Rare...Rare...1930's Rickenbacker Electro M-12 Amplifier
Rickenbacker Electro M-12 Amplifier Circa 1930
This is a little powerhouse piece of history. It's one of the very early tube amps with real punch. It packs a power in a little cabinet. We found it on the east coast in a sale with a lot of very nice guitars (we got a couple of those too). As a rule we don’t jump on amps, but this little guy just seemed to want us to take him home. So we did. We had the entire amp inspected and repaired as needed by our tech. We tried to salvage the original speaker but had to replace it with an identical period correct 12” speaker (we can include the old one if you ask). A number of tubes and capacitors were replaced with mostly new old stock pieces (photo included). There are two bakelite volume controls and a tone control on the panel, divided as instrument/microphone-probably one of the first amps to allow both instrument and vocal flexibility. There is also a master volume control at the base of the amp. At some point, someone decided to add a new plastic toggle on/off switch (you can see that in the photos). We restored the original toggle, but you will note that we left the old one since we didn’t want to mess more with the look of the amp. Visually, this guy screams vintage. The classic Rickenbacker “R” is cut into the faceplate. The reflex cabinet and controls are truly old school. We note that the handle has been replaced with a new period correct leather handle. There is some wear noted on the painted keratol/canvas cover. But, it is amazingly free from major tears, rips or scrapes. These early models did not have metal corners but the corners have weathered quite well too. Considering it’s 80+ years of age, this thing is in amazing external and internal condition. Electronically, it is totally restored and ready to scream. And it screams! He measures 16” X 16” X 9” and comes in at 24 lbs. This amp is about as original as you can find for the period-if you can find one at all. It is a true piece of history since Rickenbacker was thought to be first in the amp game. Anyone who has heard or seen this guy has simply been amazed. Since it is so rare, we didn’t have a lot to compare it to but feel, in working order, in this condition, this is a bargain!
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We make every effort to provide you honest information about the instrument you purchase. However, every flaw, scratch or ding may not be photographed or noticed on every instrument. By the nature of what we are collecting and selling, virtually all vintage instruments will have dings, scratches, and various other imperfections that come with age and use. We call it character. That's why we love them. Please carefully look at photographs and contact us if you require additional information. Please note that every instrument has been inspected and set up by our luthier for playability and appearance. But, your instrument may still require additional set up by you to make it exactly what is most comfortable and acceptable to you. In the unlikely event that your instrument arrives in a condition with damage or other issues not previously anticipated, please contact us immediately and we will assist. Should a return be required due to damage incurred in route, we must be notified within 48 hours. Please note that all other returns are at the recipients expense. Contact us to authorize and assist you in either case so that we can minimize cost and ensure the safe return of the instrument. All returns must arrive in the same condition in which they left our store and be insured for the full value of the instrument.