Rickenbacker M-11 112 Combo

The best info I can find on this amp dates it to ~1957. It is the pre-12AX7 version with a red status light. It has 2 instrument inputs, and one mic input with separate volume controls for each and a tone control that also serves as the ON/OFF. The cabinet has the standard grey tolex. The orignial speaker was replaced with an Eminence before I got it. I replaced the old school 2 prong power cord with a grounded plug because the grounding was crummy and it was giving me the occasional zap.
I give it an 8 for features because they are limited, but I wouldn't change a thing about it. The tone control works well, though because the amp is old and dark, most of the action happens on the top half of the sweep.
I don't play out much, but this amp has seen it's share of jams, and it has no problem making it's presence felt. It has plenty of punch for nearly any situation.

I use this almost exclusively with my 1962 ES330 with P90s and it is a match made in heaven. Despite the fact that ES330's are notorious for noise and feedback, together they are as quiet as can be expected. This amp has a rich tone that comes through clear and strong at any volume, so it really makes the best of the P90 sound. At low volumes it is bright and sweet but starts to break up by about "5". This is when the magic happens. I have a 65 Band Master, a 78 Champ and have played through just about every other classic vintage Fender, and without question, the Rick has the best natural crunch of any, by far. It is so thick and warm yet smooth and natural, that I have found no substitute. Like most, I use a Tube Screamer to push my Fenders. Yet I've found that for the most part the Rick doesn't even need it. The Rick's natural overdrive is richer, less harsh and super versatile. I'd give it a 12 if it was an option.

I have experienced tube issues similar to those described in other reviews. One of the 6V6s crapped out causing random dips in volume. However the tubes themselves were suspect, and since replacing them, I have had no problems. The caps are pretty old (possibly some are original). A local tech said they could stand to be replaced, but it wasn't urgent. I probably won't change much until I have to.

Otherwise, this amp is pretty bulletproof.

I don't believe Rick makes amps any more, and I'm guessing the warranty is up;)

In case you haven't figured it out, this is probabaly my favorite amp ever. If anything ever happened to it, I would leave the civilized world behind and set out on an epic odyssey to find another one if I had to. On the rare occasion that I see them they sell for about double what I paid, so I think others are of the same opinion. There are lots of great amps out there and at some point it becomes a question of preference. But I will say that with P90s it is hands down better than Fenders, and with humbuckers most would agree it is on par with any vintage classic.

It is so old that it is unfair to expect any more than basic features.

That said I really can't find a flaw. A gem. If you see one, buy it.

I think it a 1959-1961 I bouught this amp cause it looked so cool grey tolex. This amp Cranks. I Changed my tube`s to a 5V4 upping voltages & 2 6V6's. Maybe putting out 15to18 watts It has 4 Inputs, Mic. With chicken head knobs Mic, Inst. & tone. I`s enough power 4 me miked 4 gigs it`s awsome. never had a problem with it. It`s so simple of a amp. It`s my main amp. I`ve had a Fender Delux, champ tweed, & a vibrolux & a Gibson with a "12. I`ll take mt M-11 over all of them.

I play a ES-335 threw her. With a Boss Digitial reverb/Delay & a Wah She can`t be beat.

I Gig with a backup just in case. A old Epiphone EA-32RVT with a "8.

There is no custumer support for this amp but who cares.

I`ve played over 30 years if it was lost I would cry, I would never be able to find another one.

Mine is a 1959 based on the chassis number and codes on the pots, although its a bit of an anomaly with 4 inputs instead of the usual 3; mystery transformers (old but no EIA codes) and housed in the larger M-12 cabinet. Two bridgable channels with four in-line inputs: one mic, and three inst. Like the later Tweed Deluxes, the volume knob of the unused channel affects the tone and volume of the channel your plugged into. Controls are: Mic vol. Inst vol and a single tone knob that also acts as the on/off switch. Two 12AX7's, 5Y3GT rectifier (I now run mine with a 5V4 to up the voltages)and two 6V6's putting out apprx. 12-15 watts. In other words your typical 1950's Western Electric circuit. Mine came with a rare Jensen "Professional Series" (not Concert Series which was a different speaker line) P12R. Not an abundance of electro-mechanical features--just the most important one IMO: the ability to beautifully amplify your guitar signal with purity, complexity and superb dynamics at all volumes. "Less is more" as Mies van der Rohe once said.

Probably the best sounding 6V6 amp I've ever owned. I recently had the chance to A/B it with an original 5E3 Tweed Deluxe in great condition. The Deluxe had a 1960's C12Q and was louder and brighter, but with a top-end raspiness that I didn't care for. In contrast, the Ricky (which runs lower voltages) was smoother and sweeter on the top end, and more open and "woody" in the mid-range. Overall a little bit more complex, and "browner". Since then I've subbed a 5V4 for the 5Y3 and a 12AY7 for more headroom and I am satisfied with that combination. I also have taken to running the amp into the original Celestion V30 that came with my Marshall Studio 15 and have been surprised by how good that sounds. Just a great, incredibly ballsy blues/rock tone that cover bases as wide as Chicago blues, Cream-era Clapton, ABB, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC without any pedals. This amp can be sweet and dulcet or aggressive, biting and screaming depending on your pick attack and changes from the guitar's volume and tone controls. Makes channel switching amps unnecessary for me.

