Hello, welcome to Big White Monkey amps.

The Chimp II amp and Kong head are now in their cages and ready to be released into the wild. Just as pretty as the Mark I, the new Chimp has beefed up JJ Tesla valves to give an even richer, warmer sound.

We've been established for over two years and our amps are cropping up all over the place. BWM started colonising Australia, and have now moved in to Japan and Europe. There's even been one spotted in the USA, on tour with Aus band The Youth Group. Folks have been getting so enthusiastic about their magical monkeys, they've been given the starring role in YouTube videos (featured in Here, our Monkeys sing).

The Chimp and Kong class A valve amps bring getting that great valve sound when gigging well within your grasp. Fed up lugging that giant solid state amp to a venue, getting miked-up and then being told you can only play on 1? These amps have volume control that give the full valve sound without getting you kicked out. Both the Chimp and Kong give you the power & sound you need in a size that doesn't break yer back. These guys weigh in at just 7kg, but punch well above their weight.

Take a look through our site to get an idea of what our Monkeys are about. We've got sound clips and videos (courtesy of YouTube) to help you decide which simian is best for you.

Don't just take our word for it. The feedback from our many satisfied customers the world over speaks volumes...

Big White Monkey amps have been around for over two years now, bringing you that great all valve sound at a great, great value.

Amps built by Monkeys, for Monkeys

We started off modifying guitar amps as a project—trying to get the sound and feel we wanted from amps already out there. The Fenders, Epi’s and others gave a great sound, but just didn’t have what we were looking for.  So we went back to the drawing board and designed our own.  We came up with mods you won’t find on any other amp, which help get the tone and sound we wanted. 

The Chimp and Kong—modifications:
Pentode/Triode switch:  This reduces the power output (see manual for figures).  This allows you to run the valves hot to get the optimal tone, but reduces the volume, so you can keep on good terms with the neighbours.
Attenuator (Chimp only):  This innovation reduces the volume to the speaker giving you even more control over output
Toroidal transformer:  We use this type for two main reasons—it takes up less space, but more importantly, it makes less hum. You’d normally only find them in high-end boutique amps.  Fitted as standard in ours.
DI output: This line-out lets you plug straight into a mixing desk or PA system.  Great for gigging. Kong has an XLR output too.
Speaker out: Line-out for speaker cabinets.  5 watts sounds small, but it’ll do just great driving a 12x1 cabinet (speakers must be rated at same output as amp—mixing may result in damage to the amp).
Military grade capacitors: This amp is ready for war. These are used for their durability and hard wearing.
JJ Electronics (Tesla) valves:  We have included JJs at no extra cost.  No other amp in this class offers 6L6 power valves.  These give the best sound on our set-up.
No Ring Ring: Fitted to the pre-amp valve (12AX7) to reduce microphonics.  You won’t find these in other amps. They allow the true voice of the amp to come through, loud and clear.
Speaker: at 6½" in diameter, it's more than capable of handling the power with out breaking up. No Snap, Crackle or Pop here.
High-quality circuit board: Most components are hard-wired with minimal solder points. No flimsy PCBs.

Our amps not only sound great, they look great too.  Distinctive and dignified, these babies stand out from the crowd.

Chimp manual booklet

Kong manual booklet

C'mon feel the noise... The Chimp II^®

The thing that sets valve amps apart from other solid state versions is, well, the valves. We've tried and tested many types and we think you'll agree we've come up with a winning combination. The Chimp II contains a set of the finest valves money can buy. They give you that warm feeling that only a valve can give at no extra cost. Inside the Chimp II, you'll find JJ Electronic (formerly JJ Tesla) ECC83 S in the pre-amp section, and to give you the power there's a 6L6GC. We think you'll agree, this is a great combination. Take a look at this review - these valves blow the others away.

Voc Rock Guitars Audio Review

... and there's more

So the valves are great, but we got to thinking: "What could we do to make them even better?" Ever heard of microphony? Well, it where a valve is effected by an external sound source... still awake... such as a loud speaker. It can make the valve vibrate and distort the output. It's not something that's likely to happen at home, but on stage - that's a different matter. To make sure you're never upset by distortion you are not in control of, we've added a little something you won't find as standard in other amps. The No Ring Ring. It fits around the pre-amp valve so only your hot licks are heard. We got these from our friends at Design Build Listen. and we think you'll feel the difference - reviews.

 

Speaking of reviews. In the short time the Chimp has been on the loose, it's made some great friends. Don't just take our word for it, we aim to make all our new owners happy by designing and building a unit for guitarists everywhere.

 

Chimp talk... Aussie Guitar Gear Heads Cakewalk Ultimate Guitar GuitarGear (again) eBay

 

Gibson 335 clean		Turd on 15%, Banana on full
Gibson 335 Dirty		Turd on 3/4, Banana on full
Strat 1		Bridge pickup, full Triode volume, half Turd, no Banana
Tele Thinline bridge		Turd on full, Banana on full, triode
Tele Thinline neck		Turd on 3/4, Banana on full, Triode tone flat

 

All samples are recorded using a Shure SM58 mic, and no processing - just the natural Chimp sound..

(You can turn the track off with the control at the bottom of the page)

Other monkey enthusiasts

Robin Smith has found a way of breathing new life in to old guitars. He is also the proud stockist of Big White Monkey amps. Drop in and try one out... www.remadeguitars.co.uk

Guitar Classics now stock The Chimp. Why not pay a visit and try before you buy! www.guitar-classics.co.uk

Downs Sounds rehearsal studios, just off the North Circular Road in Southgate. Why not try out a Kong in their great studios... www.downssounds.co.uk

These fine people just love Chimps www.beckettbeckett.com

Keeping your valves safe www.designbuildlisten.com

From Writing, Recording, Mixing and Mastering they hope to bring you the best information and advice they can. These guys show you the way... www.untidymusic.com. Check out their Chimp review with samples.

 

 

What new owners are saying about their monkeys

Big White Monkeys have been sighted across the world for over two years now. We are happy to say that every new owner has been very enthusiastic about the new addition to their family. Whether they have obtained their baby via the eBay adoption agency or have come direct to the BWM family, we are pleased to report every new monkey has settled in well. On the very rare occasions there's been some teething problems, we've been there to offer support to new parents and have made sure monkey and owner make friends.

 

Here are just some of the comments BWM owners have sent in:

We would like to say a very big THANK YOU to all our customers, not only for choosing a Big White Monkey to join you in your home, but for taking the time to let us know how you are getting along with them. If you are happy with your BWM amp, we know we've hit our target.

Our aim is to provide you with the highest quality amp at the best price around, all wrapped up with quality service.

Here, our Monkeys Sing!

A selection of videos which show our monkeys in the wild
(You can turn the track off with the control at the bottom of the page)

Our little monkeys have been inspiring their new owners to capture their antics on video. Here are some of those who are proud to lets their monkeys loose...

Post a video with your Chimp or Kong on YouTube, send us the link and we'll put you alongside these guys...

(You can turn the track off with the control at the bottom of the page)