1981 Dumble Overdrive Special – Owned by Tom Verlaine & Keith Urban

1981 Dumble Overdrive Special – Owned by Tom Verlaine & Keith Urban

We are proud to offer one of the most coveted and collectible guitar amplifiers in the world: an original 1981 Dumble Overdrive Special, serial number #0079. This exact amp was previously owned and used by Tom Verlaine of Televisionand later by country superstar Keith Urban.

The Legacy of Dumble

Built in California by the late Howard Alexander Dumble, these amplifiers are among the most revered in music history. Each unit was handmade in extremely limited quantities, often custom-built for elite players. Because of this exclusivity, Dumble amps are valued on a case-by-case basis — and prices have only increased following Dumble’s passing in 2022.

In the early years, Dumble primarily modified Fender Tweed and Blackface-era amps, such as the Deluxe and Super Reverb. The Overdrive Special evolved from these roots, using early Fender-style circuitry. By the 1990s, the design had moved closer to Marshall-style specs, using EL34 tubes in the power section instead of the traditional 6L6s.

Today, the Dumble Overdrive Special is considered the holy grail of boutique tube amps — known for its complex harmonics, touch sensitivity, and incredibly dynamic tone, both in the studio and on stage.

Provenance: Tom Verlaine & Keith Urban

This specific Dumble has an extraordinary history. Originally custom-built in October 1981, it was owned and played for years by Tom Verlaine, frontman of the influential New York band Television. He used it extensively in the studio and on stage until the early ’90s. In fact, you can find online photos of Verlaine with the amp clearly visible in the background.

In 1997, Verlaine sold the amp to Dan Courtenay, owner of Chelsea Guitars in New York City. At the time, Dan was drawn to its exceptional sound quality rather than the Dumble name — which was still under the radar for many players. As more customers discovered the amp’s sonic power, word began to spread. One notable moment came when a Jackson Browne tech noticed the amp, linking it to a similar model used by Rick Vito. The buzz around Dumble began to build.

Dan maintained the amp for nearly two decades until Keith Urban, one of his long-time clients, discovered it with his guitar tech in-store. Urban was blown away by the amp’s tone, and eventually Dan agreed to part with it.

Keith Urban used this very amp live, and it appears in a Rig Rundown on YouTube, where his tech discusses and demonstrates the Dumble. Few amps can claim such a rich, documented lineage.

Condition, Originality & Tone

• Model: Dumble Overdrive Special

• Serial: 0079

• Build Date: October 15, 1981

• Provenance: Tom Verlaine → Chelsea Guitars → Keith Urban

This amplifier is in excellent working condition and sounds absolutely phenomenal — one of the finest amps we’ve ever heard. The signature Dumble compression, clarity, and dynamic response must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.

It remains mostly original, with only a single circuit modification made by Dan in collaboration with Harry Colby: diodes were added to the FET channel to prevent fuse blowouts during live use. All capacitors, resistors, pots, transformers, and the speaker are original. The chrome control plate is clean, with original black lettering and stock knobs intact. Only two screws are missing from the back panel.

Visually, it shows honest wear consistent with professional use — light aging on the front, back, and sides — reflecting its time on stage and in the studio.

To keep it as original as possible you need a stepdown transformer. We have these in stock and can be purchased through Guitar Hunter: Toroidy Step-Down Transformer 230V/110V – 200VA