Geeks and rockers alike can appreciate this baby. It is a lamp with a sense of humor. Designed by Nik Wilmore and obviously stylized after a tube amp, its charm is in the funky details.

Much like the tube amps renowned for their “warmth of sound,” weight, hefty price tag and the glow they produce (or so my husband informs me); the tube lamp aims to call back to these iconic features so treasured by the audio snobs of the world.

Unlike a tube amp, however, the bulbs of this lamp won’t burn out any time soon as the custom dimmer circuits limit the current from that of a full house current thus increasing the life of the bulbs.

The neat features include a Bakelite case, toggle switch (those are always fun), and a mirrored top. For once, even the bulbs are included (nine 25 watt tubular bulbs). The coolest feature of all though is the dimmer knob, which is a chromed replacement knob for a Fender Telecaster electric guitar!

The only online retailer, Uncommon Goods, is currently out of stock. Hopefully, they will replenish as I’ve had my eye on this gadget for some time.
Other distributors are Move Lab in NYC, Lighting by Gregory in NYC, the SFMoMA shop, and Manhattan Loft in Salt Lake City.

Depending on the store, it retails between $225 and $275.

This is what a tube amp looks like: