Pre-Owned Benson Monarch Reverb Plus Black with Wheat Grille

The Benson Monarch Reverb Plus Boutique Tube Tone Without Compromise

Handwired American Amplifier Design

The Monarch was Chris Benson's first amplifier design and the foundation upon which many subsequent Benson amplifiers were built. Developed through years of studying, repairing, and analyzing everything from vintage classics to modern boutique creations, the Monarch embodies a deep understanding of harmonic structure, gain staging, touch sensitivity, and real world reliability. The result is an amplifier that delivers inspiring clean tones while transitioning seamlessly into rich, aggressive harmonic overdrive.

Power Scaling for Studio and Stage

The Monarch Reverb Plus expands upon the original design with an innovative tube driven power scaling circuit utilizing a dedicated 6L6 power tube configured as a voltage regulator. This unique approach preserves sag, feel, and harmonic richness across the entire output range. Whether operating at approximately one half watt for recording and home use or delivering the full 15 watts for rehearsal and performance, the amplifier retains its musical responsiveness and dimensional character.

Expanded Tone Shaping Capabilities

Unlike the standard Monarch Reverb, the Reverb Plus incorporates the full Chimera tone stack in place of the original voice switch. This greatly expands the available tonal palette, allowing players to fine tune everything from warm, articulate cleans to harmonically complex overdrive. The amplifier responds beautifully to changes in picking dynamics and guitar volume, making it feel less like a piece of equipment and more like an extension of the instrument itself.

Premium Components and Construction

Built using traditional point to point construction on terminal strips with no circuit, eyelet, or turret boards, the Monarch Reverb Plus is designed for exceptional serviceability and long term reliability. Custom Soursound transformers, Mallory 150M capacitors, and a dovetailed pine cabinet contribute to its rich, resonant voice and dynamic response. The Benson Custom Ceramic 12 inch speaker delivers excellent balance, clarity, and projection across the frequency spectrum.

Condition

This pre-owned Monarch Reverb Plus shows light wear to the tolex from normal use. All cosmetic wear is visible in the accompanying photos. It remains an outstanding example of one of Benson's most versatile and highly regarded amplifier designs.

Specifications

• Type: Electric Guitar Tube Combo Amplifier

• Configuration: 1 x 12 inch Combo

• Finish: Black with Wheat Grille

• Speaker: 1 x 12 inch Benson Custom Ceramic Speaker

• Power Output: Approximately 0.5 watts to 15 watts

• Power Tubes: 2 x JJ 6V6

• Preamp Tubes: 2 x JJ 12AX7

• Reverb Driver Tube: 1 x JJ 12DW7

• Power Scaling Tube: 1 x JJ 6L6GC

• Reverb: Foot Switchable

• Speaker Output: 1 x 8 Ohm

• Construction: Point to Point on Terminal Strips

• Transformers: Custom Soursound Transformers

• Capacitors: Mallory 150M Capacitors

• Cabinet: Dovetailed Pine

• Width: 23.5 inches

• Height: 17.5 inches

• Depth: 10 inches

• Weight: 39 lbs

• Included Accessories: Power Cable

• Footswitch Included: No

• Cover Included: No

• Original Box Included: No

This item is at Five Star Guitars on consignment. As a result, all sales are final.

As with all pre-owned amplifiers, this Benson Monarch Reverb Plus ships fully insured with signature required.