Amp Builder History ? **UPDATED**

[Foxhunter]

My question is: What do YOU know or understand about the background history of the major label transistor amp builders ?? Who began what ? Who worked with who ? Who left who and went out on their own to re-emerge as a new amp line ? I'll share what I've gathered, below. Correct me if I'm wrong in my understanding of it. I'm not asking for what the builders home address is or really personal details, but who started each of the major comp-box companies and how did it all evolve ? An interesting topic and history lesson for sure.

Now there's alot of "lore" and storytelling involved with these guys and I'm not exactly positive on the DaveMade / Fatboy / X-Force / WorldWide history----(and it sounds as confusing as a soap opera)----but......

I understand that:

*The famous NJ Dave started and founded the "original" DaveMade amps here in NJ and a legend was born

*NJ Dave had trouble with the FCC or whatever and "Joe" in NC went forward (by some accounts "stole") and produced "similar" amps in quantity, using the DaveMade name

*"Charger" was the one who left NC DaveMade out of dissatisfaction and went on to produce the rival Fatboy amps

*"Whoever" (?) also worked as a builder at NC DaveMade and went on to produce X-Force amps

*"Stickman" worked with "NJ Dave" and eventually came up with his own "WorldWideAmps"

****************************************************************************

Maybe some of the guys here will chime-in on what they know about the history of these companies for those of us who aren't exactly sure. Because of the very nature of all this and with the FCC it's hard to separate fact-from-fiction. Anybody ??

I do know for a fact that the NJ DaveMade boxes are famous in these parts here in New Jersey and he still produces but not in large quantities. He's not interested in taking orders like the other "amp companies" and he is involved in legitimate electronic business activites.

I understand (ie "heard"--can't verify) that he now also holds a number of patents in legitimate broadcast electronics devices. A major local FM rock radio station studio here in nearby Philadelphia was supposedly done by him & his company and DaveMade labels are on much of the studio equipment. I've never been inside the studio, but it is commonly told around here.

Again, maybe some of the guys here will chime-in on what they know about the history of these companies (Dave Made / Fatboy / X-Force / WorldWide ++??) for those of us who aren't exactly sure. Perhaps I left out some of the other "main characters" in the amp maker story ? I thought Skullcraka may have been associated with the X-Force crew ? What about the Skywalker amps----any connection ? If there is a "family tree" of sorts with these guys, all coming from a common background ? Can anybody contribute here, because of the very nature of all this and with the FCC-----it's hard to separate fact-from-fiction.

Anybody ??

[drdx]

I'll offer what may be useless local information.

Here in tx, I'd never heard of davemade. Starting in the 80s here the mobile amp brands here were Boomer, Hooker, Deerhunter, Penetrator, Messenger, Palomar, and Tx Star that I can think of. The only one that ever had a town name on it was Boomer and that was in Pasadena, Tx.

At the time I could order any Tx star amp they made and have it here in 24 hours if I ordered by noon on any business day. I don't know if that's an indicator that I was close to the source or that they stocked a heck of a lot of inventory but at the time I often ordered big orders that were in the $2k-$3k dollar range, which for 1986 was a big order for a 16 year old like myself to be making, and they never missed a beat on delivery. It was all C.O.D. back then too. The number was heavily secret and you were screened when you called until they knew you, then you got a 2nd number that hardly anyone got. The amps were not much cheaper then for the time. The dx250's were 120, the dx350 was 140 I think, the dx500 was 240, the 667 was like 340. The dx1200 was between 400-450 and the sweet 16 was like 499, so just a hundred or so less than these days. Amps were cheaper in quantity and at one time I could get 10 dx250s for a grand. These amps were all 4 speed models and the only variable was the 667. They also carried the original exports- the jacksons, grants, jfk's, and at the time a new brand, the Super Star 3600, a clone of the 148gtldx, and a bad one at that. The AR3500 was also a choice. The Tx star 16 pill Viking and pinball amps were available as well but were like $1200 so they were pricey for the time. Later they carried the Lincoln and its short lived twin, the Somerkamp 2000, which was the same radio, and of course the 2950, which was strangely enough $300 back then, more than it is now.

I had good contact until recently with that outfit but the number went dead and I then googled and saw that they had a big fat "notice of apparent liability". I'm in north tx and this place had an oklahoma phone number. The gal that ran it sounded like a phone $ex operator but got right to business when necessary and was knowledgable.

-drdx

[jessejamesdallas]

Carl has been building the X-Force box's since 1997...also builds Magnaforce, and Midnight Speicals...

-=Peakaboo=- builds the Joker Amps...(not sure if he still builds or not thou...)

[konvoy76]

Carl has been building the X-Force box's since 1997...also builds Magnaforce, and Midnight Speicals...

-=Peakaboo=- builds the Joker Amps...(not sure if he still builds or not thou...)

if you know how to get a hold of mr peekaboo please let me know, or if you have delt with maybe we can work something out. i have been all over the place looking for 1 of his boxes.

[Darrin]

Stickman Chris, I was led to believe that him & Dave were just good friends and still are. He builds No-Name Amplifiers and just recently he changed the name of his company and amps to **Censored** KICKER/ No Name Amps and he has a new web site also, click here and check it out:

His boxes are big in the DC Area and surroundings & he builds some good Comp Amps.

