Newcomb Pathfinder Model E-20 w/ Jensen Imperial Reproducer CA-12 Speaker Owned and Used by Tom Verlaine Head and Cabinet Amplifier, c. 1940s/1965.
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Brooklyn, NY, United States
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Newcomb Pathfinder Model E-20 w/ Jensen Imperial Reproducer CA-12 Speaker Owned and Used by Tom Verlaine Model Head and Cabinet Amplifier, c. 1940s/1965, made in Hollywood/Chicago, walnut stain finish.
Tom Verlaine of Television is one of the musical legends we sadly lost in early 2023. Pioneering the new wave and alternative rock scene in New York City in the 1970s, Tom's style of writing and playing with the band at now-historic venues such a CBGBs quickly gained a cult following, firmly establishing their influence with the release of their debut album "Marquee Moon". Verlaine's unique playing remains a sonic touchstone and required listening for several generations of electric guitarists.
An assemblage of selected components curated and owned by Tom Verlaine, this head and cab combo is a unique addition to any collection.
The Pathfinder E-20 amplifier was originally marketed in the 1960s as a PA system amp for microphones and turntables. A riveted metal plaquette shows the serial number 366700. The unit has been modified for guitar use by the addition of a 1/4" jack for a speaker output but is otherwise unchanged. This class AB design features a preamp stage consisting of one 12AX7 and an unusual 6BR8 which contains both a pentode line driver and a triode phase splitter, these feed two EL84 power tubes for a total output of around 20 watts. These amps are fairly rare but have become a connoisseur's choice for conversion to guitar use, something Tom Veraline was obviously hip to earlier than most.
The front panel of the Pathfinder features controls for treble (with an integrated power switch), bass, and volume controls for a phono channel and two mic channels. The back panel features an RCA input jack for a phonograph or tape deck, screw connections for 4, 8, and 16 ohm outputs, two octal speaker plugs, and an RCA output for a tape recorder in addition to the 1/4" jack added later to allow use with the speaker cabinet which is currently wired to the 4 ohm screw output. There is a sticker on the underside of the amp stating that it was once the property of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets with inventory number 6975. We wonder if it was used to announce at cattle auctions, or similar events!
The Jensen Imperial CA-12 speaker cabinet (a.k.a. the Jensen Coaxial Extended Range Bass Reflex Reproducer with High Frequency Control), was manufactured from the late 1930s to the mid-40s. This particular example has been modified by Verlaine from its original 600 ohm coaxial speaker configuration and fitted with a 70s 12" Univox alnico speaker. The striking cabinet features elegant art deco-era stylings, finished in an attractive walnut lacquer and a woven golden patterned grille cloth behind the three wooden protective accents. The rear panel bears a label with specifications and instructions, as well as the serial number C3782.
Height is 32 1/2 in. (82.6 cm.), 27 3/4 in. (70.5 cm.) width, and 13 in. (33 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this mighty PA head and cabinet set is in nice shape, showing only moderate general wear overall. The Newcomb Pathfinder amplifier shows typical light discoloration to the grey enamel coating, as well as random scuffs and scratches. The control panel is clean with minimal wear and retains all the original knobs, as well as the neat little settings indicators underneath. The Jensen cabinet is in beautiful condition overall, retaining its beautiful dark walnut finish. The exterior shows only minimal surface wear, mostly occasional dings and scratches around edges and corners. The grille cloth is very clean, showing only some minor tearing towards the lower edges but remains relatively taut and in great shape overall.
Electrically, the amplifier is nicely original save for Tom's modifications. Beyond basic servicing, the circuit has been left "as-is" with no further modifications beyond those made by Verlaine.
The Foster power and output transformers are original and date to the 46th and 37th weeks of 1965 respectively. The pots on this amp are also original and date between the 42nd and 50th weeks of 1965.
