Magnatone Custom 480 Stereo 2x12 Tube Guitar Amp - Parts/Repair 1960's

Up for sale is a Vintage 1960s Magnatone Custom 480 Stereo Tube Guitar Amplifier with its original 2x12" Magnatone speakers. This amplifier is being sold AS-IS for Parts/Repair or Restoration.

The amplifier is used and in vintage cosmetic condition, showing signs of age and previous use consistent with an amplifier of this era.

Please note that this amplifier is currently NON-FUNCTIONAL and will require servicing or restoration before it can be used.

During testing, the amplifier powered on, but when the standby switch was engaged, the 5U4GB rectifier tube exhibited internal electrical arcing and the amplifier blew its fuse.

Some preliminary troubleshooting was performed, but the exact cause of the electrical failure has not been determined. The amplifier has not been repaired, and no further powered testing has been performed.

The condition of the power and output transformers is unknown. They have not been fully tested, and we cannot guarantee that they are functional.

The amplifier appears to retain much of its original internal circuitry and components, including its transformers, vintage wiring, and capacitor assemblies.

Both 12" Magnatone speakers are present, although their functionality has not been verified. The amplifier originally featured two smaller tweeter speakers, and one of the two tweeters is missing.

Additionally, some disconnected or broken solder connections were discovered at the speaker terminals during inspection. These connections have not been repaired.

Due to the amplifier's age and electrical condition, it is being offered strictly as a nonworking restoration project or parts amplifier.

About This Model

The Magnatone Custom 480 is an exceptionally interesting and increasingly collectible vintage American tube amplifier from the early 1960s.

Produced during Magnatone's classic era, the Custom 480 was one of the company's more ambitious amplifier designs, featuring a sophisticated stereo tube amplifier configuration, multiple speakers, and the distinctive styling that helped make vintage Magnatone amplifiers so recognizable.

Unlike conventional single-channel amplifiers of the period, the Custom 480 utilized two separate push-pull output sections, each powered by a pair of 6973 output tubes, along with separate output transformers.

The amplifier was designed to deliver a spacious stereo sound and incorporated Magnatone's celebrated true pitch-shifting vibrato circuitry, one of the features that distinguished the brand from other American amplifier manufacturers.

Magnatone amplifiers from this period are particularly appreciated for their unique tonal characteristics, elaborate circuitry, and place in American amplifier history.

The Custom 480 represents one of the company's more complex and distinctive designs, making surviving examples especially interesting to vintage amplifier collectors, restoration specialists, and technicians familiar with Magnatone equipment.

Although this particular example requires significant attention, it presents an opportunity to acquire a largely complete vintage Magnatone Custom 480 for restoration or as a source of original components.

Condition:

• Used vintage amplifier
• NON-FUNCTIONAL — SOLD AS-IS FOR PARTS/REPAIR
• Vintage cosmetic wear consistent with age and previous use
• General signs of aging throughout the cabinet, chassis, and internal components
• Powers on but experiences an electrical failure when the standby switch is engaged
• 5U4GB rectifier exhibited internal arcing during testing
• Amplifier blew its fuse during testing
• Exact electrical fault has not been determined
• Power and output transformers are untested — condition unknown
• Original-style vintage circuitry and wiring remain present
• Aging capacitors and electrical components
• Some disconnected/broken speaker terminal solder connections
• Both 12" Magnatone speakers are present but untested
• One of the two smaller tweeter speakers is missing
• Will require professional servicing and/or restoration
• No guarantee of functionality for any individual electrical component

Details:

• Brand: Magnatone
• Model: Custom 480
• Era: 1960s
• Type: Vintage Stereo Tube Guitar Amplifier
• Configuration: 2x12" with auxiliary tweeters
• Output Tubes: 4x 6973
• Rectifier: 5U4GB
• Stereo tube amplifier design
• Dual output transformer configuration
• Vintage Magnatone vibrato circuitry
• Condition: Nonworking / Parts or Repair

Included:

• Vintage Magnatone Custom 480 Amplifier
• Two 12" Magnatone speakers (untested)
• One smaller tweeter speaker (untested)
• Existing amplifier chassis, transformers, wiring, and installed components
• Existing tubes and other components shown in the listing photographs

This is a particularly interesting example of a vintage Magnatone Custom 480, one of the company's more elaborate stereo amplifier designs from the early 1960s.

While this amplifier is not currently operational, it appears to retain many of the important original components that make these amplifiers desirable to collectors and restoration enthusiasts.

With both 12" Magnatone speakers present, the original-style chassis and circuitry largely intact, and its distinctive stereo amplifier architecture, this could be an excellent project for someone experienced in restoring vintage tube amplifiers.

IMPORTANT: This amplifier is being sold strictly AS-IS, NONWORKING, FOR PARTS OR REPAIR. The exact cause of the electrical failure is unknown. The transformers, speakers, tubes, and other internal components have not been fully tested and are not guaranteed to function. Additional issues beyond those described may be present. Professional inspection and repair will be required before operation.

Due to the amplifier's age, weight, and fragile vintage components, local pickup is strongly preferred. Shipping arrangements may be discussed with interested buyers.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for additional photographs—happy to help.