Description
A rare vintage 1954 Premier Model 88 tube amp. The 88 was Premier's flagship model, and carried a hefty price tag. Consequently, very few of these amps were manufactured, and original examples are extremely hard to come by. This model was an incredibly unique amplifier for its era. It was one of the first amplifiers ever to utilize a head/cabinet format, separating amp electronics from the speaker unit. Additionally, the amp featured a unique tone shaping circuit, with organ-style switches acting as band-pass filters when engaged.
This particular example is in great shape and original where it counts. Speakers, transformers, and cosmetics are intact and original. In servicing, all power supply filter and tremolo oscillator capacitors have been replaced--as well as the addition of a modern, grounded power cord. There are some scuffs and cigarette burns on the covering.
Sound-wise the amp features a wonderful clean tone, augmented by a beautiful tremolo. When pushed into heavy overdrive, the tweeters can get a bit harsh, so we would recommend bypassing the crossover and disconnecting the tweeters if you plan on regularly cranking up. Additionally, at higher tremolo intensities, a bit of DC "thump" can be heard. Quirks aside, this a fantastic-sounding and beautifully-constructed amplifier that would be at home in any high-end amp collection. It has been cleaned, serviced, and tested. It is fully functional and sounds amazing.
Overview
-Serial #: 833179
-Power Output: approximately 25 Watts
-Tubes: 5V4, 6L6 (2), 12AU7 (3), 12AX7 (3), 6AU6
-Controls: Mic Volume, Instrument Volume, Speed, Depth
-Dimensions: 28.5'' x 21'' x 11"
-Weight: 58 lbs
Cosmetics (see phtotos)
-original Tolex
-original grillcloth
-original handles (1 is coming apart)
Electronics
-original speakers: 15" Jensen P15P & 2 Jensen Tweeters
-original transformers
-replacement power supply filter capacitors
-replacement tremolo oscillator capacitors
-replacement tremolo speed potentiometer
-replacement grounded power cord
