{"product_id":"valvotronics-custom-made-for-and-used-by-tom-verlaine-tube-head-amplifier-1990s-13829","title":"Valvotronics Custom Made for and Used by Tom Verlaine Tube Head Amplifier (1990s)","description":"Valvotronics Custom Made for and Used by Tom Verlaine Model Tube Head Amplifier (1990s), made in USA, grey enamel finish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTom Verlaine of Television is one of the musical legends we sadly lost in early 2023. Helping to pioneer the new wave and alternative rock scene in New York City in the 1970s, Tom's style of writing and the band's performances at now-legendary venues such a CBGBs quickly gained a cult following, firmly establishing their influence with the release of their debut album Marquee Moon. Verlaine's unique playing remains a sonic touchstone and required listening for several generations of electric guitarists.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTurns out, Tom was also quite the vacuum tube afficionado; a hobby and passion bordering on obsession. Tom spent decades experimenting with amplifier designs, many based around early Hi-Fi tube amplification of the 1930s. Throughout the 1990s Tom commissioned a series of custom made amplifiers from Rob Derby of Valvotronics, a handful of which we have the pleasure to feature here in our showroom. As schematics show, several of the amplifiers are iterations of an ongoing R\u0026amp;D pursuit of a design featuring switchable preamp and output tubes, variable bias and selectable tone-stack voicings; others are unique one-off designs exploring the concept of switchable tube types. All this was seemingly in the pursuit of better understanding the inherent sonic characteristics of various vacuum tube types.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis particular amp is a fairly unique design, at least in terms of tube compliment; based around a 6AS7 power tube, alongside two 6BX7s, a 6ES8 and a 6J5 in the preamp, as well as a 5U4 rectifier. The amp can optionally use dual 6AS7s and 5U4 for louder\/cleaner operation. The layout is otherwise straightforward with a high and low input, volume and tone controls, a hi-cut switch and a current limit switch, lowering the B+ for some power amp sag. The amp is complemented by a vintage Schumacher power transformer from 1964 as well. This amp is design optimized for studio\/home use and would need extra care if subjected to gigging conditions.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eHeight is 7 1\/2 in. (19 cm.), 12 1\/4 in. (31.1 cm.) width, and 8 1\/8 in. (20.6 cm.) deep. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCosmetically, this little studio amp head\/chassis is in good shape and is showing only minor wear outside of the somewhat homebrewed appearance; the grey enamel-clad chassis shows a few minor scuffs on the front panel and top of the chassis. The protective cage is in very nice shape with a quality handle and features the Valvotronics badge on the top. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElectrically, this little amp is unmodified since leaving Tom's hands. It was recently looked over by the maker, Rob Derby and given any necessary routine servicing; it has also been thoroughly tested by our amp department as well. This amp comes with original documentation. Please note that these amplifiers are custom made to Tom's exact specs and intended for experimental studio use; in other words, they have quirks by design and may not be suited for hard touring applications. That said, these are all wonderful sounding one-of-a-kind pieces, brainchildren of Verlaine's tireless pursuit of tone. This is a rare opportunity for any fan of Tom's to own one of his unique sonic creations. Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Valvotronics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47600669294732,"sku":"13829","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_68f68663-b605-4e9d-9959-f783b2b3c0e7.jpg?v=1776199280","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/valvotronics-custom-made-for-and-used-by-tom-verlaine-tube-head-amplifier-1990s-13829","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}