COLLECTORS! National (Valco) 1260 Chicago 51 16 Watt Tube Amp 1947 USA

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The hepcat's amp...

Here is a very rare find. It's a 1947 Valco made National 1260 Chicago 51 16 watt tube combo. This amp is a blues/jazz era, post-war, art deco gem. It is in original condition with a grounded 3 pronged power cord being the only mod. It's is wonderful condition and sounds fantastic. A true collector's amp. We suggest that any vintage tube amp in original condition be seen to by a qualified tech before prolonged use. This is an 80 yr old tube amp so be sure that you understand what you are buying. It will require maintenance and likely a recap but the reward is high. This amp comes from a private collection and was stored correctly in a climate controlled environment. A welcome edition to any self-respecting studio. It has been tested on a variac and is working well.

This is a vintage National Model 1260 guitar amplifier, manufactured in the late 1940s by Valco. It features an all-octal tube circuit with two 6L6 power tubes.

The amplifier produces approximately 16 watts of power.

It has separate instrument and microphone channels, each with a distinct tonal character.

The unique grey, crackle-finish cabinet design is characteristic of post-WWII aesthetics.

From the legendary Tom's Amps page:

1947 National 1260

This amp was a recommendation in a Premier Guitar article and Man, were they right! Luscious, warm cleans from the Instrument channel, powerful OD from the Microphone channel. Perfect for recording. Video 1 is the Instrument channel, video 2 is the Mic channel. 2 6L6.

This was an amp recommended in a Premier Guitar article called 7 Amps That Bring The Noise. And man, does this bring it. Instrument channel, Video 1, provides beautiful clean tone. The Microphone channel is simply OD heaven. Put an A/B pedal on and you have all you need. Andy Miles on the demos. Guitar and amp, no pedals. Likely a Valco made amp.

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