1953 Valco Supro Comet 1610 Tweed Combo (Restoration & Demo)

In this vid we will look at a 1950s Valco 110 Tube Combo, single-ended 6V6 output, 6SL7 and 5Y3. This one is not labeled anything but Valco on the chassis, but others bore the Supro label. The circuit is close to a 510-11, which is also called the Spectator. I have had another Spectator example on my channel, which was a 1951 Supro labeled 8" combo: • 1951 Supro Spectator G...
I mistakenly identify this amp as a Spectator in the video, but the Spectator was a 8" combo, the Comet Model 1610 is the 10" version with apparently the same circuit other than an extra cathode bypass cap.
Valco 510-11 Schematic: www.notecannons...

[@TheGuitologist]

First time I've clicked on this in a while and wow, my video quality was crappy. Sorry about that.

[@nationalduo4945]

Hi..any idea of watts …thanks

[@gonzob9609]

@@nationalduo4945 4-5W Think Fender Champ. I scratch built one, sounds great. VERY touch sensitive to me. I use a compressor when I play it.

[@nationalduo4945]

@@gonzob9609 Really….from the size of the amp, and speaker size I always thought they were more..

[@gonzob9609]

@@nationalduo4945 They made a smaller one called the Spectator. 6-8" speaker. Basically same circuit. Sort of like the Fender 5f2 Princeton. Champ with bigger speaker, and tone control.

[@KE8UYV]

My friend's dad gave me a Gretsch electromatic he found is his deceased mother's attic Friday night... So I am going through your playlist of Valco amps this weekend.

[@williamhill6705]

wow, "age shall not weary them" ,the tone from the combination of both guitar and amp is timeless,, great job brad, 1953 was a good year,

[@gonzob9609]

Around 4-5W. Champ type amp

[@keithpatel6584]

It was my year of birthday so it was a great one as evidenced on this awesome Supro amp. I love the tone of each different guitar. A Super demo which I found really enthralling. Great job.

[@roscoefoofoo]

It's testimony to your talents that you play each amp you fix and guitar you choose for it in such complementary ways, bringing out the distinctive character of each.

[@keithpatel6584]

I am impressed by your experience and knowledge of Golden Era amps.I found the demo very informative and enlightening. Great demo and some lovely bluesy playing as well. I just acquired a '58 Supro 12 watt which looks like it also needs some new capacitors but I am taking it to my amp tech and specialist. I love the tone of these awesome little amps.They are simply fantastic. Super Supro demo.

[@seanyiscubsfan1]

I can definitely see where the Supro Blues King amps got their look from. Well played Supro. You too Brad that was damn fine guitar work. I saw in the comments about Magnetic Components Inc. they’re only about 15 minutes from my house.

[@toxicgraphix]

you and uncle Doug are truly the best guitar tube amp channels on youtube. ...although I love uncle Doug as if he was my real uncle, you my friend, have some serious chops. very much reminiscent the great Roy Buchanan.

[@TheGuitologist]

Oh man...putting me in the same league with Uncle Doug, or Roy Buchanan is doing a number on my ego. I appreciate you saying that., but I think you may be hitting the bong a bit hard today. :D

[@SuperCarver2011]

From subscribing and watching your repair videos, i think you've earned your chops as a good amp repairman and providing some off the cuff test playing to hear these amps. I like Uncle Doug too as he is very thorough with his amp discussion and schematic descriptions. Always learning new things from both of you even though I took tube/electronic theory..wayyyyy back in my younger days.

[@CyberChrist]

+The Guitologist Not to fawn over your content, but I watch yours and not Uncle Doug's, despite having it heavily suggested :p But I'm willing to try. I love your state of mind, and I think you deserve a LOT more followers. Perhaps you should try to do something with famous guitarist/musical youtubers, or do more general purpose videos from time to time to attract newcomers. Your amp detective videos style also are simply riveting. Perhaps I'm turning into an old fart fast, but I'm glad the tinkerer spirit lives on, espacielly know that the friend of my father's who passed the bug to me now passed away.

[@rmh42204]

lol

[@JohnIainMcFarlanewaspfactor]

Exquisite taste,exceptional skills and some very natural guitar talent mate,I am in awe.Thanks for helping to keep these wonderful things alive for the children to see and hear in this age of automated,digital tat.Most will laugh and walk away,but there is always one who will linger and ask questions.And that is what makes it worth it.Thank you man.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thank you again, John. Good to have you watching the channel, and thanks for the comments!

