Noted some earlier discussion about Vintage 47 amps but couldn't find much in the way of opinions or conclusions about their suitability for blues harp. I'm interested in an amp fthat can achieve a somewhat dirtier sound at home practice volume. Their Oahu Suitcase amp looks promising. Hoping to hear from anyone with practical experience with any of their amps. Thanks.
They should make really nice harp amps. Based on old cathode biased Valco's and the like - which for the most part make good harp amps. If I recall they are priced quite reasonably for what you are getting. I'd call him and ask for some harp player references. Let us know if you get one. ----------
Last Edited by on Nov 09, 2012 11:38 AM
There ya go ! Nice band. Good player -good sound. Those 47's have a nice vintage - yet unique look too. You won't look like every other tweed haulin harp player out there. Stlye never hurt. ----------
All his amps make for a very good harp amp IMO. Just depends on what kind of sound/tone you are going for. I have three of his builds: 12 watt Supreme, Trippe Tone and Oahu Suitcase (with a custom chassis). I've have built and played the standard Oahu Suitcase 5 watt. I've also tested out two of his Thunderbolt prototypes and his all tube reverb unit. His builds are top of the line. He is extremely knowledgeable and just all around "good people" so to speak.
His builds are very loud for the wattage they are rated. You don't need any pedals with these amps. As far as a "dirty" sound for home use the 5 watt suitcase might fit your needs. But it can go way beyond bedroom levels. They have, what I would call, a smokey tone to them. Nothing like that "Fender" tone that most everyone seems to love. Give me Valco or give me death I say...
I have two vintage Valco amps and his amps are very true to them. Nobody else that I know of is building amps like this. When I came across his amps I knew I was in the right place. Heaven on Earth... But they are not for everyone...
Oahu Suitcase 5 watt
Me and my 12 watt Supreme, testing it out one night... after a we bit to much of the Uisea Beatha
I have a couple of 40's Supros that are probably at least a similar circuit, keepers for sure. A friend of mine told me these Vintage 47's have been popping up on eBay for decent prices lately, I get the impression they've sold a bunch of them. Might be worth watching Ebay to see, if you are in the market.
Last Edited by on Nov 09, 2012 11:21 PM
Thanks to all responders. shbamac has a like for these amps and I believe I may share that. Three questions for him. 1) Is Yoshiaki Takee someone I should have heard of before? 2) You built your own Suitcase? 3) What the heck is Ulsea Beatha and is it only legal in Colorado and Washington?
Checked out the Vintage 47 website. A few of the amps list for under 2 grand, but the smaller ones can be had for 600-800.00. That's a good price for a unique well built custom amp. Check out their attic sale, some nice 5 watt amps under 500.00. If I didn't already have more amps than I'll ever use I'd spring for one of the smaller Valco clones.
Last Edited by on Nov 11, 2012 6:09 AM
