Players who know tone insist on Mercury transformers...
ToneClone Series
Best-of-Breed Vintage Transformer Designs
Axiom Series
Next-Generation Transformers
Radiospares Series
The Original Vox- and Marshall-style Transformers
Mercury Vintage
Transformer Restoration & Repair Service
Mercury Custom Shop
Custom Designed & Engineered Transformers
Your quest for
superior tone has led you to the final link in the chain -- Mercury Magnetics premium guitar amplifier power transformers, output transformers and chokes.
Far more than tubes, speakers or other amp components, the transformers play a key role in shaping an amp's unique sound. As amp designers, techs and manufacturers are discovering, the practice of dumping generic, low-bidder transformers into their amps isn't cutting it any more. Today's players are more informed and demanding than ever before. They hear the difference and know that both transformer design and build-quality play key roles in shaping their sound.
Transformer sets are often misunderstood, yet vital musical components, integral to the nuances of your guitar amp's sound. If your amp is suffering from bland and unexciting tone then it's probably related to low-end transformers.
Keep in mind that most guitar amplifiers are made with mass-produced components. We're not slamming anyone, because it's just a matter of economics. However, if you're not happy with your amp's tone, you'll be absolutely blown away by the dynamic improvement only possible by upgrading its trannys.
Whether you are interested in a vintage transformer drop-in replacement, rebuilding an existing (and valuable!) vintage transformer, or you're looking to upgrade your modern tube amp, Mercury Magnetics will beat your tonal expectations -- going light-years beyond original manufacturer build quality.
"A change to a higher-quality output transformer will have a greater impact on improving the overall tone than playing with different brands of tube."
-- LegendaryTones.com (Mercury Magnetics review)
Who uses trannys by Mercury Magnetics?
Virtually all top boutique amp makers, world-wide
The Who's-Who of top guitar players
Amp manufacturers who produce high-end and signature gear
...and players like you who are crave the best possible tone from their amps.
Within the player community no other company commands as much respect as Mercury Magnetics. You can depend on our fanatical build quality, consistency and reliability. All of our transformers are 100% handmade by us here in California, USA, and come with an unheard of 10-Year Workmanship Warranty and money-back Tonal Satisfaction Guarantee.
Who is Mercury Magnetics?
We manufacture transformers exclusively for guitar amplifiers. We're unique in a number of ways:
100% American made -- no tricks or hidden imports -- we really do make them from scratch, right here in California!
100% handmade and hand-tuned using only handwound components -- each and every transformer is consistent from one-to-the-next. If you ever need to replace one of our transformers your amp won't lose its tone -- your replacement will sound exactly the same as the original.
American-made steel -- we're the only transformer manufacturer who special orders the unique steel alloys used in our transformers. These alloys are not only made here in the USA to government specifications, but they are not available anywhere else in the world. They're the same alloys used in the all-time best-sounding transformers during the "sweet spot" era of guitar amplification history.
Mercury maintains active and ongoing R&D (research & development). Things are never stagnant around here! All kinds of new and exciting-sounding transformer designs (Axiom® series), as well as our ongoing cloning of outstanding transformers mined from the great old amps (ToneClone® series). And for vintage British amp freaks, check out our Radiospares® series.
For any popular amp design we're likely to have several transformers for different purposes and different tonal characteristics. It's always a smart idea to discuss replacement, restoration or upgrading with your Mercury rep. -- his input will be invaluable.
Our transformers are found in the amps of almost every major player in the world. Many specify Mercury and won't play an amp without them.
Mercury transformers are standard components or factory upgrades available in virtually all high-end boutique amps, including Fender’s boutique and custom shop lines.
Mercury transformers are so highly rated that they typically increase the value of any amplifier they're installed in.
Did you know that guitar amp transformers are unusual in their design (when compared to other audio transformers). Ironically, almost all of the really great-sounding examples contain flaws, or "design" accidents, in their construction. We've intentionally reverse engineered the best transformers to "clone" their methods and materials (whether accidental or intentional). Technically, it is not possible to engineer the perfect guitar amplifier transformer "by the book."
There is no other company like Mercury Magnetics anywhere in the world.
Mercury Magnetics offers guitar amplifier transformer sets in 3 + 2 flavors:
ToneClone Series® -- original spec best-of-breed vintage transformer designs.
Axiom Series® -- enhanced new-generation guitar amp transformers.
Radiospares Series® -- the original Marshall- and Vox-style transformers.
Mercury Vintage™ -- vintage transformer restoration service.
