Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
I've got a beat up '69 Fender Bassman that has been modded with the Marshall Mods. I'm not a collector of old amps as much as I like the classic sound of old amps. However, if something new on the showroom floor sounds as good there is no "status envy" I wish to maintain by having an old amp. So, I hope you get where I'm coming from.
I bought the amp for around $325 which is too much but for some reason people are willing to pay more than that for them now a days so it was a relative bargain to some extent.
The beast is noisy and has a low frequency hum that cycles on and off after a while. I talked to a local tech and he seems to think it would likely need to be recapped and get new tubes and probably get a good going over. Based on what it cost me to get a mixer fixed recently, I wouldn't be surprised to get a bill ranging $200 - $400 bucks. So I'm wondering whether to spend the money on this old girl or sell her and buy something new since the outlay of cash is going to be very close to the same or even less if I buy a used newer model from some poor soul who just bought an amp too big for his apartment.
What do you think?
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 09:24:57
(permalink)
I think you'll easily spend $200 - $400 and you'll have a '69 Fender Bassman which was never more than a serviceable and useful amp.
It was an OK bass amp... and a better keyboards amp... and useful as a crude mono P.A.
Only a real hi volume guitar aficionado would consider it as a guitar player's amp.
After you spend the $400 you'll probably still have to deal with the ritual of twisting the scratchiness out of the knobs every few sessions. The mildly corroded tube sockets will cause it to sizzle and grizzle every few sessions and you'll have to learn which one to pull out and pop back in to make that go away. Another common issue is that the input jack contacts will warm up every session so you'll get used to yanking it out and plugging it back in a few minutes after you've started playing when something expands and the contact gets "fitzy".
These are all common things that I do with my old amps as if it is normal... they are the symptoms you can do a major clean up maintenance session to try and prevent... and they'll come back rapidly because the stuff is just old.
The things is; are you up for that?
Because if you can trivialize those inconveniences and just deal with them as they come up quickly and with good humour then you may find that the "ordinary" sound of a '69 Bassman is something you can't seem to to buy today for less than $2k if you are looking for new hand built construction.
Tough choice.
You can probably fix it yourself... but the inside of that amp has voltages that can kill you so... don't do it unless you want to learn how to do it right.
If you do decide to do a cap job you will focus on the electrolytic caps and maybe some small ceramic caps. The ploy pro caps should still be OK... don't change anything that doesn't need changing.
Make sure you freshen up the bias voltage supply cap (it's notorious for drifting in value on these particular amps) before you let the tech swap out all the smaller caps.
Also if you really want an old tube bass amp... consider an Ampeg. They are not as easy to service as a Fender but they have the magic tone for Bass guitar.
all the best,
mike
|
DeeringAmps
Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2614
- Joined: 2005/10/03 10:29:25
- Location: Seattle area
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 10:00:53
(permalink)
Dave,
Good advice from Mike (at minimum it needs new power supply caps), although I think he's being a little tough on the Bassman;
Mike I thought you're a "Fender" guy.
Even though '69 (Silverface) is not a "premium" year (unless its a Deluxe or Champ), stock the "Normal" channel is the same as a Twin or Showman; but I digress.
The "Marshall" mod has never turned me on with the Fenders, its still not a Marshall, and its no longer a Fender.
I'd take a beat Plexi over a mint '59 Bassman any day; but again I digress.
Sounds like you should find her a home with a Fender lover, someone who will enjoy getting the old girl back to stock condition, and treat her with some TLC.
I have a '71 Bandmaster Reverb and on about 7 or so she has the Rhythm "Tone of Doom".
The Silverface years are still built like "Tanks", there's a whole lot of "good" left in her!
Tom
Tom Deering Tascam FW-1884 User Resources Page Firewire "Legacy" Tutorial, Service Manual, Schematic, and Service Bulletins Win10x64 StudioCat Pro Studio Coffee Lake 8086k 32gb RAM  RME UFX (Audio) Tascam FW-1884 (Control) in Win 10x64 Pro
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 13:02:37
(permalink)
Mike, I'm using it for a guitar amp. Basically, I use it for a clean Fender sound in my home studio. If I want to crank an amp, I use my Fender Pro Jr into a 2x12 cab with Celestion Blues. The Bassman drives a 4x12 Marshall cabinet. EDIT: You know, the one thing I might miss out of the older Fender tube amps is the tube rectifier. Even at low volumes it seems to take a bit of the edge off. (Or it could be my imagination)
post edited by Mod Bod - 2011/12/23 13:23:39
|
DeeringAmps
Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2614
- Joined: 2005/10/03 10:29:25
- Location: Seattle area
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 13:46:25
(permalink)
+1 on the tube rect.
BUT
There's a GZ-34 or 5U4 in your '69 Bassman???