Cotton Mouth,

[lonesome 500]

I'll offer what may be useless local information.

Here in tx, I'd never heard of davemade. Starting in the 80s here the mobile amp brands here were Boomer, Hooker, Deerhunter, Penetrator, Messenger, Palomar, and Tx Star that I can think of. The only one that ever had a town name on it was Boomer and that was in Pasadena, Tx.

At the time I could order any Tx star amp they made and have it here in 24 hours if I ordered by noon on any business day. I don't know if that's an indicator that I was close to the source or that they stocked a heck of a lot of inventory but at the time I often ordered big orders that were in the $2k-$3k dollar range, which for 1986 was a big order for a 16 year old like myself to be making, and they never missed a beat on delivery. It was all C.O.D. back then too. The number was heavily secret and you were screened when you called until they knew you, then you got a 2nd number that hardly anyone got. The amps were not much cheaper then for the time. The dx250's were 120, the dx350 was 140 I think, the dx500 was 240, the 667 was like 340. The dx1200 was between 400-450 and the sweet 16 was like 499, so just a hundred or so less than these days. Amps were cheaper in quantity and at one time I could get 10 dx250s for a grand. These amps were all 4 speed models and the only variable was the 667. They also carried the original exports- the jacksons, grants, jfk's, and at the time a new brand, the Super Star 3600, a clone of the 148gtldx, and a bad one at that. The AR3500 was also a choice. The Tx star 16 pill Viking and pinball amps were available as well but were like $1200 so they were pricey for the time. Later they carried the Lincoln and its short lived twin, the Somerkamp 2000, which was the same radio, and of course the 2950, which was strangely enough $300 back then, more than it is now.

I had good contact until recently with that outfit but the number went dead and I then googled and saw that they had a big fat "notice of apparent liability". I'm in north tx and this place had an oklahoma phone number. The gal that ran it sounded like a phone $ex operator but got right to business when necessary and was knowledgable.

-drdx

''AT THEIR BEST''...............or ''D''' in dallas........hehe

there were other c biased amps wayy befor the afore mentioned brands

[drdx]

I dealt with "lynn" then another guy she worked for in oklahoma and I was a D in dallas but I'm sure not that one. This was from about 85-91 or so give or take a year. Good times though. Back then, I would use a vacant house for a UPS drop, typical of many. Amp money sure was easy then. That was back in the "buck a watt" days, so if you sold an amp for 75 cents on the dollar, as in a dx500 for 400, that was considered a real deal. -drdx

[lonesome 500]

haha.......i knew it

folks today wouldn't understand them ''down low'' days in the 80's

done tons of deals with ''lynn''

[Brotherman]

Muddy Waters and Pony Express used to build boxes together. Then some thing happened and they went their separate ways. I think pony builds pill and AC and muddy waters is striclty AC.

[jessejamesdallas]

Carl has been building the X-Force box's since 1997...also builds Magnaforce, and Midnight Speicals...

-=Peakaboo=- builds the Joker Amps...(not sure if he still builds or not thou...)

if you know how to get a hold of mr peekaboo please let me know, or if you have delt with maybe we can work something out. i have been all over the place looking for 1 of his boxes.

-=Peakaboo=- is a member here now. Look in the "Members list", and send him a PM...I'm not sure how offten he checks in, but that would be a good place to start!

[Foxhunter]

So far I thank everyone who's added to this thread. I'd really like to see more if anyone would be willing to contribute what they know or have heard as to the origins of any of the top "competion" solid-state transistorized & tube amp makers, both mobile and base. I know I've left a few out so feel free to add to the list directly below. Add anything that you know about any of them & their background or origins.

Dave Made NJ
Dave Made NC
Fatboy
X-Force & Magna-Force
WorldWide
Skywalker
Skullcracka
East Coast

I know there were a large number of amps made in the days of the last skip cyle and before like D&A, Elkin, Black Cat, Kris, Original Palomar, Varmint, Twister, Maco, etc etc. There were and still are a number of fine "factory made" amps like the Texas Stars, Bullet-Proofs, New Palomar, KLV, RM etc etc.

They are cool to have and used by many------but I am chiefly wondering in my questioning about the "comp type amps" of the last decade or two that have such loyal die-hard followings.



***************************************************************
Like me or hate me, I like to offer what I can and ask as well from others when I don't know.

I wanted to publish below here a list of the most well-known RF Amplifiers

I know some are familiar with many amplifiers already so this may be just a trip down memory-lane.

This also really is for those who are curious and may not have been aware of so many made, and seen them all grouped together in order. It would look like there has been no shortage of amp makers over the years has there ? Some are still active, and many are history.

