As you know, the Dawg spends a lot of time sniffing around to find gear, but sometimes, manufacturers find me. Recently Tonic Amps contacted me, and I checked out their offerings. Tonic builds some nice reissue amps with their own twists, but they are also the North American distributor for Fane Speakers, the noted UK amp speaker manufacturer.
As you’d expect, if they sell speakers, Tonic probably builds cabs as well, and that is definitely the case. Darin (owner/builder of Tonic), has some very nice custom cabs in a variety of configurations and woods, all solid board cabinets: no pressed sawdust here, my friends. Tonic also offers custom cabs in a variety of hardwoods (though of course, you’re going to pay a premium for these, but hey! they’re available).
In any case, Premier Guitar has run a couple of videos that demonstrate Tonic Amps. You can check them out below:
From the 2009 New York Amp Show:
From the LA Amp Show:
These are some nice-sounding amps with some nice features! One thing that’s totally awesome for me is that Tonic Amps is literally ten minutes away from where I live! I can’t wait to try out Tonic’s amps and cabs!
Another cool thing is that Darin shares a shop with GeekMacDaddy, who makes a line of very cool pedals. Maybe I’ll get a chance to give ’em a whirl, in particular, his British Ball Breaker, which is touted as a Marshal stack-in-a-box. Yummy!
Guitar Gear 
Tonic amps freaking sing. Check em’ out!
Can’t wait! But right now, I’m in small wattage tone heaven with the Reason Bambino!
Requested a quote on a large Fane purchase via email and phone. Heard nothing; no I’m busy, no I’ll get back with you, not a single word. So I ordered directly from England– can’t beat 6 new Fanes at $91 US dollars a pop. Shipping was $75 dollars and no customs or duties tax.
Tonic is the sole NorAm Fane distributor and most certainly does not conduct itself in the same class as the reputation Fane built their name on.
That’s really surprising because I have had nothing but great response from Daren. There was a spell last year where he had to move his shop and he was pretty swamped. You might’ve caught him then.