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Butler Amp eBay Auctions
Last month a Butler Swamp 50 amp went up for sale here on eBay, and I saw it after the auction expired (it didn’t sell). I contacted the seller, but he had already sold it. Now the same amp has reappeared on eBay, and the seller is asking $9,995 for it.
If you’ve seen that (or other auctions), just make sure you do your homework. Swamp amps are rare and hard to find, but new Max never sold a Swamp 50 head for more than $995.00. These are hand wired point to point amps – don’t get me wrong, it’s hard to find a P2P boutique amp from a good builder for less than a few thousand nowadays. Anyone who buys that amp should not be unhappy with it. However, if it sells – it should be on the merits of the amp itself, and not any false claims.
Because not many people know what a Butler amp is, I’ve seen sellers try and compare it with other amps (Dumble). I’ve also seen them list famous guitar players that play it, and those are usually semi-false claims as well.
Here are some things you should know:
- Max sold Butler Swamp 50 heads for $995.00
- They are based on his improvement of the Fender Bassman circuit (and nothing like a Dumble in my opinion)
- These are absolutely stunning awesome amps, but nowhere near worth $10,000.00. Compare it with other hand wired amps or even high end amps (Z, Two Rock) – asking that much is just outrageous.
In addition – Eric Johnson never owned or played a Swamp (or any Butler amp). Max built him a Silver Hammer 100 watt head (based on the Marshall Plexi circuit) and mailed him one in the 80’s. As the amp made it’s way across the country Guitar Player came out with a cover story and Eric was made famous. His manager told him to stick with his original sound and rig – and not use new amps. Eric played the Silver Hammer one time, then boxed it up and mailed it back to Max with a nice letter.
Also Billy Gibbons never owned or played any Butler amp. Max built Billy one by request (of Washburn), and was supposed to deliver it to him in Chicago. Max bought a brand new cargo van and picked it up from the dealership the same day he had to deliver the amp. He started out on the road about an hour before dark, and when night fell he couldn’t get the lights on the van to come on. He ended up having to turn around and drive home in the dark (with no headlights). He never got to deliver that amp, and Billy never played it (or saw it for that matter). That amp was also a Silver Hammer.
So it’s only true to say that Max “built amps” for both Eric Johnson and Billy Gibbons. As far as the one for C.C. Deville – he did purchase and accept that amp. Sources close to him have said it stayed in his Hollywood apartment a few years, and then got sold (we know who has it now). It was never played in public or on tour or record (that we know of).
Comments
Jun 19, 2015
I think $600 is really low for a Butler amp. I will buy every one you put in front of me for that price. I wouldn’t take $1000 for any of my Butlers either. I don’t think they are worth $10,000, but so what if this guy is asking 10 G’s. It’s his amp he can ask what he wants. Doesn’t mean he’s going to get it. What do you get for $600 amp wise? A used hot rod deville? For sure you’re not getting a hand made tube amp of any kind. Max’s amps are under priced for what you get.
Jun 19, 2015
Looking around last night I found this- http://m.skinnerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/details?id=365172
Charles Max Butler has passed away.
The world has lost a great man, and great amp builder.
I’m glad I got to know Max. He was always ready to take time and make sure people were happy with what he built. The last time I talked to Max, I had him send a replacement Butler badge for the CC Deville amp. At first when I got the amp I thought it came without one. But after talking to Max and looking closely it clearly had been removed at some point. Max had one and sent it to me. I will miss Max.
He was as passionate as anyone could possibly be about the electric guitar and specifically the vacuum tube amp.
I wouldn’t take $10,000 for any of my Butler amps.
Nov 24, 2015
Great article! I own the red Swamp 50 in Max’s photos in Grand Prairie,Tx.
I love the tone so much especially for the blues and classic rock! I just retired in May 2015 as a 32 year veteran police officer.
Keep it up Max!!!
May 8, 2016
How can I purchase a Butler amp?
Thanks,
Michael
310.717.4142
Oct 30, 2016
Butler amps are no longer for sale (since the creator has passed away). Unless you find one used. It’s estimated that less than 350 were built.
Dec 19, 2016
I have a Butler 65 that was built in 1984. I may be willing to sell for the right price.
Apr 27, 2017
the right price is what a player is willing to pay for it.
Oct 24, 2017
I bought my swamp 50 from Max around 2008 for $1300
It was set up custom for me with a couple of special tweaks from Max.
Love the Amp- miss the legend.
Michael Klarich