T
Tom Deering Tascam FW-1884 User Resources Page Firewire "Legacy" Tutorial, Service Manual, Schematic, and Service Bulletins Win10x64 StudioCat Pro Studio Coffee Lake 8086k 32gb RAM RME UFX (Audio) Tascam FW-1884 (Control) in Win 10x64 Pro
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 16:19:59
(permalink)
Unfortunately the Bassman is one of the Fender Amps that was messed with constantly by CBS... it's hard to know what to expect. Here's the Circa 1967 AB165 schematic:  I have a 1973+/- Vibrolux Reverb which is the un boogered with tube rectified guitar amp version of this circuit. It's the most powerful Fender I enjoy and I have a had a few big Twins, a couple Supers, one Showman and a few Bassman to compare it too. I had to learn to want the smaller Fender amps... which I do thoroughly enjoy. By today's standards the 1969 Bassman is a very special thing that can't be replaced with new gear for less than $1.5k to $2.5k but if you want to play guitar through something like a Marshall modded Bassman I'd say drop back and punt and either go straight Fender with a Vibrolux Reverb or get a real 50 watt Marshall. The reason being that a well set up Bassman will not lend any character to the tonal color until you are playing really really loud... that's why they are good bass amps. all the best, mike
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 18:19:54
(permalink)
Mine is only modded because it was done by a previous owner. It also has a master volume.
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 20:00:02
(permalink)
How bad is it acting these days? I mean, can you figure out if its inherent tone is what you are hoping for?
You can assume that you can make it run clean, quiet, and reliably with some simple maintenance.
What are you hoping for in what ever amp you end up with?
best regards,
mike
|
Middleman
Max Output Level: -31.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 4397
- Joined: 2003/12/04 00:58:50
- Location: Orange County, CA
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/23 20:28:42
(permalink)
I'd recap it and keep it. I might even mod it back to original and leave in the master volume. That is a classic tone amp there expecially for soloing. If you are a rythmn player, not as much.
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/24 12:41:39
(permalink)
You know, after sitting here and really thinking about it, I have no problems with the way it sounds with the exception of the intemittent hum which could very well be old tubes. It's noisy (hiss) but so was my Fender Pro and any other Fender when I sit and recall my experience with them. And considering as Mike said, to get a hand wired amp will set me back $1500 or so and I don't play good enough to afford a handwired anything, why not just get her doctored up. I'll have the tech fix the problems that have to be fixed. Then while he has her opened up, I'll ask him to track down just what mods have been made. I've got six knobs on the Normal side. One is a master volume and the other two may be some sort of prescence knob or mid range and a knob that seems to affect the band where the prescence boost occurs. It's really fairly versatile in a way. Maybe not purist but usable. Also the Bass Instrument side seems to have a lot of low end rolled so I think that has been modded as well. I've heard of the Marshall mods being done to that side. Here's a pic of the ugly beast. [img] http://www.gatortraks.com/images/Bassman.JPG [/img] Once I get the knob situation identified, maybe I'll get a custom faceplate made and some new knobs and maybe a new cabinet. A bit done at a time. Or I could build a custom plexiglas cabinet like I did for the amplifier section of my Fender Pro Junior. [img] http://www.gatortraks.com/images/PJ-001f.jpg [/img]
post edited by Mod Bod - 2011/12/24 12:57:39
|
Middleman
Max Output Level: -31.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 4397
- Joined: 2003/12/04 00:58:50
- Location: Orange County, CA
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/24 13:10:32
(permalink)
Well, now that I had seen it, sorry to say the base chassis does not appear to be original so along with all the other customizations you mentiond it may just be a home built that somebody housed in an old Bassman shell. Are you sure the internal work is original, most critical the transformer? Otherwise its just a home built and you might want to consider selling it and picking up a real bassman.
|
DeeringAmps
Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2614
- Joined: 2005/10/03 10:29:25
- Location: Seattle area
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/24 16:05:07
(permalink)
Dave,
Reading Left to Right on the "Normal?" Channel
Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Master Volume, Presence
Is that how it responds?
Presence sould be active on both channels.
Why the -3dB input on the "Bass" Channel?
Do you have to use that to "Clean" it up?
Tom Deering Tascam FW-1884 User Resources Page Firewire "Legacy" Tutorial, Service Manual, Schematic, and Service Bulletins Win10x64 StudioCat Pro Studio Coffee Lake 8086k 32gb RAM RME UFX (Audio) Tascam FW-1884 (Control) in Win 10x64 Pro
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/24 22:04:59
(permalink)
Tom: That was likely just me fooling around one day, trying different things. Middleman: The chassis is a real Fender. I've got a legit looking tube diagram as well as a stamped chassis with what looks to be a legit Fender number for a circa '69 amp (A57588) Fender Musical Products. I just think it's been modded to the max which is OK because the amp sounds decent.
|
wst3
Max Output Level: -55.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 1979
- Joined: 2003/11/04 10:28:11
- Location: Pottstown, PA 19464
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/26 10:59:37
(permalink)
Hi Dave - Merry Christmas!
