Vintage Tube Amp

Up for sale, a 1960 Magnatone Custom 280 in excellent condition and in perfect working order. The 280 was the top of the line 200 series amplifier developed my Magna Electronics in the “Pre-Estey” days of the company, and this amp is often considered the pinnacle of golden era Magnatone design and tone. Both Buddy Holly and Neil Young are notable users of the Magnatone 280, and the rich overdrive and stereo vibrato are unlike anything you’ve ever heard on another tube amp. Complete with the a matched RCA power tube quad and tube set replete with all vintage USA-made valves, this circuit pushes a pair of stock Oxford 12L5N alnico speakers and a pair of 3 tweeters as well! Featuring two channels, point-to-point circuitry and dual output transformers for true stereo operation, the Magnatone 280 was ahead of its time, and an amp that cost a good 20% more in its day than the most expensive Fenders! The circuit is extremely original, with new filter caps to keep everything operating within original factory spec, and new caps in the crossover as well. The amp retains all of the original Ajax blue molded tone caps that are essential to the tonal sweetness of the amp and also the range of the EQ controls. The original output transformers date to 1957 and 1959 respectively, while power transformer dates to late’59 and the stock CTS pots date to the 44th week of 1959. Of course the hallmark of any Magnatone amp is its true stereo vibrato, and this amp delivers the classic effect with a depth and width that’s hard to believe. The pulse and warble of the vibrato is vibrant and lush, operating either in mono or stereo, bouncing between the two Oxford speakers. The 3 tweeters also do a great deal to accentuate the top end swirl of the vibrato, and these speakers were only available in the very last 280 amps. The Oxford 12L5N-1 speakers both have clean white/silver frames with early 1960 date codes. The small “Magnatone – High Fidelity” stickers are also intact on the horseshoe alnico magnets as well. The faceplate of the amp is surprisingly clean, given how lightly these were originally screen printed, and all of the text and graphics are present. The original white knobs are all present, and there are some small scuffs and hash marks on the faceplate denoting a previous owners favorite settings. Cosmetically, the cab is in great overall condition, especially given the fragile brown leatherette bindery cloth used to cover the cabinets and the squarish shape of the cabinet edges which were more susceptible to nicks and dings. Aside from the expected wear along the lower edges of the cab in particular, the amp is very presentable and complete with the gold Magnatone logo on the face and both’V’ badges. The handle is a modern replacement. Don’t miss out on this rare and complete Magnatone 280 with its original tubes and a clean bill of health from our techs here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar. Check out our shop “Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar, ” and please let us know if we can answer any questions! We use double thick boxes, 1″ foam, and industrial 1/2″ bubble wrap to ensure that your amp arrives safely. International orders will be declared as merchandise, and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please. The item “1960 Magnatone 280 Vintage 2×12 Tube Amplifier with Stereo Vibrato Magna Pre-Estey” is in sale since Friday, November 22, 2019. This item is in the category “Musical Instruments & Gear\Guitars & Basses\Guitar Amplifiers”. The seller is “mmguitarbar” and is located in Seattle, Washington. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Number of Channels: 2
• Number of Speakers: 2
• Model: Custom 280
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Amplifier Technology: Vacuum Tube
• MPN: Does Not Apply
• Compatible Guitar: Electric Guitar Amplifier
• Amplifier Type: Combo
• Brand: Magnatone
• Suitable For: Performance