[@backspin6698]

Lovely little amp there. Nice to find that old amp in so good shape.

[@justinj1359]

I believe I have that same exact speaker and output transformer that came in an r-16 newcomb record player.. nice little unit 6x5 6sl7 6v6… actually converted to a 5C1 champ 😊… loyal viewer live your videos thanks for all the information! And Merry Christmas! Cheers from Wisconsin

[@vmat1000]

Little amp turned out great. Built to last. Love the Hofner. First good guitar i played as a 15 year old in a store (manor music) was a white blonde Hofner Violin guitar. It was sweet,,,cracked finish and all.

[@carlwyatt]

Amazing little amp!! Great sound.. I just purchased a Supro Royal Reverb which got such a great tone! Great channel by the way!! Keep it up..

[@ipsurvivor]

Really don't need pedals... so much warmth and personality... Your playing was so moving on the tele... I would love to hear Richard Thompson play through that set up with someone like Sand y Denny singing...

[@TheGuitologist]

Pedals would just get in the way on a lot of these old amps.

[@MrHeggeb]

Another tasteful demo. Nice playing.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks Brian. I appreciate your comments. It lets me know people are enjoying it.

[@sweetswing1]

I love the sound of that amp. Wow.

[@brianmiller4207]

Damn this freeking show is addictive •__*

[@charleslambiase5670]

Exactly it is and its sometimes can be a problem but it's a good problem I love it

[@FreddyFuFu]

What a fantastic amp! I want one now

[@TheGuitologist]

I made a PTP clone of this amp before I sold it, if you're interested. It's basically just a chassis at the moment, but I have plans on building it into a vintage record player box with 6x9 vintage Jensen speaker.

[@hmmmhmmm6178]

The Guitologist Is it still available ?

[@coefficientmedia]

Thanks for making this video! I have the exact same amp that my grandmother gave me many years ago.

[@TheGuitologist]

Cool! Never let that one go.

[@coefficientmedia]

It goes great with the1953 Rickenbacker BD6! My grandma purchased them both brand new back in the day.

[@Robmgwan]

Amazing sounding amp... Super video as usual .... Thanks pal

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for the comment.

[@gonzob9609]

Mr DeLeo of STP used the same combo on Interstate Love Song in the studio. Hoffner for the slide intro, and Tele for the rest.

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hi Brad, Really nice score, talk about a true survivor. Gotta love that analog, digital will never come close. A small request, could you do a short and sweet video tutorial on the installation of a 3 wire, grounded power cord, where the hot and neutral go, green obviously to the chassis or ground. I have an old Rad Shack resistor wheel chart or whatever it is. Good job on the repairs. Love that Violin Hofner git, Iconic shape. Take care, C.

[@TheGuitologist]

I'll keep that in mind. The next video I do where I change a power cord I'll go into more detail on that for you. Thanks the suggestion.

[@BenPrevo]

Hi Brad -- Please put the black (hot) to the tip of the fuseholder -- then the ring of the fuse to sw -- and the neutral to the other side of primary -- either on a terminal strip or shrink wrapped -- that is the safest and correct way ...

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Ben Prevo Hi Ben, Thankyou for the input, I wrote the info down for my notes. C.

[@TheGuitologist]

I agree. Building something new I'll always to it this way. On something like this, old habits die hard. I often just go with the old config. I know, I know. :D

[@cassvirgillo3395]

The Guitologist Hey Brad, Whatever works, if it does, great, otherwise, fix it. Thanks for reply, only if you want to. Be good, C.

[@scottmatheson2390]

what a little beauty! great pickin' as well!

[@wadewilson6082]

Man I would work at your shop for free just to have access to this gear! Damn the stuff you get to work on and use. I'm sure it's a job to you but damn you could do a lot worse. Thx for fueling my gear dreams

[@TheGuitologist]

Sorry Wade....I only accept female interns named 'Monica'. :D

[@hecanseeme8210]

Love Valco amps. Thanks

[@thmpick]

Louisville...Lived there since. I was 4 or 5. Your amp was made 4-6 weeks before I was born if your date line is correct. Pretty cool to see a cool thing like this and realize this was from a normal day in the life of those who helped raise you... ...My Birth year amp, how much? Great demo...my first time here!

