The Gretsch model 6163 “Executive” amplifier evolved from the top-of-the-line ’50s Gretsch Electromatic Deluxe amps, bearing the same chrome “refrigerator” handle and model number. In the early ‘60s the Executive amp gained its typical asymmetric cabinet and a covering that matched the Gretsch guitarcases of the time. It was, like all Gretsch amps up to 1968, manufactured by the Valco company who also made the famous Supro amps during the same era. This amp is quite similar to a Supro Thunderbolt in terms of power and speaker setup, although it is rectified with a 5U4 (instead of the diodes in the ‘Bolt) and offers a beautiful sounding and footswitchable bias tremolo effect as a bonus.

This early 1963 Executive was imported to Denmark in the early ‘60s by a musical instruments import firm called Alfred Christensen. The company converted the amp to the 220V export voltage by adding a rugged Lübcke step-down transformer inside the combo chassis. They also rebadged the amp accordingly. The Jensen 15” speaker that would have been stock for this amp was replaced by a (made in Denmark) Peerless Alnico 15” speaker. While it’s hard to exactly date this speaker it looks to be a sixties item. It sounds beautiful in this amp and appears to be a very high quality speaker. The 4” CTS tweeter is still fully functional and is well balanced to the 15” driver.

The Gretsch logos on these amps were fragile and it’s unfortunately missing on this amp, but the cool refridgerator style handle was preserved as were the original Gretsch control knobs. The covering is in quite good condition as well. A small EU hifi speaker connector was added to the side for an external speaker but has been disconnected. The amp was recently serviced with some components (mainly electrlytic caps) replaced and it was retubed with new Tube Amp Doctor brand preamp and powertubes.

This amp runs great with almost no noise or hum. Incredibly high-powered with surprisingly musical headroom, this amp produces a nice raw overdrive when pushed near to 10 while the low end remains firm and solid. Otherwise, it’s actually pleasantly clean and twangy, sounding more like a VOX amp than a tweed Fender in that respect. 

Component dates:

• Serial Number: T80396
• Potentiometers: wk42/1962
• Mains Transformer: 166309 (wk 9/1963), 
• Output Transformer: wk13/1961
• Speaker code (CTS 4”): 285240 (wk40/1962)
• 5U4 date: wk13/1963
• Mallory Cap Can: wk 6/1963