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Mercury Custom Shop™ -- custom designing and engineering for manufacturers and boutique amp builders.
ToneClone® Series Transformers
Let your ears rediscover and experience great vintage tone. We've cloned transformers from the most coveted vintage amps of the world's greatest players! We call them ToneClones® because their specifications are genetic (vs. generic!) duplicates of the most sought-after amp transformers ever made.
"In all the years I've been playing and working on vintage amps, and converting so-called reissues into what the original ones were, Mercury Magnetics™ transformers are the only ones I'd ever consider installing in not only my customers' amps, but my own personal amps as well. They have 'The Tone' we all have searched for. In many aspects they exceed the sound and tone of our old, fave amps. To say they're the best is certainly an understatement! Handmade quality at its pinnacle!"
-- Don Butler, www.Tone-Man.com
Knowledgeable players know that no two old amplifiers sound the same, even of the same manufacturer, type and build date. And that over the decades only a few of each style are known to have that elusive "magic."
Simply replacing an old or burnt tranny with a generic or factory brand, won't do the trick. In fact, just throwing any replacement transformers in there virtually guarantees your tone will be neutralized! That's why our engineers are constantly seeking out and duplicating the specs of only the best-of-the-best transformers to add to our library of great-sounding designs.
"All I can say is 'holy sh*t!!' In over 40 years of playing I cannot remember being so surprised at such a difference one part change can make."
-- Ron Jackson, Austin TX
When an exceptional transformer is located it is carefully studied and analyzed. The Mercury Magnetics™ engineers take the time to clone every detail and nuance of these best-of-breed trannys -- not anyone can do it, and you can bet there are plenty of trade secrets involved in this process.
Imagine having an unlimited budget (and time!) to play thousands of amps -- including the often spectacular specimens held in private collections... anywhere in the world. Then from this exhaustive search you pick the one or two that have the sound. Well, you don't have to because we've already done the work for you.
"Your output transformer made a huge improvement in my Super. Had a couple of buddies from Fender here, and these guys have better ears than anyone I can think of -- they loved it. One said, 'How much?!... make me one now!'"
-- Paul Chambers, www.SpecialtyGuitars.com
That's also why there's more than one transformer set available for a given amp (and we're adding more ToneClones® all the time!). For example, if you are looking for a new output transformer for your Fender® Bassman we have more than 20 variations to choose from. And each will give you a distinctly unique sound. No matter what the amp, when it was made, or the brand, we probably have at least one set of ToneClones™ for it.
Or, if you own a vintage amp and you're concerned about preserving its irreplaceable original tranny, consider swapping it for a ToneClone™. Many of our customers put away their original transformers for safe-keeping. Allowing them to enjoy their valuable collector's item without inflicting irreparable damage. It's a great way to protect your investment!
More good news -- all ToneClone® trannys come with both our 10-year Workmanship Warranty and Tonal Guarantee.
To find out more, or discuss to the characteristics of the different tranny sets available for your amp(s), give us a call -- or email/fax.
"I couldn't believe the difference that ToneClone® choke made to my AC30. I knew that the output transformer was going to make a difference but it didn't really sound 'Voxy' until I put that choke in. I don't think the term 'harmonic complexity' is appropriate, it's more like HARMONIC ACCURACY... and it tightened up the low end also!! Thanks for existing."
-- Steve Hunter, Athens GA
Axiom® Series Transformers
Axiom® series transformers are in a class by themselves. We've taken our advanced knowledge of modern transformer designs and mated it with our unmatched expertise with vintage gear. The result is next-generation transformers that'll blow your mind! With Axiom® trannys you get vintage tone but more! More bloom, more overtone color, and awesome tonal depth. If you ever needed a demonstration as to how outstanding transformers affect your sound -- Axiom® trannys will astonish you.
"The quality and craftsmanship in the Axiom® transformers is unparalleled in today's world. I have been truly amazed at the quality and speed of your work. Your knowledge base of transformers has pulled me through a few difficult times, and you always get me exactly what I need -- off the shelf or custom made. You truly do stand above the crowd!"
-- Adam Grimm, www.SatelliteAmps.com
"Thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that my Axiom®-retransformed 1980 vintage SL Plexi project is alive and kicking. I'm trying not to get too excited, but bloody hell! It's almost too good to be true. I have to say I don't think I've ever heard anything like it. I'm floored!"
-- John Bettison, Australia
Axiom® trannys come with both our 10-year Workmanship Warranty and Tonal Guarantee.
