Magnatone Model MP-1 Tube Amplifier (1966), ser. #1568.

Magnatone Model MP-1 Model Tube Amplifier (1966), made in Harmony, Pennsylvania, serial # 1568, black vinyl covering finish.

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 Hawaiian and eventually electric standard guitars, it was Magnatone's amplifiers that became popular amidst the first Rock 'n' Rollers, most notably Buddy Holly and Lonnie Mack.

This MP-1 is a fairly late example of the company's always unique amp designs, built in 1966 after the company had become a subsidiary of Estey electronics. By this time the once well respected Magnatone brand was seemingly becoming lost among a myriad of competitors. The MP-1 is a well-made mid-sized combo amp featuring hi and low gain instrument channels as well as a mic channel with shared spring reverb and tone control. The amp also features a tremolo blinker light and "Recording" switch that reduces the output level to the external speaker and a "Dimmer" switch which controls the adjustable control panel backlight. The dual EL34 power section puts out around 25-30 watts into a single slightly offset 12" speaker.

Height is 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm.), 23 in. (58.4 cm.) width, and 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) in depth at deepest point.

Cosmetically this amp is in phenomenal shape, especially considering how prone to wear Magnatone amps from this era are. The Tolex is shockingly unmarred for the most part, and the black rubber edge bumpers show only minor scuffing. A sticker has been removed from the back plate leaving a small mark. The faceplate is beautifully clean and the knobs and all other hardware appear to be original and are in excellent condition. The grille cloth is entirely clean and free of tears or signs of fraying with only light age-related discoloration, the Magnatone badge is tight and without damage. The handle and its hardware is original and is moderately tarnished. The amp also comes with an original vinyl dust cover bearing the Magnatone logo. The original footswitch is sadly no longer with the amp.

Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The speaker is original, tests and sounds wonderful. All three transformers appear to be original as well, the Woodward Schumacher output transformer is coded 606-534, dating it to the 34th week of 1965. The illumination for the light-up control panel was converted to an LED strip prior to our acquisition of the amp. As part of the safety conversion to a 3-prong grounded power cord the polarity switch (the two "Hum" settings on the power knob) have been bypassed so the amp is "On" at both settings. The amp has received all other typical maintenance and servicing, 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 fabulous example of the perhaps more overlooked corner of the Magnatone history; although built late in the company's run still a wonderful-sounding medium sized combo perfect for club-level gigging. Excellent Condition.