Metro Kits Nearing Extinction

  • Thread starter Thread starter marl3y
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marl3y

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I haven't see it mentioned here, but over on the Metro forum George announced that he's discontinuing his amp kits. He'll still do his replicas, but just not the kits. I've done a few builds, AX84 Hi-Octane, Egnater Seminar, SLO, and a "Marshalized" EVJ, but I never got around to a Metro product. With the impressive showing of the Mod Squad at the Amp Fest and George's news I decided it was now or never and ordered a 2203. I've literally heard nothing but good things about his products and his forum is loaded with incredible knowledgeable folks. I knew I'd be kicking myself if I didn't jump. Should be fun to build something that by all accounts can authentically capture that late 70s cranked Marshall sound.

-Scott
 
It's been a long time coming, and it's quite sad. Hope things turn out well for Metro.
 
Maybe I should buy another Metro kit before they're all gone... was thinking about the master volume kit since i already have one of their super leads. Don't know if I should blow another $1,000 though...
 
I've learned if you're not sure, you prolly shouldn't do it...

...unless it's guitar gear, which then you should always just do it without thinking about it.
 
It's a shame. My metro 69 build has been my only amp for a few years now and I smile every time I fire it up. I love that thing. Always wanted to try building a 68 SL or a 45/100 but never had the courage as they didn't have the step by step instructions. Building the '69 was a blast.
 
George said the parts/kits side of the business has never made money, he just kept it going for the love of it. I wish I had the time and skill for one of his kits.
 
Ayrton":1axs4en6 said:
George said the parts/kits side of the business has never made money, he just kept it going for the love of it. I wish I had the time and skill for one of his kits.
Click to expand...

Man, I am surprised by that. :confused:

Went to his house/shop once when I was up in MI and got a 2203 kit. Still haven't built that thing! :doh:

I have a 50 watt Metro Plexi that someone else built and it is absolutely killer. :thumbsup:

Geroge's kits are (were) the best. Bummer they will be gone. :aww:
 
killertone":2qwuf4jd said:
Ayrton":2qwuf4jd said:
George said the parts/kits side of the business has never made money, he just kept it going for the love of it. I wish I had the time and skill for one of his kits.
Click to expand...

Man, I am surprised by that. :confused:

Went to his house/shop once when I was up in MI and got a 2203 kit. Still haven't built that thing! :doh:

I have a 50 watt Metro Plexi that someone else built and it is absolutely killer. :thumbsup:

Geroge's kits are (were) the best. Bummer they will be gone. :aww:
Click to expand...

I'll buy that unbuilt kit if you don't decide to build it. ;)
 
Damn, I hope I can get the cash to buy both a 2203 and a 1959 kit!

But if I don't will the manual be useful if I buy a kit Ceriatone? I am thinking about buying a kit from Ceriatone and the get trannys from Mercury.
 
Was thinking about the 2203 kit but as the real deals sell for less than the kit I couldn't justify it. The SLP kit though was worth every penny.
 
Interesting................wonder what he has going on other than selling from his site?
 
This is really a shame, it's one of those things I had hoped would always be there when the time was right. Anyway, just picked up a zero loss effects loop kit today, at least that stuff is still available.
 
Doesn't he do all of the chassis and some other components for the Friedman amps? Will he still be doing those?
 
I was just in a nearby music store a couple weeks ago and saw a Metroamp for sale that apparently was built by them. I didn't realize they were so close to me! Now it looks like I missed out on the kits... :doh:
 
As far as a great DIY kit, the Metro is a good bang for the buck. Above average electronic components were offered in it and for a grand, it works and serves its purpose. If I had time to put one together, I would go for it without a doubt.

But, I think the flimsy aluminum chassis, stick on face plates, and that cheap head shell are a disgrace for using as a basis for re-selling a 3K+ custom amp. For that, I would expect a 16 gauge, powder coated steel chassis, laser etched front and rear, a custom head shell made from at least 3/8" ply, decent tolex covering and hardware. Great tone, but not much to look at.

My $0.02
Steve
 
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