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Amplifiers

The first amplifiers for musical instruments were used with acoustic guitars during the '30s and '40s. These early amplifiers were used with the lap-top steel Hawaiian guitar. This style of music became widely popular during the '30s. With the evolution of blues, jazz, and rock and roll music, amplifiers were used for other instruments including electric guitars and keyboards. Today, amplifiers are available for many different instruments.

Originally, amplifiers used vacuum tubes to produce power and fluctuations in tone quality. Vacuum tubes were the predominant component in amplifiers until the '70s when solid-state amplifiers using semiconductors were introduced. Solid-state amplifiers became the preferred style due to their smaller size and lower price. More recently, digital technology has been introduced to the amplifier market.

As the '70s era is considered the peak in vintage amplifier production, '70s vintage amplifiers are highly desired by collectors. These amplifiers were manufactured from wood, metal, and fabric and were very durable. Many still produce high-quality sound when used. Amplifiers manufactured by Fender, Marshall, Orange, and other companies are still widely available on the collector's market today. Vintage amplifiers in excellent working condition with quality sound will fetch the highest prices.


Quick Facts

  • Some musicians prefer tube amplifiers over solid-state amplifiers due to their sound quality and ease of repair
  • The 1958 to 1959 Fender Twin was one of the first high-powered amplifiers. This vintage amplifier is currently valued at $11,500 to $14,000
  • The most valuable vintage amplifier available to collectors today is the Dumble Overdrive Special. It is estimated that there are fewer than 300 Dumble Overdrive Special amplifiers. Models in excellent condition consistently sell for more than $50,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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McIntosh C12000 Controller & C12000 Pre-Amplifier
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh C12000 Controller & C12000 Pre-Amplifier
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$85013 Bids
McIntosh C 26 solid state stereo preamplifier powers on Has paperwork
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
McIntosh C 26 solid state stereo preamplifier powers on Has paperwork
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$35010 Bids
Vintage rare Gibson E.H. 185 Amplifier, light turns on
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
Vintage rare Gibson E.H. 185 Amplifier, light turns on
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$2759 Bids
McIntosh MC275 Tube Amplifier 50th Anniversary
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh MC275 Tube Amplifier 50th Anniversary
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$1,3008 Bids
McIntosh MC3500 Audio Tube Power Amplifier AJV1298
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh MC3500 Audio Tube Power Amplifier AJV1298
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$2,7507 Bids
McIntosh MC3500 Audio Tube Power Amplifier AJV1258
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh MC3500 Audio Tube Power Amplifier AJV1258
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$2,7507 Bids
McIntosh MC275 50th Anniversary LE Tube Amplifier
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh MC275 50th Anniversary LE Tube Amplifier
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $1,000- $10,000
$9006 Bids
McIntosh MA252 Hybrid Tube Integrated Amplifier
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh MA252 Hybrid Tube Integrated Amplifier
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$6505 Bids
Opportunity lot 2 Scott amplifiers chrome beauties for parts or restoration
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
Opportunity lot 2 Scott amplifiers chrome beauties for parts or restoration
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$404 Bids
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BRYSTON POWER AMPLIFIER 3B
Feb 14, 12:00 PM EST
BRYSTON POWER AMPLIFIER 3B
by Dennis Auction Service
Est: $200- $300
$1804 Bids
McIntosh MC303 Three-Chanel 300W Power Amplifier
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh MC303 Three-Chanel 300W Power Amplifier
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$1,3004 Bids
Opportunity lot donation amplifier and tubes with boxes light sockets etc
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
Opportunity lot donation amplifier and tubes with boxes light sockets etc
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$403 Bids
McIntosh C500 Tube Pre Amplifier Unit # AAB1098
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh C500 Tube Pre Amplifier Unit # AAB1098
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$1253 Bids
McIntosh D100 Phono Digital Stereo Pre Amplifier
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh D100 Phono Digital Stereo Pre Amplifier
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$752 Bids
Chicago Electric 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder
Feb 15, 10:00 AM MST
Chicago Electric 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$152 Bids
Bunny big ears small amplifier?? Cut cord Mekelek inc, 4“ x 6“ x 5“
Feb 18, 5:00 PM EST
Bunny big ears small amplifier?? Cut cord Mekelek inc, 4“ x 6“ x 5“
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
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ONKYO & PIONEER ELITE VSK-24TX AMPLIFIERS
Feb 14, 12:00 PM EST
ONKYO & PIONEER ELITE VSK-24TX AMPLIFIERS
by Dennis Auction Service
Est: $50- $100
$251 Bid
Behringer Gm108 V-tone Modeling Guitar Amplifier
Feb 15, 10:00 AM MST
Behringer Gm108 V-tone Modeling Guitar Amplifier
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
McIntosh C500 Controller Center Preamplifier Unit
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
McIntosh C500 Controller Center Preamplifier Unit
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$501 Bid
VELODYNE SC-1250 SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER
Feb 13, 2:00 PM EST
VELODYNE SC-1250 SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER
by Westport Auction
Est: $50- $10,000
$501 Bid
A Steampunk Audio System Amplifier
Feb 09, 10:00 AM EST
A Steampunk Audio System Amplifier
by Topwells
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Amplifiers


Hill Auction Gallery

Hill Auction Gallery

Ripley Auctions

Ripley Auctions

Dennis Auction Service

Dennis Auction Service

Westport Auction

Westport Auction