Dating a Polytone

msr13 · #1 01-04-2012, 11:44 PM

I just found this Polytone MiniBrute IV in a music store in CA. I didn't know... Never tried a Polytone before. I loved this sound, and at the low price they are selling it at, well worth the risk, but does anyone know how old it is approximately?

Franz 1997 · #2 01-05-2012, 03:54 AM

I have a model with identical cosmetics, bought new in 1982.

msr13 · #3 01-05-2012, 09:05 PM

Thanks. Appreciate it.

Sphere · #4 01-05-2012, 09:50 PM

It's a nice amp, but I would never consider dating it.

bborzell · #5 01-06-2012, 01:47 AM

Looks like it is at Skip's in Sacramento. Very reliable store.

I wouldn't hold much hope for getting date info from Polytone. While they have begun returning calls lately, the past few times I have talked to them, I have spoken to the owner who is in his 80's or so and he doesn't seem to like to talk about older gear. I bought my Polytone amp new nearly 40 years ago (from Skip's, in fact).

oldane · #6 01-06-2012, 07:38 AM

Dating a Polytone? In my day, we dated chicks, but these days anything goes.

(sorry couldn't resist)

Sphere · #7 01-06-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldane

Dating a Polytone? In my day, we dated chicks, but these days anything goes.

(sorry couldn't resist)

Um, two posts up...

msr13 · #8 01-06-2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

Looks like it is at Skip's in Sacramento. Very reliable store.

I wouldn't hold much hope for getting date info from Polytone. While they have begun returning calls lately, the past few times I have talked to them, I have spoken to the owner who is in his 80's or so and he doesn't seem to like to talk about older gear. I bought my Polytone amp new nearly 40 years ago (from Skip's, in fact).

Yeah. It is Skips. I had about five minutes to play with it. They are checking it out for me to make sure everything works. Seem like nice people and a nice shop. If it is good, I'll take it. Initial sound was great.

msr13 · #9 01-06-2012, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldane

Dating a Polytone? In my day, we dated chicks, but these days anything goes.

(sorry couldn't resist)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sphere

Um, two posts up...

One must keep an open mind...

oldane · #10 01-06-2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sphere

Um, two posts up...

Sorry, missed that.

WilliamScott · #11 01-09-2012, 01:11 PM

I don't know if the serial numbers are consecutive but mine is serial 20276 from 1984 (same amp). This one you are looking at would be older, I would think. Great amps. Mine is still the one I use for small gigs.

Bill

WilliamScott · #12 01-09-2012, 01:14 PM

oops. I just noticed you said it was a mini-brute IV. I thought the blurry picture said II. Mine's a II. Same configuration of controls. Probably still earlier than '84 for yours.

Bill