FAQ
Below are some commonly asked questions. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions.
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Amps
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Cabs/Speakers
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Options
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Ordering/Shipping
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Misc.
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Q: Do you offer custom amps in addition to your standard models?
A: We do not have a custom shop at this time for a few different reasons. Science is a small operation, and we keep extremely busy fulfilling orders from the current line of amplifiers. There is no one-size-fits-all amplifier, which is why there are 4 models to choose from each available in 50W, 100W, and 200W with optional effects loop. Each model has its own unique voice and feature set. Hopefully there's something in there for everyone, and if not, there's a good chance I already have something like you're dreaming of in the works for a future release! Another aspect of custom amplifiers is the inability to prototype. Sure, any competent builder can cobble something together, but to do custom work in a timely fashion means designs can't be duly 'road-tested' for maximum reliability and tone.
Q: Do you do custom mods to your standard models?
A: Sometimes, but it really depends on the the desired effect. If it is a mod that can be added without much redesign work (primarily that it does not require custom control panels or chassis), then it can usually be done, and for a small upcharge. For example, added bright switches or other frequency shaping via pull knobs on the front panel a modification that can be done in most cases without much trouble/time or expense.
Q: Do you make combos?
A: No, not at this time.
Q: Do your amps with channel/feature switching come with a footswitch?
A: Yes, footswitch included!
Q: What are your amps based on?
A: None of our amps are exact clones, but have DNA found in the greatest vintage amps ever produced, namely 60's and 70's Marshall, Sunn, Fender, Matamp and Hiwatt amplifiers. This is of course true of 95% of high powered amplifiers made today. By taking these classic circuit topologies and transforming them with unique circuitry and feature sets, each Science amp fuses tones from past and present, making them the most versatile yet straightforward tube amps made today.
Q: Is the (insert model here) good for (insert genre of music here)?
A: In most cases, yes, especially if you like to play loudly. I love all types of electric guitar music, and don't make genre specific amps. Are some amps better for certain tones than others? Of course, and that's why we have different models, but all the amps get designed and test with lots of different guitars/pickups/riffage. Of course you're always welcome to inquire here if you need tonal guidance.
Q: What brand of tubes do you use and why?
A: At this time, we use tubes from the JJ factory that are tested and matched by Ruby Tubes here in the states. These tubes have proven to be the most reliable, quiet (in terms of noise), and toneful in our amplifiers. Ruby does not manufacture tubes, but just offers a layer of quality control from the factories. They test all tubes, and burn-in output tubes for 24 hours before matching. Believe it or not, some duds still get through, and take a little time to show their flaws. But no worries, you are covered by Ruby's unparalleled 6 month warranty. This is absolute best we can offer with the current quality of new production tubes. Promise.
Q: What brand of transformers do you use?
A: We now exclusively use custom Heyboer Transformers, made here in the USA.
Q: Can you ship my amp without tubes, so I can use my own?
A: Yes, however we cannot honor our warranty without properly testing your new amp before it ships, and so it's a risk we don't recommend.
A: We do not have a custom shop at this time for a few different reasons. Science is a small operation, and we keep extremely busy fulfilling orders from the current line of amplifiers. There is no one-size-fits-all amplifier, which is why there are 4 models to choose from each available in 50W, 100W, and 200W with optional effects loop. Each model has its own unique voice and feature set. Hopefully there's something in there for everyone, and if not, there's a good chance I already have something like you're dreaming of in the works for a future release! Another aspect of custom amplifiers is the inability to prototype. Sure, any competent builder can cobble something together, but to do custom work in a timely fashion means designs can't be duly 'road-tested' for maximum reliability and tone.
Q: Do you do custom mods to your standard models?
A: Sometimes, but it really depends on the the desired effect. If it is a mod that can be added without much redesign work (primarily that it does not require custom control panels or chassis), then it can usually be done, and for a small upcharge. For example, added bright switches or other frequency shaping via pull knobs on the front panel a modification that can be done in most cases without much trouble/time or expense.
