Supro S6616

The Supro S6616, also known as the "Trojan," is a vintage amplifier revered for its unique tonal qualities and association with early rock and blues music.

History of the Supro S6616

• Origins (1950s-1960s): The Supro S6616 was introduced during the golden era of Supro amplifiers, which were manufactured by Valco in Chicago. Known for their affordability and distinctive sound, Supro amps were popular among blues and rock musicians who valued their raw, midrange-focused tone. The S6616 featured a single 6V6 power tube, point-to-point wiring, and a compact combo design with a 6"x9" oval speaker.
• Design and Features: The amp was equipped with a single-ended Class A circuit, producing about 5 watts of output. It included built-in tremolo, which was controlled via a speed knob. Its simple yet effective design made it highly responsive to playing dynamics and an ideal platform for natural overdrive at higher volumes.
• Legacy: Supro amps fell out of production in 1968 when Valco closed its doors, but they gained cult status due to their use on iconic recordings. The brand was revived in 2013, reissuing vintage-inspired models that captured the essence of the originals.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Volume: Set around 2-4 for clean headroom.
  • Tremolo: Adjust speed to taste for subtle modulation.
  • Ideal for blues or jazz with warm, vintage character.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Volume: Crank to 7-10 for natural tube saturation.
  • Use a treble booster or fuzz pedal to enhance sustain and grit.
  • Perfect for early rock ‘n' roll or garage rock tones.
• Temolo Effects:
  • Engage the tremolo circuit with Speed set around noon for a classic pulsating effect.
  • Combine with overdriven tones for atmospheric or surf-inspired sounds.

Notable Players

• Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin): While not confirmed for the S6616 specifically, Page famously used Supro amps (notably the Model 24) on Led Zeppelin I, showcasing their raw tone on tracks like "Good Times Bad Times."
• Modern Artists:
  • Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) has used Supro amps extensively for their vintage vibe.
  • Joe Perry (Aerosmith) has incorporated reissued Supro models into his touring rig.

Summary

The Supro S6616 remains an emblem of vintage tone, prized for its responsive dynamics and compact design. Its resurgence in recent years highlights its lasting influence on guitar amplification and music history.