#'s-- 735 -- 3 MADE -- 11 Meter -- 16v Grass -- 30 Watt Linear CB Amplifier Kit

A-- ABC --ABC 7107 Amplifier -- Afterburner 480 (made by hy-gain) -- Alan/Midland -- Alpha --ALPIN-100 MKII -- Ameritron -- Amitron -- AM Power -- Amp Supply -- Amp Supply LK-800 -- Andrews -- Antlafier -- Apache -- Apollo 300X/400X Base/Mobile -- Armadillo -- Astro M6-10 -- Audio-Maker -- AWT

B-- B 300 -- Bad Kojack -- Badstone -- Bear -- Big @ss Amplifiers -- Big Dawg -- Big Red BR-500W -- Bill Bad @ss -- Black Cat -- Blackcat JB 150 -- Black Cat 300 -- Blackcat JB 2000 -- Black Face -- Black Hawk -- Blue Lightning -- BLK-BLJ- 300 -- Bullet Proof -- Bo Gator -- Bo.made -- Boomer -- Boomer 250 -- Boomer 400 (old) -- Boomerang 500 & 150 -- Browning -- Browning 50-80 -- Browning 100 Amps -- Browning 180 mk III -- Bruiser 100 -- Brute Force -- Bull Dog -- Bullet Amps -- Bullet Proof -- Bully Box

C-- Carolina 100m -- Challenger III -- Channel King -- Cherry Bomb -- CMI -- Cobra -- Cobra Base -- Cobra Xt 350 -- Cobra XL 450 -- Super Cobra 667 HDV -- Collins -- Comet -- Comet 350 -- Commander -- Connex TX 200 -- Contex 150 linear amplifier made by Biggs Electronics from Lasalle,PeruIllinois -- Cookie Built Amps -- Cornell -- Courier -- Courier BL 100 -- Courier ML 100 -- Cub Bear -- Crusader 300 -- CTE International

D-- D & A -- D & A Phantom -- Daiwa -- Dartz RF 50 -- Davemade NJ -- Davemade NC -- DDS Amps -- Deerhunter -- Deer Hunter 100 -- Deltron (World Series) -- Deluxe -- Demco -- Demco 50 -- Demco 500 Plus -- Demon -- Dentron -- Dentron 160-10L -- Dentron GLA-1000B -- Dentron GLA-1000C -- Dentron MLA-1200 -- Dentron MLA-2500 -- Devastor 150 -- Digital Sports Systems 500BB -- Dirland -- Dominator -- Dosy Rec.Amp -- Dragon -- Drake -- Drake L-4B & L-7 -- Dr.Radio -- Dynatron Blazer 100

E-- Eagle 400 -- East Coast Amplifiers -- Electronic Systems 12 300 -- Elite 250 -- Elkhart Swinger & Others -- Elkin -- Euro-CB EA-150P

F-- Fat Boy Amps -- Firebird -- Fire Cracker -- Footlocker -- Footwarmer -- Foxie Made

G-- Galaxy -- Galaxy 80 -- Galaxy 225 -- Galaxy 600-800- -- Galaxy 1000- -- Galaxy 1500 -- Ghost Rider -- Golden Eagle-Falcon 2000 -- Golden Eagle 150 -- Golden Eagle 377XL -- Golden Eagle 1K -- Gonset GSB 101 -- Gonset GSB 201 -- Gray -- Gray 150 -- Gray 700HD -- Gray Phantom 12 Tuber -- Grey

H-- Ham-Master CB300 -- Heathkit -- Heathkit HA-10 Warrior -- Heathkit SB-220 -- Heathkit SB-200 -- Heathkit SB-220 -- HEC 500 (Holden Electronics Company) -- Henry -- Homebrew Linears -- Hooker -- Hooker Model 100 Base Bilinear -- Hooker 225 HD -- Hornet -- Hunter Bandit 2000 A -- Hunter Bandit 2000 Base -- Hurricane -- HyGain -- Hygain Afterburner 403 -- Hygain Afterburner Plus 482

I-- Intek L30 -- Interceptor -- Interceptor 200 -- Interceptor Interceptor Six-Ten -- Intruder amps -- JB-75

J-- John Boy -- Joker

K-- K-500 -- K 1313 -- Kem-Tron Industries -- Kenrich -- Kenrich Eagle 200 -- Kenrich Eagle 400 -- Kenrich Eagle 515 -- Kicker -- Killer Bee -- King-Scout-Hurricane -- KL 60 -- KL & KLV -- KL 400 mobile amp -- KL 500 -- KLV AMPS -- Knight -- Knightkit T-175 -- Kodiak III -- K-po AMP150 -- Kris -- Kris Inc. 300M -- Kris Boomer -- Kris Inc. Power Pump

L-- L.A.450 -- L.A. 600 -- Lafayette HA 250 -- Lemm LV400 -- LosAngeles 450 & 600 -- Loud Mouth

M-- M 4 V -- Maco -- Maco 75 -- Maco 200B -- Maco 750B -- Magna Force -- Mada M-100 Kopy Kat -- Magnus Electronic Corp. MA-1000B -- Markone Fox 200 + -- Matco -- Matcoe 225 + -- Maverick 250 -- Messenger -- Messenger 250 -- Messenger Model M4V (Class AB) -- Messenger 450 -- Metron MA 1000 -- Metron MA 1000B -- Microset -- Milcom International -- Mirage -- Mohawk -- Monkey Boxes -- Moonraker L30 -- Mosquito -- Muddie Water -- Mule 350

N-- National -- Ninja Built -- Nitro -- Nitro 300 -- No Name

O-- Outcom Opa 202

P-- Pal -- Pace -- Pace PX 100 -- Pac'Man -- Palmour -- Palomar -- Palomar 300A -- Palomar Elite 400 Turbo -- Palomar-Magnum -- Palomar Pulsor -- Palomar Skipper 300 -- Palomar Skipper 350 -- Patriot 250 -- PE (225-350) -- PE 400 -- Penetrater hb 100 -- Phantom -- Phython 350 -- P.irate 2x6 -- PMS -- Pocket Rocket -- Pony -- Power Base -- Powerplate -- Pride -- Pride 200 -- Predator 400 -- President -- Proton -- Python (100-225-450)

