Product: Tempo Model 60 Combo
Price Paid: US $20 used
Submitted
11/22/2001
at
09:52pm
by
Douglas Ritterling
Email: dougritt<at>cs dot com
Features
:
5
Tempo Model 60 Guitar Amplifier, Manufactured by Merson, NY,NY. (believed to have been manufactured in the 60's). I purchased this amplifier at my favorite Vintage Guitar Store, Palmetto Music, Greenville, South Carolina www.palmettomusic.com for $20. I bought it mainly for the unusual cabinet design...the speaker cutout is in the shape of a guitar body with neck extending up to the control panel! Very cool! Three tubes, point to point wiring, eight inch "GoldTone" Speaker, two knobs- on/off tone control and volume. Configuration most closely resembles a Fender Tweed Champ.
Sound Quality
:
10
I have restored this amp with two-tone tolex (black and blonde) and replaced the perforated Goldtone speaker with an eight-inch Peavey driver. This is where the fun began...the sound from this little amp is extraordinary! The overdrive begins halfway through the volume knob travel...wonderful warm tube breakup with excellent highs and shocking lows. I have searched the internet for information and schematics on this amp but can find none...luckily the circuits are very simple. I restored the cabinet on this little amp purely for the vintage appearance, but now I will continue with a cap job and retube it. Since this amp is virtually a mystery, I believe it to have been originally sold as a very inexpensive practice amp...but as guitarists have discovered with vintage Fender Champs and Danelectro amps, simple amps can sound terrific! One thing I have discovered...Merson was the US importer of the amazing Hagstrom guitars of the 60's (which I happen to cherish and collect). This amp will be a fine addition to my Hagstroms!
Reliability
:
No Opinion
When I purchased this amp, it had been painted black, the leather handle was in tatters, and it had assorted pops and squeals. After the new speaker was installed, I discovered the outrageous tone of this amp. It will now get a recap and new tubes to go with its new Tolex and hardware...it has proven itself!
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I have been able to find no traces of the manufacturer or a schematic of this amp. Can anyone help?
Overall Rating
:
10
I purchased this amp as a slice of 60's Americana, but found out I love the tone! If you've played a vintage Fender Champ, you'll find the Tempo Model 60 to be similar. With overdrive, it sounds like the guitar riff in Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough" with similar sustain! This would be an excellent recording amp. If you happen to find one of these at a flea market or vintage shop, BUY IT! I bought this for twenty bucks and probably wouldn't sell it for $200! Highly recommended...two thumbs up...fine holiday fun!
