Valco amp

cur · Post by **cur** » Thu Jul 08, 2010 9:56 pm

Came across this today.

I am interested, but don't know much about it. Was told it was a late 50's tweed Valco amp, maybe 15W.

Interested in hearing anything about this or Valco amps from anyone in the know.

Thanks

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:14 pm

They're great amps. Branded under Valco, Supro, Gretsch and probably more. I fixed up a 2x12 combo once, I can't remember the model. It sounded fantastic and it had possibly the nicest tremolo I've ever heard.

Jimmy Page is supposed to have used the Supro Thunderbolt model in the studio.

laterallateral · Post by **laterallateral** » Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:25 pm

Valco was the big brother brand under which the National, Supro, Harmony and Gretsch (undoubtedly more) banners flew.
The company was commissioned to make amplifiers for different brand names, destined for sale in different areas, often re-using the same designs.
Are there any more pictures of the amp? Do you know if the amp has two speakers? If so, the layout suggests some kind of model 1210 amplifier of which, I am aware of Gretsch, Harmony, Magnatone and National incarnations. The circuit topology would be similar to a late 50's champ but with two speakers. Output would be about 5W.

I've owned a couple late 50's - early 60's Harmonys and Supros and I've regretted selling every one. Provided you're willing to put a bit of work modernizing them and that you're looking for an amp to play all the way open, to get that trashy 60's sound, they're fantastic.

laterallateral · Post by **laterallateral** » Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:26 pm

Or you know... What Mages said.

cur · Post by **cur** » Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:36 pm

thanks for the help. it has one 10 inch replaced speaker. May go tty it out tomorrow.

laterallateral · Post by **laterallateral** » Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:58 pm

Totally. I'd pick it up if it's anywhere under $100!

Do you know if it's powered by a single or a couple EL84 looking tubes (6973) or 6V6s?
With dual EL84's it's probably in the 15W range, with 6V6s, maybe more like 20-22W.
Does it have Tremolo?

Trying to figure out which model it is...

cur · Post by **cur** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 6:03 pm

Here are some more pics:

He got this from a lady who got this new with her 59 hollow body Gretsch hollow body in 1959.

Speaker had been replaced may not be correct impedance for the amp. But I don't know much about this kind of thing. It sounded good, but it did not break up too much. It did distort some when dimed. I even used some Jackson humbcker jank stick but did not break up easily. Not sure if it is due to the type of amp, replacement speaker or maybe old caps that have not been used for years and years.

chisa · Post by **chisa** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 6:09 pm

cur wrote:
He got this from a lady who got this new with her 59 hollow body Gretsch hollow body in 1959.

.

"one careful lady owner"

cur · Post by **cur** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 6:40 pm

Ha, took long lunch to play with amp. Then posted with out re-reading.

Will · Post by **Will** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 6:53 pm

LOL at the Pyle Driver!

Looks like a good amp. What tubes does it use?

laterallateral · Post by **laterallateral** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:25 pm

That's super nice.
Mind if I ask how much you payed for it?

cur · Post by **cur** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:44 pm

I didn't buy it. Thinking about it, but want something that will break up better. He said around $350. Not sure what it is worth or if it would be a good investment amp, sans pyle driver.

George · Post by **George** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:47 pm

I think it looks great fun. Would love to hear it.

Billy3000 · Post by **Billy3000** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 10:48 pm

Where did you come across this amp cur? There's a guy on raleigh craigslist that just posted a nice Alamo paragon bass amp which from what I've read is essentially a bassman copy from the 60's. I emailed him and he only wants $175 for it! I would snatch it up, but I think I need to save my money to fix up my twin reverb.

cur · Post by **cur** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 2:34 pm

College music and pawn by Sadlacks. Stopped in on my trip to Loco Pops (I am becoming addicted). Asked Howard at Guru about it and he was aware of it as well.

Will check out the craigslist link

Billy3000 · Post by **Billy3000** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 3:40 pm

cur wrote:College music and pawn by Sadlacks. Stopped in on my trip to Loco Pops (I am becoming addicted). Asked Howard at Guru about it and he was aware of it as well.

Will check out the craigslist link

Sweet, I haven't gone into college music and pawn very much, usually it's just old peavey and crate stuff when I do.

Loco Pops is amazing dude! I live literally right up the street from there in cameron village, but for whatever reason I've never been to that loco pops. I always wind up getting it in durham or chapel hill when my girlfriend and I are out there with her goddaughter.