Q-- QRO Technologes

R-- Raider -- Ranger -- Red Devil 250HD & 350V -- RF Concepts -- RF-Electronics -- RF-Electronics/Harris Amp Model rf101 -- R & M -- RM Products --R & M kl 35 -- RMS K282V -- Road Block

S-- Samlex L30 -- Sandman Base -- Scorpion -- ShadowBox 750 -- Shark -- Sharmans -- Shock Wave -- Shoebox -- Shooting Star -- Shooting Star 225 -- Siltronix -- Siltronixs SLM 100 -- Silver Eagle -- Silver Streak -- SK -- Skipper -- Skullcracka -- Skymaster -- Skywalker -- Sky Wave 2879ab -- Slapper -- Slingblade -- Sneaky Pete -- Snowcap -- Sommerkamp SLA-500/24 -- Sonar BR 2960 -- Spoken Type -- Standcomm -- Stinger -- Stingthing 250 DX -- Storm -- Super Cobra 667HDV -- Super Macro -- Super Modulator -- Superpill -- SuperStar -- Swan -- Swan II -- Swinger 205 -- Syncron

T-- Tecnitel AML35 -- TELESTAR MAGNUM -- Tennessee Walker -- Ten-Tec -- Texas Star -- Texas Star Skeleton -- Thunderbolt -- TNT Super Mod -- Tokyo -- Tokyo Hy-Power -- Train Built -- Transel--(50W Firecracker,150W Dynamite,300W Nitro and 600W Magnum) -- Tri-Power -- Tritroic RX-127 -- Trucker 400 -- Twelve-Pak (made by TNT) -- Twister -- Typhoon 150

U-- UHF / VFH -- Uncle C -- Uniden PC 68 XL Turbo 121 -- U.S. Amplifer

V-- Varmint -- Varmint XL 110 -- Varmint XL 1000 -- Vectronics -- Viper

W-- Wawasee -- Wawasee JB-150 -- Westcom Trucker 400 -- Widowmaker Amps -- Wind Jammer -- Wind Walker -- Witch Doctor -- W.izard Built -- White Magnum -- White Face 250 -- World Series -- World Wide Amplifiers -- Worth-More 300

X-- X-Force 5 Pill -- X-Force Amps

Y-- Yaesu

Z-- Zetagi -- Zodiac Tarus


"Got Amps?"

Foxhunter

[MUDDUCK MOBILE]

Ghetto Blaster by GettOwayDriver

[Foxhunter]

Ghetto Blaster by GettOwayDriver

Good one, I've heard the name mentioned before and I appreciate the addition, although I only see a reference or two to them on 187's site and Paltalk. Has he made a number of amps, enough to be considered an amp-maker and put into the list above?

Also I see it spelled both ways: "Ghetto Blaster" or "Getto Blaster"------by GettOwayDriver. Which is it? Anyone hear of him or confirm the amps this GettOwayDriver skipshooter has made? I'd like to add/edit him in above to the compiled list. Any others who've produced a line of amps considered an amp company?

Once more.....


***************************************************************
Like me or hate me, I like to offer what I can and ask as well from others when I don't know.

I wanted to publish below here a list of the most well-known RF Amplifiers

I know some are familiar with many amplifiers already so this may be just a trip down memory-lane.

This also really is for those who are curious and may not have been aware of so many made, and seen them all grouped together in order. It would look like there has been no shortage of amp makers over the years has there ? Some are still active, and many are history.

#'s-- 735 -- 3 MADE -- 11 Meter -- 16v Grass -- 30 Watt Linear CB Amplifier Kit

A-- ABC --ABC 7107 Amplifier -- Afterburner 480 (made by hy-gain) -- Alan/Midland -- Alpha --ALPIN-100 MKII -- Ameritron -- Amitron -- AM Power -- Amp Supply -- Amp Supply LK-800 -- Andrews -- Antlafier -- Apache -- Apollo 300X/400X Base/Mobile -- Armadillo -- Astro M6-10 -- Audio-Maker -- AWT

B-- B 300 -- Bad Kojack -- Badstone -- Bear -- Big @ss Amplifiers -- Big Dawg -- Big Red BR-500W -- Bill Bad @ss -- Black Cat -- Blackcat JB 150 -- Black Cat 300 -- Blackcat JB 2000 -- Black Face -- Black Hawk -- Blue Lightning -- BLK-BLJ- 300 -- Bullet Proof -- Bo Gator -- Bo.made -- Boomer -- Boomer 250 -- Boomer 400 (old) -- Boomerang 500 & 150 -- Browning -- Browning 50-80 -- Browning 100 Amps -- Browning 180 mk III -- Bruiser 100 -- Brute Force -- Bull Dog -- Bullet Amps -- Bullet Proof -- Bully Box

