The rarity of these amps alone places them in near-mythical status — and this is only the second one we’ve seen here at Carter Vintage. For those unfamiliar, the Echosonic EA-1 was the first amplifier designed with built-in tape echo. What makes this particular example even more unique is that it’s the only one known to exist with factory tremolo!
This amp was purchased new by a husband-and-wife duo in western Michigan, where he played guitar and she played accordion. The original owner commissioned the amp directly from Ray Butts because his heroes, such as Chet Atkins and Carl Perkins used them. He requested the amp be equipped with tremolo, which was obliged by Mr. Butts along with a fan to keep the tubes cool. He drove down and took delivery of the amp from Butts directly. The amp was never gigged — the original owner called it his “living room amp,” hence its outstanding condition.
Even the original cover is pristine, and this amp is about as perfect as they come, just shy of calling it “mint.” Having been used minimally over the years, the electronics are in fantastic shape, with only a few minor changes. Some caps were replaced on the tape side during echo servicing, but otherwise it’s all original. Check the circuit pictures for further details. It even comes with a matching footswitch, also hand-built by Ray, further elevating it's charm.
The Michigan duo are part of the history within a celebrated legacy of EA-1 users, a group that includes legends like Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore, and Luther Perkins — just to name a few. This is serial number 62 out of 68 total amps made, making it one of the last pieces built by Ray. Simply put, you won’t find a more collectible American-made amp from the golden era of the 1950s!