Q: Do you make combos?
A: No, not at this time.
Q: Do your amps with channel/feature switching come with a footswitch?
A: Yes, footswitch included!
Q: What are your amps based on?
A: None of our amps are exact clones, but have DNA found in the greatest vintage amps ever produced, namely 60's and 70's Marshall, Sunn, Fender, Matamp and Hiwatt amplifiers. This is of course true of 95% of high powered amplifiers made today. By taking these classic circuit topologies and transforming them with unique circuitry and feature sets, each Science amp fuses tones from past and present, making them the most versatile yet straightforward tube amps made today.
Q: Is the (insert model here) good for (insert genre of music here)?
A: In most cases, yes, especially if you like to play loudly. I love all types of electric guitar music, and don't make genre specific amps. Are some amps better for certain tones than others? Of course, and that's why we have different models, but all the amps get designed and test with lots of different guitars/pickups/riffage. Of course you're always welcome to inquire here if you need tonal guidance.
Q: What brand of tubes do you use and why?
A: At this time, we use tubes from the JJ factory that are tested and matched by Ruby Tubes here in the states. These tubes have proven to be the most reliable, quiet (in terms of noise), and toneful in our amplifiers. Ruby does not manufacture tubes, but just offers a layer of quality control from the factories. They test all tubes, and burn-in output tubes for 24 hours before matching. Believe it or not, some duds still get through, and take a little time to show their flaws. But no worries, you are covered by Ruby's unparalleled 6 month warranty. This is absolute best we can offer with the current quality of new production tubes. Promise.
Q: What brand of transformers do you use?
A: We now exclusively use custom Heyboer Transformers, made here in the USA.
Q: Can you ship my amp without tubes, so I can use my own?
A: Yes, however we cannot honor our warranty without properly testing your new amp before it ships, and so it's a risk we don't recommend.
Q: What is the difference between the Vintage 30 and g12h-150 Redback?
A: Both speakers have a classic British voicing overall with bold controlled bass, detailed mids, and a clear top end. The biggest difference is the presence of the Vintage 30. It's has the ability to cut through a dense mix and provide great articulation for humbuckers and downtunings. The Redback is more balanced across the tonal spectrum with no upper mid spike. It still has great clarity, but is single-coil-friendly with a more vintage-voiced tonality. Both speakers pair well with our amps, and can be mixed together for more tonal variety.
Q: Can I order a cab without speakers?
A: Yes, just select "No Speakers" on the speaker cabinet order form's drop down menu, and we will send you an unloaded cabinet price.
Q: Can I get a cab with different speakers?
A: Yes, just select "Other Speakers" on the speaker cabinet order form's drop down menu. That said, our amps are voiced with the recommended Celestion and Eminence bass speakers, and we get the best wholesale pricing on them, which we pass on to you. Sometimes large upcharges may apply with other speaker brands since we do not stock or order them in large quantity.
Q: Do you make custom cabs?
A: Both Yes, please inquire here with what you have in mind and a quote.
Q: Are your bass 2x15's properly tuned? Are your 6x10's properly sealed?
A: Yes and yes. Our bass cabs are carefully designed and constructed to perfectly match their equipped drivers from Eminence.
Q: Why aren't there other speaker options for your bass cabs?
A: Our bass cabs are carefully designed around the Thiele/Small parameters of the particular drivers using specialized software to ensure proper tuning and power handling. This is not necessary for guitar drivers in sealed or open-back cabs, but is critical is bass cabs, especially ported enclosures like out 2x15.
A: Both speakers have a classic British voicing overall with bold controlled bass, detailed mids, and a clear top end. The biggest difference is the presence of the Vintage 30. It's has the ability to cut through a dense mix and provide great articulation for humbuckers and downtunings. The Redback is more balanced across the tonal spectrum with no upper mid spike. It still has great clarity, but is single-coil-friendly with a more vintage-voiced tonality. Both speakers pair well with our amps, and can be mixed together for more tonal variety.
