Translate:
(818)222-4113

 

Electromatic Guitars

1958 Gretsch Electromatic

Color: White with brown leather trimming, Rating: 9.25, Sold (ID# 00830)
Call to Inquire: (818) 222-4113




Electromatic Dual Twin Amplifier (Serial number X42042)
(Model 6161 - Tweed) 14 watts. Cabinet measurements: 23 inches wide x 15 1/4 inches high x 7 1/2 inches deep. Weight: 21 lbs. Two 11 x 6 inch elliptical speakers. Two channels with one 'treble' and two 'standard' inputs. Raytheon 5Y3GT rectifier; Five tubes: 2x RCA 6V6GT; 1xRCA 6SQ7; 1x6SC7, and 1x5Y3GT. On/off switch; standby switch; 2 amp fuse (with spare in original envelope attached to inside of amp case); 1 tone control; 1 volume control; 3 inputs.

One of the earliest Gretsch (Valco made) Electromatic Dual Twin Amps that were only produced with the 'Tweed' finish and the brown 'velvet' speaker grill, from their introduction in 1953 to 1955. Speakers coded 550-19 and 550-20. This amp is in near mint condition and and still has the original power cord. Apart from a small repair to the original leather strap this amp is untouched.

The 1950-60's became the heyday for Gretsch as their instruments became endorsed by Chet Atkins and George Harrison. Gretsch Jr., Jimmy Webster, and Charles "Duke" Kramer were all responsible for the success... In the early 1950's, Gretsch decided to bring in an amplifier line to go with their guitars. Valco, a company that made amplifiers for many companies (Supro, National, Airline & Oahu), also started to make amplifiers for Gretsch. Naturally, these amplifiers were quite similar to other Valco made amplifiers. Gretsch amplifiers were offered in at least five basic styles, with the earliest ones usually covered in a tweed material. Beginning sometime around 1954 or '55, tweed was phased out in favour of a charcoal gray cloth with silver streaks in it... it should be noted that "electromatic" does not refer to any particular amplifier, but instead refers to the range of amplifiers, just as "synchromatic" or "electromatic" do not refer to a particular guitar. During this period the amplifiers were also offered in "Chet Atkins" trim, covered in white with brown leather decoration. These are often referred to as Western or Cowboy amplifiers. (The Blue Book of Guitar Amplifiers and The Gretsch Pages).

Check out our sister company

David Brass Rare Books.  1-818-222-4103.  Finest Copies.