of Luna, but previously frontman of one of my favorite bands of all time, Galaxie 500.

You can see my full review over on my blog: REVIEW: Swart's Immaculate Atomic Space Tone.

Not cheap, and probably not for the confirmed metal-head, but a tube amp that absolutely blows the competition away, IMHO."

Cary Miller
Electric Guitar Review
Tube Freaks Guitar Forum

Michael,

At the risk of sounding a little schmaltzy, I really feel like I have been waiting for years to meet your amp. It fills a place in me as a musician that is so rewarding. It isn't just the great variety of tones available at a perfect volume, not to mention excellent reverb and tremolo all in package - this amp has SOUL. A ton of it. And it inspires me to play so much better as a result, to explore and push my technique because the amp can give me SO much touch-responsive tone on tap.

I don't know what you did, but you have created an amp that is an instant American classic, and I really mean that. So again, thanks so much for having the vision to create this little beauty.

Geoff Brandenburg

We can barely keep the Swart amps in stock.  Usual advice is to grab one really fast before they're gone again!

The Atomic Space Tone is one of the finest amps you will ever play. It may look small, but it has some serious volume and incredible tone. Best of all, it goes to 11. Really. We've had some people in the store call this "the greatest amp in the world." It has the most beautiful tone and would look amazing in any living room. The perfect gigging amp. And there's nothing like the smell of the lacquer...

Jeremy
Boutique Tone

Greg V with his Swart 6V6se & Atomic Space Tone

The Amp (AST) is Fantastic! BRAVO!

Hi Michael

Well...what can say about the amp? I am speechless!

Its really wonderful and the sound is incredible. The reverb and tremolo powered by valves sounds incredible.

You have created one of the finest amps anywhere.

I let some of my friends try it and they are so exited. This amp will be treasured. I have had a very nice cover made for it already. I would not be surprised if some of my friends will be in touch with you in the very near future.

Thanks again and happy holidays.

Regards,
Bo Halldorsson

Dear Michael,

I'm sure that you don't remember me. My name is Ed Ibarguen. I happened to be in Fat Sound when you were visiting. At any rate, it was that exposure to the sound of your amps that sparked my interest. They sounded great and in working through Stewart, as a long time customer, I was able to get my hands on one of your amps just back in stock. I played this one in the store - it sounded great so I bought it that evening. I played it for several hours that night at low volumes in my house. It wasn't until the next day that I could turn it up a touch and play around with the settings.WOW! Just absolutely incredible tone! SPECTACULAR!

I have played guitar since I was 12 - that's 42 years now! - I have had the pleasure of playing most of the great guitars through ALL of the greatest amps ever made. I can honestly tell you that I haven't heard any amp that got so much right as your Atomic Tone 20 watt, 6V6 Swart amp. Your amp is as harmonically rich as the finest amps I have ever played and although it's subjective over time and memory, it could be the best I've ever heard.

Somehow or another, you got the formula right - you figured it out. You amp is so sensitive to pick attack it's like having a tone control in your hands for every note. I'm quite sure that no other amp translates the sound of an electric guitar better than this one. The tremelo is clearly the best I've ever heard. The reverb tone is marvelous!

More importantly, I had to take a moment to write and thank you for this incredible jewel. In fact, every guitar I own sounds great through my Swart. I currently own 15 guitars and eleven great amps. Ironically, I was watching five amps on eBay auctions (always looking for the perfect tone). After playing your amp, I cancelled all of my bids and am going to list over half of the amps I currently own to sell myself. I have found THE amp I want to play - it's a Swart! The ones that I do keep: a Matchless, a Marshall, a Boogie or two, a Kendrick Trainwreck (actually, I'll probably sell it), two Fender's, and a Groove Tube amp will have to sit un-played because all I want to do is turn on your amp and play until I drop.

