Magnatone Troubadour Model 112 Previously Owned by Steely Dan's Walter Becker Tube Amplifier (1953)
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Item # 9082
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Magnatone Troubadour Model 112 Previously Owned by Steely Dan's Walter Becker Model Tube Amplifier (1953), made in Inglewood, California, serial # 10818, tan Tolex finish.
This Troubadour Model 112 is a cool and fairly rare early Magnatone amp from 1953, a 1X12 combo roughly the equivalent of the Fender Deluxe. The Model 112 is a cleverly designed and great sounding 18 watt combo. It has 2 channels, one marked instruments and the other microphone, each with 2 inputs. These use 12AX7 dual triode preamp tubes. Each channel has a volume control, but they share a common tone control. Another 12AX7 dual triode is used for phase inversion driving twin 6V6 beam power tubes and the output transformer. The 12-inch Jensen speaker is mounted on a slightly backwards-canted baffle, and the chassis is mounted on the reverse slant as well. Most components are closely dated to mid-1953.
The often overlooked earlier Magnatone amplifiers of this period are extremely well made with the highest grade components, and this Model 112 is no exception. It is a smooth sounding combo that has a different overdrive curve than a tweed Fender, though it can get pretty fearsome at high volume. It has an interesting provenance too, having been part of Steely Dan founder Walter Becker's extensive working collection… his studio storage markings are still on red tape on the upper side of the cabinet, and the auction tags are included. Walter had a fondness for original 1950's and early '60's Magnatone amps and owned a number of them, this delightful combo is one of the rarer styles.
Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm.) width, and 10 in. (25.4 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
Cosmetically, the amp remains in great shape, especially considering its rather fragile covering. The cabinet shows moderate wear, mostly some scuffing around corners and edges and a couple spots of missing covering. The grille cloth appears original and its in excellent shape with no notable tearing or fraying. The control panel shows a handful of scratches but remains in good shape with all the stenciled lettering intact. The handle is a newer replacement.
Electrically, this little Magnatone is nicely original. The 12" ceramic Jensen C12R speaker is original to the amp and bears the code 220-310, dating it to the 10th week of 1953. It has been reconed by Weber, and both tests and sounds excellent. Both the (lovely) Thordarson power and output transformers appear original. The power switch has been replaced. The amp has otherwise seen our standard service and maintenance including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and output tube biased to spec.
The amp remains a wonderfully-sounding unit with great character and a super cool history. The amp comes with the official COA as well as the auction hang tag. Overall Very Good + Condition.
This Troubadour Model 112 is a cool and fairly rare early Magnatone amp from 1953, a 1X12 combo roughly the equivalent of the Fender Deluxe. The Model 112 is a cleverly designed and great sounding 18 watt combo. It has 2 channels, one marked instruments and the other microphone, each with 2 inputs. These use 12AX7 dual triode preamp tubes. Each channel has a volume control, but they share a common tone control. Another 12AX7 dual triode is used for phase inversion driving twin 6V6 beam power tubes and the output transformer. The 12-inch Jensen speaker is mounted on a slightly backwards-canted baffle, and the chassis is mounted on the reverse slant as well. Most components are closely dated to mid-1953.
The often overlooked earlier Magnatone amplifiers of this period are extremely well made with the highest grade components, and this Model 112 is no exception. It is a smooth sounding combo that has a different overdrive curve than a tweed Fender, though it can get pretty fearsome at high volume. It has an interesting provenance too, having been part of Steely Dan founder Walter Becker's extensive working collection… his studio storage markings are still on red tape on the upper side of the cabinet, and the auction tags are included. Walter had a fondness for original 1950's and early '60's Magnatone amps and owned a number of them, this delightful combo is one of the rarer styles.
Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm.) width, and 10 in. (25.4 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
Cosmetically, the amp remains in great shape, especially considering its rather fragile covering. The cabinet shows moderate wear, mostly some scuffing around corners and edges and a couple spots of missing covering. The grille cloth appears original and its in excellent shape with no notable tearing or fraying. The control panel shows a handful of scratches but remains in good shape with all the stenciled lettering intact. The handle is a newer replacement.
Electrically, this little Magnatone is nicely original. The 12" ceramic Jensen C12R speaker is original to the amp and bears the code 220-310, dating it to the 10th week of 1953. It has been reconed by Weber, and both tests and sounds excellent. Both the (lovely) Thordarson power and output transformers appear original. The power switch has been replaced. The amp has otherwise seen our standard service and maintenance including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and output tube biased to spec.
The amp remains a wonderfully-sounding unit with great character and a super cool history. The amp comes with the official COA as well as the auction hang tag. Overall Very Good + Condition.