December 4, 2008
Crude guitar amplifiers had been around for a few years when Leo Fender started renting out his homemade amplification systems in the late 1940s. He struck a deal with Radio-Tel, and soon artists everywhere wanted his simple, tweed-covered amps. These are the most valuable Fender vintage guitar amplifiers, closely followed by the late 1950's and early 1960's amplifiers used by surf and rock musicians (e.g. the Vibrolux and Dual Showman models).
Also worthy of note is Marshall, which began making guitar amplifiers in 1962, essentially copying Fender models. Their early models, the JTM45's and 50's, are quite valuable, and today vintage Marshall amplifiers are used by a great number of famous musicians.
Vintage guitar amplifiers are most valuable in working condition, as many players love their retro sound and feel. Other amps have developed an association with a specific artist, such as the Fender Dual Showman and surf guitarist Dick Dale, making them famous among that artist's fans.
I grew up in upstate New York in Rochester, and started playing guitar when I was about 10 years old. We had … [more]
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Got a site to suggest? Let us know.
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