[@waynegram8907]

Anything special about those Pink Sangamo capacitors what type material of Wax, poly, ? Looks hard to find those Pink colored ones on ebay

[@redactedname1253]

What band is that at 15:00? Lol. Sounds like a rare track by Swans or some industrial experimental artist.

[@rofred09]

Re. transformer code 166: this is EIA code for Magnetic Components, Inc. of Schiller Park, Illinois (not to be confused with Mercury Magnetics of Chatsworth CA). This company (Magnetic Components) was founded in 1943 and is still in business today. Their web site tag line reads "Quality Commercial and Military Transformers." Here's the link: www.magneticcomponents.net/

[@TheGuitologist]

Yes, I believe you're right. I've ordered Valco replacement transformers from them before.

[@jspinks2388]

It's Rad man get the 800 Iron they got and put it on something.

[@LedMatt94]

These amps were used quite a lot for harmonica, right? I mean, that microphone input has some of that sound

[@Rolf_D]

Great Video, I learn a lot! Is this Violin Guitar you play a Hofner?

[@TheGuitologist]

Yes. It's a 1967 Hofner G459VTZ Super Beatle.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

enjoyed very much. thanks.

[@50gary]

Great video, I really like the Magnatone. I think along with Lonnie Mack, Link Wray was a Magnatone user. Wasn't Magnatone one of the first to offer a 100w amp?

[@paulcowart3174]

Have one very similar Control panel is at the top of the back Same control lay but chrome instead of black w orange pin stripes Chicago 52 is on the bottom of the panel But mine has all the Tweed removed Actually has some nice figuring and tounge and groove construction revealed which is cool Not sure about the speaker(10") I've done the caps and cord but it has a mystery buzz that I wish I could do something about Great amp....I broke it out after getting a new amp that the PT went south on after only 20 hours of use So disappointed with new stuff 70 years of use on the Supro and no PT issues

[@paulcowart3174]

I will come back to this when I get into it some more Not sure if what the 52 means on the control panel ???

[@jpalberthoward9]

The "less is more" approach really paid off this time, didn't it?

[@jonnybeck6723]

Ya plays a mean blues there laddie... Also, its not like your per usual not to check the fuse? (you prolly did it outside the vid?) Another great one thanx and... cheers

[@kc2bob252]

Where did you get the handle? I have one of these and the handle is missing. Thanks!

[@krang07]

It does have a nice tone. Few things I think you over-looked but, may not be a big deal.1) The speaker is only anchored with two nuts? 2) No schematic or tube chart? (ok tube references are on the unit) 3) Where you got the amp, and maybe a value as it was new vs. in-need-of-some-repair condition.Cheers!

[@TheGuitologist]

You are probably the first guy to accuse me of saying too LITTLE. :P Yes, speaker anchored wit only 2 bolts from factory...and not a hint of rattle. Go figure. I actually made a clone of this amp and we'll take a look at a schematic in my next video! glad you asked.

[@BenPrevo]

Looking forward to seeing it !

[@A.WebbAndFriends]

I have a mysterious tube amp problem that maybe you can look into regarding the SUPRO 1650RT ROYAL REVERB (reissue). I am having tube Rectifier issues that is making me very frustrated and costing me money. FIRSTLY you should know there are two (2) models within the 1650RT line. A 35/45/60 rectifier config knob, and a 35/60 toggle switch line. I have the 35/60 watt toggle switch version. Bought mine USED and out of warranty. Both versions have DUAL RECTIFIERS. the 60 watt (AB) mode uses a digital rectifier that I have to crank up to 3/4 and I do get some gain, but the 35 watt (A) mode uses a tube rectifier - The CLEANS sound angelic - really nice but absolutely no gain in the 35 watt mode. I bought TWO new rectifier tube and both tubes did Not fire up, just dead in the water which lead me to believe the TUBE RECTIFIER section of this amp is down. Any way for me to test it? Maybe something simple in the amp is unplugged or unjacked? I really could use your input OR ANYONE READING THIS feel free to chime-in. Thanks in advance - I looked everywhere for any forums on the subject - but nothing. HELP !!