Electrically both head and cabinet are in excellent condition and have received our standard professional maintenance and testing, including inspection of the speaker cabinet, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors in the head, a grounded 3-prong power cord installed and cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
This is a wonderful sounding one-of-a-kind pairing, a testament of Verlaine's tireless pursuit of tone. This is a rare opportunity for any fan of Tom's to own one of his unique acquisitions. Very Good + Condition.
Tom Verlaine of Television is one of the musical legends we sadly lost in early 2023. Pioneering the new wave and alternative rock scene in New York City in the 1970s, Tom's style of writing and playing with the band at now-historic venues such a CBGBs quickly gained a cult following, firmly establishing their influence with the release of their debut album "Marquee Moon". Verlaine's unique playing remains a sonic touchstone and required listening for several generations of electric guitarists.
An assemblage of selected components curated and owned by Tom Verlaine, this head and cab combo is a unique addition to any collection.
The Pathfinder E-20 amplifier was originally marketed in the 1960s as a PA system amp for microphones and turntables. A riveted metal plaquette shows the serial number 366700. The unit has been modified for guitar use by the addition of a 1/4" jack for a speaker output but is otherwise unchanged. This class AB design features a preamp stage consisting of one 12AX7 and an unusual 6BR8 which contains both a pentode line driver and a triode phase splitter, these feed two EL84 power tubes for a total output of around 20 watts. These amps are fairly rare but have become a connoisseur's choice for conversion to guitar use, something Tom Veraline was obviously hip to earlier than most.
The front panel of the Pathfinder features controls for treble (with an integrated power switch), bass, and volume controls for a phono channel and two mic channels. The back panel features an RCA input jack for a phonograph or tape deck, screw connections for 4, 8, and 16 ohm outputs, two octal speaker plugs, and an RCA output for a tape recorder in addition to the 1/4" jack added later to allow use with the speaker cabinet which is currently wired to the 4 ohm screw output. There is a sticker on the underside of the amp stating that it was once the property of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets with inventory number 6975. We wonder if it was used to announce at cattle auctions, or similar events!
The Jensen Imperial CA-12 speaker cabinet (a.k.a. the Jensen Coaxial Extended Range Bass Reflex Reproducer with High Frequency Control), was manufactured from the late 1930s to the mid-40s. This particular example has been modified by Verlaine from its original 600 ohm coaxial speaker configuration and fitted with a 70s 12" Univox alnico speaker. The striking cabinet features elegant art deco-era stylings, finished in an attractive walnut lacquer and a woven golden patterned grille cloth behind the three wooden protective accents. The rear panel bears a label with specifications and instructions, as well as the serial number C3782.
Height is 32 1/2 in. (82.6 cm.), 27 3/4 in. (70.5 cm.) width, and 13 in. (33 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this mighty PA head and cabinet set is in nice shape, showing only moderate general wear overall. The Newcomb Pathfinder amplifier shows typical light discoloration to the grey enamel coating, as well as random scuffs and scratches. The control panel is clean with minimal wear and retains all the original knobs, as well as the neat little settings indicators underneath. The Jensen cabinet is in beautiful condition overall, retaining its beautiful dark walnut finish. The exterior shows only minimal surface wear, mostly occasional dings and scratches around edges and corners. The grille cloth is very clean, showing only some minor tearing towards the lower edges but remains relatively taut and in great shape overall.
Electrically, the amplifier is nicely original save for Tom's modifications. Beyond basic servicing, the circuit has been left "as-is" with no further modifications beyond those made by Verlaine.
The Foster power and output transformers are original and date to the 46th and 37th weeks of 1965 respectively. The pots on this amp are also original and date between the 42nd and 50th weeks of 1965.
Electrically both head and cabinet are in excellent condition and have received our standard professional maintenance and testing, including inspection of the speaker cabinet, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors in the head, a grounded 3-prong power cord installed and cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
This is a wonderful sounding one-of-a-kind pairing, a testament of Verlaine's tireless pursuit of tone. This is a rare opportunity for any fan of Tom's to own one of his unique acquisitions. Very Good + Condition.
| Listed | 4 hours ago |
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| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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