Frost Amplifiers CLAPP15
Class A Push-Pull 1x12"
Guitar Combo Amplifier
A completely original design that combines the purity of Class A with the efficiency of the Push-Pull configuration, all designed and hand-built by Tim Krushka.
The innovative all original hand-made Frost Amplifiers CLAPP15 features a revolutionary design that incorporates true Class A with Push-Pull. Hear the difference as the amp switches from Class A/B to pure Class A with the on-board lightweight 12" neodymium speaker. Loud enough to keep up with any drummer, it handles gig environments with ease and can easily be dialed back for sociable bedroom practice. With a swathe of tonal options available, the CLAPP15 amplifier is a tone leviathan that does crunch & clean beautifully, comfortably contributing to any style of music and standing as the perfect pedal platform.
The CLAPP15 is destined to become a classic due to the revolutionary operating modes and high-quality construction. The amp is fitted with a Constant Current Source (CCS) which keeps the output stage in Class A. Most Push-Pull amplifiers that purport to be Class A are in fact Class A/B—unless a Push-Pull amp is fitted with a CCS, it is not a Class A amplifier. Class A limits the power to 9-watts, thus the CLAPP15 features a switch for Class A/B for extra power when needed (15-watts).
Cascode Input Circuit
The cascode input circuit is a very different circuit to what is found in most guitar preamps. The term 'cascode' comes from Cascaded Triode, which is a configuration that exhibits the dynamics and vibrant tonal qualities of a pentode valve without the drawbacks. The early VOX designs used a pentode pre-amp valve, however pentodes suffer feedback and microphony in guitar amp service. The cascode design alleviates these problems but still presents the fantastic tones that the pentode can provide.
Image: CLAPP15 During Development
Each cabinet is hand crafted in the Frost Amplifiers wood workshop.
Frost Amplifiers use New Zealand radiata pine for the far superior acoustic properties when compared with plywood. When the frame is hand built, special attention is paid to the quality of the wood cuts used in construction—better resonance and rigidity are the natural result.
Finger jointing is used for strength. High quality corners and feet are added and a genuine hide leather strap handle completes the build. Tasmanian sustainably-sourced rainforest timber is used for the front panel as a final sleek touch. The amplifier looks and sounds great.
- Personal Customer Service & Lifetime Technical Support -- Provided by founder & owner of Frost Amps, Tim Krushka
- 24 Month Warranty -- 2 month warranty on tubes
- Cascode Pre-Amp -- This configuration provides the advantages of a pentode valve without the drawbacks.
- Tremolo -- Tremolo is switchable on front panel or by provided foot switch.
- Bright Switch toggle -- Boost treble at lower volumes.
- On-Board EQ -- Tailor your tone with bass, mid and treble controls and a defeat switch on bass control.
- Effects Loop
- Pre-Amp & Master Volume -- Clean to overdrive transition is totally controllable at any loudness level.
- Hammond (Canada) Paper Bobbin Output Transformer -- 4, 8 or 16 ohm outputs
- Lightweight 12" Neodymium Speaker On-Board -- Other speakers can be custom fit upon request.
- Anodised Aluminium Chasis -- Welded corners for strength and corrosion resistance.
- 12AX7 and 12AU7 Pre-Amp Valves
- EL84 or Russian Mil Spec 6P14P Output Valves
- Input and Output Jacks -- All Cliff (UK) gold plated
- Generously Rated 1W Carbon Film Resistors Throughout
- Polypropylene and Silver-Mica Capacitors
- Hand-Wired -- Meticulously wired by hand using aviation spec PTFE wire and gold plated turret boards.
RRP: $2950 AUD