Carlsbro: British amplification and electronic drums since 1959

Carlsbro: British amplification and electronic drums since 1959

When we talk about the great British amplification brands, a few names inevitably come to mind: Vox, Marshall, Selmer, WEM. Carlsbro belongs to that very select circle. Founded in Nottingham in 1959, the brand is among the oldest guitar amplifier manufacturers in the United Kingdom and has lived through more than six decades of musical history, from the valve heads sold to Jim Marshall right up to today's electronic drums, taking in the stages of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones along the way.

But Carlsbro is not just about its glorious past. Today, the brand offers a complete catalogue that goes well beyond traditional amplification: guitar, bass and acoustic amps, amplifiers dedicated to electronic drums, complete electronic drum kits and percussion accessories. It is an offering designed for musicians of all backgrounds, from beginners to professionals, always faithful to the motto that made its reputation: the "British Sound".

The birth of a British icon

The Carlsbro story begins in 1959, when Stuart and Sheila Mercer founded the brand in Nottingham, England. The first amplifiers were built by hand, on the kitchen table, for local bands like Shane Fenton and the Fentons. Demand quickly took off: production moved into the garage, then into a real factory, and Carlsbro made its name with its valve heads, the famous 50 TOP and 100 TOP, some of which were even sold to Jim Marshall before he launched his own amps.

By the late 1960s, the brand's reputation had crossed borders: Carlsbro amps appeared on the stages of Herman's Hermits, The Hollies, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The 1970s marked a new turning point with the move to solid-state designs and the launch of the Stingray range, offering professional performance at a competitive price. In 1984, Carlsbro acquired HH Electronics, and through the 1980s and 1990s musicians such as Andy Gill of Gang of Four, or bassist Phil Mulford, helped develop new models, including the Delta series in collaboration with Overwater Basses.

Since the 2000s, production has been carried out in China based on the British designs, and in 2010 the brand joined the Soundking group. Today, research and development remain based in the United Kingdom, and Carlsbro continues to evolve with a modern range covering amplification and electronic percussion.

Carlsbro amplifiers: from the guitar combo to the electronic drum amp

Kickstart: accessible bass amplification

The Kickstart range embodies Carlsbro's approach to practice amplification: compact, simple and effective amps, perfect for musicians who are starting out or looking for a reliable rehearsal companion. The Carlsbro Kickstart 10B is a perfect example: a compact bass amp that delivers a round, defined tone, ideal for working on your playing at home without disturbing the whole building.

Sherwood: acoustic amplification

For acoustic guitarists and singers, the Sherwood range offers amps designed to faithfully reproduce the richness of acoustic instruments. The Carlsbro Sherwood 20 delivers a clear, natural sound, with the versatility needed to accompany guitar and vocals on small stages as well as in the studio.

The EDA range: amplifiers dedicated to electronic drums

Carlsbro's great strength today lies in its range of amplifiers dedicated to electronic drums, the EDA series. These amps are specially designed to reproduce the full dynamics and power of electronic kits, with robust speakers capable of handling kick-drum attacks and deep lows. The Carlsbro EDA30B is the entry-level model, perfect for home use; the Carlsbro EDA50B steps up in power for rehearsals; and the Carlsbro EDA80B stands out as the reference for the stage and larger venues.

CSD electronic drums: modern percussion by Carlsbro

Beyond amplification, Carlsbro has established itself as a major player in electronic drums with the CSD range. These complete kits give drummers a silent, space-saving and sound-rich solution, ideal for practising at home or for recording. Each kit includes mesh pads for a realistic playing feel, a sound module and everything needed to set up a complete kit.

The Carlsbro CSD45M is a versatile kit that will appeal to intermediate drummers, while the Carlsbro CSD25M is an ideal gateway to discover electronic drumming. The Carlsbro CSD601 and Carlsbro CSD501 models round out the range with more extensive configurations, and the Carlsbro Rock50 brings a modern approach built for rock playing. To expand your kit, the Carlsbro CSD-SN10DM adds a dual-zone snare pad with precise response.

Percussion accessories: everything to complete your kit

Carlsbro supports drummers far beyond the kits themselves, with a range of accessories designed to enrich and extend the setup. The Carlsbro control pedal lets you drive the sound module, while the 8-inch dual-zone tom pad and the 12-inch dual-zone cymbal pad expand your playing options. To set everything up comfortably, the tom or snare stand and the cymbal pad stand provide stable mounting, and the 150 x 120 cm drum mat with carry bag protects the floor while keeping the elements in place.

Manufacturing philosophy: reliability in the service of the "British Sound"

What has built Carlsbro's reputation for over sixty years is, above all, reliability. The brand's first amps were renowned for their robustness, a quality that allowed Carlsbro to establish itself on British and then international stages. That requirement remains at the heart of current production: every amp and every electronic drum kit is designed to withstand the rigours of transport and the stage, while delivering a sound faithful to the original British spirit.

Research and development remain based in the United Kingdom, where the brand's engineers design products adapted to the real needs of musicians. The "British Sound" so dear to Carlsbro translates into warm tones, beautiful dynamics and a musicality that has won over several generations of artists, from the bands of the 1960s to today's electronic drummers.

Why choose Carlsbro at Green Musicians?

Green Musicians offers a selection of Carlsbro equipment, available on the Carlsbro brand page. Choosing Carlsbro at Green Musicians means enjoying several advantages:

• A varied catalogue : amplification, electronic drums and accessories gathered in one place, in short supply chain, refurbished or second-hand.
• Competitive prices : our marketplace model lets you find Carlsbro gear at attractive prices, especially on refurbished and second-hand items.
• A sustainable approach : musical equipment has several lives, and we are here to multiply them, in a short supply chain logic that benefits musicians and the planet alike.
• Personalised support : our team helps you choose the Carlsbro amp or kit that matches your style and budget.

To delve deeper into the world of British amplification, discover our complete guide to Laney, another pillar of made-in-England amplification, or our article on Orange Amplification and its iconic British sound. And if electronic drums interest you, our guide to Alesis electronic drums will help you make the right choice.

And there you have it! We hope this article has given you the desire to discover or rediscover the Carlsbro universe and its amplifiers as well as its electronic drums. All that is left is to browse Green Musicians to find the Carlsbro gear of your dreams at the best price.

We offer a complete catalogue of musical instruments featuring brands from around the world such as Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, Ibanez and many more. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, our marketplace is designed to give you the very best of music.

Green Musicians is also the music marketplace where everyone can buy or sell music gear with total confidence: new, refurbished and second-hand instruments, but also software, plugins, sheet music and samples.

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