Webster Chicago 66-1A

[ce24]

I have one of these. a portable 65 watts tube amp from I"d say the 50's. anybody know anything about these. I would think that it is a pretty good amp. 1...6v6 1...5y3gt 2..crc-6n7-gt/g

Cheers
ce24

[jh45gun]

Originally Posted by ce24

I have one of these. a portable 65 watts tube amp from I"d say the 50's. anybody know anything about these. I would think that it is a pretty good amp. 1...6v6 1...5y3gt 2..crc-6n7-gt/g

Cheers
ce24

Don't think it is no 65 watts from what this article says. Still it sounds cool post some pics when ya get time it sounds interesting.



Pawnshop Prize Webster Chicago 66-1A. (Input/Output).


Tube amps have evolved in ways the early designers couldn't possibly have imagined. But strip away the channel switching, effects loops, voicing switches, and multiple gain stages that accompany most modern guitar amps, and the bones look much as they did more than half a century ago. For proof, you need only examine this Webster Chicago model 66-1A amplifier. It features a pair of RCA 6V6 output tubes, a Tung-Sol 5Y3 rectifier, volume and tone controls, and an 8" speaker. Sounds like the ingredients for a boutique practice amp, right? In fact, the 66-1A's only diverse circuit detail is its metal-encased 6N7 pre-amp tube--a unique dual-triode that can double as a 10-watt output tube.

Originally designed for use with the company's '40s-era portable wire recorder, the compact 66-1A is about the size of a small ice-chest. It sports a maroon leatherette covering, a large compartment for the attached power and input cords (big enough to also accommodate a Tube Screamer), a flip-open hatch for easy tube access, and an enameled control-panel with classy-looking phenolic pointer knobs. The Samsonite suitcase handle was added at a later date.

Amp builders of the '40s generally thought of distortion as a bad thing, and it's obvious that the 66-IA was designed to enhance the laughably lo-fi sound of a wire recorder. Even when cranked and hit with a hot humbucker, the amp tone remains squeaky clean, and despite having the same output and rectifier tubes as a Fender Deluxe, it's only about half as loud. Adding a distortion pedal turns the 66- 1A into a growling little monster with a round, articulate distortion that sounds killer with Strat or P-90 single-coils--slide coolness spoken here.

A nifty relic from the swing era, the 66-1A is sort of like a Deluxe on tranquilizers. This lightweight amp would fit easily on the front seat of your car, and its smooth, rich voice makes it an ideal candidate for living-room jams or studio tracking. This example was recently purchased for $200--a smokin' deal for a handwired vintage tube amp. Heck, the tubes alone would cost nearly that much!

Amp courtesy of tonefrenzy.com.

[jh45gun]

Wonder where this guy buys his tubes LOL

[ce24]

sounds like it would certainly be worth having it "restored" by an amp tech! It's all there. The stamped plate says 65 watts but I do doubt that also. Any tech out there interested? it's really PTP.. a real rats nest of connections..will post pics this evening. BTW got it free!

Cheers
ce24

[ce24]

here are pics of the amp...







Cheers
ce24

oh well not there. I inserted the url but it didn't work..anyway goto my website and look at page 4 of our pics and that is where they are.