Origins & Legacy
Simms‑Watts was founded in 1968 by David Simms (a music‑shop owner in Ealing) and Richard Watts (technical director), with contributions from Terry Marshall, son of Jim Marshall . They launched a line of high-quality tube and solid-state amplifiers around 1969, addressing markets from guitar and bass to PA systems .
Their amps were built with exceptional attention to detail—heavy-duty transformers, robust components, and spacious headroom—features often compared to contemporaries like Hiwatt .
In the early 1970s, EMI Sound & Vision acquired the brand, which continued briefly before fading as production shifted toward solid-state models for cost-saving .
Iconic Models & Their Features
AP100
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Tube configuration using EL34 power tubes.
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Known for exceptionally clean tone and high headroom.
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Favoured by guitarists, particularly pedal users looking for a pristine platform .
AP200 (“PA200 Super”)
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Built with KT88 tubes delivering 200 watts of power.
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Versatile — used as guitar amps, bass rigs, PA heads, or even hi-fi drivers .
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Described as “one of the best clean sounds” with serious output before distortion .
Model “100”
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A high-output tube head with a bold orange logo and powerful internal build (e.g., oversized transformers) .
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Built like a Hiwatt on steroids—heavy, loud, and stylish.
Other variants included solid-state combos like the Ike Isaacs 2×12, which offered tremolo and a more portable format .
Notable Players & Endorsements
John Entwistle (The Who)
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Used Simms‑Watts bass amplifiers, valuing their clarity and volume—easily holding their own next to Hiwatt rigs .
Mick Ronson (David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Era)
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Favoured Simms‑Watts for his guitar setup—appreciating their clean, articulate tone .
Jamie Cook (Arctic Monkeys)
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A modern-day user of the AP100, continuing the legacy of Simms‑Watts among pedal-heavy guitarists .
Community Buzz
On forums like AmpGarage, one user described the Simms‑Watts “100” as “running EL34s and over‑spec’d Partridge iron… high headroom before traditional British breakup,” likening the tone to a mix of Laney Super Group and Hiwatt .
Why They Matter
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Feature |
Why It’s Significant |
|---|---|
|
Bruiser Build Quality |
Heavy transformers, durable parts—amps built to last and gig loud. |
|
Clean, Massive Headroom |
Ideal platform for pedals or instruments needing clarity. |
|
Artist Backing |
Used by iconic musicians like Entwistle and Ronson, granting vintage credibility. |
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Rarity |
Short-lived production makes these amps highly collectible today. |
Wrapping It Up
Simms‑Watts, despite a brief heyday, left a distinct imprint on 1970s British amplification. Born from a partnership of shopkeeper and tech guru, they manufactured rugged, high-headroom tube amps like the AP100 and AP200, which gained favor with legendary artists such as John Entwistle and Mick Ronson—and continue to be admired by modern players like Jamie Cook.
