Martin Model 112T Tube Amplifier, made by DeArmond (1960)
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Martin Model 112T Model Tube Amplifier, made by DeArmond (1960), made in Toledo, Ohio, serial # MKO-666, black tolex covering finish.
Not only a very rare piece but in truly museum-quality condition, this Martin Model 112T is a first for our showroom (the tremolo version of this amp, that is). Aside from being one of the cleanest and most well-preserved 1960s amps we've had the pleasure of featuring, this Martin-branded amp is also spectacular sounding.
This initial line of amplifiers was manufactured for Martin in the early 1960s by DeArmond/Rowe industries, famous for the DeArmond pickups that electrified thousands of guitars in the 1950s and '60s, as well as some of the earliest effects. When sticking a toe into electric guitars, Martin knew virtually nothing about electronics but certainly subcontracted from the best! The pickup rigs for the company's electric guitars were sourced from Rowe, and of course amplifiers were needed which the company was also happy to supply!
All DeArmond-made amps are beautifully designed and built but comparatively rare. Early 1960s DeArmond amplifiers have become a tone connoisseur's choice over the last decade, and are now some of the most sought after "non-Fender" amps of the period. The design is similar in some ways to the familiar Fenders but has its own variations and quirks, with all components being the finest available.
The Martin Model 112T is equivalent to the DeArmond R15T, the larger sibling of the popular R5 and R5T. It was a superbly worthy competitor to the most popular amps in the 15-Watt weight-class, the Fender Deluxe/Tremolux. The amp sports a tube complement of three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 6V6 power tubes and one 5Y3 rectifier. The control panel features four inputs into two channels with independent volume controls and a tone control. The tone of this amplifier is comparable to its Fender equivalent but with its own distinctive character. While very few people remember the top-of-the-line Martin the D-28E electric flat top guitar from 1960, this amp meant to accompany it has only grown in stature and appreciation!
Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this amp is truly a sight to behold, showing nearly no signs of wear (or much use, for that matter!). The black Tolex covering is remarkably clean and free of any notable scuffing. The grille cloth is in pristine condition, taut and completely free of any tearing or fraying; even the 'always-missing' "Martin 112T" grille cloth logo is present and fully intact. The faceplate is gleamingly mirror-clean and all the fragile stenciled lettering is beautifully intact. The original handle is present and shows hardly any wear. That being said, we'd discourage from lifting the amp by the handle too much in order to preserve the longevity of the rather old leather. The original tremolo footswitch is present with the amp, as well as the original hangtag and documentation/instruction manual.
Electrically, this gem is all original. The original Jensen P12R speaker bears the code 220-017, dating it to the 17th week of 1960. The Midwest Coil & Transformer-made power and output transformers are coded 549-942 and 549-941, dating them to the 42nd and 41st week of 1959, respectively. All pots date to mid/late 1960. The amp has received minimal maintenance and restoration in order to preserve its originality as much as possible. Besides a 3-prong grounded power cord and cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, the amp had a few electrolytics replaced in the tremolo circuit to restore function.
This DeArmond has a truly wonderful sound that goes from a sparkle to subtle snarl to screaming overdrive with just a turn of the volume knob. The sound is somewhat mid-scooped compared to other amps from this era, reminiscent of later 60's blackpanel amps and the low-end is big and full for an amp this size. Both this Martin version and its DeArmond sister are much desired amps now, a perfect combination or portability and superb tone, with a sweetly overdriven crunch when desired. This is as nice an example as we can imagine finding! Excellent + Condition.
Not only a very rare piece but in truly museum-quality condition, this Martin Model 112T is a first for our showroom (the tremolo version of this amp, that is). Aside from being one of the cleanest and most well-preserved 1960s amps we've had the pleasure of featuring, this Martin-branded amp is also spectacular sounding.
This initial line of amplifiers was manufactured for Martin in the early 1960s by DeArmond/Rowe industries, famous for the DeArmond pickups that electrified thousands of guitars in the 1950s and '60s, as well as some of the earliest effects. When sticking a toe into electric guitars, Martin knew virtually nothing about electronics but certainly subcontracted from the best! The pickup rigs for the company's electric guitars were sourced from Rowe, and of course amplifiers were needed which the company was also happy to supply!
All DeArmond-made amps are beautifully designed and built but comparatively rare. Early 1960s DeArmond amplifiers have become a tone connoisseur's choice over the last decade, and are now some of the most sought after "non-Fender" amps of the period. The design is similar in some ways to the familiar Fenders but has its own variations and quirks, with all components being the finest available.
The Martin Model 112T is equivalent to the DeArmond R15T, the larger sibling of the popular R5 and R5T. It was a superbly worthy competitor to the most popular amps in the 15-Watt weight-class, the Fender Deluxe/Tremolux. The amp sports a tube complement of three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 6V6 power tubes and one 5Y3 rectifier. The control panel features four inputs into two channels with independent volume controls and a tone control. The tone of this amplifier is comparable to its Fender equivalent but with its own distinctive character. While very few people remember the top-of-the-line Martin the D-28E electric flat top guitar from 1960, this amp meant to accompany it has only grown in stature and appreciation!
Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this amp is truly a sight to behold, showing nearly no signs of wear (or much use, for that matter!). The black Tolex covering is remarkably clean and free of any notable scuffing. The grille cloth is in pristine condition, taut and completely free of any tearing or fraying; even the 'always-missing' "Martin 112T" grille cloth logo is present and fully intact. The faceplate is gleamingly mirror-clean and all the fragile stenciled lettering is beautifully intact. The original handle is present and shows hardly any wear. That being said, we'd discourage from lifting the amp by the handle too much in order to preserve the longevity of the rather old leather. The original tremolo footswitch is present with the amp, as well as the original hangtag and documentation/instruction manual.
Electrically, this gem is all original. The original Jensen P12R speaker bears the code 220-017, dating it to the 17th week of 1960. The Midwest Coil & Transformer-made power and output transformers are coded 549-942 and 549-941, dating them to the 42nd and 41st week of 1959, respectively. All pots date to mid/late 1960. The amp has received minimal maintenance and restoration in order to preserve its originality as much as possible. Besides a 3-prong grounded power cord and cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, the amp had a few electrolytics replaced in the tremolo circuit to restore function.
This DeArmond has a truly wonderful sound that goes from a sparkle to subtle snarl to screaming overdrive with just a turn of the volume knob. The sound is somewhat mid-scooped compared to other amps from this era, reminiscent of later 60's blackpanel amps and the low-end is big and full for an amp this size. Both this Martin version and its DeArmond sister are much desired amps now, a perfect combination or portability and superb tone, with a sweetly overdriven crunch when desired. This is as nice an example as we can imagine finding! Excellent + Condition.