Supro Thunderbolt 115 Combo

volume and tone that all but doesnt need any thing else

I play a les paul mostly and a telecaster. plugging strait in with the tele and cranking the volume and the tone wide open [the only way to see why everyone loves this amp], the sound is twangy but not overly bright with a great blues sound on the neck pickup and geogia sattelites kind of boogie rhythm moderately distorted sound on the bridge pickup and excellent balance of preamp - power amp overdrive kick in a tube screamer and this thing just sounds killer with scorching rory gallager/john jorgensen type tonality and with the les paul strait in sounds like heart breaker by Led Zeppelin / fool for the city type tone and with the tube screamer youre starting to step into van halen area . I do have to admit I have hot rodded this a little by swapping the 5u4 rectifier with a 5ar4 to up the voltage and reduce sag. this isnt super loud like marshall loud but still louder than I can get away with in a club . If you like classic rock /blues rock it just dosent get much better than this.

never had a problem

probably the best sounding amp for my taste and style and I've owned many ,many amps in my 35 years of playing this is one of the best I've owned but it is little limited in the tone control area and kind of a one trick pony but this ponys a stud.

so simple. versatility dependent upon musician.

This amp sounds right. It is not an amp for dumb-***** who like to use digital processors or lots of girly stomp-boxes; this is a man's amp. It is rugged and simple. You play hard, the amp breaks up. You play soft, the amp gets tender and responsive. It does not get much better than that, but then again, if you are a guitar player that likes to make funny noises with his Zoom 505, you might not understand this kind of amplifier.

there are less than 40 components in this amp. a trained monkey could do simple repair on one of these amps. seriously, though, be careful, there are extremely high voltages inside these amps, and if you don't have a clue about electronics, don't mess with it...leave it for the trained monkeys to fix!

supro is dead and gone. I miss them.

This may very well be the coolest, most eloquent expression of what is right about a tube amp. The circuit design is seemingly taken from a first year electronic technician's text book. It's hard to believe that people pay the amounts that they do for Matchless, Bad Cat, etc; these are the amps that those guys are copying!!! NOT AS LOUD, but then again, who among us is playing Shea Stadium? Maybe I'm just an old fart, but it seems to me that you really don't have to be that loud anymore with a P.A. and someone with half a brain running sound.

I've played all of my life.

If my Supro ever got stolen, I'd be very sad.

I like it's simplicity and tone. I hate I had to give $500 when I can remember these amps being thrown out in the trash!

Modern amps mostly suck.

I wish it had nothing more. it is perfect.

Valco Supro Thunderbolt, model S6420, @1966-'67. It came with 2 RCA Black finned 6L6CG's, 2 12AX7's and 1 SU4. 15" Jensen Gold Label speaker. Two-pronged plug, no ground. Power switch has three positions, maybe for polarity but I can hear any difference at either setting. Two undifferentiated input channels, two knobs: volume and tone. This thing is a real bone. Probably somewhere between 18 and 30 watts. Pretty decent volume for small clubs, for home use guaranteed to frighten small children and animals. But not a concert amp. To improve tone quality and obtain more break-up, I replaced the original 6L6GC's with Tung-Sol 5881's and other compatible, bias matched tubes. I swap these out depending on which sound I am looking for, but the original tubes are definitely cleaner, more "Fender." In fact, because everything is ridiculously accessible, experimenting with different tubes is a hoot with this amp.

I play a '74 strat, newer Tele, and a modded '64 Melody Maker with a Seymour Duncan bridge position humbucker, single coil neck. Rock, blues, dabbling in jazz. Personally I think the strat and tele sound best with this amp. The humbucker I happen to use sounds a bit muddy and farty, maybe an LP would bring out a better sound. Turned all the way up is the only way to make this amp sound good. Played straight, it's not that loud. Boost is a must, because with clean boost this little baby becomes a very different amplifier. Then it IS loud. I get boost from a Pod XT in bypass or tube pre-amp modes, varying the output on the Pod and rolling back the volume knob on the guitar as needed. With the 5881's, full boost, this thing offers up a big, dirty monster toney overdrive, big fat ass bottom. Almost too overdriven, but hey you can always dial it back. You don't need no stinkin distortion pedal here, but if you do, it shreds. Now, with the 6L6GC's, it's a tighter, cleaner overdriven sound, less bottom and more highs. Add a little comp at the lower output settings, and you have a clean creamy, dynamically responsive sound. Either way there's not much chime-y high end here, it's not a Vox--but the mids have a spongy crunch with tons of harmonics. Miked properly in the studio, it sounds huge! This amp provides a very, very authentic old tube amp tone. Noise can be an issue.

