found a Gretsch Super Bass today...

runmikeyrun · #1 02-01-2012, 08:39 PM

It was fairly clean, no hum, the owner claimed it had been serviced 5 or 6 years ago when he took it in on trade (its been in the shop ever since) and it still has RCA 6L6 black plates in it. I couldn't get into it to remove the preamp tube shields to see what type of 12AX7s are in there, but if they're original like the 6L6s...

He wants $500 but I got the idea he was willing to deal since it's been there so long. Plus cosmetically it's not in the greatest of shape. It does sound great though, even if it's not all that loud. Honestly i'm not really sure what a fair price is for it.

One interesting thing about the amp... it has two pairs of 6L6s and a single stereo speaker jack. So you need to use a split cable to run two cabs.

(these pics show a cab, the amp for sale is just the head. These are NOT pics of the amp I looked at, the actual amp is in fair condition)

IDK, might have to beg/borrow/steal to get this thing, if I can get it at the right price.

JimmyM · #2 02-02-2012, 12:22 AM

Dude, too bad you can't get the cab, too. Quite a sexy little rig, that is. Of course, your version doesn't sound like it's as sexy, but it should be fun to play through. And really, a better cab would do it more justice.

**gfaulkner** · #3 02-02-2012, 06:35 AM

This model ,6157 Super Bass,would have come w/a 2x15 cab.35 Watts according to VG price guide.Worth $425-$525.00 including cab.Hope this helps some.

runmikeyrun · #4 02-02-2012, 08:24 AM

yeah, that does help gfaulkner, thank you. It does not have the cab. It has also been recovered and needs a really good cleaning. I think if I could get it for $350-$375 it would be a good deal.

Looking at the schematic I found it appears to be cathode biased, which combined with the fact that the 6L6s are not 6L6Gs or GCs really lowers the power. I don't think I would ever gig with it because it's not loud enough, but for recording it would be cool. I am pretty sure that wattage rating is per side, since it has two pairs of output tubes. Run into (2) 4x12s it would sound pretty darn good.

Here's the schematic:

KramerBassFan · #5 02-02-2012, 12:39 PM

They had dual output transformers wired together, apparently it was cheaper to buy two smaller ones than get one that was the right size.

IIRC they were designed and built by Danelectro, Montgomerey Wards, Valco, Supro, or someone along the lines of that; I.E. not a "Gretsch" designed or built amp.

Just had a Gretsch nameplate on the front.

runmikeyrun · #6 02-02-2012, 02:19 PM

Valco from what i've read.

**gfaulkner** · #7 02-02-2012, 02:43 PM

Valco for sure,I've got two Gretsch guitar amps and the schematic looks familiar.Good luck in the pursuit.

runmikeyrun · #8 02-02-2012, 03:52 PM

thanks man! I'll make sure to post photos/clips if I pick it up. Not going to be any time soon, saving for a dirt bike adventure in Colorado this summer ATM.

will33 · #9 02-02-2012, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KramerBassFan

They had dual output transformers wired together, apparently it was cheaper to buy two smaller ones than get one that was the right size.

IIRC they were designed and built by Danelectro, Montgomerey Wards, Valco, Supro, or someone along the lines of that; I.E. not a "Gretsch" designed or built amp.

Just had a Gretsch nameplate on the front.

Gretsch do this a lot I assume? I have a gretsch SS steel guitar amp that says Gretsch on the front and "made for Gretsch by "GMS" on the back. Has an Altec 416 speaker, don't know if that's original but looks it, seems to be no modifications done to make it fit rear loaded with studs in the baffle that line up with the speaker holes.

Anyway.......little OT there.