What I found today (lots of pics)

[KrisH]

I don't make a habit of trash picking, but when I see something interesting sitting on the curb -- well, I just gotta look. On my way home from the supermarket this evening I spotted this laying on top of a few matresses on a neighborhood curb:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_top.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=top.jpg)

A little small for a guitar, so I glanced inside, then scooped it up and threw it in the trunk. I looked at it more closely when I got it home. The bottom of the case looks like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_back.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=back.jpg)

Intrigued? Here's the inside:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_inside.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=inside.jpg)

It's an old amplifier in a case! More specifically, a three-tube Silvertone:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_amp1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=amp1.jpg)

It still has the original tubes:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_tube.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=tube.jpg)

It is intended to be opened wide and stood on end:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_back-standing.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=back-standing.jpg)

Ultimately, I couldn't resist, and after it had warmed up to room temperature, I plugged it in -- and watched all the tubes slowly light up. Plugged my strat into it, and it sung out in all its 3-watt glory! Well, there's no danger of deafening anyone, but it sounds -- interesting. Lots of tube sound, for sure.

I did some research on the internet and tracked down the Model 1448. It was sold in the early 60s as a package, the case amp with a 3/4 size black and white Danelectro guitar. Alas, the guitar must have been separate long ago, and the case just put in closet to sit for 45+ years. It's in incredibly good shape, just a scuff on one corner. And musty dust on the ouside that I want to clean off. Any ideas?

There was a manual for the thing inside, too. Note the description on adjusting the neck on the last page. Kind of advanced, eh?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_manual-front.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=manual-front.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_manual--inside.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=manual--inside.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/th_manual--back.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kholt81936/?action=view&current=manual--back.jpg)

:rockon:

[thearabianmage]

Good find, I say! Fair shout!

And don't worry, there's nothing to embarrassed about picking up tube amps off the roadside. I know people who used to 'bin-dive' for dinner. . . seriously.

[tunghaichuan]

Cool score. :AOK: Those tiny amps sound pretty good, and it has a pentode preamp tube. :beer:

Just be very careful playing that amp. If you look at the schematic, you'll notice that there is no power transformer. The B+ and filaments are run directly from the 120v wall voltage. One advantage of using a power transformer is that it provides isolation from line voltage. Also, if you plug the power cord in the wrong way, you'll have high voltage on the chassis.

The best and safest way to operate that amp is an isolation transformer. They're kind of expensive though.

tung

[luvmyshiner]

Kris, that is too cool! I remember seeing someone else post about these. I don't remember if it was this forum or another, but that is sweet.:master:

[KrisH]

Just be very careful playing that amp. If you look at the schematic, you'll notice that there is no power transformer. The B+ and filaments are run directly from the 120v wall voltage. One advantage of using a power transformer is that it provides isolation from line voltage. Also, if you plug the power cord in the wrong way, you'll have high voltage on the chassis.


LOL! I was afraid of what might happen when I plugged it in. That's why I used the MIM strat instead of something more -- keepable . . . ;)

[tunghaichuan]

LOL! I was afraid of what might happen when I plugged it in. That's why I used the MIM strat instead of something more -- keepable . . . ;)

:rotflmao:

The amp is more of a danger to you than it is to your guitar.

tung

[Spudman]

http://stljfl.org/images/Football_Referee.jpg

Good job.

[bigoldron]

LOL! I was afraid of what might happen when I plugged it in. That's why I used the MIM strat instead of something more -- keepable . . . ;)

Hey, if that MIM Strat isn't "keepable", then I'll get rid of it for you! :D

[Algonquin]

Good for you Kristine! Reduce, recycle, and re-use! Absolutely nothing wrong with second hand treasures. :AOK:

[sunvalleylaw]

Way cool!

[duhvoodooman]

:AOK: :dude: :bravo:

[M29]

Nice find:rockon: Congrats:AOK: I always keep an eye out for that lonely 50/60's Fender amp in someones garbage. Ya just never know....

[ZMAN]

Don't forget Attic diving as well.
A few years back a friend called me because I knew a little about guitars. A mutual aquaintance was in the process of moving his Mum to a seniors home after her husband had died. His son came down from the storage area carrying an old guitar case wrapped in brown paper and then plastic. He said Dad I didn't know you played guitar. His father said "I never played guitar" Then Grandma piped in. "Oh that was your Grandfathers he bought the guitar and amp and took 6 lessons and quit. I wrapped it up and put it in the storage area at the back of the attic."
It turned out to be a 1950 Broadcaster, and an old tweed TV front amp in mint conditon with the original bill of sale and all. I told them to contact an appraiser who then referred them to someone in California who flew in and bought it. They would not say how much but Granny got a much better retirement home. This story is absolutely true. I never actually saw the guitar but my friend did.
So you never know what you will find out there.

[Brian Krashpad]

Way cool!

That looks to be in very good condition, and it even works.

For the outside cleaning I'd use a damp rag with a very small amount of dishwashing soap.

[Andy]

excellent find!

[evenkeel]

Very cool find!!! :beer: :bravo:

[markb]

Nice. It would have had a Silvertone/Danelectro guitar in it originally. I'll second Tung's safety warnings. Those things can be lethal.

[Robert]

Cool! :dude:

Now, risk your life and get some clips for us! :D

[KrisH]

Cool! :dude:

Now, risk your life and get some clips for us! :D

It may sound cool -- but it doesn't make me any better of a player! :D But I'll see what I can scrape together.