What tubes does the Watkins Dominator use?

The Watkins Dominator uses 2x ECC83 preamp tubes and 2x EL84 power tubes.

When was the Watkins Dominator produced?

The Watkins Dominator was produced 1959–1965.

Watkins Dominator preset

Verified · 88/100 confidence. Complete schematic. All component values readable. Parameters derived directly from the circuit.

The Watkins Dominator is a classic British combo amplifier produced by Charlie Watkins, one of the most important but least celebrated figures in British rock history. It uses a straightforward EL84-based circuit that produces a bright, cutting tone with natural compression and harmonic richness when driven. The Dominator was one of the primary amplifiers used by British beat groups in the early 1960s before Vox and Marshall dominated the market.

Years produced: 1959–1965
Made in: UK
Wattage: 17W
Channels: 2
Preamp tubes: 2x ECC83
Power tubes: 2x EL84

Tags: british.

Schematic-derived preset files for 16 Fractal and Line 6 modelers: Axe-Fx II/XL/XL+, Axe-Fx III, FM3, FM9, and the full Helix family (Floor, LT, Rack, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL, Native).

Gridleak extracts amp parameters from original circuit schematics using AI vision — component values, gain staging, tone stack topology, tube types — then generates native preset files for every supported modeler. Every extraction is scored 0–100 and the score is published.