I called Stewart to thank him for carrying the amp, for putting me together with it, and with this letter, I just wanted to personally thank you. I can't even begin to express the enjoyment and pure pleasure that I have already had in playing this very special amplifier. I hope that I'll have an opportunity to speak to you again in person. You have a fan for life in me. As your career progresses and your product line grows, trust me you will have a customer in me.

Your friend in music,

Ed Ibarguen
Cary, North Carolina

Michael,

I have never enjoyed an amplifier as much as yours. The tones I got out of it last weekend were beyond belief. As I told you before, I've owned / or own every major amp / boutique amp etc known to man! Your Swart amp is the best I've EVER played. I was into Fat Sound talking with Stewart today and asked him if you had decided to make an amp with a bit more head room. He told me that you were making a few selected amp heads exactly to match the current Space Tone that I currently own. I'd very much like one as soon as I could get it. He also told me that you are going to make a speaker cab to go with it. I'd like one of those. Lastly, he said that you might consider making a head in the 35 to 40 watt range using possibly four power tubes instead of two. I'd like to own one of those as well and of course, as soon as possible. Do you have any of these amp heads and speaker cabs around the shop I could pick up next week?

In short, if Michael Swart is making it, Ed Ibarguen would love, no be honored to own it. PLEASE keep me in mind for any and all of these. You can e-mail me directly, call me at my numbers supplied. If this is all a possibility please follow up on it.

Thanks again,

Ed

John Flansburgh, of They Might Be Giants, yet another blown away by the AST

To Stu at Fat Sound Guitars

"Stu, in the last few years that we've been doing business together...or with anyone, I don't think I've ever been this enthusiastic over an amp. I received the amp Friday, fired it up, and was just blown away. I was drenched in sweat I was so into it! You know when something is so right but in the back of your head you're thinking is it? - that's where I was. I must of played for about 2 hours before I realized I had a small gig that evening. Anyway, I took it out that night and it was so beautiful. This amp has so much sustain and awesome tube reverb & tremolo that you just sink into the sound..... I played that amp all weekend and never got bored with it. I think I've told you from the start I'm a one amp guy, a minimalist with effects, and I'm always looking for that one, I think I've actually found it....... This amp is definitely in a class of its own. It's quick, responsive and I love the sound of that 12" speaker. I've got 4 amps now and the other 3 seem like tools to me - you know something to get the job done with. The Swart was truly an extension of what I was feeling and it felt great, and that's something I've never achieved with an amp, or hardly a guitar. Whatever Swart is doing he's doing it right....."

Thomas H.
Cypress, TX

In my long search for "the tone that defines my style", my journey has ended with Swart Amplication. I don't know about you, but everytime I get a new guitar or amp it can take a certain amount of time to learn it's character and best way to use this instrument to make music.( I do consider this type of amp to be an instrument itself.)

The first time I played through the amp I could hear the 3 dimesional depth and beautiful tone. This little 20 watter is surprisingly loud, so it took me a little while to get used to playing at full volume. But that is where I found that this amp that has a great clean tone can sing, shout and scream. And with the addition pedal that Micheal builts, here come the lead tones from heaven.

I my humble opinion, this amp is versitile enough for any serious guitarist.

Thanks again, Michael

Ron Johnson

Jeff Tweedy and Wilco - Hear the AST on Wilco's new release, Sky Blue Sky

Michael,

I just wanted to say thank you for your assistance with getting one of your Space Tone amps out to me in one day! My husband was absolutely thrilled with the amp (He said it was one of the best birthday presents I have given him…in fact, he intends to sell his old amp now because he claims he will never play it again, yours is so much better!). We love the amp and really appreciated your fabulous customer service.

Best regards,
Sarah Rosen

Hey Michael!

Everything is cool with my AST....everything sounds fantastic.

Amazing is the main word that comes to mind! This AST is just about the most musical, corpulent, juicy, jangly amp I've ever heard an electric guitar through. Had a few guitar geek friends over last night for the big "tone evaluation" thing and after strumming a few simple open chords with the volume around 4, tone at 5 and verb at 5, everyone's mouth dropped open while the chords rang and swirled through the room. Simply sublime tone. And the tremolo is just in a league of it's own.

