Webb Amps to Continue

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

Over the 25 years they were produced, the Webb Steel Guitar Amp was acknowledged as the finest sounding and performing amp for our instrument. Two years ago, Jim Webb, the owner and manufacturer of this amp, passed away. After lengthy Court litigation, his sole heir gained control of the firm and chose to sell it. I was able to acquire it. It is my desire to perpetuate Mr. Webb's legacy by continuing to build his fine product.

As usual, I'll be honest: I don't know "jack @#%@" about amplification or electronics. I hardly know a watt from an ohm. However, I do know what I like in a sound. I know there is a difference between what players declare to be their preference in sound and what is available to them from amp builders. I also know that it is difficult if not impossible to please everyone. Mr. Webb managed to bridge the gap between what was available for purchase on the open market and all those different preferences in amplifier sounds. In bridging those preference gaps he built an expensive amp. It was too expensive for the average player, but it wasn't too expensive for the discerning player who demanded the best. Fortunately, Jim Webb had a music store that actually supported his amp-building passion/hobby. I've learned in the brief time I've had this amp that I could never make a living building it and selling it for a profit that would support me. The components and the hand-made aspects of this amp make that impossible. So, it will be just another hobby in the long list of hobbies I've had over the past 40 years, involving the steel guitar.

With my purchase of the Company, I have no intention of changing the electronics of the amplifier. Its adoring fans have made their point. As the saying goes, "It ain't broke, so there's no need to fix it." However, providing the option of personalizing its sound doesn't mean a change; it is simply providing options for enhancing the sound that is already there. Unfortunately, one reality has reared its ugly head: the JBL Company is no longer making instrument speakers! Thus, the renowned "JBL" is gone, except on the "used speaker" market. Quite by accident, and thanks to modern technology, I have found a speaker that honestly delivers the JBL sound.

Beyond what I've said here, please read further information about the Webb amp under "Electronics" here on the Forum. ...Tom

Curt Langston · Posted 12 Sep 2006 4:49 pm

Great news Tom! I know you will seek the appropriate counsel(s) for advice, if needed, and that in itself will be a comfort. It is really good to know that someone is willing to undertake the task of carrying on the fine line of Webb amps.

You have probably already been advised to use the Emminence Commonwealth 15 inch 4-ohm speaker. I bet that would be a winning combination!

Thanks for carrying on the legend!

[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 12 September 2006 at 05:57 PM.]

Russ Hicks · From: Pegram, Tennessee, USA

Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

I love mine!!!

Randy Gilliam · From: San Antonio, Texas, USA

Me Two.

Nick Reed · From: Russellville, KY USA

Mr. Tom
This is great news for those of us who already own Webb Amplifiers. I look forward to being your Customer!
Nick Reed

[This message was edited by Nick Reed on 12 September 2006 at 06:58 PM.]

Mike Sigler · From: Give Em A Try !

I used a nice webb piggy back amp at St. louis, and man i fell in love with it in the first few notes i played.. What a fantastic amp!
I loved it so much, that i used it on the main stage, and the tone was amazing!
Hats off to you Tom! for keeping one of the worlds best steel guitar amps in operation!
Mike Sigler

Billy Wilson · From: El Cerrito, California, USA

Mike S. you sounded great through Tom's new amp. That would have to be the debut of the Bradshaw era Webb.

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

I arranged with Scotty to "display" my new version of the Webb amp at the Convention as a "roving" displayer. Gene Fields was very gratious in allowing me to place one of the amps in his room. Gene said he would ask Mike Sigler to try it out. I left and later returned. Gene said that Mike Sigler had used it and really liked it. I was exhausted from my flight in, so went to bed. On Saturday morning several people told me about Mike's great performance. I was stunned, since I didn't know his plan in "using" it was to take it on stage. The response was very good from everyone who mentioned it to me. Thanks to Mike for giving it the acid test. ...Tom

[This message was edited by Tom Bradshaw on 12 September 2006 at 07:39 PM.]

Larry R · From: Navasota, Tx.

Thank you Tom. We're behind you.

Larry R

Russ Wever · From: Kansas City

Tom,

Sorry we were not able to connect so that I could play it in the 'Jazz Room'.

I really enjoyed the Webb I played back when they first hit the market and would have liked to play one again.

Wishing you every success in this new venture . .

~Russ

Jim Phelps · From: Mexico City, Mexico

Just want to wish you much success in bringing back this revered amplifier.

Bobby Caldwell · From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA * R.I.P.

Tom, It was so nice to see you in St.Louis. Welcome to the Hall of Fame. I wish you much success with your new venture. I am sure with you involved the Webb amp will remaine the class act it has always been. My best to you and yours and I know that you must be very proud of your lovely daughter. Your friend always, Bobby

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Tom-Congratulations on taking over the Webb amp. I am glad to hear that it will be available to the steel guitar community.

I had one back in the 80's and hooked it up to my MSA universal, and my Wife Lorraine said "Now that is the best sound you ever had". I thought so too.

But sadly to my regret, I had to sell it, at the time. I wish I still had it now in my music room...al

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Lynn Owsley · From: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Tom, Congratulations on Both the induction to the ISGHOF and to your deciding to bring back the Webb Amps Line.This amp, in my opinion is the best for me...I have played Webbs since 1995. I have put this amp through the torture of the road and I have NEVER had a problem...
I know that we as steelers are a limited market for people who build quality products for us,and you probally will not get rich doing this....I would like to thank you for carrying on and I will continue to support you and the Webb Amp and tell others how great they are for me...
Many times someone will say to me "The stage is loaded with great amps so why carry that one?" My reply,"It's a Webb and with this one I will have my sound and I won't have to spend time turning knobs!"
Wishing you the very best !

Jack Goodson · From: new brockton,alabama (deceased)

Lynn: I know one thing , you have the only amp that when you plug it in on your bus it humms in b/flat....thanks jack

Gary Walker · From: Morro Bay, CA

Tom, I'm relieved that the Webb amp will continue. After many years of wanting one, I got my two piece amp from Jim about 18 months before he passed away. It's the genuine article with the JBL 15 and it'll last me from now on.
As for you being at the helm, I know your customers will appreciate your service and integrity. In the 40+ years since I have known you, doing business with Tom Branshaw has been a very rewarding experience. When you do something, it's always been first class. Providing this wonderful piece of equipment will keep you in the mix of players around the world.

smike · From: oakland, ca

i love my webb amp...

bruce

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Tom, how much will you be selling the amps for?

And how much do they weigh?

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Bosse Engzell · From: ï¿½ppelbo, SWEDEN

Hello Tom, Good that your continue with this amp. I buy my from Scotty in St Louis -79. It have NOT blow a fuse. Everything is orginal inside and sound very clean and sweeeet. God luck. Exuse spelling.

Bosse in Sweden

Roy Ayres · From: Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Tom. Grest news. Congratulations.

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