[@JolicoeurAbear]

I've been trying to create a layout from the schematic and images like this video. one thing that confuses me is that there is supposed to be a 270k resistor between tap 5 on the 6v6 and tab 5 on 6sl7. but I don't see that 270k anywhere and the yellow wire goes from 5 on the 6v6 to the treble pot. anyone understand this? thanks

[@rofred09]

You've dated your amp using the speaker, transformer and rectifier tube codes. But it looks like the metal serial # tag is still attached to the back of the amp (riveted to tweed just above control panel). If it is in fact a 1953 as you believe, that tag should begin with an 'X' and the number should be in the range of 17,000-30,000. If it's a 1952, the number would fall between 7,000 and 17,000 and if it's a 1954 it would be between 30,000 and 43,000. That's a lot of amps Valco was kicking out back then...

[@TheGuitologist]

Yeah, I'm aware there is a Valco serial number chart on the net. Serial number dating is dubious, at best. Always go by codes on components over someone's database. The databases you'll find online for half these companies were put together by people doing exactly what I do, comparing serial numbers to actual codes in real examples.

[@lokotron1]

surprisingly good.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed.

[@NEILBSMITH]

what superglue did you use?

[@angrygoldfish]

Supro has just released the reissue of this amp, at least by name.

[@TheGuitologist]

Yeeeeaaah... I wanted so bad to get on board with those when they first started 'reissuing' them. But not only do the new amps not sound anything like vintage Valcos, but they actually started giving out cease and desist orders to people who were making and selling repro logos. So now we can't even restore the old ones we have. Thanks, Pigtronix! Thanks alot.

[@angrygoldfish]

The Guitologist Wow, I did not know that. I knew they didn't sound that much like an original but I had no idea Pigtronix and Supro were that heavy-handed. The smaller businesses who are repairing older ones are an essential part of the economy, yet neither do they severely affect the bigger guys like Pigtronix. I don't know if I would want to support a company that sends out cease and desist orders when all folks are doing is repairing older ones ot the small(er) market that want to have a piece of (functional) history.

[@TheGuitologist]

I'd be ok with it if they'd just reissue the logos themselves so we could at least restore old examples of this brand they've taken stewardship of. They don't seem to care much about the history of the brand, from what I see. I've spoken to them about this on the phone when I was contemplating being a dealer

[@angrygoldfish]

The Guitologist What was Supro's response to your stance? I'm considering sending them an email to ask their side of the story.

[@TheGuitologist]

Sorry for the late reply. THey just said they had no intention now or in the future to make parts available.

[@JolicoeurAbear]

does anyone know the dimensions of this amp? particularly the chassis?

[@OgMandin0]

The 2 prong power cord plug isn't original. A quickie (lousy) repair plug for zip wire.. GE marketed them as a pegboard item 1960's - 1990s.

[@josephcote6120]

Agree. The back of the plug has a lever you lift up to expose prongs on the backs of the blades. You don't even strip the cord, just lay it into the plug and push the lever down so the prongs pierce the insulation. Safe enough for low wattage uses.

[@umajunkcollector]

three tubes and a small speaker, um impressed! don

[@TheGuitologist]

Yep. I agreed so much, after this demo I went and built a clone of this amp from scratch. It'll be in an upcoming video.

[@ribbonsofeuphoria5744]

does anyone know what impedance the speaker is on this amp?

[@stevehogan8829]

Did you find the 166 mfgr code? Hammond?

[@TheGuitologist]

It's Magnetic Components (Classic Tone). www.magneticcomponents.net/

[@douro20]

@@TheGuitologist Formerly Chicago Electric Engineering Company.

[@yearofrolling]

25:10 Demo starts.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for that. I should probably start putting that stuff in the description. :P

[@nationalduo4945]

How many watts....10 ish ?

[@douro20]

I personally don't like the idea of using superglue on cotton or rayon since cyanoacrylate esters react exothermically with cellulose. If you put a little on a cotton ball it will burst into flames.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

The AC cord plug is a 60's replacement dime-store self tapping plug (no wire stripping, no screws) press the lever on top and yer done.. prone to overload/arcing/ overheating, unsafe and unreliable.

[@williamknell864]

Holy shi##! The gtr / amp sounds great! Hoiw many lock screw doo-dads are there on THAT vibrato? LOL

[@kaypolo]

Sounds very good. You can't replicate the sound of those old dried out amps.

[@Headwind-1]

Sounds ok to me through my celestion ditton 25s

[@joesimon2018]

Just another Champ....

[@arsenalfanrichi]

sOUNDS MUCH BRIGHTER THAN A CHAMP TO MY EAR.

[@c.p.1589]

More like Princeton with the tone control.

[@nationalduo4945]

Lol ya and worth a grand