Q: Can I order a cab without speakers?
A: Yes, just select "No Speakers" on the speaker cabinet order form's drop down menu, and we will send you an unloaded cabinet price.
Q: Can I get a cab with different speakers?
A: Yes, just select "Other Speakers" on the speaker cabinet order form's drop down menu. That said, our amps are voiced with the recommended Celestion and Eminence bass speakers, and we get the best wholesale pricing on them, which we pass on to you. Sometimes large upcharges may apply with other speaker brands since we do not stock or order them in large quantity.
Q: Do you make custom cabs?
A: Both Yes, please inquire here with what you have in mind and a quote.
Q: Are your bass 2x15's properly tuned? Are your 6x10's properly sealed?
A: Yes and yes. Our bass cabs are carefully designed and constructed to perfectly match their equipped drivers from Eminence.
Q: Why aren't there other speaker options for your bass cabs?
A: Our bass cabs are carefully designed around the Thiele/Small parameters of the particular drivers using specialized software to ensure proper tuning and power handling. This is not necessary for guitar drivers in sealed or open-back cabs, but is critical is bass cabs, especially ported enclosures like out 2x15.
Q: Can I mix and match different tolex/stain colors?
A: No, not at this time. We currently offer 16 tolex options in solid colors or in combination with black tolex as well as four stain options in combination with black tolex only. This keeps things a little simpler on our end, while maintaining lots of custom options at little or no upcharge to you. It also ensures great looking amps for everyone. Because what doesn't look great with black?
Q: I saw some amps you did with white face plates/control panels. Can I get an amp like that?
A: Sometimes we have done special runs with custom control panels/tolex combinations in the past, and we may do more in the future... Currently only black face plates are available, because again, what doesn't go great with black?
Q: Do you offer exotic/figured/reclaimed hardwoods for head and speaker cabinets?
A: No, at this time we only work with high grade Baltic Birch plywood for myriad reasons.
Q: Can I get a custom stain color?
A: Yes, but there will be an upcharge. Please enquire about colors.
A: No, not at this time. We currently offer 16 tolex options in solid colors or in combination with black tolex as well as four stain options in combination with black tolex only. This keeps things a little simpler on our end, while maintaining lots of custom options at little or no upcharge to you. It also ensures great looking amps for everyone. Because what doesn't look great with black?
Q: I saw some amps you did with white face plates/control panels. Can I get an amp like that?
A: Sometimes we have done special runs with custom control panels/tolex combinations in the past, and we may do more in the future... Currently only black face plates are available, because again, what doesn't go great with black?
Q: Do you offer exotic/figured/reclaimed hardwoods for head and speaker cabinets?
A: No, at this time we only work with high grade Baltic Birch plywood for myriad reasons.
Q: Can I get a custom stain color?
A: Yes, but there will be an upcharge. Please enquire about colors.
Q: How does the ordering process work?
A: You can find out more here.
Q: Do you take a deposit up front, or the whole purchase price?
A: At this time we only require a non-refundable of 20% at the time of ordering. The remainder + shipping is due when we start building your amp and/or cab, which is typically 4-6 weeks before shipment. You can always pay in full at the time of ordering if you prefer. If wait time is less than 6 weeks we require full purchase price + shipping at the time of ordering.
Q: After I make my deposit, can I make smaller payments during the wait time?
A: Yes, it's really easy to set up the invoice to make payments as you'd like along the way.
Q: Can I change the details of my order?
A: Yes you can, but changes can only be made to cosmetic details (tolex/grill/stain/hardware) of the order up until your final payment is made and we begin building your amp and/or cabinet. Some exceptions can be made depending on timing, so please get in touch if you'd like something changed and we will do our best to make it happen!
Q: Do you accept Paypal
A: Yes.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you accept Apple Pay?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you accept cashier's check or money order?
A: Yes.
Q: Which courier do you use to ship your amps?
