Jim Kelley FACS Reverb Model Head Rare Color 1980, Red

Included with the amp is also his Jim Kelley attenuator, which functions like a standard in-line unit between the amp and speaker, but utilizes a 4 pin cable to make it used specifically for channel 1. Kelley’s design goal was to use the attenuator as a master volume for the first channel, while the second channel bypasses it and goes straight to the output. Essentially, this setup allows for a cleaner channel and a more overdriven one, with volume equalized by the attenuator rather than a preamp master volume. While many other designers took the easier route by simply adding a master volume to the preamp, this extra step is what sets Jim Kelley apart as an engineer. 

Tone-wise, one might think of this amp as falling somewhere between a Fender and a Marshall. It’s like a Fender with more midrange, or a Marshall with more bass control and tonal versatility. Either way, it really does its own thing and needs to be heard to be fully appreciated. Players like Mark Knopfler, Robben Ford, and Lou Reed have all owned one, just to name a few. Kelley only built a small number of amps over a few years, making them quite rare. We're excited to offer this rare red-covered FACS, which according to Jim is the only one to ever feature this unique color!