Product: National Studio 10
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
03/26/2009
at
07:57pm
by
Brian
Features
:
9
These little amps are difficult to date but the single pot dates late 1965 so I would guess it is a 1966 and was made by Valco. These are as simple as it gets. It has a single volume control which is also the on/off switch with 3 inputs for one channel and that's it. Tubes are as follows 5Y3(rectifier)6V6GT(power tube) and 12AX7(pre amp), single 8" Jenson. This amp makes about 6 watts and is a great studio recording amp. I have used this amp many times for recording.It is excellent for blues and jazz and would also make a good lap steel or harp amp.
Sound Quality
:
10
This amp sounds good with humbuckers and single coils.I have used differnt guitars through it (Gibson ES 335 ES 137 Fender Strat and Tele's). I like the Gibson's a little more when the amp is pushed to get that natural tube overdrive,gives a more warm bluesy tone, but the Fenders do sound nice. This amp has always been dead quite. It is capable of very clean bell like tone to warm and creamy overdrive tones,it's just awesome.
Reliability
:
10
I have owned this amp since the mid 80's and have never had a problem. The power cord was replaced because it was cracking and was unsafe.I have never gigged with this amp,studio use only.I purchased this from the original owner and he had done nothing to it so the tubes should be the originals also as I have never replaced them.Runs and built like a tank.(It looks cool to)
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Valco is long gone.
Overall Rating
:
9
Great little amp for recording,I guess you could gig with it if you mic'd it.I have beeen playing for 33yrs and I own several vintage amps and this is my favorite. I love this amp,I can crank it open and not crack the plaster on the walls and get a great blues tone. If you find one snag it up you'll love it.