C-- Carolina 100m -- Challenger III -- Channel King -- Cherry Bomb -- CMI -- Cobra -- Cobra Base -- Cobra Xt 350 -- Cobra XL 450 -- Super Cobra 667 HDV -- Collins -- Comet -- Comet 350 -- Commander -- Connex TX 200 -- Contex 150 linear amplifier made by Biggs Electronics from Lasalle,PeruIllinois -- Cookie Built Amps -- Cornell -- Courier -- Courier BL 100 -- Courier ML 100 -- Cub Bear -- Crusader 300 -- CTE International

D-- D & A -- D & A Phantom -- Daiwa -- Dartz RF 50 -- Davemade NJ -- Davemade NC -- DDS Amps -- Deerhunter -- Deer Hunter 100 -- Deltron (World Series) -- Deluxe -- Demco -- Demco 50 -- Demco 500 Plus -- Demon -- Dentron -- Dentron 160-10L -- Dentron GLA-1000B -- Dentron GLA-1000C -- Dentron MLA-1200 -- Dentron MLA-2500 -- Devastor 150 -- Digital Sports Systems 500BB -- Dirland -- Dominator -- Dosy Rec.Amp -- Dragon -- Drake -- Drake L-4B & L-7 -- Dr.Radio -- Dynatron Blazer 100

E-- Eagle 400 -- East Coast Amplifiers -- Electronic Systems 12 300 -- Elite 250 -- Elkhart Swinger & Others -- Elkin -- Euro-CB EA-150P

F-- Fat Boy Amps -- Firebird -- Fire Cracker -- Footlocker -- Footwarmer -- Foxie Made

G-- Galaxy -- Galaxy 80 -- Galaxy 225 -- Galaxy 600-800- -- Galaxy 1000- -- Galaxy 1500 -- Ghost Rider -- Golden Eagle-Falcon 2000 -- Golden Eagle 150 -- Golden Eagle 377XL -- Golden Eagle 1K -- Gonset GSB 101 -- Gonset GSB 201 -- Gray -- Gray 150 -- Gray 700HD -- Gray Phantom 12 Tuber -- Grey

H-- Ham-Master CB300 -- Heathkit -- Heathkit HA-10 Warrior -- Heathkit SB-220 -- Heathkit SB-200 -- Heathkit SB-220 -- HEC 500 (Holden Electronics Company) -- Henry -- Homebrew Linears -- Hooker -- Hooker Model 100 Base Bilinear -- Hooker 225 HD -- Hornet -- Hunter Bandit 2000 A -- Hunter Bandit 2000 Base -- Hurricane -- HyGain -- Hygain Afterburner 403 -- Hygain Afterburner Plus 482

I-- Intek L30 -- Interceptor -- Interceptor 200 -- Interceptor Interceptor Six-Ten -- Intruder amps -- JB-75

J-- John Boy -- Joker

K-- K-500 -- K 1313 -- Kem-Tron Industries -- Kenrich -- Kenrich Eagle 200 -- Kenrich Eagle 400 -- Kenrich Eagle 515 -- Kicker -- Killer Bee -- King-Scout-Hurricane -- KL 60 -- KL & KLV -- KL 400 mobile amp -- KL 500 -- KLV AMPS -- Knight -- Knightkit T-175 -- Kodiak III -- K-po AMP150 -- Kris -- Kris Inc. 300M -- Kris Boomer -- Kris Inc. Power Pump

L-- L.A.450 -- L.A. 600 -- Lafayette HA 250 -- Lemm LV400 -- LosAngeles 450 & 600 -- Loud Mouth

M-- M 4 V -- Maco -- Maco 75 -- Maco 200B -- Maco 750B -- Magna Force -- Mada M-100 Kopy Kat -- Magnus Electronic Corp. MA-1000B -- Markone Fox 200 + -- Matco -- Matcoe 225 + -- Maverick 250 -- Messenger -- Messenger 250 -- Messenger Model M4V (Class AB) -- Messenger 450 -- Metron MA 1000 -- Metron MA 1000B -- Microset -- Milcom International -- Mirage -- Mohawk -- Monkey Boxes -- Moonraker L30 -- Mosquito -- Muddie Water -- Mule 350

N-- National -- Ninja Built -- Nitro -- Nitro 300 -- No Name

O-- Outcom Opa 202

P-- Pal -- Pace -- Pace PX 100 -- Pac'Man -- Palmour -- Palomar -- Palomar 300A -- Palomar Elite 400 Turbo -- Palomar-Magnum -- Palomar Pulsor -- Palomar Skipper 300 -- Palomar Skipper 350 -- Patriot 250 -- PE (225-350) -- PE 400 -- Penetrater hb 100 -- Phantom -- Phython 350 -- P.irate 2x6 -- PMS -- Pocket Rocket -- Pony -- Power Base -- Powerplate -- Pride -- Pride 200 -- Predator 400 -- President -- Proton -- Python (100-225-450)

Q-- QRO Technologes

R-- Raider -- Ranger -- Red Devil 250HD & 350V -- RF Concepts -- RF-Electronics -- RF-Electronics/Harris Amp Model rf101 -- R & M -- RM Products --R & M kl 35 -- RMS K282V -- Road Block

