Hello,

Pedals and merchandise are generally always available. If you're here for amplifiers or tube effects units, please read on...

Our web store is OPEN. 

If we receive a reasonable amount of work we will close it again (we think this is likely, might want to hustle). As you may know, a direct order from us is the only avenue to pick your exact desired finish and instrument. 

An Explanation

Historically, we’ve structured our amp prices so that 50% of our amps are sold to stores and 50% are sold to customers. This keeps the prices down since we like to think that our amps are an aspirational item that normal musicians (like us!) can afford if they save their pennies. Our prices reflect the costs of running a business in the US. We provide good pay and benefits, safe facilities, etc. Benson Amps are still handmade by passionate crafts-people in Portland, Oregon. 

During pandemic years we experienced an unprecedented demand that freaked us out and caused us to shut off our direct sales channel in 2021. We worked through our massive list of interested parties, and even expanded 2.5X to get through it as fast as possible… a seven year list turned into three! 

How to Proceed

If you want to be the first to know when special runs are dropped or when our web store is open, join our mailing list at the bottom of this homepage. 

We’re excited that the store is open again and hope you are too…

Sincerely,

The Benson Amps Team

Here for something else? Click for General Inquiries.

Germanium says it’s sorry, it went through some stuff, thought a lot about it and now it’s ready to be friends.

"Builder Chris Benson’s Monarch is one of the most tactile, responsive, and just plain exciting combos I’ve ever had the pleasure of punishing" Joe Gore, Premier Guitar Magazine, Dec 2015

"I played this for the first time in Tucker Martine's studio.  This interesting and attractive amp called my name from the corner stack of gear.   I'm using it on almost every song The Decemberists are tracking for our new record.  Beyond that I love the way the reverb tank interacts with the head, like another level of tone and overdrive control.  A truly versatile amp combination!" - Chris Funk (guitarist for The Decemberists, Black Prairie)

Mass produced amplifiers can get you part of the way, but a hand built heirloom quality amplifier can give you a signature tone that’s all your own. We focus on creating original circuits that take advantage of 70 years of tradition, using components carefully selected for quality and tone. A particular focus is clean tones that sound euphonic and rich, that effortlessly transition into harmonics by varying pick or finger attack. Our ultimate goal is to deliver the last amplifier you will ever want to buy.

Benson Amps grew primarily out of Christopher Benson’s fascination with sound. As a producing guitarist himself, most of the designs stem directly from chasing his own dragons. Imagine for a moment, as a guitarist, being able to create the perfect instrument with zero compromises whatsoever for your own music. That is the core of what we do.

Benson Amps are put together by the nicest team of craftsmen/musicians you are likely to meet in Portland OR.

HAVING ISSUES WITH AN AMP OR PEDAL? PLEASE SEE OUR WARRANTY PAGE

CONTACT BENSON AMPS BELOW:

We try to answer every single email we receive within two business days.

To stay current with Benson Amps news (including upcoming releases and special offers), join our email list below or give us a follow on Instagram for the blow by blow.