Marshall-inspired boutique head in action
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There are so many boutique amp builders around right now, it's more likely than ever that somewhere out there, somebody is already making your ultimate amp. And if your idea of 'ultimate' means a straight-up all-valve head that can cover most classic British rock tones from the 1960s to the 1980s, then we have a pretty strong candidate to look at right here. It comes in the shape of the Olde 800 from Sacramento-based Fargen Amplification, and is now available in the UK.

The Fargen Olde 800 really typifies what a great small-production 'boutique' amp is all about. It's designed to deliver a particular set of sounds and dynamic responses, in this case classic Brit rock tones that totally hit the bullseye for us.

Like many boutique amps out there, this one is not cheap, but heads that deliver this kind of tone are rare - together with the Olde 800's exceptionally high construction standards, we think that just about justifies the price tag. Competition is harder to find than you'd think - there are many great amps available on the market for similar money, but only a few that do what the Fargen does so effortlessly.

The amp's sounds are more idealised than accurate, meaning that it keeps all the best sonic characteristics and leaves out the bits that were less memorable. It will resonate with many players who remember those sounds from the first time around, as well as younger players who want to discover what it was like back in the days when stompboxes barely existed and a good guitar with a great amp was all you needed. This take on some of the most popular British amps made during that era is a strong reminder that while modern digital modelling has got better, it will only be a facsimile at best. The Fargen, meanwhile, is the real deal - and then some.

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