I had to replace the transformer back in the 80's. After that I never had a problem, just gradual tone degradation from use. Compared to my Twin this is not a bulletproof amp, and it's of course much lighter. But solid enough, for such an old amp. I did gig with it in the 80's but used two amps. Pots get dirty quickly. It's a dust collector down there by the floor, where all the electronics are.

n/a

Played 30 years, covered the genres in that time. For quieter practice I use a Vox 15w Valvetronix. I had a 67 Twin Reverb that was stolen with all my vintage pedals in 1982 (you're going into the pre-break if I ever find you). Also used a 70's Traynor Bass amp (not bad!), early 70's Marshall 50 W and a Mk 3 Boogie but mostly old tube amps. If it were stolen, I'd move on, I'm curious about newer high end switchable modern all-tube amps. But this thing is pretty cool sounding.

Cross braced, solid state rectified, Blue/Grey Tolex,early '66, I would guess. Big jensen 15", RCA Blackplate 6L6s. Features are most simple= It is what it is.

Tone knob shifts from treble to bass, very interactive.with a Tele
it sounds rockin 4/5s or all the way up, kind of boxy, with a midrange snarl.Allmost Punky in bridge position, with volume knob backed down a hair, nice neck/inbetween blues/Hendrix semi clean sounds. Les Paul Alnicos getmore drive and really sound killer. Bridge is chunky and biting with a mid boxy thing. Not quite a Marshall, but, Whole Lotta Love? maybe. Neck pickups have a fantastic blues sound, very classic, rythem with the volume knob about 7-1/2, go full for solos. Very Nice.

Model S6420, which I believe was the late 60's (estimate is a 1967). It has two 12AX7's and 2 6L6CG's and 1 SU4. All the tubes are the Original RCA's, and all appear to be working perfectly.

It has two inputs, though neither is maked high or low (as old Feners were). And otherwise has one volume and one tone. It has one (the original) 15" Jensen Gold Label speaker.

Even though it says "Bass-Guitar Amp", I use it as a guitar amp, because my bass causes it to rattle out of control (I'll discuss this later). I plug in my modified '98 Danelectro 56-U2 reissue, through a digitec RP500. I use the pedal to get the reverb, plus any overdrive and wah effects I "need". The sound is absolutely superb. I also use it for my Dean Zen acoustic-electric, straight in, without any pedals or other effects. It reproduces the sound coming in exactly, with the added warmth of the tubes.

One thing people have not noted much here is the unbelievable volume this thing produces. I rarely turn it up past 1/4, but in testing with drums and other instruments, 1/2 was all it needed. The sound never became distorted--this amp acts much like a PA, and the louder you turn it, it just gets louder without distortion (all channels are clean).

This amp was left by a friend in my Mom's basement after it died during a rehearsal. It sat in the basement for 10 years before i decided to take it apart and try to fix it--boy was I suprised at what I found! After I cleaned out the spiders and re-soldered some loose connections, it has worked without issue. I tryly believe that if someone took the time, these amps can last forever.

I WOULD and have used it at a small gig without a backup.

Company out of business and spec sheets, actual replacement parts, etc. Are almost impossible to get. I'd kill for a logo to put on the front of mine.

I have been playing over 18 years. I used had a 1967 Fender Dual Showman (2 15" JBL speakers--look it up), until my father sold it. Other than the Fender Hotrod series, I believe this is the nicest amp I have ever played (including Vox, Marshall, Peavy, Roland, Pignose, etc.,--I like you all have plugged into anything sitting around).

I am in need of a new speaker, but cannot find whether the original is 8 or 16 ohms. The speaker rattles at certain frequencies, and my local tech believes it is the 40 year old speaker. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I will keep this thing running forever, even if I have to break it down and start from scratch. I only wish it had built-in reverb, and at least 3 tone knobs, but hey, I love her how she is.

If anyone wonders, recovering it with brown vinyl and classic tweed over the front makes it look so darn cool, you won't believe it is the same amp (mine was stripped and spraypainted black when i got it.

It a mid to later 60s model though still had the older gray cabinet. I know it was at least mid 60s as it has the Jensen gold sticker ceramic magnet 15 inch. There was some kind of embargo at that time and Alnicos were unavailible to jensen hense the gold sticker ceramic speaker. The amp does basically two sounds: Vintage bass amp (low power/club size) and full crank sort of a poorman's bassman guitar sound. The amp has one volume control and one tone. Two 6l6 power tubes and two 12 ax7 preamp tubes with a silicon rectifier. I probably would have kept this amp if it had the tube rectifier (5u4) Some of these amps came with bass/treble controls and or tremolo. People are always so quick to label this the "jimmy page" amp but he never used or owned one. If you read vintage guitar guitarist Albert Lee who grew up with page confirms that the amp Page had and used a Supro Trojan amp which is pretty much a Fender vibrochamp knock-off. I don't believe Hendrix used this amp to record much either. All that is known on the Hendrix connection is that he used it as a performance amp when he was playing guitar/bass for the Isley brothes on the circuit. This amp is 90% myth and 10% truth.