S-- Samlex L30 -- Sandman Base -- Scorpion -- ShadowBox 750 -- Shark -- Sharmans -- Shock Wave -- Shoebox -- Shooting Star -- Shooting Star 225 -- Siltronix -- Siltronixs SLM 100 -- Silver Eagle -- Silver Streak -- SK -- Skipper -- Skullcracka -- Skymaster -- Skywalker -- Sky Wave 2879ab -- Slapper -- Slingblade -- Sneaky Pete -- Snowcap -- Sommerkamp SLA-500/24 -- Sonar BR 2960 -- Spoken Type -- Standcomm -- Stinger -- Stingthing 250 DX -- Storm -- Super Cobra 667HDV -- Super Macro -- Super Modulator -- Superpill -- SuperStar -- Swan -- Swan II -- Swinger 205 -- Syncron

T-- Tecnitel AML35 -- TELESTAR MAGNUM -- Tennessee Walker -- Ten-Tec -- Texas Star -- Texas Star Skeleton -- Thunderbolt -- TNT Super Mod -- Tokyo -- Tokyo Hy-Power -- Train Built -- Transel--(50W Firecracker,150W Dynamite,300W Nitro and 600W Magnum) -- Tri-Power -- Tritroic RX-127 -- Trucker 400 -- Twelve-Pak (made by TNT) -- Twister -- Typhoon 150

U-- UHF / VFH -- Uncle C -- Uniden PC 68 XL Turbo 121 -- U.S. Amplifer

V-- Varmint -- Varmint XL 110 -- Varmint XL 1000 -- Vectronics -- Viper

W-- Wawasee -- Wawasee JB-150 -- Westcom Trucker 400 -- Widowmaker Amps -- Wind Jammer -- Wind Walker -- Witch Doctor -- W.izard Built -- White Magnum -- White Face 250 -- World Series -- World Wide Amplifiers -- Worth-More 300

X-- X-Force 5 Pill -- X-Force Amps

Y-- Yaesu

Z-- Zetagi -- Zodiac Tarus


"Got Amps?"

Foxhunter

[fatboy803]

I maybe off topic here but are those Skywalkers pretty good amps > ?

[linx]

I maybe off topic here but are those Skywalkers pretty good amps > ?

Their website has always impressed me as does their product lines. I'd like to know how they compare as well.

[fatboy803]

Yeah there shop is about an hr half from where I live but I dunno anyone that has there amp nor have I heard any that I know of but would like to know myself

[jessejamesdallas]

"Sure Power" are a line of Amps built in Ennis TX., just south of the Dallas, by Jim's CB Shop. They are very popular here in the Dallas area.

[Pro-Tech]

Team Sky Walker was here competing a few weekends ago. Been waiting for someone to say how they placed. Here is a picture and notice all the litttle golden mic trophies displayed in the wind shields.

[fatboy803]

Team Sky Walker was here competing a few weekends ago. Been waiting for someone to say how they placed. Here is a picture and notice all the litttle golden mic trophies displayed in the wind shields.

I dont wanna sound stupid but when competing are all those anntenas nreally needed or are they playing with that much power ?

[jessejamesdallas]

Team Sky Walker was here competing a few weekends ago. Been waiting for someone to say how they placed. Here is a picture and notice all the litttle golden mic trophies displayed in the wind shields.

I dont wanna sound stupid but when competing are all those anntenas nreally needed or are they playing with that much power ?

All those antenna's are more importaint than the power! Those guys could be running 2-pill box's, and walk all over someone running a 16-pill!

[fatboy803]

Team Sky Walker was here competing a few weekends ago. Been waiting for someone to say how they placed. Here is a picture and notice all the litttle golden mic trophies displayed in the wind shields.

I dont wanna sound stupid but when competing are all those anntenas nreally needed or are they playing with that much power ?

All those antenna's are more importaint than the power! Those guys could be running 2-pill box's, and walk all over someone running a 16-pill!

So basically they can possibly run a 29 ltd with a 2 pill through all those anntenaes and walk over bigger boxes ? So they probally talking very far ? I mean really its interesting Id like to see a setup inside of one of those vans

[Rex_foxhound]

Those are keydown competition setups. Not their everyday ride around setup. Nevertheless, it's still very impressive what these guys do to their rigs.

Very nice and extensive list Foxhunter. Can't wait to see the list after a few more days...although I don't know of anymore amp brands than what you have listed lol. Maybe some of the older guys do tho.

[fatboy803]

So far I thank everyone who's added to this thread. I'd really like to see more if anyone would be willing to contribute what they know or have heard as to the origins of any of the top "competion" solid-state transistorized & tube amp makers, both mobile and base. I know I've left a few out so feel free to add to the list directly below. Add anything that you know about any of them & their background or origins.

Dave Made NJ
Dave Made NC
Fatboy
X-Force & Magna-Force
WorldWide
Skywalker
Skullcracka
East Coast

I know there were a large number of amps made in the days of the last skip cyle and before like D&A, Elkin, Black Cat, Kris, Original Palomar, Varmint, Twister, Maco, etc etc. There were and still are a number of fine "factory made" amps like the Texas Stars, Bullet-Proofs, New Palomar, KLV, RM etc etc.

They are cool to have and used by many------but I am chiefly wondering in my questioning about the "comp type amps" of the last decade or two that have such loyal die-hard followings.



***************************************************************
Like me or hate me, I like to offer what I can and ask as well from others when I don't know.

I wanted to publish below here a list of the most well-known RF Amplifiers

I know some are familiar with many amplifiers already so this may be just a trip down memory-lane.

