Elgen
were a manufacturer of valve and solid state amplification based in Queens Road,
High Wycombe (up behind the Nags Head) and were in operation between the mid 60s
and the mid 70s. Most sported burgundy tolex and pink Plexiglas (later silver)
control panels (looks better than it sounds) but other equally lurid colour schemes
have been seen. The company was run by Tony 'Monty' Merrell and his drummer friend
Bonzo (no, not that one) from local beat group Jimmy Mac and the Beatfinders.
Most seem to have gone to the US but Warhorse used to use them as well as local
prog rockers Audience. The range included at least lead, bass and PA heads as
well as combos and speaker cabinets.That is about as much as I know. I would love
to receive any further information at all that anybody has, especially catalogue
scans etc. please email us. I
owned a 50 or 60W (at a guess) bass version in the early 80s as the bass player
in the band I was in at that time couldn't afford his own gear. It was solid,
reliable and sounded good (meant to be based on the 59 Fender Bassman) but I sold
it after we got a new, equipped bass player - who also owned a Bedford CF which
may have swayed the decision. I didn't appreciate its' local connection at the
time (nor was particularly interested) but now I am spending a lot of time inside
valve amps I would like to find out more about them. They are not particularly
valuable or desirable as vintage amps go but I would love to get hold of a 50/60W
Lead (preferably) or bass head in any condition, even not working, to restore.Even
better if it was the actual one I had, may still be around locally. I will pay
a sensible amount or have several valve amps for trade.If you know of any that
are for sale please email us..
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