I used a gibson SG with Alnico humbuckers, mid 80s MIJ fender telecaster and a 66 Ric 12 string. The amp was moderately noisey at full crank, kind boxy-hollow sounding, very loud. This is really like a poorman's bassman. That is really how I would describe it. It does not sound like a marshall. Sounds like an old cheap copy of a fender. The clean sound was not very distinguished. Just average. Distorted sound was okay but nothing that special. It didn't sound like Led Zepplin or anyone else. My Vox AC10 had more of an early zep sound than this. Either with Tele or Ric 12 string.

If the amp is properly serviced. Caps changed and three prong cord added. Sure, why not? It survived at least 40 years. It is a simple amp meaning less to go wrong

I've been playing since I was five. I've owned everything. Real fenders, vox, marshall, magnatone. All guitars. All pedals. Even had the oportunity to be in contact with some of the original desginers behind some of this equipment. This $150 amp became a $1500 through vintage BS. I don't know any professionals using this to record with it just weekend warrior baby boomer guys trying to buy back there youth. The amp is okay? Probably on the same level as a bass 50 Kalamazoo amp. There is nothing really special going on here. If you want the led zep 1 sound get supro trojan (that is what he actually used) or fender vibrochamp which is the amp Supro copied and has the same tube compliment.

This is a very simple amp--one speaker and two knobs (volume and tone). That's all there is. The control panel of a Fender '59 Bassman looks complicated next to the Thunderbolt! I find it very amusing that the other people here have given it a 8 for features. Good grief, you'd be hard pressed to find an amp with fewer features than this one! The beauty of this amp is that it's very simple and it sounds good--that's it. The Thunderbolt has just one sound--but it's a really good sound. If you want versitility and features, keep looking because this is the epitome of simplicity. A classic, stripped down, tweed amp, that's not particularly good looking and not particularly loud, but when you turn it up all the way it has a really pleasing tone.

The Thunderbolt sound is a great, warm, overdriven tube sound. This is what an Ibanez Tubescreamer is SUPPOSED to sound like. It's strength is a 60's/70's blues rock sound that many classic bands had. Keep in mind that this amp doesn't howl--this is not a Marshall stack we're talking about here. I don't know if my experience is representative, but the volume limitations on this amp are a draw back. It's a great for the studio, but not as good for playing with a band--unless it's going through a PA.

The Thunderbolt was an overlooked amp for many years--partially because it's a small homely-looking tweed amp, and partially because you can't really crank it up to the volume you need as a lead guitar player. It's lead sound is beautiful straight out of the box, but it's not nearly loud enough for most guys. A few years ago Tone Quest magazine wrote a very positive article on the Thunderbolt and since then they made a big come back. I sold mine on e-bay for $600 and they often go for more than that now. Also, a lot of people have played up the Jimmy Page connection with this amp. Evidently he used a Thunderbolt on the first couple of Led Zeppelin albums although he not on later albums. I don't know that this is true--but I can tell you that if you listen to the song "Living Loving Maid," you'll hear a guitar sound that is identical to a Thunderbolt turned up with a Telecaster playing though it. If you like that type of mid-range bark--this amp can do it for you. My personal feeling is that the Thunderbolt sounds best with a humbucker guitar. With a Les Paul you can get warm sustaining notes that sound like singing. It also sounds really nice with a hollow body guitar like a Gibson 335, Super 400, or L5. I haven't tried it with a Gretsch, but I'm guessing it would do pretty well. I play blues and rockabilly and with the right guitar, the Thunderbolt just puts out lots of great pure overdriven warm tone with just the right amount of distortion. Keep in mind that this is 60's era blues distortion--not rip your lungs out heavy metal distortion. Think Howlin' Wolf, not Metallica.

I give the amp a 10 for blues sound.

I hate to say it, but I wouldn't buy this amp unless you get a good deal on it, or happen to be a classic tube amp collector. You don't want to depend on a 35 year old amp for your primary gigging amp. My amp blew a transformer once while I was playing it and it never sounded quite as good after I got it fixed. I was still able to sell it for quite a pot of cash, but I remember how it good it USED to sound back in the 1970's. Over the years it got a lot noisier and after the transformer was replaced, the sound was less sweet. That doesn't mean you can't find a good one out there. I'm sure if you hunt a bit you can probably locate a good one. I wouldn't buy one without playing and testing it first.

