Martin Model 112T Tube Amplifier, made by DeArmond (1961)
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Martin Model 112T Model Tube Amplifier, made by DeArmond (1961), made in Toledo, Ohio, serial # MC2-1306, black tolex covering finish.
Not only a very rare piece, this Martin Model 112T is also one of the cleanest and most well-preserved 1960s amps we've had the pleasure of featuring. Topping it all, this is a spectacular sounding amp as well.
This is part of the initial line of amplifiers 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 the electric guitar market, 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 and 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 fondly 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 astounding, showing hardly any signs of wear or even use, for that matter! The black Tolex covering is beautifully 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 practically mirror-clean, save for some VERY light surface wear, and all the fragile stenciled lettering is beautifully intact. The original handle is present and shows only light-to-moderate wear and has plenty of life left in it. The original tremolo footswitch is present with the amp, as well.
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 549-6045 and 549-6050, dating them to the 45th and 50th week of 1960, respectively. Visible pot codes date between mid-1960 and mid-1961. The amp has received our typical maintenance and restoration, including a grounded 3-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and biased to spec.
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 black panel 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, this Martin Model 112T is also one of the cleanest and most well-preserved 1960s amps we've had the pleasure of featuring. Topping it all, this is a spectacular sounding amp as well.
This is part of the initial line of amplifiers 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 the electric guitar market, 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 and 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 fondly 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 astounding, showing hardly any signs of wear or even use, for that matter! The black Tolex covering is beautifully 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 practically mirror-clean, save for some VERY light surface wear, and all the fragile stenciled lettering is beautifully intact. The original handle is present and shows only light-to-moderate wear and has plenty of life left in it. The original tremolo footswitch is present with the amp, as well.
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 549-6045 and 549-6050, dating them to the 45th and 50th week of 1960, respectively. Visible pot codes date between mid-1960 and mid-1961. The amp has received our typical maintenance and restoration, including a grounded 3-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and biased to spec.
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 black panel 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.