Supro Model 1690T Coronado Model Tube Amplifier (1961), made in Chicago, serial # T58555, two tone vinyl finish.
This Supro Model 1690T "Coronado" is a rare and fabulous example and quite sought after, primarily due to being the model that Jimmy Page used heavily on the first few Led Zeppelin albums alongside his Fender Telecaster, the combination reportedly heard on the solo on "Stairway To Heaven". Besides this particular connection the amplifier has much to recommend it, being one of Valco's best electronic offerings of arguably their golden era.
The Supro line was Chicago-based Valco's in-house "open" line, meaning it was not franchised and any jobber/dealer could sell them. While many of the Supro-branded products were frankly budget-oriented, their better grade offerings were the same build quality level as the amps sold under the premium National brand, as well as those made for other houses such as Gretsch.
The 1690T "Coronado" was a top tier model in Supro's lineup in the 60s. Clad in two-tone "rhino hide covering and a custom top-mount panel, the large super rigid cabinet gives you the thrill of "big tone" combined with needle-sharp treble", the 1958 catalog states. The 1690T listed originally for $174.50, a very good value at the time. The amp features two channels with separate volume controls and two inputs each, labeled treble and normal. There's a master tone control and intensity and speed controls for the onboard "Organ-Tone" tremolo effect. The push-pull 6V6 circuit puts out around 18 watts into two 10" speakers.
Height is 18 1/4 in. (46.4 cm.), 20 3/4 in. (52.7 cm.) width, and 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically this amp is in wonderful shape especially considering its age. The two-tone vinyl "rhino hide" covering is in excellent condition and shows only very minor wear overall. The grille cloth is nicely clean as well with no notable tearing or fraying. The chrome control panel is showing typical signs of corrosion and some of the stenciled lettering is worn off. The original handle is still intact and its hardware is showing a fair amount of corrosion. The plastic Supro logo is a new replacement, thoughtfully aged to match the few remnants of the original.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The two matching Jensen C10R speakers appear original and bear the codes 220-139, dating them both to the 39th week of 1961. Both speakers have been professionally reconed and sound fabulous. The power and output transformers are original and the latter bears the code 166-119, dating it to the 19th week of 1961. The amp has otherwise seen typical maintenance and servicing including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, a grounded 3-prong power cord and output tubes biased to spec. It has a powerful, punchy sound at lover volumes and really rips when cranked, giving any worthy guitar a "Whole Lotta Tone"! Excellent - Condition.
