j45
Active member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2002
- Messages
- 9,081
Just picked this up from Ebay. This is actually the Valco "Supro Super" Model 1606 circa 1961. Gretsch re-labeled this amp and sold it as their own student model. I can't say enough about these amps. This is the fourth I've had over the past couple of decades and each has been a jewel. I posted clips of the last Super in that "Gibson PAF ES-345" on six small vintage amps clip about 4-5 years ago. This one sounds pretty much the same but even a little more gainy than the others. The tube compliment is a single 6V6, one 12AX7 preamp tube, and a 5Y3 rectifier. Probably 4-5 watts and the speakers are usually an 8" Jensen.
I've ended up letting the last few go out of boredom but being away from one of these for so long has made me appreciate these amps even more. This one is here to stay. I have to say the Supro "Super" is one of my favorite amps of all time. They do sound very small but with a mic and recording they are king IMO. My favorite recording amp of all time as well. I'm setting up gear to record with again and will definitely make new clips of this one. I'm in love.
Until I do here is the same old clip with my last "Super" showing up at the 0:55 second mark. I just love the woody cello sound of these amps...I can almost hear bow hairs dragging across the cello strings caused by all of the extra sub harmonics these little amps have. Even though the top sounds slightly rolled and not a chime monster I find it to be the most complex voice of all the amps in the clip below. Great complimentary overtones along with the fundemental note to form a great character voice. Stay tuned for more. Until then, here's the oldie with another similar Supro Super. Heard from 0:55 to 1:22.
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=5100928&q=hi&newref=1
The Supro version usually sells from $500 - $600 on Ebay but this Gretsch labeled version didn't get the same attention and only bid to $335. I actually like the upgraded tolex, grillcloth, and handle of the Gretsch version better than the Supro. Everything else appears identical in every way.
I've ended up letting the last few go out of boredom but being away from one of these for so long has made me appreciate these amps even more. This one is here to stay. I have to say the Supro "Super" is one of my favorite amps of all time. They do sound very small but with a mic and recording they are king IMO. My favorite recording amp of all time as well. I'm setting up gear to record with again and will definitely make new clips of this one. I'm in love.
Until I do here is the same old clip with my last "Super" showing up at the 0:55 second mark. I just love the woody cello sound of these amps...I can almost hear bow hairs dragging across the cello strings caused by all of the extra sub harmonics these little amps have. Even though the top sounds slightly rolled and not a chime monster I find it to be the most complex voice of all the amps in the clip below. Great complimentary overtones along with the fundemental note to form a great character voice. Stay tuned for more. Until then, here's the oldie with another similar Supro Super. Heard from 0:55 to 1:22.
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=5100928&q=hi&newref=1




The Supro version usually sells from $500 - $600 on Ebay but this Gretsch labeled version didn't get the same attention and only bid to $335. I actually like the upgraded tolex, grillcloth, and handle of the Gretsch version better than the Supro. Everything else appears identical in every way.
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