Firstly you should make yourself known to me and let me know your needs. If you live within 200 miles of south Wales you can arrange a trial in your own environment with your own favourite guitar, rather than hurriedly in a music shop with many onlookers – no pressure. We will discuss the options, both tonally and visually, then come up with a specification and cost for your personal amplifier. If you wish to purchase at this point we will have to relieve you of a 50% deposit. We will then hand build your amplifier, it takes six to eight weeks to complete. We will then arrange personal delivery of your amplifier for the cost of a courier delivery. You will be able to try before handing over the remaining money. It's these personal touches that make buying a Mango amp a pleasure.

Why does it take so long to get one?

We do not carry amplifiers in stock, They are built in small numbers to special order as stated above. It takes that long to source special components, build, test and burn-in. I don't let an amp go until I am sure it performs exactly to requirements. It's worth the wait.

What does burn-in involve?

Some components require a burn-in period before they reach peak performance and tone. After the amplifier has been built and tested, we hook it up to a dummy load and feed it with guitar loops at 60% volume for a few days. After this it will be re-tested and the speaker connected. The speaker will also burn-in with use, but you have to do this yourself over the first few weeks of ownership. The tone will gradually loosen up and a slightly richer tone will develop. Those with a discerning ear will recognise these slight improvements.

Why aren't your products available in shops?

We currently have no plans to sell via shops or distributors. Only by supplying you directly can we retain flexibilty of specification and our unique personal service.

Why are there no sound clips on your website?

I do not believe that WAVs or MP3s played via a low cost sound card through small speakers will do justice to the tone of Mango amplifiers. That's why it is possible to arrange a trial before deciding. I don't know of anyone who bought an amplifier just by listening to a few scratchy WAV files. I may make available in a while, a sample CD that can be played through your Hi-Fi.

I have a few old Mullard valves hanging around here. Would you fit these for me instead of your stock valves?

No. I will not fit a valve that has not been thoroughly tested at our workshop or has come from an unknown source. The valves we fit are the best new build or occasionally NOS that are obtainable to me. We test, match or grade all valves we stock ourselves. You then have a base level of performance that may or may not be improved by fitting exotic valves. I do not recommend the fitting of valves untested from an unknown source. I can test your valves if required for a small charge. Fitment of untested valves may affect your warranty.

There are no prices on your site, how do I know if I can afford one?

Good point. Hand built amplification with the personal service that we give does come at a price. The price also depends on final agreed specification and options. We price our amplifiers somewhere between the off-the-shelf mass produced products and the high prices commanded by American Boutique amplifiers. Just so that you get an idea the minimum prices are from:

Mango Uno 10 Mini-Head - £895
Mango Duo 18 Compact 18 watt - £945
Mango 112 1 x 12 cabinet - £395
Mango 212 2 x 12 cabinet - £475

The prices reflect our workmanship, attention to detail and our unique personal service.