Rare Early DANELECTRO Twin Twelve Super Vibravox Prototype Amp

Hi, up for sale is a very early Danelectro 2x12 guitar amp. This amp is believed to be a prototype or predecessor of the famous Twin Twelve Model 300, which gave rise to the later Silvertone 1484 amp, and is the genesis of that distinctive grit and unique tone that the early Danelectro amps are famous for.

This is the very early work of Nate Daniel, and I have not been able to find another amp that compares to it. I have included the description from the Blue Book of Guitar Values website below that describes the closest thing I have found. The description from the guide is as follows:

"TWIN TWELVE (SUPER VIBRAVOX) - 30W, 2-12 in. diagonally-mounted heavy-duty speakers, guitar combo, eight tube diagonally-mounted chassis, preamp: 1 X 12AX7, 1 X 6AU6, 1 X 6FQ7, power: 4 X 6L6GC, rectifier: 5U4GB, two channels, vibrato, rear control panel, six inputs (three per channel), seven control knobs (Ch. A v, Ch. B v, amplification, b, t, s, i), brown simulated leather covering, two light brown four-leaf clover grille cloth designs, mfg. 1949-1969."

There are some key differences from the traditional first-generation of the Twin Twelve described above and this amp. The guide says the first Twin Twelves were produced from 1949-1969 with a diagonal speaker configuration, diagonally mounted chassis, six inputs, and a tube layout as follows: preamp: 1 X 12AX7, 1 X 6AU6, 1 X 6FQ7, power: 4 X 6L6GC, rectifier: 5U4GB. None of this is true for this amp as the tubes are different, the control panel is separate from the chassis, and there are three inputs as opposed to six. However, it does still have substantial iron with two independent output and two Freed power transformers, and also has a dual 6L6 power tube layout with dual 6Y6s that power the field coil speakers.

The Silvertone 1484 amp has become the favorite of artists like Jack White, Beck, Death Cab For Cutie, The White Stripes/Jack White, Vampire Weekend, Coldplay, etc., and definitely has its roots in this amp, but has it's own distinctive grit that is enhanced by the unique responsiveness of the field coil speakers.

I have also included an old catalog in the photos that is the closest thing I could find that resembles this amp.

There is a reason that JHS has made a pedal based on the lineage of this amp, and this amp brings together all the characteristics that has made this family of amps rise up and compete with classic vintage amps like the tweed Fender Twin and Deluxe models.

I have provided a very detailed photo album that shows every step of the restoration process.

The amp was originally looked over by Bill Webb of Fulton Webb / Austin Vintage Guitars in Austin, TX, and the restoration was completed by electrical engineers from the University of Texas at Austin, one of whom just received his PhD. This was a challenging restoration, especially with no existing schematic for a prototype amp, but one was compiled from scratch and will be included.

The amp has been fully restored, biased, and cleaned, and it really has a beautiful crunch when run flat out.

The only parts that have been restored were out of necessity of for safety; everything else is entirely original to the amp, with the exception of a brand new vibrato pedal that is included. New parts include:

- capacitors, including premium Sprague Atom and Orange Drops, and F&T electrolytic caps
- 3 prong cord
- white power cord connecting control panel to main chassis
- brown leather handle

All original parts, including all caps, have been saved and will be included.

As you can see, the panel has had some wear and corrosion, and it is difficult to read parts of the lettering. I have given close-ups of these areas as best as possible, and can take additional photos as needed or requested.

The speakers are both original field coil-style vintage Rola speakers. They are matched and have the '285044' code, dating them to the 44th week of what is likely 1950, although 1940 is possible but not as likely.

The cabinet has some wear but is consistent with the brown, tiger-stripe finish visible in a certain light consistent with later '50s Danelectro amps in this series. The wicker grill cloth is unique but different from the similar models pictured in the ad. The upper parts of the cab have also been finished with a distinctive burled walnut type of finish that is very neat. I don't know if this was a Nate Daniel experiment or added later, but you can definitely see where this design gave way to the immediately following generation of Danelectros.

The tubes are arranged as follows, from left to right in the back:

Sylvania 12SJ7 - RCA 6Y6 - RCA 6Y6 - RCA 5U4 - Ken-Rad 6L6 - Ken-Rad 6L6 - CBS 12SC7 - Realistic 12SJ7

All tubes appear to be original to the amp, with the exception of the metal-housing Ken-Rad 6L6s, which are NOS.

The tremolo function works great, and included is a brand new footswitch for it.

This is such an interesting and unique amp, and I would like for it to find a home with a true Danelectro enthusiast who will appreciate its rarity. This is one of those amps that has a place in a great collection.

Due to the nature of vintage equipment, each amp is sold as-is. This amp has received an careful restoration, and all of the components should allow the amp to remain gig-ready for years to come.

The amp is also listed on eBay, but I prefer Reverb since it is more specific to the music community.

Please feel free to email with any questions. Thanks for looking!