Back to the main page Back to category Guitar Amplifiers
musical instrument details
1960s Teisco Checkmate 15 Vintage 1x10 Tube Amplifier Near Mint & Serviced Japan
Estimated price for orientation: 799 $
Category: Guitar Amplifiers
Class:
Description Brand: Teisco Exact Year: 1960s Model: Checkmate 15 Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan MPN: Does Not Apply UPC: Does not apply
Up for sale, a 1960's Teisco Checkmate 15 tube amplifier in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. This extremely well cared for vintage Teisco amp has been freshly serviced, and the point-to-point circuit meticulously gone through to guarantee optimal performance and longevity. Likely with a Princeton Reverb as its inspiration, this 1x10 combo amp features both Reverb and Tremolo, delivering an as-advertised 15 watts of pure tube driven tone. Sweet, clear, and bell-like cleans are easy to coax out of this amp, and the original 7189A power tube pair has a tone that is quite similar in its breakup and overall EQ balance to an EL84. With the volume about halfway up (and of course depending on how hot your guitar's pickups are), the amp begins to saturate, and the overdrive is very musical and warm, driving the circuit with a glassy, touch sensitive dynamic response. The Tremolo has a nice strong pulse as well, and the diminutive Reverb tank has a splashy, lo-fi sound, that is quintessential '60s Garage Rock and Surf, especially when paired with the Tremolo. A very rare original footswitch is included too, and this switch can operate either effect via the footswitch inputs on the back panel.The circuit retains the original transformers, and the amp has been fully recapped in terms of both the power amp and the signal caps to ensure that the amp is operating as it did the day it left the factory (or arguably better, given the high quality replacement caps used). While the power tube pair is likely original, the four preamp tubes are a mixture of vintage and newer valves.Cosmetically, this amp is remarkably clean, with a lightly textured fawn thatched covering, and deep maroon grillcloth. Both the "Teisco" badge and "Checkmate 15" raised logos are intact, and there are faint marks on the grill from a previous band name (the Chuck Lewis County Ramblers or something in that vein). The faceplate retains the original knobs, and there is very little wear on the enclosure.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.
Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground and will be $70, fully insured. We use double thick boxes, 1" hard foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your item arrives safely. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
Description
| Brand: | Teisco | Exact Year: | 1960s |
| Model: | Checkmate 15 | Country/Region of Manufacture: | Japan |
| MPN: | Does Not Apply | UPC: | Does not apply |
Up for sale, a 1960's Teisco Checkmate 15 tube amplifier in exceptional condition and in perfect working order. This extremely well cared for vintage Teisco amp has been freshly serviced, and the point-to-point circuit meticulously gone through to guarantee optimal performance and longevity. Likely with a Princeton Reverb as its inspiration, this 1x10 combo amp features both Reverb and Tremolo, delivering an as-advertised 15 watts of pure tube driven tone. Sweet, clear, and bell-like cleans are easy to coax out of this amp, and the original 7189A power tube pair has a tone that is quite similar in its breakup and overall EQ balance to an EL84. With the volume about halfway up (and of course depending on how hot your guitar's pickups are), the amp begins to saturate, and the overdrive is very musical and warm, driving the circuit with a glassy, touch sensitive dynamic response. The Tremolo has a nice strong pulse as well, and the diminutive Reverb tank has a splashy, lo-fi sound, that is quintessential '60s Garage Rock and Surf, especially when paired with the Tremolo. A very rare original footswitch is included too, and this switch can operate either effect via the footswitch inputs on the back panel.The circuit retains the original transformers, and the amp has been fully recapped in terms of both the power amp and the signal caps to ensure that the amp is operating as it did the day it left the factory (or arguably better, given the high quality replacement caps used). While the power tube pair is likely original, the four preamp tubes are a mixture of vintage and newer valves.
Cosmetically, this amp is remarkably clean, with a lightly textured fawn thatched covering, and deep maroon grillcloth. Both the "Teisco" badge and "Checkmate 15" raised logos are intact, and there are faint marks on the grill from a previous band name (the Chuck Lewis County Ramblers or something in that vein). The faceplate retains the original knobs, and there is very little wear on the enclosure.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.
Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground and will be $70, fully insured. We use double thick boxes, 1" hard foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your item arrives safely. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground and will be $70, fully insured. We use double thick boxes, 1" hard foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your item arrives safely. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!