Time Capsule/Holy Grail Amp Score: 64 Princeton Trem

[fdesalvo]

I have never in my life and experience with vintage classics come across something so fresh and clean.  It is a museum piece dating back to December of 1964 - one of Leo's last.  Transformers date to 50th week of 1964.  He sold the Company to CBS the very next month this one rolled out of the factory. 

This one needs only a recone.  I have been enjoying this through a 1x12 extension cab and it's in perfect shape.  No noises, buzzes, clicks; no noisy pots.  Everything is just perfect and it just floors me.  The trem is a bias-wiggle type and it's very smooth and quiet.  It sounds like a smaller version of the 66 super I had, except it's very portable.  My pedals sound wicked through it, as well.  It *almost* sounds as good as my 57 Bandmaster scratch-build, but then again, it's got it's own thing going.  There's no denying a fat and sparkly Blackface tone.

This amp was acquired from an elderly couple who bought it for their son in 1964.  I never asked why he didn't take it.  I had the sense he might have shipped out for Vietnam, never coming back home.  Enjoy!

 

[Glimmer]

What a find, you lucky fella!

 

[Logrinn]

Very nice. Is it ok to ask how much it cost you?

 

[fdesalvo]

Thanks gang. If I told you, you'd hate my guts!  Got it for $400. They sell for $1800 in worse condition!



Forgot to mention. Has the canvas coverslip in mint condition too.

 

[Cagey]

Buddy of mine has one of those from '63 in blonde. Mint condition. And I mean mint. Looks like ti came out of the factory yesterday, except the speaker's been changed. Have no idea what it sounds like - he's afraid to play it for fear it'll catch fire after the power supply caps explode. Similar situation - got it from somebody who didn't know what they had and paid little for it. I keep trying to get him to let me change out the caps, but he's like Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap...

Don't touch it! Don't even look at it!​

 

[Glimmer]

Buddy of mine has one of those from '63 in blonde. Mint condition. And I mean mint. Looks like ti came out of the factory yesterday, except the speaker's been changed. Have no idea what it sounds like - he's afraid to play it for fear it'll catch fire after the power supply caps explode...

Is he a collector?

 

[Cagey]

I don't know if I'd call him that. He's just sorta stuck in the past. Owns a lotta gear from what's now being called the "vintage" era, but most of it is stuff that would probably be hard to sell that he's just accumulated over the years. But, maybe I'm confusing "collector" with "investor" in my own mind.

 

[fdesalvo]

If I kept this I'd get a new baffle with a 12" and play this as Leo intended. I have enough furniture.

 

[Cagey]

Why wouldn't you keep it? It's not big, and it's not like selling it is going to change your life.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not a fan of hanging onto pointless gear, but a little keepsake here and there could be fun.

 

[fdesalvo]

Man I've got keepsakes and a wedding to pay for. This is a special amp tho just based upon its birthdate and history.  I'm goin to talk with the fender museum this week about it.

 

[Logrinn]

I'm goin to talk with the fender museum this week about it.

An excellent idea. That seems very appropriate.
It gives a feeling of coming full circle.

And $400? You're right, I do hate your guts ...

(Just kidding)

 

[fdesalvo]

Haha join the party!

 

[Surf n Music]

I'll pay $500 right now and cover shipping.  :toothy12: Think you'll make a hundred and don't have to hassle with craigslist  :laughing7:

 

[fdesalvo]

:sad:

 

[Tonar8352]

Very nice! That one is a keeper. 

 

[fdesalvo]

Thank you  ccasion14:!

 

[QuasarQuail]

Just wanna chime in and say I love the stencil on the tube.

I give a damn about some trumpet-playin' tube.

 

[fdesalvo]

Haha, those are classic "bugle boy" Amperex tubes.  If you can score a BB 12ax7, it will blow your hair back.