When I got the amp it had "issues". Mike Gillentine of Tupelo changed out few resistors and recapped it. Only time will tell how well the rest of the amp, particularly the transformers will hold up, but this is such a simple circuit I don't anticipate major problems that can't be easily fixed.

Well Ricky stopped making amps long ago, and this particular model at least 40 years ago so customer support will be non-existent.

Have been playing for over 24 years and currently own the aforesaid Studio 15 as well as a 5E5-A Pro replica, and a 1965 Valco-Gretsch 6156. Now I just play guitar (a Travis Bean) at our Church. Volume and tone-wise this amp is close to perfect for me. If stolen I would try to replace it but M-11's are rare. I love its early breakup and ability to sound over the top when pushed hard. It will crunch, grind and sing as well as a narrow panel Deluxe, but at a fraction of the price. A Mission Amps kit would be a fine alternative but there is something unique about this amp's combination of sweet and open "woodiness", and ballsy aggresiveness that I don't hear in other amps.

Let me put it this way: I have put up for sale a 67 Vibrochamp, 63 Brown Princeton and 74 Vibrolux Reverb, but have kept this little Ricky M-11. That should tell you how good it sounds to me.

I was told that this amp is from 1961-sure looks it-very retro, reminds me in size of a Ampeg Jet. Chicken head knobs. I use it for blues, and classic rock, and it holds up well. Cool green pilot light.
Three inputs (one "mic"-slightly higher gain), sep. vol. control for mic and for instruments. One tone control, which is also the on/off switch. The odd thing about this is when you turn it on, the treble is at full, and moving the knob rolls off the treble.
All tube, 12x7's, 6V6's, tube rectifier.
Amp was modified with a Kendrick reverb unit, with mix, dwell, and tone controls (all in the back of the amp). This is not a big amp, and this addition was a tight fit, but a really pro job was done. Excellent work from Gerard Weber.
I wish the amp had separate treble and bass tone controls. However, the reverb tone control compensates somewhat for this.
The Kendrick reverb ( tube driven ) sounds great, and the three controls give pinpoint variability over the sounds. The only time I've heard a reberb this good was in a Bruno Underground 30, which is saying a lot.

Using a 2002 Heritage 535, 1990 PRS CE, and 2001 Tele. Sounds good with all. Very slight hum, nothing to worry about.
Good range of sounds, although its a bit bass heavy. I run my guitar through a compressor ( either the built in one on my POD, a Blue Max, or a Keeley (my favorite). I also use an EQ device to boost the highs and lower the bass a bit-sounds bettter this way.
Distorts very nicely, as its only about 15 watts. Tube distortion is the best, and the lower the wattage, the better.

Well, its been around for 40+ years. Only have it for a few weeks, we'll see.

Ric doesn't make amps anymore. I'll have it serviced locally, when necessary. Bought it on Ebay

Been playing for 40 years-started at 13-you do the math.
I read a review on an M-11 about one year ago in Guitar Player (inside last page cover), where they gave it a really good review, comparing it favorably to a late 50's -early 60's Fender Deluxe. I would agree that the sound and vibe is similar, althought the Deluxe is brighter.
Have an original 65 Deluxe Reverb, with a JBL from the factory, a Dano 12, a 1966 Gibson ES-125TC, a 2001 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe ( a very good amp), a 1990 Lavaree bass ( really, and with active pickups, no less), and a 1979 Guild D-50 ( easily the equal to a Martin from that era, sound-wise,if not construction-wise.)
If stolen, I think I'd try to replace, but these baby's are rare ( Ilooked for a year on eBay.) Hopefully, I won't have to go there.
Well tremelo would be nice, but not necessary. More tone control would be nice, too, but I think I'll just shut up, and play my guitar.

I'm not sure of the age, it is definitely pre-70's and possibly pre-60's. This is a 1X12 combo with 2X6V6 power and 12AX7 pre-amp tubes and a 5U6G (?). It has two inputs each with their own volume knob, a tone control (which works backwards!?) and a depth and speed control for the foot switchable tremolo. The speaker is an original Jensen alnico 12. It is covered in a grey/blue wallpaper type stuff very groovy. It's very light and can work in a 3-piece zazz type setting.

This amp is used for recording and living room work. It's not really loud enough to handle a rock type combo. It's alot like a Deluxe tone wise. It sounds so good it can seemingly heal a shitty guitar tone! I had it sold a while back and the last time I played it a tube failed, the guy didn't want it then and thank heavens he didn't! I would have regretted it. I use it with a strat and a tele and a Guild archtop. They all sound good.

Only one problem. The guys from Savage Audio who found and fixed the tube problem loved it too. It is very old and has only had a problem once. It is played 5 days a week, albeit at living room volumes.

This amp is over 30 years old and I don't think Rick makes amps anymore.

Well worth the price and a real find! I love this amp for what it does, just ad a little 'verb (mines a Fender reissue) and you have every clean to semi-distorted tone you want.