1949 Silvertone 1300 Tube Amp

[tigerzilly]

I did it again. A relapse. I picked up this Silvertone 1300. Apparently 1949, but I haven't looked close enough to verify the date. Here are some pics. It's missing the back grill panel but the seller assures me he has it and will send it to me when he goes through his studio.

[Jazz P Bass]

Wow.
Older than dirt.
You are in luck as it is NOT a Widowmaker!

[tigerzilly]

Wow.
Older than dirt.
You are in luck as it is NOT a Widowmaker!

Oldest amp I've ever had. No luck with a window maker. I have one and it sounds great with an isolation transformer. I know to look for a power transformer when scoping out an amp. Thanks for the schematic!

[loudthud]

Cool looking amp ! I like the treble clef on the grill.

[tigerzilly]

Cool looking amp ! I like the treble clef on the grill.

The Silvertone 1300 was used by Luther Perkins. His amp is on display at the Johnny Cash Museum. It's got the treble clef. The grill on mine needs a little attention. The previous owner pulled it off to look at the speaker cone and didn't get it back together right.

[tigerzilly]

This amp reeks with history. I pulled the back panel. It must only have been removed once before when someone put on a 3 prong cord. Otherwise it has all the untouched dust, cobwebs and vintage smell that I live for.

[tigerzilly]

What do you think? Should I replace the caps?

[Enzo]

The waxed caps are most assuredly bad. And likely the rest too.

[DrGonz78]

Tigerzilly your house must be filled with these amps by now. That one is a beauty! Gut those caps out and get her singing proudly.

[Leo_Gnardo]

What do you think? Should I replace the caps?

Without further hesitation, YES, definitely! Drifty resistors too, while the iron's hot.

[jack briggs]

What do you think? Should I replace the caps?

I like the trash can around the 6SL7!

[tigerzilly]

Caps are done. Like night and day. I shouldn't be surprised. The old caps were disintegrating in my hands as I pulled them out. I have to say its amazing the amp still worked and had no hums. Working it was, it didn't produce great volume or tone. The amp truly sings now! It has it all, breakup, tone, and volume. The speaker code is Rola 1947. Those were the days.

[tigerzilly]

It's all back together. Looking and sounding really nice!