Troy Van Leeuwen GMI 33F6: New Amp for Queens of the Stone Age's guitarist

New Troy Van Leeuwen GMI 33F6 signaure amp. NAMM Show attendees were treated to a surprise unveiling from GMI Public Address Systems: the 33F6 amplifier. This 35-watt, two-channel head is the result of a collaboration with renowned guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens of the Stone Age.

Troy Van Leeuwen GMI 33F6

For many guitarists, nothing replicates the depth and creative inspiration of a classic tube amplifier.

While digital modeling has its place, the world's top studios and renowned players like Queens of the Stone Age's Troy Van Leeuwen continue to crave the unique character of tubes. Van Leeuwen himself explains, “I really consider the aesthetic quality of a tube amp to be part of my personal style. There’s still something about the heat of tubes and speakers moving the air that still gets me off.”

QOTSA Amps

This new amp follows the announcement of Van Leewan's bandmate's Peavey Decade Too amp, co-designed with Josh Homme of QOTSA.

However, Troy's new signature amp is a far more refined high-end limited boutique release.

Sean Romin

Now, Van Leeuwen appears to have found his ideal tone with his new signature amplifier, the GMI Public Address Systems 33F6.

The 33F6 is the creation of Sean Romin, Van Leeuwen's long-time amp technician (over 15 years) and a guitarist himself (currently with the band Decry). Romin, a dedicated tone enthusiast, felt that even the most sought-after vintage amp circuits fell short of his ideal.

Driven by this pursuit of sonic perfection, he embarked on a mission to build the amp he couldn't find.

"I've always tinkered," Romin explains. "I’ll spend hours plucking a note through an amp and listening to how it fades, where the attack is – just the character a guitar and amp have. Over the last 35 years, I’ve wasted a ton of money buying and selling amps to chase a sound that I couldn’t get. I’ve also repaired and maintained a ton of vintage amps for my clients. So in 2020, I said ‘Fuck this, I’m just going to build my own amp!’”

The 33F6 combines new, old-source components to create an amp that incorporates elements Van Leeuwen appreciates from classic Peavey, Marshall, and Fender amplifiers.

Preamp

UPDATE 01/02/25 - We reported the incorrect details about the preamp. Correct information directfrom Sean Romin -   "The 33F6 does not have a solid state preamp. It is in fact a typical 12AX7 preamp. The solid-state hybrid design is more of a design and tone ideal. Troy requires a preamp that’s clear, really tight, clean, and not mushy."

Featuring four inputs, the amp boasts a 12AX7 preamp coupled with a fully-tube (6L6GC) power amp section. Further tonal control is provided by a Lar-mar style post-phase inverter master volume and a defeatable tone stack.

Queens of the Stone Age

GMI states that the 33F6 is built for versatility, designed to be equally at home in the studio or on stage. The company has also announced the first in a video series showcasing the amp's diverse sonic capabilities.

Specifications

• Configuration: All-tube, fixed bias, push-pull guitar amplifier with a solid-state rectifier.
• Tubes: 2x 7581/7581A/6L6GC
• Output: 35 watts RMS
• Power: 120V/220V/230V/240V
• Channels: Two channels, four inputs
• Features: Lar-Mar style post-phase inverter master volume, defeatable tone stack
• Dimensions: 19" W x 10" H x 8 ½" D
• Weight: 30 lbs

Pricing & Availability

The GMI Public Address Systems 33F6 carries an MSRP between $5000 and $5500. Register your interest on the GMI site and discuss options directly with them.

These will be limited availability only due to the nature of the NOS parts and their being hand-built in the USA.

More Information

• GMI Public Address System
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