Watkins Dominator Model Tube Amplifier, c. 1963, made in London, England, Cream and Blue Rexine finish.
This sublimely striking V-Front combo is one of the most celebrated creations from accordionist-turned-musical-entrepreneur Charlie Watkins (his namesake brand later known as WEM). In the late 40s, much like Leo Fender, Watkins saw the demand for and needs of emerging electric guitar amplification. In the early 50s, at which point JMI (Jennings Musical Instruments/Vox) only had been in the game for a very short while, Watkins emerged building a small number of amplifiers through local electronic jobbers. These early amps were made to run on domestic AC or DC current and proved quite dangerous if misused; after a hasty recall and re-design, Watkins returned with a new better engineered (and less potentially lethal) lineup by the mid-50s, of which this V-Front "Dominator" was soon the flagship model.
Featuring two 10" Elac speakers angled outward, this combo is clad in a stylish two-tone cream-and-blue Rexine covering with light woven grille cloth coverings adorned with gold metal accents in the corners as well as gold piping around the cabinet. The amp has two channels; one for microphone and one for guitar, each with two inputs and the latter channel with on-board tremolo as well. Each channel has independent volume and tone controls and speed and depth for the tremolo on the guitar channel. There is also an RCA connector for the tremolo footswitch.
Watkins amps were generally well-made, but with a closer eye on the bottom line than period most Vox, Marshall, or Selmer offerings. Though the budget-conscious production ethos of Charlie Watkins is well-documented the electronic design and execution is on par with more prestigious competition. The internal assembly features a very early printed circuit board, including a dedicated board for the two preamp tubes, though very much still a hand-wired amp. The two EL84 power tubes yield approx. 15-18 watts of power into those two outward angled speakers.
The Watkins Dominator has long been somewhat infamous as the amp of necessity for early UK teenage bands that could not afford the professional holy grail Vox; often its 17 (or so) watts was expected to power the whole band. There is even a book named for that phenomenon: "17 Watts" by Mo Foster, a highly entertaining read for anyone interested in that particular time and place. The title comes from a recollection of the furious band debate before such a major purchase: "Do we REALLY need 17 Watts?" Today this very rare-in-the-US amp has become a collector's choice for not only its charmingly eccentric looks but also rip-roaring cranked tones.
Height is 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm.), 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm.) width, and 10 in. (25.4 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
Cosmetically, this alluring little V-Front combo is in nicely preserved condition for it's age. The fairly fragile cream and blue Rexine covering shows some dings and scuffing, particularly around corners and edges, but is generally very nicely intact with no bigger pieces missing. The two grille cloths show some wear but are nicely intact save for one small puncture and an old stitched repair. The cabinet retains its two golden Watkins logos and the white molded plastic handle is present as well. The control panel shows typical minor wear, including a couple of dings and scratches but is generally in great shape with all the stenciled letter intact. The original knobs are all present, though five have replacement domes/buttons.
Electrically, the amp is all original. The two 10" Elac speakers are original to the amp and both in great shape. One has been professionally reconed and both test and sound great. The power and output transformers both appear original to the amp, as do all the pots. The pilot light bulb is a newer LED 230V replacement. The amp has otherwise received our typical service and maintenance, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a grounded 3-prong UK power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and output tubes biased to spec.
DISCLAIMER: This amp operates on 230V input power ONLY and is equipped with a dedicated step-up transformer for use with US 120V power.
This is a rare and scintillating artifact from the early days of Watkins offers up a gorgeous chime-to-saturation tone and remains a very affordable alternative to the still much desired Vox amps of the period! Very Good + Condition.