If you have had one of these amps for all these years like I did--this is an excellent time to sell. There are a lot of guys spooging all over themselves to buy one--just read some of the other reviewers here! If you are thinking of buying one, just be realistic about what you are getting. If you find a good Supro that has been well maintained and sounds like it should--you're going to have a really nice sounding 35-40 year old blues amp. That's what you're going to have. It's fun to play through--you can plug in a nice guitar, turn the volume to 10 and have get a sweet sound--good for rock lead--good for R&B rythym. All without any pedals. And if you can control the noise, it makes a suberb studio amp. If that is worth $700 to you and you're willing to put up with the tempermental nature of an old vintage tube amp, I'd say buy it. There is a reasonalbly good chance that it will maintain its value over the years if you baby it. If, on the other hand, you play in a bar band and just want "the Jimmy Page" sound--there are a lot of less expensive, more reliable alternatives.

I only gave it a 6 as an overall rating, but that's not because I think its a bad amp. It's mainly because I think they are too expensive for what they are. If you can get a nice sounding one for under four hundred dollars, I would give this amp a 10.

Early to mid 60's model S6420 Thunderbolt.I play mostly blues and 70's rock. Very basic operation on/off switch, volume, and tone controls. I play it wide open.

I plugged in a Les Paul when i first got it, and oh baby did it sound good. Then I plugged in my Tele and I'll have to tell you, that guitar has never sounded as good through any guitar amp, as it does on the Thunderbolt. This amp has tons of tone, and blows away many amps I've played in the past. I'm 51 years old and I've played through a lot of amps in my time. The sound is a very nice mix of clean and distortion sound at the same time.

I know nothing on the history of the amp, but it looks well used. I'm sure that it's reliable enough. It looks like it has the original tubes in it. Has a slight hum when turned full up, and that's how I play it.

The company went out of business in 1968, I think. Should be easy to service if needed.

I've been playing for over 30 years. I've got two 50 watt Marshall heads, DrZ Carmen Ghia, Black Face Fender Deluxe Reverb, 56 Champ, and various guitars. I wish I had known about the Thunderbolt years ago when they were cheaper. They have gotten rather expensive lately. Don't pass up the chance to try one out.

Its a 1967 Supro Thunderbolt with the solid state rectifier and additional cross bracing. 2 channels, plain jain, tone an volume 1x15" speaker about 40-60 watts, 2 12ax7's, and 2, 6L6GC'S. This thing is a true tone machine.

I play ball busting blues and this thing has yet to be beat. I have Marshalls JCM2000, Fender Reverb, etc...its has a bass tone that doesnt quit!!! Awsome....you need to hear at least one in your life. I thought the Bassman amp was bad , but this baby rocks! I see why Hendrix and Jimmy Page used them to record with!

Its simple an d built like a tank, had it serviced with new tubes, and the technician couldnt believe it...he said still looked like new.

Its over 35 yrs old wonder if the would still honor warranty?

If lost I would search the end of the world to find another!

Im not sure of the date of this thunderbolt dont know where to look to date it but it sounds killer! I like the old sound it puts out. Just like page's. It has the tube rectifier. I bought the chassis for $150. and it didnt have the cab or speaker with it so i got a mojo 1x15 cab for only $120. and im searching for the best speaker for it. Its in great shape and inside looks untouched.

sounds good with tele, les paul special, sg, strat, les paul standard , anything! good organic tone! Not over the top. It sounds best cranked all the way up and it breaks up in such a good way. Its a very midrange tone with good bottom and top. Roll back your volume and it cleans up nicely.

i would always bring a backup although it hasnt shown any problems yet. These things go for way too much these days. Its so simple anyone could build these things. Wish they would!

No longer in business but anyone could fix this thing.

I would certainly try to find another if stolen and just might anyway if i found a good deal. Ive been playing 15 years and i own a 62 VoxAC30tb,69 marshall 50 watt, a 64 Vibroverb, 65 Deluxe reverb, a tweed 1x10 supro, and this thunderbolt. These amps are my favorites that i have been fortunate enough to get ahold of at very low prices. I have been very lucky as these models are some of the most desireable! The thunderbolt is right up there with all of these with its own unique voice. If anyone knows what the absolute best speaker for this thing would be, email me. Im thinking c15n or p15n jensen. whats the tonal difference and wich one would be better for the thunderbolt?
My email is oceanblues73@hotmail.com