Oahu
Oahu Sunshine 1x8" Guitar Tube Amp w/Cover (1950's)
Oahu Sunshine 1x8" Guitar Tube Amp w/Cover (1950's)
This amp looks to be all original including tubes, speaker, transformer and 2 prong power cable.
Cosmetically it is in great shape for it's age and the original yellow tolex is very clean with only some minor wear.
The amp powers up and operates well with a clean sound that gets a little gritty with the volume cranked but still on the cleaner side. The Microphone input has higher gain making it great to get a bit of added drive when pushing the volume on the amp.
Features 3 inputs (2 Instrument and 1 Microphone), volume and tone knobs, roughly 5 watts of power, 3 RCA tubes (6V6, 5Y3, 6SL7), 8" speaker, comfortable hard carrying handle and an aftermarket amp cover.
The serial number dates this amp to 1955 but there is conflicting information regarding the number scheme used, we do know this amplifier was only available in the 1950's as part of of the Oahu "Sunshine" Electric Guitar Outfit. The amp retailed for $75 and the matching guitar went for $49.50 (plus $6.50 if you wanted the case) These amps were made in the USA by the Valco Manufacturing Co. in Chicago, Illinois.
This is the write up on this amplifier from the 1953 Oahu Catalog
"Sharply styled to please the eye, the Sunshine Amplifier includes the features of quality you have always wanted! Not just another amplifier! Guaranteed to please and serve you better. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Heavy plywood cabinet construction - leatherette covered.
- Color is a bright, cheerfuly yellow with contrasting black grill.
- Quality 8" P.M. speaker - super sound grill.
- Tubes: 6V6GT, 5Y3GT, and duale purpose 6SL7GT.
- Safety 7 foot rubber covered A.C. line cord and plug.
- 3 modern inputs including extra amplification on microphone.
- Smooth logarithmic curve volume and tone controls.
- Heavy duty off and on A.C. line switch.
- Shock proof fuse container on panel - easy to change.
- Every part of high quality and engineered to last.
- Weight only 11 lbs. - 12" wide x 13" high x 7 1/2" deep.