GERMINO MONTEREY 100

Based on the original "Super Amplifier" from the 1966 time period also known as the JTM-45/100. Original examples of these early amps are getting harder and harder to find, and prices keep escalating. The Monterey 100 "Super Amplifier" is a faithful re-creation of the JTM-45/100 in every way with extreme attention to detail in build quality and components. The sound is unmistakably vintage with it's huge full sound evoking memories of Fresh Cream, early Hendrix and early AC/DC.

 

Inside the heart and soul of the Monterey 100 you will find the quality construction that sets the standard for all Germino models and by which others are judged. Meticulous wiring with the absolute best quality parts available are perfectly arranged on an original style tag board. Spot welded aluminum chassis, custom wound paper bobbin transformers with correct interleaving ratio's, CTS potentiometers with correct audio taper (Presence control is linear taper), vintage style mustard coupling capacitors, Carbon film and carbon comp resistors,  Cliff jacks, and NOS tube sockets. The aluminum chassis is made with 1" folded and spot welded corners for strength out of .90 gauge material. Perforated tag boards are used for both power supply and main board assembly. The Monterey 100 displays a white back panel with black lettering and accurate "Super Amplifier" script as an original. Period correct gold "plexi" front panel is used with correct font. Chassis is mounted in a full size 100 watt flat lip head cabinet with gold piping and accurate radius of the front panel cutout. Power transformer is the Drake 1204-43 with 3" stack. The original voltage spec of 560vdc has been lowered to 500vdc so current production KT-66's can be used. Output transformer is the 2" stack 1202-84 with 4K primary impedance as the original. Output selection is 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 100v line. Obviously the 100v line was never used but the winding does affect the sound of this unit.

 

The Monterey 100 circuit is the typical Bass circuit from the JTM era. Tone control values are a 56K slope resistor and 250pf capacitor. Power supply filtering is very low as the original JTM-45/100 and is key element to the feel and response.

 

This amplifier was made to fully capture the tone and vibe of the early Marshall Super Amplifier. The most fabled performance being the Jimi Hendrix Experience at Monterey Pop Festival in the summer of 1967 hence the name Monterey 100. These early 4 KT-66 powered with very low filtering produce a unique tone that was used by many greats in early recordings. The Monterey 100 fully captures the tone AND feel of these early amps with the addition of unparalleled reliability and quiet operation. The early tones of Hendrix, Free, Cream and others are readily available for those who have trained their hands and hearts in the musical sense.

 

Note: These product specifications apply to Germino models 2018 only, not earlier product.

ABOUT GREG GERMINO

Greg Germino became immersed in music as many did by the British Invasion of the 60's by groups such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Hours were spent by an old RCA Hi-Fi unit spinning records by these and other groups while singing along.

 

By 1969 Greg had begun playing acoustic guitar learning some basic chords, however his full love affair with electric guitar tones was inspired by an early 1972 live performance of The Allman Brothers Band. His first Les Paul was acquired soon-after along with his first tube amp, an Ampeg B12XT Portaflex. Greg began listening intently to music by the ABB, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Who and others. He began playing with bands the following year in 1973.

 

During High School he took his first electronics class and began learning about circuits. Playing during his High School years and afterward he acquired his first 100 watt Marshall around 1977. Vintage equipment was more prolific in those days. After noticing that older Marshall amps sounded better than his 1974 Super Lead Greg changed many of the board components to match his friends 69 Super Lead.

 

Through the late 70's and into the 80's Greg played with various bands and continued to educate himself regarding tone, playing technique and absorbed what he could regarding tube amps. Beginning 1984 through 1995 Greg worked as a technician primarily on DC circuits. By the early 90's he was working part time with Rich Bogart of  "The Tube Farm" who originally marketed and trademarked the Accu-bias and where another future amp builder, Steve Carr also worked on occasion.

 

In 1995 Greg worked briefly in music retail at Fat Sound Guitars. This was short lived due to moving to the mountains of North Carolina and working the next 3 years as guitarist for the Boone based band "Chicken Fat".

 

Returning off the mountain in 1998 Greg worked for Bull City Sound as a bench technician working on a variety of tube amplifiers. After this Greg did service work briefly for Shomaker Guitars before moving on to work with Mojo Musical Supply in January 2001. There he handled phone orders, repairs, questions in reference to Marshall amps and helped expand the company's aftermarket Marshall parts and cabinet offerings. Late in 2001 he was commissioned to build the Mojo "Tone Machine" amplifier consisting of a run of 30 pieces.

 

In May 2002 Germino Amplification began with the first production pieces being shipped to dealers at that time.

 

Greg has remained active in bands, playing small 100-200 seat clubs to 1200 seat theatre rooms in a variety of settings over the years. His commitment to his product is evident in workmanship, passion for work and continued excellent customer support.