In a monumental nod to heavy metal history, Laney Amplification has released a highly anticipated, limited-edition reissue of the Tony Iommi TI100 signature amplifier through its Black Country Customs workshop.
This exclusive amp celebrates Black Sabbath’s enduring impact and marks their final show, “The End,” at Villa Park on Saturday, July 5th. Only 50 units of this collector’s item will be made available, making it a must-have for guitarists, metal fans, and Black Sabbath enthusiasts worldwide.
Reimagining Iommi’s Signature Tone: Heavier, Compressed, and More Gain
Laney’s product manager, Simon Fraser Clark, who co-designed the original TI100 with the legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, sheds light on the evolution of Iommi’s sound.
“Tony is very much one of these people who hasn’t rested on his laurels,” explains Clark. “In 2012, Tony came to us to start talking about his new signature amp, the TI100, and that was used on the 2013 tour, for the album ’13,’ and it was a departure in his sound from previous tours – he wanted something that was a bit more heavier, had a bit more compression to it, a bit more gain. So that led to the TI100.”
Black Country Customs
This reissue faithfully captures that iconic tone. Laney engineers at the Black Country Customs workshop have meticulously configured the amp’s boost function to mirror the performance of a standalone pedal.
When activated, the bright red Boost dials allow players to hit the front end of their guitar amplifier with extra decibels, delivering that signature Iommi punch.
Unparalleled Control: Enhance, Presence, and Independent EQ
The TI100 boasts independent three-band EQ controls for each channel, offering unparalleled tonal sculpting. Players will also find dedicated Enhance and Presence controls for each channel – a rare and welcome feature, as these are typically global controls.
The Presence control adjusts the high-end response of the output section, providing that crucial “post EQ spritz and polish” to make harmonics and feedback truly pop.
Similarly, the Enhance control shapes the low-end frequencies. Turned fully counterclockwise, it delivers a tight response, perfect for contemporary metal styles and “full-bore chug.” Rotating the dial clockwise allows chords to “bloom,” offering fine-tuning for doom metal and heavier genres.
Built for the Road: Power, Practicality, and Precision
Under the hood, the TI100 packs a serious punch with a quartet of 6L6 power tubes and eight 12AX7 preamp tubes, delivering a powerful 100 watts.
Despite its robust construction, the amp is designed for practicality, featuring integrated grab handles for easy transport of the 21.5kg unit – a testament to its “built for the road” philosophy.
Further enhancing its versatility, the TI100 includes an “ultra-transparent” effects loop capable of accommodating both pedalboards and rack equipment. The loop also features an FX Return Gain dial to compensate for any gain changes when effects are applied, and it can be completely bypassed.
The amplifier ships with an FS4-TI footswitch, allowing seamless channel switching and on/off control for each channel’s boost. This footswitch is replete with signature details, including Tony Iommi’s iconic signature and cross logo.
Around the back, the TI100 offers a comprehensive array of 1/4” speaker outputs, including 4 Ohms, 8 Ohms, 2x 8 Ohms, 16 Ohms, and 2x 16 Ohms, ensuring compatibility with various speaker cabinets.
Price & Availability
This limited-edition amplifier comes complete with a protective covering and an array of “case candy” and extras, making it a true collector’s item.
As Laney aptly states, “It was Laney in the beginning for Iommi, the LA100BL pressed into service as he inaugurated heavy metal with Black Sabbath’s eponymous anthem, and it has been Laney all the way since.”
MSRP – $4999/£2999
For more details on this exclusive Tony Iommi signature amplifier, visit the Laney Amplification website.
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