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Is this the ultimate Matchless? We believe it just might be.
We're thrilled to present one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in our catalog: a pristine 1996 Sampson-era Matchless Clubman 35 head.
For reasons that escape us, the Clubman has long lived in the shadow of its celebrated sibling, the DC30. Make no mistake—the DC30 is a masterpiece that earns every bit of its acclaim—but the Clubman, in our view, is an underappreciated gem that demands far greater recognition. Its tone is nothing short of enchanting.
The magic lies in its elegantly powerful circuit: an EF86-driven preamp paired with an EL34 power section. You get the lush compression, rich harmonics, and sparkling sensitivity of the EF86 (shared with the DC30 lineage), but the EL34s add unparalleled depth, authority, and punch—a dimensional, bold character that's in a class of its own.
To deliver maximum tonal versatility, we profiled this exquisite amp through four distinct cabinets, unlocking a spectrum of flavors from this legendary head:
The Bad Cat oversized Era 2x12—our top choice here, edging out even the stock Matchless cab (though the two are remarkably close tonally). Both feature custom UK-made Celestion V30s with the doping removed—a signature Mark Sampson modification he later brought to Bad Cat. The difference? The Bad Cat's construction yields greater resonance and openness, providing a more dynamic, breathing response that perfectly complements the Clubman's voice.
A classic Vox 2x12 loaded with period-correct 6402 Greenbacks for that iconic midrange snarl and vintage bite.
A 1970s Marshall 4x12 with prized Rola-era Celestion Blackbacks, delivering thunderous low-end authority and aggressive crunch.
Our own custom Envy 2x12 cabinet for a modern, balanced take with tight focus and articulate highs.
This profile pack captures the Clubman's elusive blend of chime, harmonic richness, and EL34-driven girth in stunning detail—tones that feel alive, responsive, and utterly addictive. Experience why this overlooked masterpiece deserves a spotlight in your rig.
This Kemper Profile pack is 20 of our best profiles of this amp.
Is this the ultimate Matchless? We believe it just might be.
We're thrilled to present one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in our catalog: a pristine 1996 Sampson-era Matchless Clubman 35 head.
For reasons that escape us, the Clubman has long lived in the shadow of its celebrated sibling, the DC30. Make no mistake—the DC30 is a masterpiece that earns every bit of its acclaim—but the Clubman, in our view, is an underappreciated gem that demands far greater recognition. Its tone is nothing short of enchanting.
The magic lies in its elegantly powerful circuit: an EF86-driven preamp paired with an EL34 power section. You get the lush compression, rich harmonics, and sparkling sensitivity of the EF86 (shared with the DC30 lineage), but the EL34s add unparalleled depth, authority, and punch—a dimensional, bold character that's in a class of its own.
To deliver maximum tonal versatility, we profiled this exquisite amp through four distinct cabinets, unlocking a spectrum of flavors from this legendary head:
The Bad Cat oversized Era 2x12—our top choice here, edging out even the stock Matchless cab (though the two are remarkably close tonally). Both feature custom UK-made Celestion V30s with the doping removed—a signature Mark Sampson modification he later brought to Bad Cat. The difference? The Bad Cat's construction yields greater resonance and openness, providing a more dynamic, breathing response that perfectly complements the Clubman's voice.
A classic Vox 2x12 loaded with period-correct 6402 Greenbacks for that iconic midrange snarl and vintage bite.
A 1970s Marshall 4x12 with prized Rola-era Celestion Blackbacks, delivering thunderous low-end authority and aggressive crunch.
Our own custom Envy 2x12 cabinet for a modern, balanced take with tight focus and articulate highs.
This profile pack captures the Clubman's elusive blend of chime, harmonic richness, and EL34-driven girth in stunning detail—tones that feel alive, responsive, and utterly addictive. Experience why this overlooked masterpiece deserves a spotlight in your rig.
This Kemper Profile pack is 20 of our best profiles of this amp.