Jason Momoa can officially stop looking for a new guitar amp because he is never going to top the pedigree unicorn that Trevor Boone has just unearthed for him – a Dumble Overdrive Special that was commissioned for the Beach Boys, housed in a Beach Boys road case.
Boone, of Emerald City Guitars, says it took a decade to track this amp down, and ironically, given its providence, it was found down by the beach, on Kauai, Hawaii, where the same owner has had it for nearly 35 years. We echo Joe Bonamassa’s comments: “What a grail.”
This tube amp is one of three that were made for the Beach Boys circa ’82/’83 and was originally finished in white Tolex before the band’s roadies put some carpet over the top, because… well, those white vinyl-covered amps just don’t stay clean.
“I’ve had to keep this long lost Beach Boys amp under wraps for a decade until the owner was ready to let this go and when the call came in I rounded up the shop to head to Kauai to pick this and 20 more amazing items up,” writes Boone on Instagram.
“The amp is a 100 per cent original ‘grail-era’ ODS and includes the original receipts and Beach Boys Road case.
“There are videos where you can see this amp live in original white, as well as carpeted shortly after. I had this photo of The Beach Boys Dumble ON A BEACH in my head for 10 years and it was a special moment to finally get it.”
Its proud new owner agrees. And it’s going to be in action as much as possible. Momoa says that there was no question of selling this on, of doing anything with it, other than turning it on, and turning it up.
“There’s a special kind of magic in certain pieces of gear that connects the past to the future,” writes Momoa on Instagram. “Trevor Boone has been part of my guitar journey since my very first instrument, and over the years we’ve tracked down more holy grails than we can count.
“But this amplifier carried a different kind of history – one we couldn’t let drift away. Too much heart. Too much story. We had to keep it in the family – and now it’s right where it belongs, ready to keep making music.”
Boone and co stripped the carpet off the front. The glue has made a sort of brown mess of the Tolex but that only adds to the vibe. Boone might have spent a decade shaking down the trees looking for this amp but Momoa says has found it just in time. It is getting put to work straight away in the studio.
“We’re gonna record in two days,” he says. “ÖOF TATATÁ is making the first album, and I was like, ‘You got a Dumble, it’s in Hawaii, it’s rare… Please send it right now. I love it, man. Maybe we’ll clean it someday. But not today. It’s a dirty Dumble.”
If there are any Dumble sleuths holding out hope of finding another one like this, well, there is hope. Boone says there is another one just like this, unaccounted for, still with the carpet covering the white. Another “pearl in the oyster”.
Just don’t think about making Momoa an offer for his. He’s not selling, not ever. “I’m gonna have this motherf***er buried with me!”
Momoa is a keen collector of treasured guitar gear. In 2023, for example, he bought the first Martin D-28 ever made.
“This Amp Has taken Me About 10 Years to Nail Down”: The Story of A Long-Lost Beach Boys Dumble Amp Surfaces After 35 Years in Hawaii – Now Used by Jason Momoa on His New Album
The Legendary Dumble Amplifier: A Historical Overview
Dumble amplifiers are the stuff of musical legend – boutique, hand-wired guitar amps known for their ultra-unique tone and scarcity.Among the most coveted models, a Beach Boys Dumble variant has become a holy grail for collectors and musicians alike, famous for its smooth overdrive, harmonic richness, and remarkable responsiveness.
Unlike mass-manufactured amps, each Dumble is custom-made by builder Alexander Dumble himself, with only a few dozen produced over several decades. This exclusivity has driven prices to skyrocket and helped create a mystique around Dumble amps.
A 35-Year-Held Secret: The Hawaii Dumble’s Odyssey
The particular Beach Boys Dumble featured here has an extraordinary backstory. Having spent the past 35 years tucked away in Hawaii, this amplifier’s whereabouts were virtually unknown to the guitar community – until recent rediscovery.
- Origin: Created in the early 1980s, commissioned specifically with tonal requests influenced by The Beach Boys’ vintage surf rock sound.
- Lost to Time: Presumed lost or destroyed after circulation slowed, but it survived in pristine condition on the islands of Hawaii.
- Rediscovery: recently surfaced in a private collection, sparking excitement among guitar aficionados worldwide.
Why This Dumble amp is So Special
Like many Dumble models,this Beach Boys edition offers several exclusive features tailored for a vintage beach-rock vibe:
- Custom Tone Circuitry: Delivers an unmistakably warm,clean tone that transitions smoothly into saturated overdrive.
