Yamaha / Yamaha TA30 / 1970 / Black / Amp
Now here is one for the collectors out there.
In the early 1970s Yamaha decided to enter the guitar amplifier market, and in doing so introduced what would be amongst the most individual amps ever made. Not only were they amongst the first solid-state amps offered (with no fewer than 28 transistors and 10 diodes!), but their shape, with an upright stance and a very narrow triangular profile, is their most striking feature.
This shape was largely made possible by the use of Yamaha's new "Natural Sound speaker", which was a very large, flat, irregularly-shaped diaphragm made from polystyrene, driven by an off-centre standard voice-coil/magnet assembly. One of these speakers was used in the TA30, two in the larger TA60, and three in the huge TA90 - obviously the speakers are rated at 30 watts! They were also used in the well-regarded Yamaha Electone organs of the time.
This amp is in collector condition. It sounds amazingly good if kept within its power rating (solid-state distortion ain't much to write home about), and in fact makes a glorious acoustic amp - with a difference!
The unit is perfect both cosmetically and electronically. Dimensions are 72cm x 56cm x 26cm, and it weighs in at 16kg.