Filmosound Specialist 385 12" Combo

This amplifier started life as a Bell and Howell model 385 'Filmosound' 16 mm Film and Sound projector, and was manufactured between 1955 and 1961. Repurposing original Filmosounds into guitar amplifiers has become very popular thanks to the fame of the original 'Bernie' amps built by Berni Raustig of Hamilton, Ontario. The 'Berni' amps are the stuff of legend among those in the electric guitar tone Illuminati, particularly here in Canada. Colin Cripps, The Tragically Hip and Sarah Harmer all make good use of their original Bernis. South of the border, Ry Cooder and Blake Mills are spreading the Filmo gospel.

The Filmosound 385 was built in two versions, one featuring 6V6 power tubes and the other with EL84s. This example is an EL84 model, and is the creation of Steve Moratto of Moratto Amps in Toronto. The chassis havs been gutted, cleaned-up and point-to-point wired using the original transformers and high quality components to create a 15 to 18 watt amplifier. The retro-styled cabinet was custom built of dovetailed pine by Derrick Bell of Trenton, Ontario. 12" Weber Legacy 30 Watt ceramic speaker. A lightweight, portable 112 combo with unbelievable EL-84 tone .

Shipping into the USA?

Sending this guitar to a US address is easy to do, and there are no import fees, taxes, or duties to pay when it arrives. We take care of everything involved in shipping -- all you have to do unpackage the instrument when it arrives and play!

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