Anyone ever hear of Hilgen amplifiers?

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:31 am

I just picked this Hilgen 2024 Challenger up for under $300 since I'm tired of my twin either being too loud or not loud enough to achieve a decent tone at shows where I'm being mic'd. Also, 70lbs worth of amp is taking its toll on my back. I'm not sure if it'll work out for my needs, as I set out to look at AC15s originally. From what I gather they were made in NJ not far from the Ampeg factory, during the 60's, this model being circa 1965. It has 5 12AU7 style tubes, 2 5971s, and a 5au4. All tubes are Zenith and I presume they're the originals. No standby switch. It has footswitchable tremolo and spring reverb, and volume and tone controls for each channel. It does not have a lot of head room and sounds pretty awesome when cranked. Granted, I will not be using it for that sound, but it's nice to know it's there.

anyways, pictars:

If anyone has any info let me know

robroe · Post by **robroe** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:56 am

i heard they were a special run of amps paw made by long haired sheep dogs

whats all that black shit around teh grill cloth ?

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 5:00 am

The black silly string looking stuff is pretty much printed onto the grill cloth. I'm not sure I "get" it, but it's unique.

Will · Post by **Will** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 5:24 am

They were made by a former Ampeg employee using Ampeg-based designs from what I've heard.

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:10 pm

Looks cool.

holyCATS1415 · Post by **holyCATS1415** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 3:48 pm

looks pretty awesome, i really like the grill cloth.

how does it sound?