Compared to my Carr Mercury, the AST has a far more complex tone, with stringy, piano like lows, juicy mids and upper mids and the highs are rich and creamy without being strident. Unreal. The Mercury has always had this cool fundamental overtone which is always present while the AST actually has multiple overtones - kind of like piano chords. The feel is incredible as well, it's really an interactive amp that seems to be an extension of you're hands rather than just sound reinforcement for you're guitar. We swapped some different rectifier tubes for comparison and all sound great. Just a totally inspirational amp to play.

And thanks so much for you're patience with that poor first AST. The be-heading of the speaker at the hands of the UPS terrorists was incredibly disturbing, and a hassle for you as well. I really appreciate you shipping out that second one so fast - thanks again and the best of luck to you!

Sincerely,

Paul Berty

Peter Parcek and his much loved Swart AST

Unbelieveable sounding 20 watter with a single 12" speaker, wonderfully rich vintage style tremolo, deep reverb and amazing tone. Regardless of what type or types of guitars you play, the touch sensitivity, dynamics, swell, musical compression....everything about this amp....will just blow you away. I have had more fun playing this amp. My Les Paul and Strat have rarely been played so good! Don't ya just love an amp that makes you play over your head and inspires you to brerak out of your rut? The Atomic Tone offers enough volume, headroom and dynamics for small club use, but even at 20 watts I find it extremely useable around the house.

Stu
Fat Sound Guitars

"Dude! I'm stoked!

I received the amp Friday, fired it up, and was just blown away. I was drenched in sweat I was so into it! You know when something is so right but in the back of your head you're thinking is it? - that's where I was. I must of played for about 2 hours before I realized I had a small gig that evening. Anyway, I took it out that night and it was so beautiful. This amp has so much sustain and awesome tube reverb & tremolo that you just sink into the sound. From the start this amp reminded me of my '64 deluxe but better - it's actually the first amp I've ever thought that sounded vintage to me. Just between us - those other amps I own may be up for sale."

T. Hughes

"The AST arrived here early this afternoon in perfect condition.....I plugged in with my G&L ASAT Special for my initial observations and was extremely impressed with the range of overdriven tones I could get- at one point even straddling the amp to hear both sides of the amp at once because as embarrassing as that sounds, they really are two different tones emminating from front and back..... the overdriven tones from the AST are tremendous- and these guys that say there is no need for pedals are right on.The AST is very immediate and holds together beautifully.

I cannot reference the AST to any of the other tones that my previous amps delivered. It is comfortably familiar, but there is an underlying quality to the sound that is rich in texture and sounds like an old record. Thanks again"

Steve S.

"Well, I put it through its paces last night for several hours and all I can say is it's nice to finally hear just what I've always wanted an amp to sound like!! Even at volume on 3, the high strings sounded thick and horn-like, while the low strings remained clean. It's really shocking what he's gotten out of this circuit. The truly useable and amazing thing is there is no real transition between clean and overdriven. It's all on a continuem. You think you're playing clean, then you dig in on the high strings on the upper fretboard, and you've hit that sweet bluesy breakup.

You're right---it doesn't remind me really of any other amp. It's old school all the way. Now you need to stop selling them so not everyone can cop my tone. (Although, the beauty of this amp is that it is so detailed that an individual's hands and touch come through completely, making everyone sound unique)"

Brad S.

"The amp (20 watt Atomic Space Tone)is, well, just tremendous. I'm really astonished (yeh, astonished) at the number of tones I'm getting in just a few minutes of noodling around with it - and that's not adjusting the tone on either amp or the Strat - no pedals - nothing - just totally straight up.It's very responsive and pretty amazing! Michael should be congratulated for having come up with it- and you guys for taking him on...."

John A.

 

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