Randall

History of the Company

Randall Amplifiers is named after Don Randall, who started out as Leo Fender's partner and was the man responsible for amplifier design beginning in the 1940s. Eventually, Don decided to start his own company and develop new, more radical designs. This became the basis for the Randall Amplifier Company.

Starting as a small shop in Corona, California, Randall amps steadily grew in popularity. Though the first several amp models were exclusively solid-state, Randall later started producing tube amps as well. The company was later purchased by U.S. Music Corp., and continues to manufacture products under the Randall name today.

Amplifier characteristics

Known mostly for producing amplifiers and cabinets used for hard rock and metal music, Randall amplifiers are still quite versatile and some of the more popular models are emulated on many amp modeling products.

Among solid-state amplifiers, Randalls are widely regarded by many players as some of the best-sounding, dependable, and affordable models around. Some of the older model solid-states that have since been discontinued (such as the RG series) are still quite sought after and have a cult following among some musicians, especially those looking to achieve the scooped-mids sound made famous by thrash metal acts such as Metallica and Pantera.

Current Amplifier models

RM100 series amplifiers contain Randall's innovative MTS technology which is the brainchild of Randall and Bruce Egnater (of custom amp maker Egnater Amps). These combos and heads come with removable all-tube preamp modules that can be replaced with different preamps for a staggering array of unique tones without relying on digital or hybrid technology.

Signature RM series are RM amp heads with built-in preamp modules designed by various musicians as signature models. Randall worked very closely with these musicians, aiming to develop modules that sound very authentic, yet are still versatile enough to achieve a wide array of tones.

XL series amplifiers contain Randall's Valve-Dynamic technology, which is a Mosfet power section powered by tubes. This is a different approach in the realm of budget tube tone, in that other hybrid technologies usually contain a tube preamp with a fully solid-state power section. Models include the V2 and T2 series amps.

Tube series models include the RH50 and RG50 (not to be confused with the discontinued solid-state RG models of the late 80's and early 90's). These amps are Randall's all tube selection of units. These amplifiers are available as a combo or as a head, and feature two channels with four modes of operation.