Query failed: connection to localhost:9312 failed (errno=111, msg=Connection refused). Vintage Linear L45A valve amp head, 1960s NOW SOLD - Amps £ Discussions on The Fretboard
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UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45

Vintage Linear L45A valve amp head, 1960s NOW SOLD

surfguy13surfguy13 Frets: 124
edited February 2014 in Amps £
This is a 1960s Linear L45A all valve amplifer.  As far as I'm aware these amazing little amps can be used as hi-fi amplifiers or guitar amplifiers.  I bought the amp to use as a guitar amp and it is an astonishing little unit.  I've had loads of fun with the amp but because I'm now using a Marshall PA20, which gives me masses of usable sounds even at low volumes, I honestly don't need it.

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/Linear2001_zps1172c112.jpg

I have been using it with a 2x12 guitar cabinet and it sounds fantastic....it sounds equally good with a 1x12 cab.  These amps are really well made as you can see from the photographs and this amp is all original, certainly according to the original owner.  I can't see any parts that have been obviously changed.

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A001_zps5e776abc.jpg

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A005_zpsc6fda3cf.jpg

It has a Mullard white label EZ81 rectifier valve and a Mullard white label EL84 power tube which are almost certainly original to the amp.  These valves are worth a fair bit on their own.

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A017_zpsc564657c.jpg

The amp has it's original cage with which it was supplied when new but it also comes with a solid mahogany cabinet that was tailor made for the amp.  Remove the 3 knobs and the amp can be fitted into the mahogany case and then the knobs and the faceplate can be re-installed.  There is a jack socket on the front of the cabinet for an instrument.  There is a dedicated speaker lead that I am happy to include with the sale that plugs into the speaker out socket on the rear panel.  The lead is make from high quality lamp wire which is ideal as speaker cable and continues the vintage vibe.  The lead has two correct audio connectors that fit into the sockets in the rear of the amp and a Neutrik style jack on the other end......I'm not sure if this is Neutrik jack but it is high quality and looks like one.  It is 'Made in Leichtenstein' which suggests it probably is???

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/Linear2011_zpsdd467c80.jpg

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/Linear2008_zpsc0d91c7f.jpg

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A027_zps511639db.jpg

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A031_zps955ca2d9.jpg

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A028_zps62159446.jpg

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A023_zps4fdf8a5b.jpg

http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae45/guymerchant/LinearL45A014_zps0c239bc7.jpg

The amp sounds amazing and the treble and bass controls really do work well offering a good sweep.  The bass control doubles as an on/off switch.  The amp will start to break up at about 12 o'clock on the volume dial depending on what type of pickup you're using.  Once you wind it right up the amp really does get dirty giving loads of valve drive.  Obviously the amp will break up earlier and is much louder with humbuckers.  I tend to use a treble boost pedal with all my amps and when you use one in front of the Linear  it increases the tone options and the volume massively.  It becomes a very usable amp.  It would be ideal as a practice amp or as a 'bedroom amp' because you can get an amazing valve sound at low volumes.

I'd be happy with £115 for the amp including shipping in the UK which is fair I think.   I'd use UPS on a next day which includes £50 of insurance.  I might consider a swap for a set of decent strat pickups, ideally on a scratchplate, or possibly a pair of good quality humbuckers. 

 Any questions please ask....
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Comments

  • ICBMICBM Frets: 69426
    What a completely cool thing! The cabinet is beautiful, it makes it look exactly like a miniature 60s radiogram/music centre.

    Sadly I have absolutely no practical use for it or I'd buy it, but I'm sure it will find a good home.

    Yes, I'm pretty sure that's a genuine Neutrik.

    "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski

    "Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." - Homer Simpson

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  • surfguy13surfguy13 Frets: 124
    ICBM said:
    What a completely cool thing! The cabinet is beautiful, it makes it look exactly like a miniature 60s radiogram/music centre.

    Sadly I have absolutely no practical use for it or I'd buy it, but I'm sure it will find a good home.

    Yes, I'm pretty sure that's a genuine Neutrik.
    It's just great isn't it?!  One part of me says hang on to it and other says it needs to be played.  Like you, I can't really justify it but although it's a dinky, quirky amp it really does sound great as well as looking cool!!  :)
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  • photekphotek Frets: 1429
    Any idea what ohmage it runs Guy?
    My good traders feedback
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  • surfguy13surfguy13 Frets: 124

    photek said:
    Any idea what ohmage it runs Guy?
    Hi Mark

    It's 4 ohms I believe but I  ran this by ICBM some time ago and he confirmed it would be fine to use an 8 ohm cab. 

    Casper (Hymnal) has now bought the amp but if you see another one grab it, they're amazing!

    Cheers

    Guy
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