I'm told that this Model differs from the earlier 280 in that the 280-A incorporates a circuit that had a "mellow" switch for accordionists, and an extra "bright" switch for guitarists. Notice that the nameplate is in front of the grill cloth and has an overhang, earlier models built at the Inglewood location had their nameplates set into the grill with an extra piece for the overhang i.e. 260 and the 280. It originally sold for $395.00 List. Two channels preamp'd by 12AX7's and Stereo vibrato make this collectable. It also uses 6CG7's for the vibrato and a 12BH7 for an oscillator amplifier. Half a 12AX7 and half 6CG7 do the Phase inverting. Four 6973 Power tubes drive the twin 12" Oxford #12L5N-1 speakers(date code: 465-018) along with two 5"x7" midrange speakers. Power Transformer numbers are 6204 and 606946. Output Transformer numbers are 6107 and 606948.
Approx. 50 watts.
Serial Number: Not available
Owner: Alex Volpe, Not For Sale
Photo: ©1997 Alex Volpe. Used by permission.

Here is a Model 280-A, from Bill Cleeland.
Here is the data for this amp. 6204 Power Transformer 606951 Power Transformer EIA sourcecode & manufacture date (51st week 1959) 6107 Output Transformer(s) 806950 Output Transformer EIA code & manufacture date (50th week 1959) 137-946 Sample volume pot date (46th week 1959) Torrance Calif. on Control Panel. 12-inch speakers 4605 on magnet, model 12L5N-1, cone P4125-1, 465-941 on both 6-inch tweeters, 4609 on magnet, model T5EC1 465950 on both solid metal baskets.
Approx. 50 watts.
Serial Number: 0936
Owner: Bill Cleeland, Not For Sale
Photo: ©1997 Bill Cleeland. Used by permission.