You might enjoy this...

[billyclaire]

Thought I'd post a picture of my early 30's National amp. All original (except for the stealth fuse that I had a repairman install) with an original James B. Lansing 12" speaker. Went with my brother once to an antique radio swap meet/ show and this guy had the amp there for $50. Needed a good cleaning and a visit to an antique radio repairman (since it's closer to an old radio than a guitar amplifier) who took care of it. It's pretty cool - 10 watts - and really doesn't sound like much but it's still really cool.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Billy,

That is in very good condition for its age. According to my resources it was built in 1933 and is a Model 6107A

Shine On
Michael

[billyclaire]

Very cool - thanks Michael! I had found some info on it, but that's even better. It's about as close to mint as you could get - I think it will probably end up in a museum at some point....

I actually have a second one somewhere downstairs that I need to photograph. It's a little different - missing the coverplate - and non-working. It's a project that I may never get to...

[billyclaire]

Hi Michael-

Where did you get the info on that? I have tons of amp books and books on guitars but never saw anything that specific on the amp. It never had an ID plate (unless it was glued on but no evidence of that). As far as I can tell, it may be one of the earliest examples of the amp. I'm going to get it out today to take clear pictures for a guitar magazine that's interested in doing a feature on it....

I'll be interested to see how the inside electronics compare to this amp: prewaramps.org/nationaldob.htm

The case on mine is taller... and has a James B Lansing speaker instead of Utah which also makes me think older.

The second one I have is exactly like the one in the above link. It's in rough condition, missing coverplate, handle, and back panel. Plus it's been painted... Still.... another project.

thanks
Billy

[Michael Messer]

Hi Billy,

I have been around quite a few old National & Dobro amps, but the model number I got for yours is listed in Mark Makin's wonderful book, 'Palm Trees, Senoritas & Rocket Ships'. Although Mark's book has become known for its National guitar contents, it probably has more information about National & Dobro amps than anyone else has ever published. There are something like five chapters and 200 or so illustrations of amps made by National, Dobro, Valco ...etc.

Shine On
Michael

[billyclaire]

Thanks Michael- I'll have to check that out. In the meantime, here is a comparison picture between the 6107A on the left and the amp I posted originally about. As you can see, size and circuitry-wise they couldn't be more different!

[billyclaire]

Here's another reason why I think the amp on the right is older than the amp on the left: the amp on the right uses a 57 preamp tube which was introduced in 1932; the 6107A on the left uses a 79 preamp tube which was introduced in 1933.

Both go from those tubes into a 56 with a pair of 2A3's for output. Both use a 5Z3 for rectifying....

[billyclaire]

Now I'm thinking it's not a National at all but a Dobro.

Dobro was making amps before they merged with National. Their first amp had an 80 rectifier tube/ valve and two 42 output tubes. I'm beginning to think that this amp is the missing link between the first amp and the later 6107A. This amp has no ID plate at all - it also doesn't have the black crinkle paint on the chassis that all subsequent amps had. It has the earlier corners and a larger case. Also has a Lansing speaker which the first Dobro amps had while the 6107A's had a later Utah or Rola.

We'll see... as I continue to find contacts and see what else I can find.