Description
Based on the original Cub prototype built by Mark Sampson in 1999, this Bad Cat Cub 15 was completely reimagined in 2026 by Bad Cat owner John Thompson, featuring an all-new tone stack and redesigned power section. The result is a 15-watt Class AB all-tube amplifier that retains the immediacy and organic response of the original concept while offering a broader and more refined tonal range.
Its single-channel design features both CLEAN and OVERDRIVE modes, allowing the amplifier to move naturally from articulate, open clean tones to harmonically rich and responsive overdrive. Two independent MASTER volume controls make it possible to preset different output levels and switch between them via footswitch, making the Cub equally comfortable on stage and in the studio.
The valve complement includes two 12AX7 preamp tubes, a 12AX7 phase inverter and two cathode-biased EL34 power tubes. It is an unusual and highly musical combination for a 15-watt amplifier, delivering impressive depth, strong midrange presence, controlled low end and exceptional sensitivity to picking dynamics. Studio-grade reverb adds spaciousness without masking the natural voice of the amp, while the buffered FX loop allows pedals and time-based effects to be integrated cleanly into the signal path.
The Baltic birch open-back cabinet is loaded with a 12-inch, 25-watt, 8-ohm Celestion G12M Greenback, perfectly suited to the amp’s warm, dimensional and slightly raw British-inspired character. This particular example is made even more distinctive by its Custom Baby Blue “Bronco” Tolex, tan grille cloth, white piping and tan leather handle, giving it an elegant vintage appearance that perfectly complements its boutique construction.
Handcrafted through the Bad Cat Mod Shop and designed and built in Costa Mesa, California, the Cub 15 is an amplifier created for players who value touch sensitivity, harmonic complexity and genuine interaction between guitar, amplifier and hands. A two-button footswitch for CLEAN/OD and MASTER 1/2 switching is included. An exceptional boutique amplifier for players and collectors looking for distinctive high-end gear in Italy and across Europe, available through Guitar Sauce.