Can Anyone Identify This Amp???

[gabezylo]

Hey all, can anyone ID this amplifier and cab half stack? I'm trying to identify it as I'm talking to the owner, and would like to buy it. It's from the 1950's and the only thing the amp says is solid state.
Thanks and let me know,

Gabe

 

[JimmyM]

Wish I knew what it was, but I had thought that solid state only got good enough to start making instrument amps in the 60's, and before that, only small radios and the like.

 

[SirMjac28]

I agree with Jimmy and that covering doesn't look original I would guess a Sears/Silvertone combo it looks low power I wouldn't offer much.

 

[1n3]

Yeah, a 60s amp. The grill cloth is crooked, so I'd guess it's not original. Corners on head and cab are different too. Wonder if the head is of different origin.

 

[Meddle]

I don't think they had separate head/cab amps in the '50s, but I could be wrong.

 

[nashvillebill]

Definitely no older than mid-60's and it might even be as young as the early 70's. Sears/Silvertone is a good possibility, or maybe a Lafayette with different grille cloth.

The early transistor amps (they didn't start mass-marketing transistor amps until roughly the mid 60's) were not particularly good, and if it has any sort of problems at all, those early transistors are unobtainable. Personally I would only take it if they gave it to me...maybe...but I've got more amp projects than I know what to do with.

Expect to have to completely re-cap it--those 50 year old electrolytic caps are well past their life span. Then "enjoy" its low power and odd-harmonic distortion when driven hard.

 

[gabezylo]

Thanks guys, you saved me.
I'm gonna pass on the amp, didn't wanna do the long drive to meet the seller anyway.
Thanks again

 

[gabezylo]

update: the seller says it was made in Montreal, Canada.
Thoughts?

 

[Northern Pike]

Put Montreal in the thread title and get some input from Montrealers. I'm from Toronto and haven't seen one of those before.

 

[gabezylo]

Im not gonna buy it, ive decided. Thanks though!

 

[nashvillebill]

Wise move, IMHO. Not everything that's "vintage" is worth buying.

 

[gabezylo]

That's what I told the seller, he wasn't too happy with that, lol