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Slash has always preferred an intentionally streamlined approach to his sound: an electric, usually a Les Paul, and a tube amplifier—minimal pedals getting in the way of his organically overdriven sound.
That signature overdriven grit can’t be emulated in any other way than a wisely chosen amp that can reliably channel the most soulful, dynamic playing with impeccable nuance.
As such, Slash has made Magnatone his amp of choice in recent years, taking it on tour around the world with Guns N’ Roses and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators.
Being the icon he is, a Slash signature amp series was in order.
Pictured: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection SL-100 Amp Head Slash Skull & Crossbones Insignia
Like all Magnatone amps, each model in the Slash Signature Collection is built in St. Louis, Missouri with meticulous attention to detail, from finger-jointed cabinetry and hand wiring to 14k gold chevrons and stunning finishes—in this case, a one-of-a-kind Purple Python wrap.
Which amp in the Slash collection is right for you will depend on your specific volume, space and budget considerations, though each offering here embodies that boutique character and unique vibrato circuitry’s “True Dimensional Sound” that have made Magnatone amps so highly coveted since 1957. Simply put, Magnatone injects a low-frequency oscillator into the tubes, imparting a rhythmic voltage variance that culminates in the smooth vibrato effect we hear.
The bigger Magnatone Super Fifty-Nine M-80 and SL-100 options cover the big stage side of the spectrum. As their names would imply, the Baby M-80 and Lil’ Viper bring that same attitude into smaller-wattage formats at a volume that won’t break your lease as easily.
To keep it clean, we’ve broken everything into amp heads and combo amps. If you’re looking for a stack, you’ll find matching cabs under each amp head—true to form.
Pictured: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Lil' Viper Combo Amp Control Panel
Table of Contents
Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Amplifier Heads
Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Combo Amplifiers
It Could Be Yours
Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Amplifier Heads
Magnatone Super Fifty-Nine M-80 Amp Head
Why It’s Cool: It feels huge onstage, but is nuanced enough to reward touch dynamics in the studio.
Key Features
- 45W tube head designed for bold, harmonically rich overdrive
- Two EL34 tubes
- Tube-buffered effects loop
Shop Now: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Super Fifty-Nine M-80 45W Tube Guitar Amp Head in Purple Python
If you want an amp that cleans up nicely when you roll back and bites with some British-style crunch when you dig in, the Super Fifty-Nine M-80 gives you that in a head format—and a combo, but we’ll get to that one in a bit. It’s articulate but also loves to push into that chewy midrange grind that lives in classic and hard rock—easy to see why Slash loves it.
Pair it with the matching Super Fifty-Nine M-80 180W 2x12 cab for a streamlined stack that takes up way less room than a 4x12, while still moving some serious air.
Magnatone SL-100 Signature Collection Amp Head
Why It’s Cool: If it’s good enough for Slash’s sold-out stadium gigs, it’s good enough for us.
Key Features
- 100 watts of Class AB output
- Four 12AX7s and four EL34s
- Tube-buffered effects send and return
Shop Now: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection SL-100 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head in Purple Python
The flagship “mother of all purple pythons,” the SL-100 head drives harder and louder than the rest. Slash said it best: “It’s been an honor to help design a 100-watt amp with them. I think we put the Magnatone tone and clarity together with some raw power and crunch. The combination is aggressive and sweet simultaneously. It’s pretty awesome.”
If you get it, you’re likely going to want the matching SL-412 280W Purple Python Edition extension cabinet, a 4x12 monster destined for bigger venues.
Magnatone Baby M-80 Amp Head
Why It’s Cool: This amp lives in Slash’s studio for good reason—its smaller footprint doesn’t skimp on tone.
Key Features
- Hi and Lo gain modes
- Three AX7 preamp tubes
- Two 6AQ5/6005 power tubes
Shop Now: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Baby M-80 12W Tube Guitar Amp Head in Purple Python
The Magnatone Baby M-80 is one of Slash’s favorites. “I have the Baby M-80 at my studio, and whenever I go in there and play it’s my automatic go-to. It’s just a kick-ass little amp. You would never believe it’s only 12 watts.”
Also available is the matching Baby M-80 1x10 speaker cab, which keeps it very portable while giving you some flexibility to mix and match with other amps as you like.
Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Combo Amplifiers
Magnatone Super Fifty-Nine M-80 2x12 Combo Amp
Why It’s Cool: Based on the original catalyst for Slash’s move to Magnatone, this 2x12 combo packs a punch.
Key Features
- 45 watts of push-pull power, which efficiently amplifies opposite halves of the input signal waveform
- Pair of EL34 power tubes
- Footswitchable gain stages based on the MkI and MkII
Shop Now: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Super Fifty-Nine M-80 45W 2x12 Combo Amp in Purple Python
For Slash, it was his Super Fifty-Nine M-80 combo, a gift from bandmate Richard Fortus, that started it all. Slash reminisces about falling in love with his first Magnatone amp when seeking out a fresh sound for his Orgy of the Damned album: “I was familiar with them because Billy Gibbons was using them. So, I pulled that Super Fifty-Nine M-80 combo and ended up using it for the whole preproduction process. Out of everything I had, I kept going back to that amp. I did the whole record with it.”
Magnatone Baby M-80 1x10 Combo Amp
Why It’s Cool: The little sibling of the Fifty-Nine M-80, the Baby M-80 gives you a similar feel in a lighter-weight package.
Key Features
- 12 watts of RMS power
- Three 12AX7 preamp and two 6AQ5/6005 power tubes
- WGS 10" ceramic magnet speaker
Shop Now: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Baby M-80 12w 1x10 Tube Guitar Combo Amp in Purple Python
The Baby M-80 combo is has everything we love about the head model, plus a single 10" speaker. It gives you Treble and Bass knobs, plus the choice between 8- or 16-ohm impedance and Lo and Hi gain modes. The backlit Magnatone logo, featured on all models in the series, is an especially nice touch in this form factor.
Magnatone Lil’ Viper 1x8 Combo Amp
Why It’s Cool: The smallest of the bunch, this 8-watt wonder is ultraportable at 18 pounds.
Key Features
- Single 12AX7 and 6AQ5 tubes
- Magnatone Custom 8" ceramic speaker
- 1/8" auxiliary in and 1/4" speaker-emulated headphone out
Shop Now: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Lil' Viper 8W 1x8 Tube Guitar Combo Amp in Purple Python
As with all Magnatone amps in the Slash Signature Collection, the Lil’ Viper combo was designed in partnership with Slash and Chief Engineer Obeid Khan, who’s also led the conception of many now-classic amps for Crate and Ampeg. Though smaller than the rest in the series, it dishes out all the Slash-approved tone you need for practice, tracking and smaller venues.
It Could Be Yours
If you see one of these Slash signature Magnatone amps fitting into your rig, you’re at the right place. Torn between a few models? Our expert Gear Advisers are here to make it easier to decide based on what your personal needs.
Pictured: Magnatone Slash Signature Collection Magnatone Logos
Also be sure to check out our Slash Collection for all his signature gear we carry here at Guitar Center. While these specifically will be available at our Hollywood, Nashville and Union Square locations, we recommend going to your local Guitar Center store if possible, since there’s no better way to see, hear and feel it for yourself before committing to your new amp.