Victory Amps MK Clean & OD [With Martin Kidd & Lee Anderton]

A play through the Victory MK Clean and MK Overdrive, plus Lee Anderton and Martin Kidd share the early Victory story…

Welcome to the show! We are delighted to welcome our good friends Martin Kidd and Lee Anderton to Schwangri-La. Martin is of course here in his capacity as chief designer for Victory Amplifiers, the proud father, so to speak, of two new custom-order designs, the MK Clean and MK Overdrive. It is indeed a pleasure to play and hear them.
The Overdrive model has a little nod to his Cornford days of yore, the story of which folds into a wider discussion as we’re joined by Lee Anderton. Lee, you might recall, was the subject of some online criticism when it emerged he was involved with Victory amps a while back, so we thought it appropriate to tell that story in a little more detail, not least because the friendships that emerged in the early days of Victory had something of a hand in launching what we now know as That Pedal Show!

Thank you to Martin and Lee for their time and candour. Enjoy the show!

Interesting bits and go to sections…
0:00 Intro playing
0:58 Hello & welcome
2:05 The new MK amps
4:30 Martin’s overdrive inspiration
7:14 Clean amp inspiration
9:40 Amp as instrument
10:33 100-watt amps in 2024?
12:50 Lee Anderton & the Cornford history
18:45 MK Overdrive background
23:16 MK Overdrive sounds
29:24 Mick's history with Victory
33:40 The importance of Guthrie Govan
36:40 Dan’s history with Victory
39:34 MK Clean amp sounds
46:47 Everyone plays the MK Clean
51:33 Discussing the MK Clean
55:08 Conflict of interests?
1:05:30 Martin’s journey continues
1:10:10 Wet-dry sounds with two amps

Pedals & stuff used in this show
• TheGigRig Three2One
• Klon Centaur
• Free The Tone Future Factory Delay
• Jam Pedals Harmonious Monk
• Chase Bliss Audio CXM1978 Reverb
• TheGigRig G3 Atom

If you use these links to buy stuff - any stuff – we receive a (very) small cut.

Guitars in today’s show
• PRS Myles Kennedy
• 1965 Fender Telecaster
• 1961 Fender Stratocaster
• 1965 Gibson ES-345 TDSV
• Fender Custom Shop ’63 Telecaster

Amps used in today’s show
• Victory MK Overdrive with 212 Cabinet / 2 x 12-inch Celestion Alnico Gold
• Victory MK Clean with 112 Cabinet / 1 x 12-inch Celestion Alnico Gold

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Please visit our preferred retailers!

[andertons]

It’s so lovely to read these comments - the TPS comments section is a great example of how uplifting & supportive the guitar community can be. I’m so pleased for Martin too - truly one of the greatest amp designers of the last 30 years & also one of the most humble, modest & nicest people you could meet. And what a coincidental set of events that links us all - it’s a small world! Cheers Dan & Mick - friends for life!

[VictoryAmps]

Wow, we’re absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible response to this video – thank you so much to everyone for your kind words and support! It truly means the world to us to hear that our story and craftsmanship resonate with you all. Building our MK Series Amplifiers has been a labor of love, and seeing them appreciated by such an amazing community fills us with immense pride and gratitude.

Sharing our journey with you is a reminder of why we do what we do: creating tools that inspire musicians to bring their ideas to life. Every tone, every detail, and every piece of craftsmanship that goes into our products reflects our dedication to delivering something special for you. Hearing that this has positively impacted your playing and creativity is beyond rewarding.

We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dan and Mick for creating such a wonderful space to showcase the gear and the stories behind them. Their passion for music and gear inspires us all, and we’re honored to be a part of it.

To everyone who has supported us, whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just discovering our work, thank you for being part of this journey. Your encouragement motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. Here’s to many more stories, tones, and memories ahead! ❤

[SeanPierceJohnson]

Um...I watched 7 seconds...and paused to leave this comment.
I've met Martin Kidd...I've worked alongside Martin Kidd...I've NEVER heard him play until now and DAMN!!!!

[andertons]

And I have to say…. Martin that was some of the best playing I’ve ever heard from you. Rock on man 🤘🤘🤘

[davidtomkins]

the energy around this table feels much like the energy of a group of guys forming a musical band. You want to be successful, you want to make money, fame and adoration, but really, you're doing it for the love of it and to spend time with good mates. You'd do it even if no-one else cared

[GazP]

What a bloody brilliant episode! Really enjoyed that table chat, it brings a bit of reality to things. I think a lot of people are very blind to how businesses and brands come about. They don’t just happen, real people take risks and make them happen. There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears behind a glossy final product.

And those two amps… Good grief. Maybe one day, if I save hard enough! Nice one fellas.

[petelawler]

I've been watching TPS for years now. This episode stands out as one of the best ever. So many turning points, so many moments of chance and a fuck load of bravery to take life changing decisions. Dan, Mick, Martin and Lee, I take my hat off to you all. You are properly inspiring.

[WattPodcast]

Came here for the amps, stayed for the business chat. What a great conversation and thanks so much for giving us the glimpse behind the curtain!

That table talk was just amazing. Life is awesome. ❤

[ImNotOld_ImVintage]

Seeing this at Christmas time makes me think that Lee is the George Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life) of modern guitar. Not only is he an awesome guy that people want to be friends with and thus do business with, he builds all these bridges within the community which furthers the industry all of us enjoy.

[christurner]

I like the 4 guys around a table format. Works really well as a contrast to the main room set up and vlogs

[YonathanLeibovich]

Oh man Lee's just the champion of guitar in the modern age.. So great to hear all these stories of influence and friendship.
And it was really great to hear an amp manufacturer playing guitar with his own creation.
Great video guys thank you!

[jacksonrepetskimusic]

I had no idea Martin was such a great player! Loved seeing him on the show.

[bastiaan]

The table conversation was absolutely awesome. I love it how Dan and Mick ‘give the room’ to Lee and Martin and let them tell their stories. Four friends that enjoy the same passion. Its great!! Podcast level great 😂

[chrisprescottguitar]

the round table aspect here is brilliant... not to say the demo isn't. Smashing it out of the park as usual guys. Love you always

[shaunhill]

That chat around the table was wholesome, it’s nice for us to see this side of you guys …… thank you ! 🙏

[stevefoster]

Mick, Dan; your content has given me so much joy over the this video, with both superb playing, really interesting gear, PLUS the sit down discussion, is one of your best productions yet. Fantastic guys. Thank you, really well done. And also from a vid production POV (because that's the day job) I really have to congratulate you on your camera work and audio this time round. You are setting a bar.

[fender]

Funny story… I have a super reverb, and a deluxe reverb. Love em. Always lusted for something more. My local GC took in a v140 super duchess head and vertical 212 cab that were MINT while I was in the store. I had instant FOMO and bought the set without even trying it. I knew what it was but never played. Got it home and was blown away. Truly an epic rig. Never once have I regretted my decision. One of the best amps I’ve ever played. These new custom shop amps are out of my price range. maybe one day.

[geoffcurran]

As a long time viewer, it was so great to hear the origin story of TPS and how these relationships created the momentum for it. Sometimes magic happens. Thanks for this episode!!

[rogernewport]

Lovely to see the friendship and mutual respect between four of the nicest people in the guitar world. Victory thoroughly deserves all the success that comes its way.