1959 Supro Super

Valco built Supro amplifiers from the late 1950s are rightly gaining recognition as some of the finest small vintage tube amps of the era, offering raw authentic tone and unmistakable character without the price tag of comparable Fender models. This 1959 Supro Super is a classic example of that appeal, with its compact cabinet, minimalist circuit and gloriously touch sensitive response. Built in Chicago by Valco, the Super sits at the heart of Supro’s late 50s lineup and shares much of its DNA with other highly sought after Valco designs that later became studio and blues staples.

Rated at around 5 to 8 watts, the Supro Super delivers far more attitude than its modest output suggests. The simple circuit centres around a 12AX7 preamp tube, a single 6V6 power tube and a 5Y3 rectifier, a combination famed for its smooth compression and harmonically rich breakup. At lower volumes it produces warm articulate cleans with a slightly gritty edge, while turning the volume up reveals thick saturated overdrive that feels immediate and dynamic. The original 8 inch speaker keeps things tight and focused, adding a bright vintage sparkle and a surprisingly full low end for such a small enclosure.

This particular amp is in good condition, showing some cosmetic wear to the tolex and grille cloth consistent with its age. The filter caps have been replaced along with the output transformer, and the power transformer appears to have been rewound. The pot dates to the 19th week of 1959. A three pin US power cable has been fitted for safety. The amp is wired for 110V US power, so a suitable step down transformer will be required for use in the UK.