Bad Cat Mod Shop Cub 15: Legendary 1999 Boutique Tube Tone
Bad Cat Mod Shop Cub 15: A 15-watt tube amp blending the legendary 1999 circuit with modern stage features like dual master volumes and footswitchable
Bad Cat Amps has announced the official launch of the Mod Shop Cub 15, a modernized reimagining of the flagship circuit that put the boutique brand on the map. Inspired by Mark Sampson’s iconic 1999 design, the new Cub 15 combines classic, touch-sensitive British-style tube crunch with contemporary features built specifically for today's touring and recording guitarists.
Available in both a compact 1x12 combo and a standalone amplifier head, the Mod Shop Cub 15 bridges the gap between vintage dynamic feel and modern workflow flexibility.
Classic Sampson Circuit, Refined for Modern Rigs
At the heart of the Mod Shop Cub 15 is a pair of EL84 power tubes pushed by three 12AX7 preamp tubes, delivering 15 watts of harmonically rich, highly responsive power.
While preserving the string separation and vocal midrange that made the original 1999 Cub a studio staple, Bad Cat’s engineers revoiced the midrange and tightened the low end to create a focused tone that sits cleanly in any mix.
Whether dialed for sparkling clean headroom or pushed into natural tube overdrive, the Cub 15 responds organically to picking dynamics and guitar volume adjustments.
"The Cub has always been about feel. With the Mod Shop Cub 15, we wanted to honor Mark Sampson's original circuit while giving gigging players the stage controls they need today — like footswitchable gain and dual master volumes."
Key Features & Specifications
The Mod Shop Cub 15 is built in Costa Mesa, California, utilizing custom hand-wound Bad Cat transformers and a rugged Baltic birch cabinet.
Use the Clean/Overdrive selector switch and the 2 Button Footswitch with Clean/Overdrive and Master 1 / 2 to get the most from this single-channel amp.
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
| Power Output | 15 Watts |
| Tubes | (2) EL84 Power Tubes, (3) 12AX7 Preamp Tubes |
| Speaker (Combo) | 12" UK-Made Celestion Greenback |
| Channel & Switching | Single-channel circuit with footswitchable overdrive gain stage |
| Volume Control | Dual footswitchable master volumes (Rhythm / Lead) |
| Tone Shaping | 3-Band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) + Global Presence control |
| Effects & Routing | Studio-quality digital reverb, buffered FX loop, Line Out |
| Speaker Outputs | 4, 8, 16 ohm dedicated jacks + 2x4 ohm & 2x8 ohm outputs |
| Build Location | Hand-crafted in Costa Mesa, CA |
| Enclosure | Premium Baltic birch cabinet |
Stage & Studio Ready: Dual Masters & Footswitchable Gain
Unlike vintage single-channel amps that require external pedals or manual adjustments for solo boosts, the Mod Shop Cub 15 comes equipped with a two-button footswitch out of the box:
- Footswitchable Gain Stage: Instantly kicks the single-channel preamp from pristine clean headroom into thick, saturated tube drive without losing note clarity.
- Dual Master Volumes: Allows players to set dedicated Rhythm and Lead output levels, making solo level boosts completely seamless during live performances.
Additionally, an onboard studio-quality reverb adds subtle room ambiance, while a buffered effects loop ensures time-based pedals (delays, reverbs, modulations) maintain clean signal fidelity post-preamp.
Availability & Product Specs
The Bad Cat Mod Shop Cub 15 is available now in both Combo and Head formats through authorized Bad Cat dealers and directly via badcatamps.com.
- Combo Dimensions: 20.5" Width | Weight: 45 lbs.
- Included Accessories: 2-Button Footswitch
- +Touch-responsive dynamics honoring original 1999 circuit
- +Footswitchable gain and dual master volumes for live gigging
- +Built-in reverb and buffered effects loop
- +Hand-wound transformers and premium construction
- +Compact 15W output suitable for studio and small venues
- +Available in both combo and head formats
What tubes does the Bad Cat Mod Shop Cub 15 use?
The Cub 15 uses two EL84 power tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes, delivering 15 watts of tube-driven tone with responsive dynamics and natural overdrive characteristics.
What are the footswitchable features on the Mod Shop Cub 15?
The included 2-button footswitch controls footswitchable overdrive gain stage and dual master volumes (Rhythm and Lead), allowing seamless clean-to-drive transitions and level boosts without manual adjustments.
Does the Mod Shop Cub 15 have effects?
Yes, the amp includes a studio-quality digital reverb, a buffered effects loop for time-based pedals, and a line-out for direct recording—all designed to maintain signal clarity during live and studio use.
Is the Cub 15 available as a combo or head?
The Mod Shop Cub 15 is available in both formats: a compact 1x12 combo with a UK-made Celestion Greenback speaker and a standalone head, both hand-crafted in Costa Mesa, California.
