TBird
70 posts
Sep 15, 2014
2:46 PM
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I've recently been intrusted in Valco amps and ran across this little guy on Craigslist:
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/msg/4628888221.html
This ad, however, made me realize that I have no idea what the market looks like for amps like this. Obviously there are many factors to consider, but what are some basic guidelines one should keep in mind when determining weather a particular Valco amp is fairly priced? Also, are there any models/vintages that should be avoided or, vice versa, any that make particularly sweet harp amps?
Thanks in advance,
T.Bird
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rbeetsme
1585 posts
Sep 15, 2014
4:20 PM
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Valcos are among my favorite vintage amps for harp. This looks like an early one. Probably has a 6X11 Rola speaker. Most Valcos were powered by 6V6 tubes. This one could be worth around 700.00 in good playing condition. The later Spectator model uses an 8" speaker and volume control only, they sell for 350.00 - 500.00. The bigger Comet with tone control and 10" speaker go for more. If this was near my home ti would be mine. BTW: have owned 4 Valco made amps, still have 2. If you can play through it I think you'll buy it.
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rbeetsme
1586 posts
Sep 15, 2014
4:32 PM
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Oh yeah. Contact Terry Dobbs (Mr. Valco) at www.valco.com for better specific info. BTW: this is likely a Supro brand. Valco built amps under the names Supro, National, Oahu and others.
Last Edited by rbeetsme on Sep 15, 2014 4:34 PM
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Tweedaddict
162 posts
Sep 16, 2014
2:29 PM
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BUY THAT AMP!
It's a great circuit, has twin 6v6 5y3 and a ten" speaker
IMHO it's street price is $550 in that condition and you'd be hard pressed to find a Valco that sounds as good for the same price.
I've owned 4-5 of them over the years, wish I was in the market as I would jump on it.
Cheers
Mike
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Wendell
33 posts
Sep 16, 2014
2:52 PM
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My Oahu branded Valco Spectator
with a Webr 8 always sounds good.
Your amp with a 10 would be ideal.
Octal preamps seem to go good with harp
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TBird
71 posts
Sep 17, 2014
2:20 PM
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Dang... I'm not really in the market myself. I just started snooping around a little bit when I kept hearing of people having great success with some of these amps.
That one in the link is a couple hours away from me, otherwise it would at lease be fun to go play through it and get some first hand Valco experience.
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