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1960 Valco "Chicago 51" Guitar Amp (Supro Supreme circuit with dual 6973 power tubes)
Very rare "Dwight" Supro made by Valco for the Dwight Music Company in St. Louis
Layout:
2x 12AX7 Preamp Tubes (Original Vintage; Excellent & Tested Tubes)
2x 6973 Power Tubes (Original RCA vintage; Excellent & Tested Tubes)
1x 5Y3 Rectifier Tube (Original vintage tube; Excellent & Tested Tube)
1x Volume Control
1x Tone Control
1x10" AlNiCo 1959-dated Rola speaker:
This speaker is not the original but appears almost the same, except this one has just a slightly bigger magnet. It is dated 51st week of 1959. I remounted the original transformer onto this speaker, as it was done originally on this model amp.
Traced circuit and confirmed it is identical to Supro Supreme 6400.
Condition:
Tweed is good for its age; shows just a few signs of fraying.
Wood/chassis is solid, no issues structurally.
Tubes are all excellent/vintage and recently tested, including Genuine RCA 6973 Power Tubes (gold standard).
Speaker is original type, reconed by the best I have heard, Spiral Reconing in Berkley, Michigan. Jensen "lightweight" style smooth paper cone. Perfect condition.
Wiring/Circuit COMPLETELY ORIGINAL: all original carbon composition resistors, ceramic coupling capacitors, potentiometers, cloth-wrapped wiring.
Full recent service also included:
Electrolytic (Power Supply) Capacitors replaced with original value modern Nichicon 105*C-high temp. capacitors rated inside original can housing (to preserve original appearance).
3-Prong vintage-style/period-correct Gray Power Cord installed for safety (looks like you would find on an old vacuum cleaner)...looks vintage, and it's grounded!
Original transformers
Original carry handle, grille cloth
New On/Off Switch
Amp has been completely checked out and gone over and "put right" so it's safe and confidence-inspiring to use (read: reliable).
Been playing it personally for a few weeks to break it in and make sure it's solid. No hickups.
*Most importantly!
This amp absolutely screams...
The transition from clean (around 4'o'clock) to breakup is a thing to behold.
Nothing but a Volume and a Tone knob...keeps it really simple.
I fell in love with the Valco sound and I've got a small collection going. I have a few too many so I have to cut one loose. :*-|
This amp is as good as it can get. It's 60 years old, so it has a little wear, but it's still amazing.
*Note: despite best wishes and intentions, this amp is sold as-is! It is serviced and *should* give no issues for a long time, but it's an old electronic device. No guarantees.
If you're thinking about a Supro re-issue, for similar cost, you should not only think about this, you should ditch that plan entirely and buy this amp. ;-)
If you like Zeppelin, the Black Keys, drive, fuzz, and all things holy, you NEED this amp.
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