1961 Gretsch Electromatic Twin 6161 Vintage Tube Amp, USA Valco-Made

Up for sale, a 1961 Gretsch Electromatic Twin Model 6161 in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order. Structurally identical to the famed Gretsch "Roundup" amplifier and the National branded "Trem-o-Tone," this USA-made Gretsch amp was produced, like every vintage Gretsch amp, by the Valco company in Chicago (home of Supro, National, Airline and more). For sweet tube saturated overdrive, you simply can't beat these early Valco circuits. Tube rectified with a pair of 6973 power tubes and approximate 15 watt output, the preamp has a focused, midrange rich quality that is articulate, dynamic and just plain fun to play. With dual 6x11" elliptical speakers and an original tweeter, the voicing is different than any amp with a standard 10" or 12" speaker complement.The circuit is extremely original and wired on numerous small terminal strips, with just a couple new capacitors as needed to ensure optimal functionality. All of the original transformers are intact, manufactured by Magnetic Components Co (166 EIA code). The power transformer has a date code from the 16th week of '61, and the original CTS pots have visible date codes from the 3rd week of '61. The tube complement includes a pair of matched modern Electro Harmonix 6973 power tubes, a vintage RCA rectifier, and all vintage valves in the preamp as well (likely made by RCA).The original Rola-made elliptical 6x11 speakers have clean frames and date stamps from the 38th week of '61. The original Rola-made 4" tweeter is intact too. The original deep navy blue covering on the cabinet is in great shape, with stock white piping and even the original "Gretsch" logo affixed to the original gold sparkle grillcloth. The small Valco serial number plaque is present on the lower edge of the back panel. The faceplate is practically immaculate, with bright chrome plating, clean silkscreened text, and a set of machined aluminum Gretsch barrel knobs (knobs date to the mid-60s).