For sale is a super rare iteration of Watkins' iconic Westminster valve amp, dating from 1959-60 (made in England). Rarer still, it is pretty much original condition.
Having done my research this iteration is unique for its control panel featuring 2 separate volume and tone controls for each of the 2 inputs, as well as 6AQ5 output valves. Charlie Watkins is quoted as stating that only 10 of these amps were made, and they were much-favoured by jazz players of the time.
It has been serviced by Coopersonic (Nottingham), who conducted the following running repairs to attend to the common 'hum' issues, replace the necessary deteriorated caps and bring it up to modern safety / grounding standards:
- Clean all pots, sockets and switches
- Rewire mains plug
- Test all valves
- Replace 8x “Hunts” capacitors
- Replace 10uF 450V axial electrolytic capacitor
- Reform can capacitor
- Rewire valve heaters, balance to ground – 2x 100R 1W resistor
- PAT test
- Clean footswitch
Otherwise, it is all original - save for the 'Watkins' badge, which has been lost to time, as are 2 of the knob's reflector tops. Forgivable, given the amp is nearing its 65th birthday!
Cosmetic condition is good, with some minor marks to the beautiful 'Red Star' covering - which is also original. It retains its original footswitch (pictured).
A fantastic and rare vintage Watkins classic, ready to go for another 6 decades.
Free shipping to mainland UK via Parcelforce 24. More photos available on my site - if you have any questions or queries then please get in touch!
Ollie's Guitars is an independent Nottingham-based business run solely by myself - Ollie. All guitars receive a basic shop setup, including the action being set comfortably, a fresh set of strings and all electronics / pots cleaned (unless otherwise specified). I would recommend having any guitar setup to your preferences following delivery to suit your preferred playing style and string gauge, etc.