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Rare Vintage Guitar Amplifier List

  • Writer: Tapetown
    Tapetown
  • Sep 26
  • 2 min read

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An amplifier can define your sound, whether you’re playing live or tracking in a studio. Vintage amps from the 1950s to 1970s, used by players like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, have warm, unique tones that modern amps struggle to match. Their limited production makes them rare, but they’re prized for music creation. Here are 10 vintage amplifiers that can shape your performance.


1. Vox AC30 (Top Boost)

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: The Beatles on Revolver

  • Sound: Chimey, dynamic tube tones for rock and pop.

  • Rarity: Early top boost models are scarce.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its clarity is great for performance gear and studios.

2. Fender Tweed Deluxe (5E3)

  • Era: 1950s

  • Used By: Neil Young on Harvest

  • Sound: Warm, overdriven tube tones for blues and rock.

  • Rarity: Limited production, many modified.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its soulful sound inspires songwriting.

3. Ampeg B-15 Portaflex

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: James Jamerson on Motown records

  • Sound: Warm, punchy tube bass tones for soul.

  • Rarity: Early flip-top models are rare.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its depth suits studio recording.

4. Marshall JTM45

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Eric Clapton with Bluesbreakers

  • Sound: Creamy, overdriven tube tones for blues and rock.

  • Rarity: Early circuits are hard to find.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its power drives performance gear.

5. Supro Thunderbolt

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Jimi Hendrix on early demos

  • Sound: Raw, gritty tube tones for rock.

  • Rarity: Small brand, limited production.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its edge sparks music creation.

6. Hiwatt Custom 100

  • Era: 1970s

  • Used By: David Gilmour with Pink Floyd

  • Sound: Clean, powerful tube tones for rock.

  • Rarity: Early UK models are scarce.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its clarity suits live and studio recording.

7. Gibson GA-40 Les Paul

  • Era: 1950s

  • Used By: Duane Allman for slide guitar

  • Sound: Warm, vintage tube tones for blues.

  • Rarity: Limited production, less known than Fender.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its soulful sound enhances songwriting.

8. Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Garage rock bands

  • Sound: Gritty, versatile tube tones for rock.

  • Rarity: Few high-end models from a budget brand survive.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its raw sound fits music creation.

9. WEM Dominator

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: The Who in early shows

  • Sound: Bright, punchy tube tones for rock.

  • Rarity: Limited UK production, niche brand.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its clarity works for performance gear.

10. Traynor YBA-1

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Canadian rock bands

  • Sound: Warm, versatile tube tones for rock and blues.

  • Rarity: Limited production, niche brand.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its rich sound inspires studio recording.



Vintage amplifiers like the Vox AC30 and Marshall JTM45 give musicians warm, distinctive tones for music creation and performance. Their rarity makes them valuable for recording studios and live setups.



Related Reading: About a Studio: Sound City https://www.tapetownstudio.com/post/about-a-studio-sound-city

 
 
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