This also really is for those who are curious and may not have been aware of so many made, and seen them all grouped together in order. It would look like there has been no shortage of amp makers over the years has there ? Some are still active, and many are history.

#'s-- 735 -- 3 MADE -- 11 Meter -- 16v Grass -- 30 Watt Linear CB Amplifier Kit

A-- ABC --ABC 7107 Amplifier -- Afterburner 480 (made by hy-gain) -- Alan/Midland -- Alpha --ALPIN-100 MKII -- Ameritron -- Amitron -- AM Power -- Amp Supply -- Amp Supply LK-800 -- Andrews -- Antlafier -- Apache -- Apollo 300X/400X Base/Mobile -- Armadillo -- Astro M6-10 -- Audio-Maker -- AWT

B-- B 300 -- Bad Kojack -- Badstone -- Bear -- Big @ss Amplifiers -- Big Dawg -- Big Red BR-500W -- Bill Bad @ss -- Black Cat -- Blackcat JB 150 -- Black Cat 300 -- Blackcat JB 2000 -- Black Face -- Black Hawk -- Blue Lightning -- BLK-BLJ- 300 -- Bullet Proof -- Bo Gator -- Bo.made -- Boomer -- Boomer 250 -- Boomer 400 (old) -- Boomerang 500 & 150 -- Browning -- Browning 50-80 -- Browning 100 Amps -- Browning 180 mk III -- Bruiser 100 -- Brute Force -- Bull Dog -- Bullet Amps -- Bullet Proof -- Bully Box

C-- Carolina 100m -- Challenger III -- Channel King -- Cherry Bomb -- CMI -- Cobra -- Cobra Base -- Cobra Xt 350 -- Cobra XL 450 -- Super Cobra 667 HDV -- Collins -- Comet -- Comet 350 -- Commander -- Connex TX 200 -- Contex 150 linear amplifier made by Biggs Electronics from Lasalle,PeruIllinois -- Cookie Built Amps -- Cornell -- Courier -- Courier BL 100 -- Courier ML 100 -- Cub Bear -- Crusader 300 -- CTE International

D-- D & A -- D & A Phantom -- Daiwa -- Dartz RF 50 -- Davemade NJ -- Davemade NC -- DDS Amps -- Deerhunter -- Deer Hunter 100 -- Deltron (World Series) -- Deluxe -- Demco -- Demco 50 -- Demco 500 Plus -- Demon -- Dentron -- Dentron 160-10L -- Dentron GLA-1000B -- Dentron GLA-1000C -- Dentron MLA-1200 -- Dentron MLA-2500 -- Devastor 150 -- Digital Sports Systems 500BB -- Dirland -- Dominator -- Dosy Rec.Amp -- Dragon -- Drake -- Drake L-4B & L-7 -- Dr.Radio -- Dynatron Blazer 100

E-- Eagle 400 -- East Coast Amplifiers -- Electronic Systems 12 300 -- Elite 250 -- Elkhart Swinger & Others -- Elkin -- Euro-CB EA-150P

F-- Fat Boy Amps -- Firebird -- Fire Cracker -- Footlocker -- Footwarmer -- Foxie Made

G-- Galaxy -- Galaxy 80 -- Galaxy 225 -- Galaxy 600-800- -- Galaxy 1000- -- Galaxy 1500 -- Ghost Rider -- Golden Eagle-Falcon 2000 -- Golden Eagle 150 -- Golden Eagle 377XL -- Golden Eagle 1K -- Gonset GSB 101 -- Gonset GSB 201 -- Gray -- Gray 150 -- Gray 700HD -- Gray Phantom 12 Tuber -- Grey

H-- Ham-Master CB300 -- Heathkit -- Heathkit HA-10 Warrior -- Heathkit SB-220 -- Heathkit SB-200 -- Heathkit SB-220 -- HEC 500 (Holden Electronics Company) -- Henry -- Homebrew Linears -- Hooker -- Hooker Model 100 Base Bilinear -- Hooker 225 HD -- Hornet -- Hunter Bandit 2000 A -- Hunter Bandit 2000 Base -- Hurricane -- HyGain -- Hygain Afterburner 403 -- Hygain Afterburner Plus 482

I-- Intek L30 -- Interceptor -- Interceptor 200 -- Interceptor Interceptor Six-Ten -- Intruder amps -- JB-75

J-- John Boy -- Joker

K-- K-500 -- K 1313 -- Kem-Tron Industries -- Kenrich -- Kenrich Eagle 200 -- Kenrich Eagle 400 -- Kenrich Eagle 515 -- Kicker -- Killer Bee -- King-Scout-Hurricane -- KL 60 -- KL & KLV -- KL 400 mobile amp -- KL 500 -- KLV AMPS -- Knight -- Knightkit T-175 -- Kodiak III -- K-po AMP150 -- Kris -- Kris Inc. 300M -- Kris Boomer -- Kris Inc. Power Pump

L-- L.A.450 -- L.A. 600 -- Lafayette HA 250 -- Lemm LV400 -- LosAngeles 450 & 600 -- Loud Mouth

