Collection: Matchless Amplifiers
Matchless Amps began in 1989 as many brands do: at a kitchen table. Fast-forward 30+ years, their hand-wired, point-to-point amplifiers are some of the most sought-after in the industry, and you can get them now at the Chicago Music Exchange!
Matchless Amps
Hand-wired boutique tone—Matchless amplifiers at Chicago Music Exchange.
Since 1989, Matchless Amplifiers has built some of the most respected boutique tube amps in the world. Known for hand-wired, point-to-point construction and road-ready durability, Matchless amps deliver rich, three-dimensional tone with exceptional touch sensitivity.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we’re proud to be an authorized Matchless dealer in the U.S., offering a curated selection of new and used Matchless amps—including flagship models like the DC-30, Chieftain, and Lightning, plus heads, combos, and cabinets in a range of finishes.
Why Guitarists Love Matchless Amps
- Hand-wired, point-to-point construction for reliability and serviceability
- Huge clean headroom paired with complex, musical overdrive
- Highly touch-responsive feel that follows picking dynamics
- Class A–inspired chime and harmonic depth, especially in EL84 designs
- Road-tested build quality trusted by touring professionals
Artists ranging from classic rock legends to modern indie and worship players have relied on Matchless amps on stage and in the studio.
Core Matchless Models at CME
DC-30 / C-30 Series
The Matchless DC-30 is the flagship: a 30-watt, 4xEL84, dual-channel combo featuring one EF86-based channel and one 12AX7-based channel. It delivers everything from chimey cleans to thick, harmonically rich overdrive with remarkable clarity.
- 30 watts, 2x12" combo
- EF86 and 12AX7 channels
- Classic Matchless chime and punch
- Typically loaded with Celestion G12H30 and G12M Greenback speakers
Chieftain
The Matchless Chieftain is a 40-watt, EL34-powered amp with lush reverb and bold British-inspired tones. Available as both heads and combos, it offers bigger low-end authority and midrange punch.
Lightning, Spitfire, Clubman & More
- Lightning 15: 15-watt, 1x12" EL84 combo with edge-of-breakup character
- Spitfire: Simple, EL84-driven design with immediate plug-and-play crunch
- Clubman: EL34 muscle paired with boutique clarity
- Phoenix, Independence, Laurel Canyon, Nighthawk: Modern designs with expanded features, higher gain, or American-voiced options
At CME, you’ll find a rotating selection of these models in both new and used condition.
New & Used Matchless Amps at Chicago Music Exchange
- Brand-new Matchless amps direct from the factory
- Used Matchless heads and combos, including DC-30, Chieftain, and Lightning
- Occasional rare finishes and limited runs
Every amp is inspected by our in-house techs, photographed in detail, and described honestly—whether it’s a showroom-fresh DC-30 or a well-loved Chieftain with years of stage use.
Artists Associated with Matchless Amps
- Bob Dylan
- Billy Gibbons
- Brian May
- Colin Hay
- Players across indie, worship, alternative, and Americana scenes
Why Buy Matchless Amps from Chicago Music Exchange?
- Authorized Matchless dealer
- Curated selection of new and used boutique amps
- Deep experience with hand-wired tube amplifiers
- In-house technicians for inspection and setup
- Detailed listings with real photos and transparent descriptions
- Fast, secure shipping and expert support
Matchless Amplifiers FAQ
Q: Are Matchless amps hand-wired?
A: Yes. Matchless amplifiers are hand-wired, point-to-point, and built for long-term reliability.
Q: What’s the difference between a DC-30 and a Lightning?
A: The DC-30 is a 30-watt, dual-channel 2x12" combo with more headroom and versatility, while the Lightning is a simpler 15-watt 1x12" combo with earlier breakup.
Q: Are Matchless amps loud enough for gigs?
A: Yes. Models like the DC-30, Chieftain, and Clubman easily keep up with live drums, while lower-watt models still sound big through the right cabinet.
Q: What genres are Matchless amps best for?
A: Matchless amps excel in rock, indie, worship, pop, country, Americana, and alternative styles where clarity and touch sensitivity matter.
Q: Does CME sell used Matchless amplifiers?
A: Yes. Chicago Music Exchange regularly stocks used Matchless amps that are fully inspected and ready to play.
Matchless Combo Amps
Matchless combo amplifiers combine boutique tone with portable, all-in-one design. Known for their signature chime, harmonic complexity, and dynamic response, these amps deliver exceptional sound without the need for separate cabinets. Handwired in the USA, Matchless combo amps are trusted by professional musicians for both studio recording and live performance.
From shimmering clean tones to rich, touch-sensitive overdrive, Matchless combos respond beautifully to picking dynamics and guitar volume changes. Their carefully selected speakers and robust construction ensure consistent performance and powerful projection in any setting. Ideal for players who want premium tone in a streamlined format, these amps offer versatility without compromise.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we offer Matchless combo amplifiers for guitarists seeking world-class sound, craftsmanship, and reliability in a single, stage-ready package.
Matchless Head Amplifiers
Matchless head amplifiers are built for players who demand uncompromising tone, power, and flexibility. Handwired in the USA, these boutique guitar amp heads are known for their articulate cleans, harmonically rich overdrive, and exceptional touch response. Designed to pair with a variety of speaker cabinets, Matchless heads allow players to shape their sound while maintaining clarity and dynamic range.
From studio sessions to large stages, Matchless guitar amp heads deliver bold projection and musical breakup that responds naturally to playing dynamics. Their design draws inspiration from classic British circuits while offering modern reliability and precision. Ideal for players who rely on pedals or prefer sculpting tone from the amp itself, Matchless heads offer consistency, headroom, and expressive control.
Chicago Music Exchange proudly carries Matchless head amplifiers for musicians seeking boutique tone and professional-grade performance. These amps are built to inspire confident playing and reward expressive technique.
Used Matchless Amps
Used Matchless amplifiers offer legendary tone, boutique craftsmanship, and road-tested reliability at a more accessible price. Known for their chime, touch sensitivity, and powerful clean-to-overdrive response, Matchless amps are a staple for players seeking rich harmonics and dynamic feel. A used Matchless amp often brings added character, with components that have been naturally broken in through real-world playing.
This collection includes used Matchless guitar amplifiers across a range of wattages and formats, ideal for studio work, stage performance, and home playing. From shimmering cleans to harmonically complex overdrive, Matchless amps respond directly to your picking dynamics and guitar volume. Each amp is carefully evaluated to ensure proper operation, tonal integrity, and performance consistency.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we source and inspect every used Matchless amplifier we sell. For players looking to experience boutique British-inspired tone with proven reliability and real-world value, this collection delivers world-class sound with a history behind it.