The big drawback of being a gear freak is that it can be an expensive hobby. But at the same time, it’s a hell of a lot of fun discovering new gear, or discovering little-known vintage gear. I was in a local use gear store the other day, and happened upon this amp. What a classic! It’s all-tube, with 4 – 8″ speakers. As far as tone goes, think Beach Boys and Jan and Dean, and perhaps a little quieter Dick Dale. In other words, this produces pure, clean surf guitar tone.
I tried it out with a number of guitars, and could never get it to break up. Talk about headroom! I do have to say that with a drive pedal, it didn’t sound too good. Actually, it sounded awful with a drive pedal.
Here’s the cool thing about this amp: If you run across one, and you like its sound, you can get it for around $500. For a clean tone vintage amp, that’s a pretty awesome price!
As far as features are concerned, it has two completely independent channels. The first channel only has EQ, while the second channel adds Presence, Reverb and Vibrato. Unfortunately, the vibrato on the amp I tried didn’t work, but the reverb was nice and thick, and reminiscent of old surf music. It sounded best with a semi- or hollow-body axe with the reverb kicked in about halfway.
There aren’t too many of these floating around, but you can find ’em.
Guitar Gear 
Just because there’s no comments doesnt mean your readers didnt enjoy your article. I enjoy the hell out of “trolling” out of the way music stores and pawn shops, as well. My wife would tell you I have a basement full of “treasures” to prove it…lol. Beware of old leather handles, though – I damaged an old Silvertone by my own stupidity by carrying it by the original handle.
A friend of mine did the same with an old leather handle… IN A SHOP!!! Luckily, the dudes didn’t make him pay for it. I always let the shop guys position that gear. Did the same with the Epi. Thing’s huge and heavy! 🙂
BTW, thanks for the words of encouragement, Tweed!
Hi
The Epiphone Futura amp is awesome
Picked it up in Jersey for 100.00.
I had Guitar center put 4 brand new Jensons
in it a boy the is a very nice amp
I pre -amp with 12A7’s and 6L6’s and turn the heat up on that and the sound -well ~ Buttery creamy blues ~