To find out more, or discuss to the characteristics of the different tranny sets available for your amps, give us a call, email or fax.
Radiospares® Series Transformers
The original Marshall-style and Vox-style Radiospares® transformer designs. Ask any British guitar amp aficionado about Radiospares® and they'll bend your ear for days about the best-sounding Vox and Marshall amps ever made. Mercury is extremely proud to offer these outstanding transformer designs. The legacy continues....
"I just wanted to say thanks for all of your help in making the decision to switch over to a Mercury Magnetics choke and Radiospares deluxe output transformer for my Bluesbreaker. Everything with my installation worked great and the amp sounds fantastic again. Gone are the gritty tones and something really wonderful is in its place. Over the past few weeks I have converted the amp to JTM45 original specs, upgraded caps to Sozo-type mustard caps, and also swapped out the resistors for carbon comp, these were incrementally warmer sounding, but nothing took the cake quite like swapping out the output transformer and choke. The amp sounds absolutely great at low volumes and the breakup is really dead-on to old Clapton and all the other classic '60s and '70s tones. Man, this was worth the effort. Thanks for building these kick-ass products and helping in the decision making process."
-- Dewey McCafferty
All Radiospares® trannys come with both our 10-year Workmanship Warranty and Tonal Guarantee.
To find out more, or discuss to the characteristics of the different tranny sets available for your amps, give us a call, email or fax.
Mercury Vintage™ transformer restoration, rebuilding & rewinding service
Is the transformer of your prized vintage amp dying or no longer working? Do you have an original vintage transformer that does not work or is losing its tonality? Mercury Magnetics™ can refurbish your transformer back to its original specs.
To do this we methodically unwind your vintage transformer by hand and document every detail -- including every anomaly and turn. We then rewind your transformer by hand so it will sound exactly as it once did.
"We noticed a big difference when the output transformer on our old Pro Reverb died. We had always thought that this amp, in particular, sounded exceptionally good until we replaced the OT with yours. We were astounded by the improvement in the detail and the string definition of the amp. It was amazing, and it made us wonder how many players with great old amps might be limping along, sonically speaking, when they could sound so much better with a lively OT that isn't suffering from the effects of old age."
-- ToneQuest Report
We DO NOT attempt to improve or alter the original tone or frequency response of your vintage transformer. With our attention to detail you can be assured that your vintage transformer will look AND sound terrific! Professional musicians, technicians and studios regard our rewinding services as the best there is, period. We believe you will too, GUARANTEED!!
Please call us at Mercury Magnetics for more information regarding this rewinding service.
Mercury Custom Shop™ custom designing and engineering for manufacturers & boutique amp builders
For amp manufacturers and boutique builders, Mercury Custom Shop is your source for custom builds. No matter what your requirements, if you want it build right -- talk to us. We design and build only great sounding MI transformers that defy the capabilities of off-shore manufacturing techniques. Indeed, Mercury is the last hold-out in the world of this marvelous technology. When you really care about how your amps will sound, you need Mercury transformers onboard. No one else comes close. No one.
 | Fashion Statement? Attention Amp Builders: You say you're tired of the same old ordinary-looking transformers? Do your amps lack visual excitement? Mercury Magnetics introduces the latest in amp tranny high fashion -- customized end bells! We can customize tranny end bells by adding almost any color or artwork combination -- even unusual shapes! Racing flames? Your company logo? Get creative! To find out more about call Paul Patronete or Patrick Selfridge today. |
For more information, assistance, quotes or inquiries:
9167 Independence Ave. • Chatsworth, CA 91311 • FAX (818) 998-7835
Info@MercuryMagnetics.com • www.MercuryMagnetics.com
PRICE LIST / CATALOG
(818) 998-7791
Attention non-North American customers: For a small additional charge we can provide our transformers with other input voltages.
CAUTION! The voltages in your amplifier can be dangerous. Transformers and chokes are not user serviceable parts. Installation of these components should always be performed by an experienced technician. The simple ability to use a soldering iron is not enough to qualify a "do it yourself person." Those who are inexperienced in working with electronic circuits should never attempt to service their amplifier. Household line currents can be deadly!! Transformers, chokes and large filter capacitors can store a dangerous charge for several days or more after the amplifier has been unplugged. Never touch the terminals of such devices without being certain of their charge status. Risk of shock and damage to equipment may result from mishandling and/or improper use of these components. Please use common sense and always think safety first. After all, tone is most enjoyed when you are alive to hear it.