Bad Cat Mod Shop Black Cat 30 30W Guitar Amp Head by Mark Sampson Black

The Bad Cat Mod Shop Black Cat 30 30W guitar amp head marks the return of Mark Sampson—one of the true visionaries of boutique amplification. Reimagined from the inside out, this 30W Class-A tube amp head is a handcrafted evolution of the original Black Cat, now upgraded with a newly voiced tone stack and bold, harmonically rich response. Built in Bad Cat's Costa Mesa shop with premium components and custom-wound transformers, this amp head carries Sampson's unmistakable sonic fingerprint. It's a limited-edition amplifier designed for players chasing expressive tone, clarity and a unique voice rooted in tube tradition and refined by a master.

EL84 Power Tubes Deliver Timeless Chime, Compression and Dimension

At its core, the Mod Shop Black Cat 30 delivers 30W of EL84 power through four matched tubes, yielding that unmistakable Class-A shimmer and compression. The clean channel is responsive and open, offering a dynamic range that rewards touch and nuance. From intricate fingerpicking to big, open chords, every note has dimension and musicality. The all-new tone stack, voiced by Sampson himself, enhances the amp's responsiveness—feeling more immediate and three-dimensional than ever. With a few simple tweaks of the shared tone controls, you'll find sweet spots for everything from jangly Americana to sparkling pop and blues.

Dynamic Overdrive That Stays Clear and Punchy

Channel 2 of the Mod Shop Black Cat 30 brings a unique overdrive voice—punchy, detailed and supremely articulate. Rather than saturating into mush, this gain stage holds together beautifully across the spectrum. Tight low end, present mids and airy highs combine into a tone that sings without losing clarity. It's designed to preserve your phrasing and dynamics, no matter how much you push it. Whether you're stacking pedals for a high-gain lead tone or pushing the amp raw and wide open, it keeps your signal honest, expressive and deeply musical. Independent volume and gain for each channel give you total control over the blend.

Studio-Grade Reverb and Vintage-Style Analog Tremolo

Complementing the amp's versatile tone engine are two studio-grade onboard effects: a beautifully tuned reverb and a vintage-style bias-modulated tremolo. The reverb adds spatial depth without washing out your sound—ideal for both live playing and studio sessions. The tremolo brings classic movement and warmth, offering slow pulses or fast shimmer with vintage character. Both effects can be dialed in via the front panel, while the tremolo is also footswitchable, giving you expressive control at your feet. Whether you're sculpting subtle ambience or bold modulation, these features expand your tonal palette while staying true to the Black Cat's boutique sensibilities.

Smart Connectivity and Reliable Construction for Real-World Rigs

The Mod Shop Black Cat 30 is built for flexibility, whether you're on stage or in the studio. A fully buffered effects loop ensures your time-based pedals stay clear and articulate. Multiple speaker outputs (4, 8, 16, dual 4 or 8 ohms) accommodate any cabinet configuration. A dedicated line out gives you direct access to your IR loader or analog cab sim setup—perfect for silent stages or quick recording workflows. With its compact Baltic birch head shell and manageable 31 lb. weight, it's a portable powerhouse that integrates seamlessly into your setup without compromising tone or build quality.

Limited-Edition Tube Amp Head, Handcrafted With Intention

The Bad Cat Mod Shop Black Cat 30 amp head isn't just another addition to your rig—it's the product of legacy, care and deep tone knowledge. Built in limited numbers and crafted entirely in California, this amp carries Mark Sampson's personal imprint. From the rock-solid Baltic birch construction to the EL84 power tubes and pro-grade transformers, every detail has been chosen for reliability and feel. If you want a boutique amp head with personality, power and pedigree, this is your moment. A new standard in expressive tone—handbuilt and ready to inspire.