Private Stock Amplifiers, Farnsworth Art Deco Museum Quality

     “If
you turn that work of art into an amplifier I will kill you”    

These were the exact words my
significant other said to me when she saw the Art Deco pre war console radio in
my living room. I had explained that I was planning on doing such a project for
some time and was just looking for the right piece to start out from. “Too late”
I said, calmly lifting the top right lid half and letting her look inside. I explained
that I had placed it in the living room from my studio because I was thinking
of selling it. She then said “you are going to make some woman, somewhere
deliriously happy”. Let me explain that I have a love of a natural, warm sound
and use vintage 15” Alnico speakers in many of my amps. I am a serious Fender
junkie. I am also a devoted fan of Art Deco and Mid Century furniture. The
project was obvious. I only wish I could let each reader hear this amplifier in
person. You just cannot get the tone and richness that this produces from any
modern setup I have tried. The resonance of the cabinet and the characteristics
of the 15” Alnico just make a clear, sweet, complex tone that makes blues.
R&B, Motown, soul, jazz, 60’s rock just give you that funny feeling in the
pit of your stomach.

  
The project began with finally finding a true museum quality Farnsworth
prewar console radio that merited the expense and labor. I chose an amp that
some malign but have probably never heard fully sorted out and re tubed, being
a California USA built Fender DeVille. This unit was in mint condition but I
had Gary Dahle from Pro Audio, one of the most experienced and knowledgeable
tube guys in the southeast, go through it tip to tail and re tube with JJ
Russian tubes throughout. The original cabinet was replaced with a mahogany and
birch surround lined with heavy metal foil to suppress hum. The inside of the
radio cabinet was tightened and re glued in a few places and the inner face
panel was replaced with a furniture quality birch face plywood ¾” panel that
was stained a deep red mahogany to match the original interior color and
treated with ten coats of hand rubbed low gloss tung oil. The edges and center
opening were routed to mimic the style of the outer wood working. The speaker
panel was also replicated in ¾” furniture quality birch plywood and the grille
cloth replaced with a very close replica of the original supplied by Richmond
Designs. For the speaker, after much deliberation and some very helpful input
from Henry at Red Plate Amps [yes, I also own one of his great amps] I chose a
vintage Heppner Alnico speaker that I had acquired a few years ago. I still
find these brand new from time to time even though they are 40 odd years old.
They are not terribly efficient but they break up very gradually and cleanly
and the tone is just out of this word. I placed the speaker opening as high as
possible in the cabinet while still clearing the power tubes to get the speaker
nearer my ear and minimize the “floor effect”. As an alternative speaker I have
also fitted a Jensen G15K,  Both speakers are included in the purchase price. Using the Heppner requires some restraint as you can
simply destroy it at will if you turn the DeVille up too loud. With the Jensen you
can really get loud but the Heppner will break up at a very pleasant living
room level.

    
 I realize pride goeth before a
fall but I truly believe that this is the best sounding amplifier I have ever
played through. Boutique/shmoutique, believe me I have had lots of very
expensive amps with very big names. The fact that it is also the most beautiful
amplifier I have ever seen is simply an added plus. It’s the tone and sound
that makes this a unique amplifier. The top loading prewar Farnsworths in this
condition are almost exclusively in museums. It is an amazing piece of American
Art Deco furniture in its own right and could proudly adorn the interior of
even the most expensive home. But when you just need to knock out a little
Albert King, Luther Tucker or Steve Cropper between Old Fashioneds, there you
are!

     I
assume someone will ask, so as the final surprise it actually weighs quite a
bit less than the original Fender DeVille. With an anvil case this amp would be
completely road worthy and puts out a clear strong sound that would fill any
500 seater with ease for a touring pro. Hey Duke, I would probably be willing
to let you give it a try. Free Shipping in the 48.