Mark Sampson’s Triumphant Return: Introducing the Era 30 from Bad Cat
NAMM 2025: Bad Cat has exciting news for guitar enthusiasts as they welcome back the esteemed amplifier designer Mark Sampson, the visionary behind Matchless and its iconic early models. This proclamation is marked by the launch of the Era 30, a refined two-channel tube amplifier.
“Mark Sampson is a trailblazer in the realm of boutique amplifier design, playing a pivotal role in the golden era of hand-wired tube amps,” states Bad Cat.“His groundbreaking designs have set the standard for tone,craftsmanship,and dependability. With the Era 30, Sampson has synthesized over 35 years of amplifier design expertise into a product that captures the essence of his innovative spirit.”
The Era 30 channels Sampson’s early admiration for British amplifiers, featuring two fully independent channels that offer a wealth of tonal possibilities.
The first channel is equipped with an EF86 tube in the preamp stage, a high-gain tube celebrated in early Vox amplifiers (think of the Shadows rather than the Beatles) for its broad frequency response and sensitivity.
the second channel incorporates three 12AX7 tubes in the preamp and is powered by a quartet of EL84 tubes, complemented by a 5AR4 rectifier tube.
This combination provides remarkable versatility and boutique elegance, enhanced by features such as independent input gain controls, a six-position Depth control, and a fully bypassable buffered effects loop.
Additionally, the amplifier includes independent channel volumes and a global master volume control, utilizing a post phase-inverter circuit that allows for power amp saturation at more manageable volumes, ideal for home use and recording sessions.
In true boutique fashion, every Era 30 is meticulously hand-wired at Bad Cat’s facility in Costa Mesa, California.
Watch On
Founded in 1999,Bad Cat has a rich history,and Sampson’s collaboration with the company dates back to its inception before he departed in 2003. His return marks a critically important milestone, nearly two decades in the making.
“Having Mark back at Bad Cat feels like a homecoming,” shares John Thompson, owner/operator of Bad Cat Amps. “His knowledge and vision have consistently defined what a remarkable amplifier should be. the Era 30 stands as a tribute to his legacy and our mutual dedication to providing the ultimate tonal experience.”
“I’m not ready to step away just yet,” Sampson remarks in the video above.“The best is still yet to come.”
The Era 30 is currently available for pre-order starting at $3,899, with options for both combo and head formats.For further details, visit Bad Cat’s official website.