A: We mainly use Fedex to ship all our amps and cabs. They have the best rates and have always handled our packages with care. If the shipment is large enough we may ask if you'd like to ship fully insured freight as it can save a lot of money for multiple heads/cabs.
A: You can find out more here.
Q: Do you take a deposit up front, or the whole purchase price?
A: At this time we only require a non-refundable of 20% at the time of ordering. The remainder + shipping is due when we start building your amp and/or cab, which is typically 4-6 weeks before shipment. You can always pay in full at the time of ordering if you prefer. If wait time is less than 6 weeks we require full purchase price + shipping at the time of ordering.
Q: After I make my deposit, can I make smaller payments during the wait time?
A: Yes, it's really easy to set up the invoice to make payments as you'd like along the way.
Q: Can I change the details of my order?
A: Yes you can, but changes can only be made to cosmetic details (tolex/grill/stain/hardware) of the order up until your final payment is made and we begin building your amp and/or cabinet. Some exceptions can be made depending on timing, so please get in touch if you'd like something changed and we will do our best to make it happen!
Q: Do you accept Paypal
A: Yes.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you accept Apple Pay?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you accept cashier's check or money order?
A: Yes.
Q: Which courier do you use to ship your amps?
A: We mainly use Fedex to ship all our amps and cabs. They have the best rates and have always handled our packages with care. If the shipment is large enough we may ask if you'd like to ship fully insured freight as it can save a lot of money for multiple heads/cabs.
Q: Do you have a warranty? What is it?
A: Yes. All Science amps come with non-transferable limited lifetime warranty. You can find it towards the end of our user-manuals for download here.
Q: Is there a store in my area where I can try out an amp?
A: We only sell direct at this time and into the foreseeable future. This allows us to keep our prices as low as possible.
Q: Do you offer artist endorsements?
A: Not at this time. Most Science amp owners play in active bands, and so we would be out of business if we offered them all endorsements. We hope our prices are competitive enough that they still beat the corporate guys' "endorsements," and get you a superior more toneful product to boot!
Q: Why did you discontinue the Shiv model?
A: The Shiv, we loved it so, but decided to discontinue it because of low demand for a lower wattage Science amplifier. This amp had many unique parts and a smaller size head cabinet and chassis, so keeping the parts in stock for building so few just stopped making sense. Fortunately, all the new MkII models are 4" shorter than the originals, are available in 50W, and all have master volume controls that can get you down to whisper levels no problem.
Q: Why did you discontinue the Sister model?
A: Sorry, Ann (my sister). Now that the Mother amp is available in 50W and 100W, and has a foot-switchable Drive control, there was just too much cross-over between the models to keep the Sister around.
Q: Do you make slip covers?
A: Yes, check 'em out here.
A: Yes. All Science amps come with non-transferable limited lifetime warranty. You can find it towards the end of our user-manuals for download here.
Q: Is there a store in my area where I can try out an amp?
A: We only sell direct at this time and into the foreseeable future. This allows us to keep our prices as low as possible.
Q: Do you offer artist endorsements?
A: Not at this time. Most Science amp owners play in active bands, and so we would be out of business if we offered them all endorsements. We hope our prices are competitive enough that they still beat the corporate guys' "endorsements," and get you a superior more toneful product to boot!
Q: Why did you discontinue the Shiv model?
A: The Shiv, we loved it so, but decided to discontinue it because of low demand for a lower wattage Science amplifier. This amp had many unique parts and a smaller size head cabinet and chassis, so keeping the parts in stock for building so few just stopped making sense. Fortunately, all the new MkII models are 4" shorter than the originals, are available in 50W, and all have master volume controls that can get you down to whisper levels no problem.
Q: Why did you discontinue the Sister model?
A: Sorry, Ann (my sister). Now that the Mother amp is available in 50W and 100W, and has a foot-switchable Drive control, there was just too much cross-over between the models to keep the Sister around.
Q: Do you make slip covers?
A: Yes, check 'em out here.