Da Vinci D-60 Custom previously owned by Steely Dan's Walter Becker Model Tube Amplifier, made by Magnatone (1965), made in California, serial # 1367, brown fabric covering finish.
This amplifier is branded a Da Vinci D-60 Custom but is better known as the Magnatone 460A, one of that California company's more sought-after creations. Magnatone amps were marketed under several sub brands in the 1950s and '60s; this amp is one of those that were re-branded in fairly small quantity for the Da Vinci Accordion Company of Santa Ana, California. It appears structurally and electronically the same as the standard Magnatone 460A model, with upgraded Speakers: Jensen C12Rs instead of the cheaper Oxfords and round instead of oval tweeters. Externally it has different nameplates and a small decorative cameo of Leonardo DaVinci pinned to the speaker grille!
Internal components date this amp to early 1965, more than a year after the 460A model had been officially discontinued at Magnatone. Apparently the older models continued to be manufactured for the more conservative accordion-minded sub clients even after being replaced in the flagship line. Perhaps a bit stodgy looking for 1965, this is still fairly imposing 35 Watt combo with a four-speaker array (twin 12s and twin tweeters) offering both reverb and the company's famous pitch-shifting vibrato, the reason they have been sought after ever since.
This amplifier was part of the extensive collection of Steely Dan's Walter Becker, and according to the estate auction information was a studio used piece. The info provided states: "The amp was sought out specifically by Walter Becker and engineer Dave Russell in order to achieve the 'wha-wha' guitar sound in the song 'My Waterloo' on his solo album '11 Tracks of Whack'". While we have had a number of Walter's amps and instruments in the shop since his passing, this is the only one for which we have a specific track attribution. Walter was a dedicated tone connoisseur, and this is a wonderful sounding example of this fairly unique amp.
Height is 21 1/2 in. (54.6 cm.), 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.) width, and 10 in. (25.4 cm.) deep.
Overall a nice example of this medium/rare amp, original except for some general wear and light service. The amp shows some wear to the cabinet, with dings, dents, and small tears to the covering, mostly along the edges. Magnatone cabinets are made of a composite wood and the covering is thinner than Fender Tolex, so this is quite common. The underside of the cabinet has duct tape over the seams and feet; this could be removed, but we have left it as Walter and his crew used it in the studio.
The grille cloth is in very nice shape; the front name plate has some scraped away areas but still presents well. The rear control plate is a bit dirty in spots but the graphics are very well-preserved. The knobs are original but most are missing the small metal insets with the indicator line. The handle is original, and overall the amp retains unchanged screws and small parts more than many. The second channel volume control pot was installed slightly off center, a factory error we find both amusing and somehow engaging; these were built by hourly-wage workers who were often desperately rushed to keep up with demand in 1965.
This amp was recently serviced and received a full operational check-up. The electrolytics can caps have been replaced, while the blue Astron signal caps remain intact. There is a three prong grounded cord installed. The transformers are original with the power transformer coded 606 305 and the output 606 502. The elaborate speaker array is original with two Jensen C12Rs coded 220 447 and twin McGregor 6" tweeters marked 789 448. The reverb is lush and the trademark tremolo works beautifully with the special sound these are justly renowned for. A neat example with a great provenance. Very Good + Condition.
