Magnatone Custom 413 Tube Amplifier (1962).

Magnatone Custom 413 Model Tube Amplifier (1962), made in Torrance, Ca, brown fabric covering finish.

This is a superficially worn but sonically wonderful example of Magnatone's Custom 413 model amplifier. Originally founded in the 1930s as the Dickerson Musical Instrument Company, the re-dubbed Magna Electronics Company began focusing primarily on guitar amplifier design after being acquired by Art Duhamell in 1946. Although also producing guitars, it was the amplifiers that became popular amidst the first Rock 'n' Rollers, most notably Buddy Holly and Lonnie Mack. Magnatone amps were distinctive for their great sounding pitch-shifting vibrato effect, setting them apart from amps with the more common volume-varying tremolo.

The Custom 413 was the successor to the very popular and successful 213/213A Troubadour/Tonemaster models, offering the company's iconic vibrato in a compact format aimed at working professionals. Listed at $179.95 in the 1960 catalog, Magnatone describes it as "the finest compact, light amplifier available. Covered in modern charcoal leatherette with gold color appointments the Custom 413 is a power-house of tone. Rich, round bass tones, sparkling highs plus the sensational exclusive MAGNATONE BIG "V" Vibrato --the first true musical vibrato-- make the custom 413 the ideal professional amplifier for club dates, recording sessions and T.V. or radio appearances."

Like it's predecessors, the amp features two channels, each with their dedicated two high/low gain inputs, as well as volume for each, a shared tone control and vibrato speed and depth controls. The dual-6V6 power section puts out around 12-15 watts into a single 12" speaker. The iconic pitch-shifting vibrato effect is achieved with two varistors; a somewhat simpler iteration compared to the flagship stereo models but delivers the same hypnotic effect that put Magnatone amps on the map!

Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 10 in. (25.4 cm.) in depth at deepest point.

Cosmetically this is a decently preserved amp overall, especially considering how prone to wear Magnatone amps from this era are. The fairly thin fabric covering is mostly intact, with the exception of some scuffing and minor tears around the corners and edges, mostly on the front and rear bottom. The rear-mounted control plate bears notable wear, mostly to the lower edge; additionally, a past owner (presumably) had scratched in their license place number above the controls. The knobs are older chickenhead-style replacements. The grille cloth is very clean and free of any tears or signs of fraying. The handle and its hardware is original and is moderately tarnished. The amp also comes with what appears to be a period 'door-stop'-style footswitch, either partly homemade or from another amp of the era.

Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The 12" Utah speaker is original to the amp and bears the code 328-205, dating it to the 5th week of 1962. It appears to sport a recent/newer recone and tests and sounds wonderful. The Schumacher power and output transformers are original as well, coded 606-208 and 606-148, dating them to the 8th week of 1962 and 48th week of 1961, respectively. Visible pot codes date to late '61 and early '62 as well. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing, including a grounded 3-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, any other out-of-spec components replaced, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and power tubes biased to spec.

Overall, this is a fantastic example of one of this great-sounding medium-size combo amps, excellent for both recording and gigging, and that pitch-shifting vibrato STILL can't be beat! The Custom 413 is about the most cost-effective of Magnatones with this sought-after feature, a relative sonic bargain in todays amp world. Very Good Condition.