Product: Gretsch 5152 Compact Temolo Reverb 112 Combo
Price Paid: US $180 used
Submitted
10/20/2003
at
07:15am
by
Tom Williams III
Features
:
10
This amp was made, actually by Valco, in 1967. It has one channel, with reverb and temolo, both tube powered. It has one volume, one tone, a temolo control and a reverb depth control.
The reason I had to have this amp is that it has a single 6V6 output tube. That is certainly Class A in operation. Along with that, I discovered it can do a lot of things well.
Fairly light in wieght, this amp can still put out a fair amount of power. I must confess to have putting a couple of mod resistors in it to open it up a little, which it certainly has.
Sound Quality
:
10
I use this with an SG standard and a Tele that has been modded with a 57 Classic now at the neck, a DiMarzio Chopper T, splittable, at the bridge, and the tele rhthm pickup now between the others.
This amp can do beautiful sounds. The reverb and trem are quite usable as they are. It can sparkle or it can get dirty, depending on how much you open the volume on your guitar.
The single 12 works well, but when hooked up to a 4 12 cabinet this little amp can certainly power way beyond what a single 6V6 would be believed capable of.
Classic rock, blues, (clean and dirty), jazz, and beyond. This is the amp in my collection that will never leave my studio for money or trade.
Reliability
:
10
Not sure. Being near 50 it may have a problem, but after replacing the filter caps I can't find it. Besides, the parts are all easily available.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Won't need it. The amp is sort of out of warranty.
Overall Rating
:
10
This is a keeper. I have been playing since 1963 and have had in that time most any and every amp. I enjoy modellers, especially the Vox series. But to go back to the 60's Fenders and the other amps that were in the studios and on the bandstands back then, this is as close as you can get.
This is my favorite amp. The one that will never be sold. The one I will take with me to jam with my old friends in basements and on porches. It never fails to bring a smile of admiration.
It isn't beautiful, til you turn it on and hook up to it.
Then she shine. The girl really shines.
If you get a chance get one, if I don't find this rare amp first.
