62’ Bird Golden Eagle 4/25 (1x15) [Zodiac/Dominator/Bluesbreaker]

Preface

…this amp was manufactured during the “golden era” or “apex” of British amplification. The design and ingenuity matches juggernauts like Vox,Marshall, & Selmer! Part of this design was based off the Mullard Tube Handbook EF86 section… Bird took it a step further with a unique tremolo , and reverb. They wanted a design that rivaled Selmer Zodiac and Watkins Joker. With choosing to cathode bias the duo of EL34’s, they designed a remarkably lush and harmonic overdrive. An overdrive that goes “toe to toe” with any contender from the era. Also, by implementing a filter choke into the circuit , they attained a tighter, more defined low end. A tighter low end than say a Selmer Zodiac. No mud or farting out with this amp! Another factor contributing to a solid,tight low end is the 15’ Wharfdale speaker, a full spectrum UK designed HiFi speaker!

Premiere Guitar Magazine did a GREAT article on the Golden Eagle 425. I’ve included a screen shot of heading of this article. An important note stated in this article is that Bird used DRAKE transformers. In the Golden Eagle design. This would put the dates of the drake transformers just before the earliest Marshall JTM 45 specimens !! 

The article states that Bird started with a “HiFi” approach , and built an ultra linear circuit. 

John Beer , of “Amp Fix“ and the technician that Charlie Watkins bequeathed modern Watkins builds to… is quoted as having visited the Bird factory during the Golden Eagle era. He is a champion of the brand himself ! 

These amps are rare enough in the UK, and even more rare in the USA. You’ll be very happy with the tone, and especially overdrive of this amp. Very unique specimen!!

1962 Bird Golden Eagle 4/25

•  Preamp tubes: three EF86, six ECC83 (12AX7)

• Output tubes: two EL34

• Rectifier: GZ34

• Controls: Volume and Tone for each of two channels; tremolo Depth and Speed; shared Reverb Level with Max/Min switches and channel-assign switch; and Repetitive Echo switch

• Speaker: 15″ Wharfdale W15/EG

• Output: around 25 watts RMS

**I purchased this amp via The Music Locker in UK. They hadn’t tested the amp or put it through it‘s paces. They sold it as a “project” amp. My amp tech Alex Kettler of SIR Studios (who oversees a MASSIVE collection of amps) was able to bring the amp “up to date” and install the necessary filter capacitors, as well as go over the circuit with a “fine tooth comb”. The amp is now ready for extensive use/playing and likely wont need any attention for years & years to come !

Please inquire at ”thegearangle” at proton mail for audio/video clips.

Amp ships Fast & VERY Secure !!

Thanks !!!