Summary of the Comparison
The Victory V4 The Duchess is ideal for gigging musicians needing a portable, high-gain amp with versatility and pedal-friendly dynamics. The Tone King Gremlin suits vintage enthusiasts craving classic, touch-sensitive American tweed and blackface tones in a simple, low-wattage combo. Choose the Duchess for flexibility; the Gremlin for pure, vintage character.
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The Tone King Gremlin
The Victory V4 The Duchess
Main Differences
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- Victory V4 The Duchess: Hybrid (tube preamp, solid-state power amp), 180W, lightweight, more versatile with gain and EQ control.
- Tone King Gremlin: All-tube, 5W, vintage Fender-style tones, simple controls, more natural tube response.
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Specs Comparison
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| Specification | Victory V4 The Duchess | Tone King Gremlin |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 180W (Class D Power Amp) | 5W (Tube) |
| Preamp Tubes | 4x CV4014 | 1x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | Solid-State Power Amp | 1x 6V6 |
| Speaker | None (Preamp/ Pedalboard Amp) | 1x 12″ Custom Ceramic Speaker |
| Musical Style | Blues, Classic Rock, Indie, Jazz | Blues, Americana, Vintage Rock |
| Target Skill Level | Intermediate to Advanced | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Approximate Price Range | $800 – $1000 | $1200 – $1400 |
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Best Situations for the Victory V4 The Duchess
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- Perfect for classic American clean tones with warm, rich character
- Ideal for home practice with low-wattage, valve-driven power
- Great for studio recording with its direct output and reactive load
- Versatile for gigging musicians needing a compact, portable amp
- Responsive to pedals, making it a great platform for effects
- Excellent for blues, indie, and country tones with dynamic response
- Seamless integration with speaker cabinets for bigger stage sound
- Perfect for players who need tube-driven feel in a small format
- Built-in reverb adds depth and ambiance to the tone
- Great for quiet playing with headphone and direct recording options
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Best Situations for the Tone King Gremlin
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- Perfect for home practice with low-wattage tube tone
- Ideal for recording sessions with rich vintage voicing
- Great for small gigs and intimate performance settings
- Two distinct voices: Tweed-style growl and Blackface-style chime
- Built-in attenuator for controlled volume without sacrificing tone
- Simple, intuitive controls for easy tone shaping
- Responsive to pedals, making it a solid platform for effects
- Classic American-voiced clean and overdriven tones
- Compact and lightweight for effortless transport
- Handwired quality for superior sound and durability
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Find the Boss Katana that Works for you
Which Boss Katana amp should I buy? (Quiz)
This quiz has seven questions that will help you decide between the six main versions in the Boss Katana amp series. The only one we've left out is the Katana Air. If you have questions feel free to drop them in the comments section below. Click the green start button to begin:
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
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