18W Beekeeper
An 18-watt single-channel combo inspired by the tweed-era Bassman, built to keep that circuit's pristine clean tone at lower wattage and weight.
About this amp
The Beekeeper reworks a tweed Bassman-style circuit around a cathode-biased pair of 6V6 tubes instead of the original’s grid-biased 5881s, using a custom transformer wound to match the classic Triad 45249’s structure. The focus stays on clean, punchy tones that ride the edge of breakup rather than high gain. It’s available as a TV-front 12-inch combo or a TV-front 4x8 combo, each in a Jupiter Ceramic or Jupiter Alnico speaker option, and is hand-wired in San Francisco.
Specs
| Wattage | 18W Class AB (cathode-biased 6V6 pair) |
|---|---|
| Controls | Volume, Treble, Midrange, Bass |
| Speaker | 12" or 4x8 combo -- Jupiter Ceramic or Jupiter Alnico (default: 12" Jupiter Ceramic) |
| Dimensions (12" Combo) | 19-3/4" x 8-3/4" x 18" |
| Weight (12" Combo) | 32 lbs |
| Dimensions (4x8 Combo) | 22" x 9-1/2" x 20-3/4" |
| Weight (4x8 Combo) | 37 lbs |
Quick answers
- How much does the 18W Beekeeper cost?
- Milkman Sound lists it at $2,999 to $3,399 (USD), depending on options. Dealer and used prices vary.
- Is the 18W Beekeeper still available?
- Yes. Milkman Sound lists it as a current model that's available to order.
- Who makes the 18W Beekeeper?
- Milkman Sound. Where it's built: Made by hand in San Francisco, CA. It's listed here as a tube combo amp.
- What warranty does Milkman Sound offer?
- One-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser, when bought direct or from an authorized dealer, with a receipt required for service. Tubes carry a 90-day warranty. After the first year, defects are handled case by case under Milkman's extended coverage. Second owners can buy a transferred warranty for $250, often with a factory inspection. Accidents, abuse, water damage, shipping costs and third-party repairs are not covered.