Vega “Triumphal Model” High Fidelity Amplifier, 1946, 6L6 Tube Combo, Birdseye Maple Cabinet

Vega “Triumphal Model” High Fidelity Amplifier, 1946, 6L6 Tube Combo, Birdseye Maple Cabinet, Pre-Fender Era

Here’s a truly special survivor from the dawn of electric amplification: a Vega Triumphal Model High Fidelity Amplifier, built in October 1946 (factory date stamp inside cabinet). Produced by the historic Boston maker Vega, this amp represents a fascinating post-WWII transitional design—blending pre-war Art Deco styling with early modern tube circuitry.

Why This One Stands Out

• Confirmed 1946 production date (internal stamp: OCT 5 1946)
• Gorgeous birdseye maple veneer cabinet with original Vega badge
• Classic waterfall / Art Deco front design
• Original field-coil speaker still present
• Period-correct cloth wiring, resistors, and capacitors
• Multi-input design for instrument + microphone use

This is the kind of amp you rarely see intact—especially with this level of originality.

Please Note: Amp works but has a hum. Some capacitors need replacing, but electronics were left as original for sale. It is recommended that this amp be serviced before heavy use.

Tone & Use

Originally marketed as a “High Fidelity Amplifier,” this unit was designed for:

• Early electric guitar
• Hawaiian steel guitar
• Microphone / small PA applications

Expect:

• Rich, warm clean tones
• Smooth breakup when pushed
• A very different voice from later Fender-style amps—more hi-fi, rounded, and full-range

Specs (Approximate / Period-Correct)

• Power Section: 2 × 6L6G tubes
• Preamp Tube: 6SN7
• Rectifier: Tube rectified (likely 5U4/5Y3 era)
• Output: ~12–18 watts
• Speaker: Original field-coil speaker
• Inputs: 3 (Instrument / Microphone)
• Controls:
• • Dual volume controls (1st/2nd & 3rd inputs)
  • Tone switch (Bass / Treble)
• Power Requirement: 110–120V AC

Historical Context

This amp sits in a unique window:

• Pre-war styling (late 1930s design language)
• Post-war electronics (mid-1940s tube complement)

Manufacturers like Vega resumed production after WWII using existing designs, making pieces like this relatively scarce compared to later 1950s amps.

Condition

• Cosmetics: Honest vintage wear; cabinet retains strong visual appeal
• Electronics: Original (see photos), original power cord replaced
• Speaker: Original field-coil unit present
• Back panel: Modified / open for ventilation
• Includes original-style internal component pouch (period construction)
• Includes original vintage amp cover!