M-- M 4 V -- Maco -- Maco 75 -- Maco 200B -- Maco 750B -- Magna Force -- Mada M-100 Kopy Kat -- Magnus Electronic Corp. MA-1000B -- Markone Fox 200 + -- Matco -- Matcoe 225 + -- Maverick 250 -- Messenger -- Messenger 250 -- Messenger Model M4V (Class AB) -- Messenger 450 -- Metron MA 1000 -- Metron MA 1000B -- Microset -- Milcom International -- Mirage -- Mohawk -- Monkey Boxes -- Moonraker L30 -- Mosquito -- Muddie Water -- Mule 350

N-- National -- Ninja Built -- Nitro -- Nitro 300 -- No Name

O-- Outcom Opa 202

P-- Pal -- Pace -- Pace PX 100 -- Pac'Man -- Palmour -- Palomar -- Palomar 300A -- Palomar Elite 400 Turbo -- Palomar-Magnum -- Palomar Pulsor -- Palomar Skipper 300 -- Palomar Skipper 350 -- Patriot 250 -- PE (225-350) -- PE 400 -- Penetrater hb 100 -- Phantom -- Phython 350 -- P.irate 2x6 -- PMS -- Pocket Rocket -- Pony -- Power Base -- Powerplate -- Pride -- Pride 200 -- Predator 400 -- President -- Proton -- Python (100-225-450)

Q-- QRO Technologes

R-- Raider -- Ranger -- Red Devil 250HD & 350V -- RF Concepts -- RF-Electronics -- RF-Electronics/Harris Amp Model rf101 -- R & M -- RM Products --R & M kl 35 -- RMS K282V -- Road Block

S-- Samlex L30 -- Sandman Base -- Scorpion -- ShadowBox 750 -- Shark -- Sharmans -- Shock Wave -- Shoebox -- Shooting Star -- Shooting Star 225 -- Siltronix -- Siltronixs SLM 100 -- Silver Eagle -- Silver Streak -- SK -- Skipper -- Skullcracka -- Skymaster -- Skywalker -- Sky Wave 2879ab -- Slapper -- Slingblade -- Sneaky Pete -- Snowcap -- Sommerkamp SLA-500/24 -- Sonar BR 2960 -- Spoken Type -- Standcomm -- Stinger -- Stingthing 250 DX -- Storm -- Super Cobra 667HDV -- Super Macro -- Super Modulator -- Superpill -- SuperStar -- Swan -- Swan II -- Swinger 205 -- Syncron

T-- Tecnitel AML35 -- TELESTAR MAGNUM -- Tennessee Walker -- Ten-Tec -- Texas Star -- Texas Star Skeleton -- Thunderbolt -- TNT Super Mod -- Tokyo -- Tokyo Hy-Power -- Train Built -- Transel--(50W Firecracker,150W Dynamite,300W Nitro and 600W Magnum) -- Tri-Power -- Tritroic RX-127 -- Trucker 400 -- Twelve-Pak (made by TNT) -- Twister -- Typhoon 150

U-- UHF / VFH -- Uncle C -- Uniden PC 68 XL Turbo 121 -- U.S. Amplifer

V-- Varmint -- Varmint XL 110 -- Varmint XL 1000 -- Vectronics -- Viper

W-- Wawasee -- Wawasee JB-150 -- Westcom Trucker 400 -- Widowmaker Amps -- Wind Jammer -- Wind Walker -- Witch Doctor -- W.izard Built -- White Magnum -- White Face 250 -- World Series -- World Wide Amplifiers -- Worth-More 300

X-- X-Force 5 Pill -- X-Force Amps

Y-- Yaesu

Z-- Zetagi -- Zodiac Tarus


"Got Amps?"

Foxhunter

Thats a big list . . . Do anyone knows who built that audio maker box ?

[MUDDUCK MOBILE]

That would be Ghetto Blaster by GettOwayDriver. I might just know a little about them being i own and use one. He mainly builds ac boxes but does builds dc boxes from time to time. Also another **Censored** would be Bull Dawg built by Traveling Man..... he is located in AL. And another amp will be Body Snatcher Built by Body Snatcher (Gulfport MS)

[Foxhunter]

That would be Ghetto Blaster by GettOwayDriver. I might just know a little about them being i own and use one. He mainly builds ac boxes but does builds dc boxes from time to time. Also another **Censored** would be Bull Dawg built by Traveling Man..... he is located in AL. And another amp will be Body Snatcher Built by Body Snatcher (Gulfport MS)

Let me edit them in to the list above. I appreciate it Mudduck Mobile. Truly I am in the preliminary stages of designing a website for myself here at some point. Radio & amp information and all related. I'd like to incorporate as much possible accurate information into it as possible and have been compiling pages & documentation for some time now and it won't be up for a while still---it'll all depend on how much spare time I can find. Although "somewhat" PC-skilled and I did take computer programming (in high school! haha)----but good thing my Brother is a web-designer / web-master! Just at some point I'll have compiled and made easier to find much of the radio information that took me so long to research and find scattered all-over the web. Maybe save others the trouble finding good reference material.

So:
Ghetto Blaster
Bull Dawg
Body Snatcher

As long as they have made enough amps to have some "street cred" name-recognition. At some point I'll try and de-note "private-label" regional amp builders from the bigger builders, then separated once again from the larger amp production companies.

I'd guess Zman350's Gator Built or Gator Made amps too should be added as he seems to be another one putting them out.