~1946 Gibson BR-1 Brown 1940s

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

This Gibson BR-1 amp is a rare gem, and it is in stunning condition too!  It is a stout build and was the largest, most powerful amp built by Gibson at the time, putting out 18 watts from two 6L6 power tubes.  

The model was produced from 1946 through 1949.  Not many were made, and I bet few survived.  The only data I could find states that 214 were made in 1948 and 109 were made in 1949.  

This example appears to be from 1946, judging from the date on the stock Stancore power transformer - the 17th week of 1946.

All the important stuff is original, right down to the leather handle.  The transformers are stock, the field coil speaker is original and sounding strong, and the circuit is largely original as well.  Electrolytic caps have been professionally changed.  The power cable is original and it is still supple without cracks or issues.  That is the reason I left it in place.  I can change it if the new owner would like me to.  The screws holding the back panels were mostly mixed replacements when the amp came to me, and some were missing.  I added a bunch of matching, flat-head screws to keep everything looking right.

The amp sounds tight and runs quiet.  I was very, very surprised by how well it works, frankly.  Playing a Telecaster through the amp gets a nice, tight "chug" when picking the lower strings or palm muting, and a sweet warmth for chords.  

The tubes are all old, and some are likely original to the amp.  The rectifier tube's guide pin is chipped a bit, but it still seats well and the guide works to keep you in line.

The other thing about the rectifier tube is that it is tall.  So tall that, when you remove the chassis, it hits the upper rear lip of the cabinet.  It must be removed from the chassis before removing the chassis.  Conversely, it must be installed while the chassis is slid part of the way in.  This sounds harder to deal with than it really is!  I just mention it because we will ship the amp with the tubes carefully wrapped, removed from the amp, so you will have to seat them.

This amp is a collector's dream.  It has amazing visual appeal and it is a very functional example.

Case/Cover?: No
Color: Brown
Dimensions: W16-1/2" x H19" x D10-1/2"
Weight: 42 lbs
Watts: 18 Watts
Date: 
Where is Date Noted?:  
Speaker 1 Brand: Jensen
Speaker 1 Size: 12"
Speaker Code: See Pics
Speaker 1 Cone: Original
Power Transformer Brand/Codes: 710-402-A  136617
Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: 2111
Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
Extension Speaker Out? No
Reverb or other effects?: No
Rectifier Tube: 5R4 GY, tip slightly broken does not affect use see pics
Rectifier Tube Brand: Ken-Rad
Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6
Power Tube Brand: RCA
Preamp Tubes: 6SN7, 6SJ7, 6SC7
Preamp Tube Brand: Raytheon, RCA, RCA
Filter Caps: Original
Pots/Codes: Original
Tolex/Tweed: Original
Grille: Original
Knobs: Original
Handle: Original
Power Cord: Original, 2 prong
Notes: 

Shipping policy:
Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.