- Vintage Componentry: Incorporates rare tubes and transformers from the ’60s and ’70s, ensuring authenticity of sound.
- Pristine Build Quality: Hand-wired with immense attention to detail, ensuring years of reliable operation.
Jason momoa’s Connection: Using Vintage Tone on His New Album
Actor-turned-musician Jason Momoa recently incorporated this rare amplifier into his creative process, using it extensively on his latest album. He has openly praised the amp’s distinctive voice, mentioning, “This amp has taken me about 10 years to nail down,” highlighting his long pursuit to find a sound that resonated personally.
Momoa’s embrace of this classic amp ties into a broader trend of artists seeking out vintage gear to capture raw, organic tones in the digital age. The Dumble’s signature blend of clarity, warmth, and dynamic response has invigorated Momoa’s tracks with a fresh yet nostalgic feel.
Jason Momoa’s Tone Journey with the Beach boys Dumble
| Feature | Impact on Momoa’s Sound | Artist Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Clean Channel | perfect clarity for acoustic textures and subtle riffs | “Its like sunlight through the waves” |
| Smooth Overdrive | Rich, creamy distortion without harshness | “Finally found the sweet spot I’ve been chasing” |
| Dynamic Responsiveness | Expressive control during live and studio performances | “Connecting my fingers to the amp feels effortless” |
benefits of Using a Dumble Amp Like the Beach Boys Edition
- Exceptional Tone Quality: Renowned for nuanced sound that works across genres, especially rock and surf-inspired music.
- Vintage Authenticity: Perfect for musicians wanting to capture the magic of classic recordings using authentic gear.
- Durability & Craftsmanship: High-end build quality guarantees longevity and reliability during recording and touring.
- Unique Sonic Identity: The rarity means your sound stands out, offering a personalized signature tone.
Practical Tips for Musicians interested in Vintage Dumble Amps
- Research Thoroughly: Due to scarcity and copycats, ensure authenticity through sellers or expert verification.
- Regular Maintenance: vintage amps require tube replacements and circuit checks to maintain sound integrity.
- Consider Amplifier Compatibility: pair with quality guitars and pedals that complement the amp’s response and gain stack.
- Test Before purchase: If possible, play the amp extensively to understand its unique voicing and touch sensitivity.
First-Hand Experience: What Guitarists Say About Beach Boys Dumble
Many musicians who have had the privilege to play this Beach Boys Dumble describe an immersive experience. They talk about the amp’s “almost vocal-like quality” and how it breathes life into both clean and distorted tones. This makes it ideal not only for surf and rock players but also for artists experimenting with layered, ethereal soundscapes.
Notable Comments from Guitarists
- “You feel every nuance – it’s like the amp listens to you.”
- “The amp’s touch sensitivity is unmatched,making it a dream for expressive players.”
- “It adds a musical element to the guitar tone that’s hard to put into words.”
Comparing the Beach Boys Dumble with Other Legendary Amps
| Amplifier | Tonal Character | Best For | approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Boys Dumble | Warm, smooth, vintage surf vibe | Rock, Surf, Classic tones | $70,000+ (collector’s item) |
| Trainwreck Express | Bright, touch-sensitive, aggressive gain | Blues, Hard rock | $50,000+ |
| Fender Twin Reverb | Bright, clean, shimmering | Country, Jazz, Clean tones | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Marshall JTM45 | Crunchy, mid-rangy classic rock | Rock, Metal | $3,000 – $5,000 |
How This Discovery Impacts Vintage Amp Collectors and Musicians
The resurfacing of this rare Beach Boys Dumble amplifier after 35 years in Hawaii is more than just a historical footnote-it’s a revitalizing moment for the vintage guitar community. Collectors view it as an incredibly rare chance to preserve a unique piece of guitar heritage, while musicians see fresh inspiration in a tone that shaped an era.
Moreover,Jason momoa’s use of the amp on his new album brings increased public attention to high-end vintage gear,potentially influencing trends and demand within both mainstream and niche music scenes.
Summary of Impacts
- Increased Awareness: Global exposure for rare gear and its story.
- Elevated Market Value: Scarcity plus celebrity usage drives desirability.
- Inspiration for Artists: Encourages exploration of vintage sounds for modern music.
- preservation Effort: Highlights importance of restoring and maintaining musical artifacts.
