Watkins/WEM Custom 15 Tube Amplifier (1965)
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Item # 8982
Prices subject to change without notice.
Watkins/WEM Custom 15 Model Tube Amplifier (1965), made in England, black textured fabric finish.
Height is 18 1/2 in. (47 cm.), 17 1/4 in. (43.8 cm.) width, and 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) deep.
The Custom 15 "Controlled Power Amplifier" is a little known but very cool smaller mid-1960s combo amp from WEM/Watkins, sort of the "Supro of England" at the time. This model evolved from the Watkins Scout, getting a cosmetic make-over when Charlie Watkins re-branded his operation WEM ("Watkins electric Music") in 1964. It retained the Watkins Dominator-like brushed gold control panel and chassis with twin EL84 tubes, but gained a more modern-looking black cabinet decorated with snazzy aluminum front facing. WEM catalogues list this model up until 1970, but it is hardly ever seen in the US and a rare amp even on its UK home turf, suggesting that the model was not built in large numbers.
Watkins amps were generally well-made, but with more of an exe to the bottom line than period Vox, Marshall, or Selmer offerings. This compact and good-sounding amp shows some general wear and tear but remains original except for some typical cap work and maintenance. Major components are intact including the original Goodman's speaker. The knobs, trim, etc. remain original as well; the cabinet edges have some patched-in spots where the covering wore away.
The amp is equipped with an external step-down power transformer and has not been altered from its original UK 220 power supply. This is a snarly little mid-1960s combo with a typically English overdrive curve, still a very affordable alternative to the sought-after Vox amps of the period. Very Good + Condition.
Height is 18 1/2 in. (47 cm.), 17 1/4 in. (43.8 cm.) width, and 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) deep.
The Custom 15 "Controlled Power Amplifier" is a little known but very cool smaller mid-1960s combo amp from WEM/Watkins, sort of the "Supro of England" at the time. This model evolved from the Watkins Scout, getting a cosmetic make-over when Charlie Watkins re-branded his operation WEM ("Watkins electric Music") in 1964. It retained the Watkins Dominator-like brushed gold control panel and chassis with twin EL84 tubes, but gained a more modern-looking black cabinet decorated with snazzy aluminum front facing. WEM catalogues list this model up until 1970, but it is hardly ever seen in the US and a rare amp even on its UK home turf, suggesting that the model was not built in large numbers.
Watkins amps were generally well-made, but with more of an exe to the bottom line than period Vox, Marshall, or Selmer offerings. This compact and good-sounding amp shows some general wear and tear but remains original except for some typical cap work and maintenance. Major components are intact including the original Goodman's speaker. The knobs, trim, etc. remain original as well; the cabinet edges have some patched-in spots where the covering wore away.
The amp is equipped with an external step-down power transformer and has not been altered from its original UK 220 power supply. This is a snarly little mid-1960s combo with a typically English overdrive curve, still a very affordable alternative to the sought-after Vox amps of the period. Very Good + Condition.