The Gretsch Pages

<p>Like most Gretsch amps, the 6161 styling changed several times: first there was the original Electromatic style, with wraparound grill, a porthole for the tweeter, and a cream plastic handle. This type, as shown above and in the rear view to the right, was in production from approximately 1955 to 1958. </p> <p>The second Electromatic style became one of Gretsch's most recognized and best loved amps. With twin elliptical speakers and an angled wraparound grill, nothing else looked or sounded quite like it. This style had an enlarged wraparound grill, slightly different Tolex covering and a black handle and was in production from about 1958 to 1962. </p> <p>The 6169 Electromatic was offered in the '50s, alongside the nearly identical 6161. What set the 6169 apart was style: cream tolex covering with western themed leather trim, a steer's head silkscreened on the speaker grill, and, to cap it all off, a &quot;belt buckle&quot; emblem Gretsch also used on some guitars, as shown here in this excellent example courtesy of Hal Zwicke. </p> <p>The third, simpler box style cabinet debuted around 1962. While the cool look of the earlier amps was gone, the guts remained pretty similar. Wattage rose from 14 to 17, the odd elliptical speakers were traded for two standard 10&quot; Jensens, and the control panel gained an input. </p> <p>The big change came later, when the classic Dual-Twin was phased out around 1967 or 1968 to make way for the Dual Twin Tremolo... </p>

Comments

1. Fretts Nov 11, 2006 8:32 p.m.

   I would like to comment that this post doesn't even mention the Gretsch 6162 except in the title. I can add that there are at least three versions of the 6162 amp. One has all 12AX7's in the preamp and power amp with 6973 "jukebox" tubes for power, and four inputs into two channels; another has one channel with two input jacks, and a third, like I have, has a 6973 in the preamp to drive the reverb and a 6EU7 as a driver tube in the power section. There was no diagram for my version of the amp so I had to trace it out and draw it, what a confusing amp to try to trace! I am still finding some small corrections and posting them as I go.

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   — Nov 11, 2006 8:32 p.m.

2. RightLurker Dec 11, 2006 9:35 a.m.

   What happened to the pictures of the amps? And why no mention of the 6166 Fury?

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   — Dec 11, 2006 9:35 a.m.

3. bobb6162 Jan 19, 2007 6 a.m.

   I bought a used 6162 Dualtwin reverb for $125 in 1965 I sold it in 1972 for a Twin Reverb ! I put casters on the bottom in 66 and pulled it down the sidewalk 6 blocks to band practice once a week and it never quit ! I sold it because it was not as loud as it once was and had no idea in those days that a fresh set of tubes would have made it the monster it once was ! The Dealer gave me $125 for on trade I figured that was good enough ! The twin I got just made my ears get tinnitus , but at least the other guitar player in my band was not blasting over me anymore I used a Bosstone by shosound and my 65 SG Special and a dunlop wah ! I was Eric Clapton to the nines , Or Jimmy Page ! THe amp had a Hammond black cardboard box reverb tank , and when it was changed to a 4AB3C1B tank mounted on the rear panel IT was completely better than any DeluxeReverb or Princeton Reverb I want another one I've missed 3 on Ebay by not seeing them in time to bid ! I have an AC30 and a Heathkit hooked up to a Fender reverb unit then direct mike it

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   — Jan 19, 2007 6 a.m.

4. badams Apr 1, 2007 8:02 p.m.

   It may have been a good amp but it didnt sound better than a Princeton Reverb. IMO the Princeton Reverb is one of the best sounding amps ever built.

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   — Apr 1, 2007 8:02 p.m.

5. singlecutaway May 15, 2007 7:41 p.m.

   The 6162 was a pretty good amp, I've had about 5 or 6 over the years. Trying to find one that was special but offed them all on ebay for nearly double what I paid for them. The Valco thing is pretty overated if I may say. The worst is the rattling grill cloth on the Valco amp's. Gretsch amps are ok but not in the same house as the amp's we grew up on.

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   — May 15, 2007 7:41 p.m.