{"product_id":"kalamazoo-model-one-tube-amplifier-1965-12391","title":"Kalamazoo Model One Tube Amplifier (1965)","description":"Kalamazoo Model One Model Tube Amplifier (1965), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 12375, black tolex covering finish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Gibson operation has used the Kalamazoo brand several times over the last century; one of the best known was as the mid-1960s budget electric line from Chicago Musical Instruments (CMI) Gibson's parent company. These little Kalamazoo practice\/student amps appear with two model designations, Model One and Model Two, the latter having the addition of an onboard tremolo effect.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis little Kalamazoo Model One may have been at the bottom of Gibson's product line in 1965-7 but represented a surprisingly nice value in a small, well-engineered, point-to-point tube amp. Still, they were originally made to a price, so some shortcuts were made. Most notably the cabinet was made of fabric covered particle board and the baffle of thin pressboard, rendering these amps notoriously fragile to scuffing and drops, and are thus increasingly rare to find well-preserved. Apparently this is where Gibson cut costs, as the electronic component quality generally is excellent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese Kalamazoo amps featured a great set of transformers made by either Schumacher or Heyboer as well as a tube compliment consisting of RCA and Raytheon branded tubes. A single 6BQ5 (aka EL84) provides around 6 watts of output power into a single 10\" speaker. That being said, the circuit design greatly benefits to having some tweaks done, and while we usually work to preserve vintage pieces as designed, we've developed a \"Retrofret special\" upgrade package for this particular amp, that has greatly grown in popularity with our customers.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eHeight is 15 1\/2 in. (39.4 cm.), 13 3\/4 in. (34.9 cm.) width, and 7 in. (17.8 cm.) deep. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCosmetically, this amp remains in excellent shape, especially considering the cabinet's proneness to wear. Apart from a few very minor corner and edge scuffs, the thin fabric covering is beautifully intact. Both the baffle and grille cloth are structurally sound and in excellent shape with no visible tearing or fraying. The faceplate is very clean, showing minimal visible wear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElectrically, this example has received circuitry upgrades to improve clarity, response, and tonal muscle as well as to reduce noise and hum, which as built these are quite prone to. Both the Heyboer-made power transformer and Schumacher output transformer are original to the amp and are marked 996-613 and 606-551, dating them to the 13th week of 1966 and the 51st week of 1965, respectively. The speaker is original and has been reconed by our specialists. The amp has also received our typical maintenance, including a grounded 3-prong power cord, all electrolytic capacitors replaced, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and power section biased to spec.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is now a great-sounding little unit, quite a bit louder than as originally designed and with a smoother overdrive curve. This represents an excellent bargain in a small authentic vintage tube amp, and we recommend getting two and running them side by side for the ultimate 10-12 watt stereo rig! Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Kalamazoo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50149325340812,"sku":"12391","price":1350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_de835217-db12-4728-bc93-28d741f01282.jpg?v=1779575139","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/kalamazoo-model-one-tube-amplifier-1965-12391","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}