Info on 1960's National tube amp?

[James Denham]

Hi,

Can anyone give me some info on a National "Val-Verb" amp, model 1260. It
has (2) 10" speakers. All of the inputs are in the back: 1st channel
inputs, bass, treble. 2nd channel inputs - reverb, bass, treble. Also has
a reverb footswitch input. A two way toggle switch for ON/STANDBY. A three
way toggle switch for reverb - ON/OFF/LINE SWITCH. It looks like it has 7
tubes total. On the front it has 5 big knobs: 1st channel - Volume, Tone.
2nd channel - Volume, Tone. Reverb - intensity.

Serial # is T85143

Any idea on the value or desirability?

James

[James Denham]

the speakers are stamped "220317" also "550-3" and "C10R, C7247"

Jensens from the 17th week of 1963?

The transformer is stamped "166318" also "330-7"

18th week of 1963?

Thanks for any info

James

James Denham <jde...@valley-internet.net> wrote in message
news:Tzq14.2285$FK1....@typ12.nn.bcandid.com...

[James Denham]

[James Denham]

I hope someone can shed some light here. I have to decide whether or not to
buy it within a couple more days for $300. I would think it's worth it, but
am new to vintage amps.

James

James Denham <jde...@valley-internet.net> wrote in message

news:L0D14.1195$yh2....@typ12.nn.bcandid.com...

[David Kieltyka]

James Denham wrote:

> Can anyone give me some info on a National "Val-Verb" amp, model

> 1260?

I picked up one of these a few months ago. Mine dates from mid 1962 going by
the code on the speakers (Jensen C10Rs). Weird tube layout: three 6EU7
preamp tubes, *three* 6973 power tubes (same size as EL84s) and a 5Y3GT
rectifier. The amp is quite heavy for its size...must be some decent iron in
there. With a bit of work (definitely needs a cap job, and the reverb
section occasionally turns into an extra gain stage, which sounds *really*
cool while it lasts <g>) I think it'll make a great recording amp for
surf-style playing. It's got the bright, clean (but not too clean) sound and
the sproingy reverb in spades.

I couldn't tell you how much it's worth, though I paid about the same for
mine as you're considering paying. I also have no idea how desirable it is.
I doubt there are enough of 'em out there to create any kind of
desirability. I bought mine after seeing it out on the sales floor month
after month at my favorite musical instrument emporium. I felt kinda sorry
for it. :-)

-Dave-