TWS Cali Sunset Top

All-Tube Head for Electric Guitar

Single channel '80s LA Metal amp
Tube configuration: Two EL84, one EZ81, three selected 12AX7 preamp tubes
Power: 18 W (RMS)
Boost/Hot modes
Bright/Deep switches
Gain control
Presence control
TWS WonderVol master volume
Custom 3-band EQ
Lossless series FX loop
4 / 8 / 16 ohm speaker connection with impedance selector switch
Operates on European and US mains voltage
Dimensions (W × H × D): 510 × 205 × 210 mm
Weight: 8.6 kg
Colour: Red
Made in Germany

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Item number 627059
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Powerrate in W 18 W
Power Amplifier Tubes EL84, EZ81
Channels 1
Reverb No
Footswitch No

£2,666

All prices incl. VAT

235

Sales Rank

in Tube Guitar Heads

Bundles & offers

TWS Cali Sunset Top w/Cab

£3,869

An all-tube amp with all the gain

"More is more" was the motto for Rock music in the 1980s in more ways than one, and guitarists in particular were always chasing that really huge gain sound. Plenty of amps were modded to the point of being virtually unrecognisable to achieve it, which ultimately gave rise to the legendary LA gain sound. The TWS Cali Sunset amp head is a hand-wired reimagining of those iconic Rock amps, built in Germany with high-quality parts. With its 18W output and a wonderfully responsive WonderVol master volume control, it's playable in any setting, especially compared to the beasts used in the '80s - while still packing more than enough volume to be heard over a drummer without breaking a sweat. It features Deep and Bright switches for personalised tone shaping, plus a preamp boost and an extra gain stage, very much in the style of the great amp modders. This British-voiced TWS amp delivers absolutely top-tier, dynamic high-gain tones - bringing the '80s roaring back to life.

A very British kind of sound

A Plexi is known for sounding fantastic, but also for not having the most flexible set of controls and settings. TWS has taken this classic design and brought it right into the modern era - with all the versatility that implies. Replacing the usual four inputs found on the original British amps is a pair of switches labelled Deep and Bright, whose functions are as effective as they are clear. Another standout feature is the mid control, which fundamentally shapes the amp's core character, covering everything from classic Rock tones to modern Metal bite. The treble and presence controls dial in the gain's aggression, while the bass knob lays down the low-end foundation. Finally, there are two more exotic switches: The Boost switch drives an extra tube even hotter, and the Hot switch – based on the renowned Jose mod – adds some really smooth gain clipping, pushing both the dynamics and the gain structure to the front of the mix.

Endless dynamics on a single channel

The TWS Cali Sunset head hasn't just been designed for Hair Metal: With its range of functional tone controls and adjustable gain structure, this single-channel amp's agile enough to feel at home in all the Hard Rock hotspots. Even at the highest gain settings, it cleans up nicely, allowing guitarists to show off their fully dynamic range, and it also responds very well with boost pedals. A rarity for Plexi-style models is a series effects loop, but this amp, with its blend of Californian-style and British sounds, makes this a reality because most of the distortion comes from the preamp itself, so that delays and reverbs can be added to the chain at will. This flexibility means that anyone looking for a handmade amp with plenty of headroom and versatile controls - one that's capable of delivering a professional sound both on stage and at home - is sure to love the TWS Cali Sunset.

About TWS

Tube WorkShop (TWS) is a young German company founded by a seasoned guitarist and audio electronics engineer. TWS offers handcrafted guitar amplifiers tailored for players who demand exceptional tonal quality and emotional depth from their amps. TWS amplifiers combine superior craftsmanship with the musical complexity inspired by vintage amps. Their designs primarily utilise valve (tube) technology, focusing on sound, tactile feedback, and aesthetic appeal. TWS's lineup includes combo amps, amp heads, and matching speaker cabinets. Additionally, they offer custom amp designs, tailored to meet individual customer specifications.

Perfect for the stage, for the studio... and for the open road

Whether it's played with humbuckers, single coils, or '80s-style active pickups, the Tube WorkShop Cali Sunset head delivers a truly astonishing gain sound. The WonderVol master control, a unique TWS feature, means it can be driven to produce just the right sounds on even on the smallest club stages - without giving the FOH engineer a nervous breakdown. Studio musicians also swear by lower-wattage amps for recording in smaller rooms, since there's less low-end buildup, which reduces that unpleasant muddiness in the tone. Weighing just 8.6kg, the Cali Sunset is pleasantly light for a tube amp, meaning it's easy to haul around, while its Baltic birch housing makes it tough enough for life on the road.

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