During this period Selmer amplifiers were covered in a
blue and grey two-tone material of a type similar to that used by Vox
and Watkins at that time. The "Truvoice" brand designation still
existed generally, but was being displaced by more prominent use of the
"Selmer" logo. Many of the following amplifiers are otherwise identical
to the Red/Cream models, and therefore descriptions are abbreviated and
cross-referenced to the previous section accordingly (and it also saves typing it all twice !)
THE BLUE/GREY PERIOD (September 1961 to September 1963)
No longer the "New Standard" - maybe because the model wasn't new
any more. As red/cream amplifier, except the "TRUVOICE" logo along the
top margin of the speaker cloth was dropped and replaced by a
centrally-positioned gold Selmer logo, and later by a small
"badge-type" Selmer logo. Price increased to 22 gns.
As red/cream amplifier, except the "TRUVOICE" logo along the top margin
of the speaker cloth was dropped and replaced by a centrally-positioned
gold Selmer logo. Price increased to 30 gns.
This new model appeared some time later than the change to the blue/grey
format, being introduced in June 1962. It was probably introduced by Selmer
to compete with the very similar Bird Golden Eagle amplifier that had come
onto the market a few months earlier. A "3D Sound" was promised in the
advertising, doubtless due to
the unusual configuration of 3 elliptical 10" x 6" speakers. Ten watt output via ECC83 (4), EL84 (2) & EZ81 (1). Size 17.1/2" x 21" x
8.1/2". Single channel, two inputs, five controls, foot-switchable
reverb and tremelo. Price 45 gns.
As red/cream amplifier, except the following. "TRUVOICE" logo along the
top margin of the speaker cloth was dropped and replaced by a
centrally-positioned gold Selmer logo. Cabinet configuration changed to
straight-sided (22" x 18.1/2" x 9"), no slanting rear-panel, control
panel inset into top instead. Price increased to 53 gns.
As red/cream Selector-Tone Rotary amplifier, except the following.
"TRUVOICE" logo along the top margin of the speaker cloth was dropped
and replaced by a centrally-positioned gold Selmer logo. Slight change
in cabinet size to 23" x 19" x 10". Very slight changes to text on
control panel. Price unchanged at 65 gns. It would appear that the
Rotary Selectortone was discontinued halfway through the blue-grey
period, and replaced by the Diplomat Reverb.
This model appears in later catalogues of the blue/grey era and the
description suggests that it is another new model introduced during the
time of the blue/grey coverings. Rated at 15 watts via ECC83 (3), ECC81
(2), 6BR8 (1), ECC82 (1), EL84 (2) & EZ81 (1) through a 12"
heavy-duty speaker. Size 19.3/4" x 22.1/2" x 9.1/2". Two channels, one
with reverb and the other with reverb and tremolo, foot-switchable. Four
inputs, eight controls & Normal/Brilliant switch. Price 72 gns.
As red/cream Selector-Tone Automatic amplifier, except in blue-grey.
The "Truvoice" logo along the top margin of the speaker cloth was
dropped and replaced initially by a centrally-positioned gold Selmer
logo, and then by a small grey plastic Selmer badge at the top right
hand corner of the speaker grill. Slight change in cabinet size to 24"
x 20" x 11". Very slight changes to text on control panel. Price
unchanged at 75 gns.
Introduced in the last fewweeks of the Red/Cream period, this was the giant of Selmer's range in the early 60's,
With "built-in tremolo AND reverb", this was serious competition for the Vox AC30 which, at a
similar price, didn't have the reverb feature of course. Output was 30
watts using EF86 (2), ECC83 (3), ECC81 (1), KT88 (2) & GZ34 into a
pair of heavy-duty 12" speakers (probably Goodmans Audiom 70's). Size
29" x 20" x 10", control panel inset into the top and identical to the
Selector-Tone Automatic but an extra rotary knob for reverb intensity
replacing the pilot light. It had castors, so it's a heavy beast at
67lbs. A centrally-positioned gold Selmer script logo was fitted to the
speaker grill initially, but later blue-grey models had a smaller grey
plastic logo fixed in the top corner of the speaker cloth. Price
charged was 105 gns, including footswitch and plastic cover. A Twin
Selectortone version was offered without the reverb feature at the price of
95 gns for a few months towards the end of the Blue-Grey period. Examples
today of this version are rare however.
Selmer's first separate head and cabinet outfit, introduced during the
blue-grey period in 1962. The head was a 30 watt twin channel (one
normal, one bass) amp, fitted with 1 - GZ34, 2 - EL34, 4 - ECC83
valves. No reverb or tremolo; just simple volume, bass and treble
controls for each channel. The cabinet contained two 12" Celestion
speakers, and as well as being equipped with castors, also was fitted
with brass struts to allow the cabinet to be angled back for improved
sound distribution, just as fitted to some Fender amps. Heavy clamping
devices were also fitted onto the top of the cabinet for securing the
amp head.
Price for the outfit was 115gns, but the head and cabinet could be purchased
separately.
Amps
.jpg)
