While the original Victory Duchess series established itself as a versatile workhorse for discerning guitarists, the new MKII range represents a notable evolution with thoughtfully implemented enhancements that expand its tonal palette.
The British-made amplifiers now feature a 3-way voice switch that allows players to fine-tune their tone with enhanced low-mids, bridging the gap between classic American cleans and focused British grit.
Victory’s engineering team has equipped the Duchess MKII models with several practical innovations, including a 3-way mid kick boost that provides options for lower mids, upper mids gain, or flat response. This addition proves particularly valuable for lead guitarists seeking additional clarity and presence when soloing.
The 3-way mid kick boost gives players precise tonal control exactly when it matters most—during that crucial solo moment.
The upgraded digital reverb system offers both classic spring reverb tones and modern ambient textures, considerably expanding the amp’s versatility across musical genres.
The V40 Compact Head MKII delivers 42 watts of power through its 3 ECC83 preamp tubes and 2 EL34 power tubes, while maintaining a manageable weight of just 8.2 kg. Players can reduce the output to 7 watts for lower volume situations without sacrificing the amp’s distinctive character. The switchable power feature makes this amp equally suitable for studio recording and live performance settings.
The amp’s single channel operation is augmented by extensive tone controls and includes a series effects loop with hard bypass.
The full range encompasses several variants, including the Deluxe Head and Combo MKII with 6L6 valves and valve-powered tremolo, the ultra-portable Lunchbox Head MKII, and the powerful V140 Super Duchess Head MKII, which delivers up to 96 watts through four 6L6 valves.
Combo models feature the respected Celestion G12H-75 Creamback speaker.
Each Duchess MKII amplifier combines boutique tone quality with road-ready reliability through hand-wired construction and custom-designed transformers. For optimal recording quality, consider connecting the amp to a quality audio interface that can capture the nuanced valve characteristics. The EQ balance is particularly impressive, allowing for precise tonal sculpting without requiring extensive post-processing during mixing sessions. The entire range reflects the Martin Kidd design philosophy that has guided Victory Amplification since its founding in 2013.
The refreshed aesthetics complement the expanded functionality, creating a package that challenges expectations of what a single-channel valve amplifier can achieve, from bedroom practice sessions to professional studio recording and stage performances.
