1965 Magnatone Estey M10 suitcase amp Vintage Tube Amplifier
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Overall excellent condition especially for being a 60-Year-old amp. One of the finest ones out there. Includes Original Cover, Power Cable, and Footswitch’s. Looks, Works, and Sounds Amazing. The tone is warm and it kicks when pushed, add the lush vibrato and you’ll be in a dream state. The Magnatone Estey M10 “suitcase amp” is a mid-1960s vintage tube amplifier known for its signature pitch-shifting vibrato effect, driven by a varistor circuit, a big round clean tone, and a thick overdrive when pushed. Part of Magnatone’s “Suitcase” series, these amps featured a portable design and a two-channel configuration with a spring reverb and controls for volume, tone, and vibrato speed. They were originally designed for guitar, bass, and accordion, and their features like the tone stack, original cover, and footswitches contribute to their iconic vintage appeal. Key Features & Characteristics Pitch-Shifting Vibrato: A hallmark of Magnatone amps, this effect uses varistors for a unique, true pitch-shifting vibrato, different from standard tremolo. “Suitcase” Design: The M10 belongs to a series of portable, suitcase-style amplifiers known for their distinctive look and ease of transport. Dual-Channel Operation: The M10 is a two-channel amp, allowing for versatile tonal options, including clean sounds and thick overdrive. Tone Control: It features a tone stack with “mellow, ” “bright, ” and “tone boost” settings, the last of which creates a unique “cocked wah” sound. Spring Reverb: Many M10 models include a long-spring reverb, further enhancing their vintage sound. Tubes: The specific tube configuration varies by year and model, but they are generally tube-powered. Musical Applications Versatile Use: Originally designed for guitar, bass, and accordion, the M10′s rich tone made it suitable for various musical applications. Iconic Sound: Musicians today still seek out M10s for their distinct “big, round clean tone” that can also produce a “thick overdrive”. Vintage Appeal: The M10 is prized by collectors and players for its authentic vintage vibe, sound, and features like its original cover and footswitches. Key Characteristics Tube Power: A valve-driven architecture that produces authentic tube warmth and rich harmonic depth. Two Channels: Offers different sonic possibilities, with one channel providing clean, full-bodied tones and the other adding more grit. True Pitch-Shifting Vibrato: A signature feature that creates a unique, watery, warbling tone. Spring Reverb: A sweet, long-spring reverb that sounds fantastic on this amplifier. Speaker Configuration: Depending on the specific model year, it might feature a custom 10-inch speaker, or an 8-inch Jensen with a 3-inch tweeter. Varistor Circuit: The vibrato effect is created using a special semiconductor component called a varistor. Versatility Musical Styles: Ideal for jazz, blues, rock, and country styles. Instrumentation: Suitable for guitar, bass, and accordion. Dual Use: Designed for both studio use and small venue gigs. Since 1989 we have had one simple mission: the biggest names at the best prices with service before and after the sale. We have many name brand and used instruments that will accommodate most any budget and we guarantee the lowest possible prices available anywhere on the internet!