You like the amp, minus the current noises... I'd vote get it fixed and keep it, not for the snob-appeal, but because you like it.
There are some amazing amplifiers out there - 65 Amps being my current favorite - and you can get stuff that sounds like "an old Fender only better", but is that what you really want?
The thing about anything vintage is no one knows for certain what they are supposed to sound like. This applies to guitar amplifiers, microphones, and outboard processors. I know what I think a typical 1176 sounds like - based on repairing dozens of them - and I'm pretty sure none of them ever sounded exactly like that. Same goes for old guitar amplifiers... just the way it is.
If you are going to have a tech work on it I'd probably have it restored to as close to original as possible so that you have a starting point - have the "Marshall Mod" removed - been a while but I recall it was fairly easy to undo. Then, when you have the time and inclination you can play with modifications... or not<G>!
Now if someone comes along and offers you $10K for it, well, that's a different story!
Happy Holidays!!
Bill
-- Bill Audio Enterprise KB3KJF
|
Gaffpro
Max Output Level: -75 dBFS
- Total Posts : 792
- Joined: 2004/05/10 03:42:07
- Location: Palm City, FL. / Nashville, TN.
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/26 12:36:16
(permalink)
I would definitely keep that '69 Fender and get it fixed. I've used Bassmans from every era and the fact that your silverface is hand wired makes it a keeper. My favorite guitar amp is an original '59, but I did a session years ago with a '72 Bassman head that I bought for $70 and it sounded great.
Dell Studio XPS intel i7860, 8 gigs dual ram, Sonar X2 (x64), Windows 7 RME UCX Yamaha NS10, Equator D5, JBL LSR 2325 monitors Vintech X73i, Great River ME-1NV, Joe Meek VC3Q preamps RNC 1773, DBX 163x, Joe Meek VC3Q compressors DBX 263x deesser Neumann U87, TLM 103, AKG 214, CAD E100s Peluso 2247SE AT4050 and 4051 Shure KSM27, SM7, SM57, and UnidyneIII (from the 60's) Other assorted mikes
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/26 14:02:44
(permalink)
:-)
Palm City Baby!!!
:-)
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/26 14:09:06
(permalink)
DeeringAmps
Dave,
Reading Left to Right on the "Normal?" Channel
Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Master Volume, Presence
Is that how it responds?
Presence sould be active on both channels.
?
The knobs on the Normal side are: Volume, Treble, Mids, Bass, Mystery knob that seems to do very little to nothing, Master volume.
|
DeeringAmps
Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2614
- Joined: 2005/10/03 10:29:25
- Location: Seattle area
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/26 15:41:35
(permalink)
Master Volume active on both channels or just the Normal channel?
Tom Deering Tascam FW-1884 User Resources Page Firewire "Legacy" Tutorial, Service Manual, Schematic, and Service Bulletins Win10x64 StudioCat Pro Studio Coffee Lake 8086k 32gb RAM RME UFX (Audio) Tascam FW-1884 (Control) in Win 10x64 Pro
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/26 20:19:31
(permalink)
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/27 08:51:44
(permalink)
I predict we're going to be asking for some gut shots real soon!
One thing to consider is that the cost of the chassis and transformers is the greatest part of the whole. The price of tubes adds up too. Next comes the price of the power supply filter caps.
Considering that this amp probably doesn't have "all-original" collectors value anymore you might consider having a whole new circuit board popped in there with fresh stuff and the exact circuit you want.
All the expensive stuff is either paid for for, or like the power supply caps, you are ready to replace.
If you did go crazy and replace the board you can proceed knowing that you are down to the cheapest parts... and maybe a bit more time than you had bargained for originally.
Something to consider.
On occasions when tracking down a problem I have thought that I would like to do that to some of my Fender amps... but it would devalue them to mess with their near original form so I just build new amps instead. :-)
In your case it might be a good option.
I think many of us would enjoy seeing a good detailed guts shot of your chassis so that we can estimate how much modding has occurred.
all the best,
mike
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/27 09:13:53
(permalink)
mike_mccue
I predict we're going to be asking for some gut shots real soon!
One thing to consider is that the cost of the chassis and transformers is the greatest part of the whole. The price of tubes adds up too. Next comes the price of the power supply filter caps.
Considering that this amp probably doesn't have "all-original" collectors value anymore you might consider having a whole new circuit board popped in there with fresh stuff and the exact circuit you want.
All the expensive stuff is either paid for for, or like the power supply caps, you are ready to replace.
If you did go crazy and replace the board you can proceed knowing that you are down to the cheapest parts... and maybe a bit more time than you had bargained for originally.
Something to consider.
On occasions when tracking down a problem I have thought that I would like to do that to some of my Fender amps... but it would devalue them to mess with their near original form so I just build new amps instead. :-)
In your case it might be a good option.
I think many of us would enjoy seeing a good detailed guts shot of your chassis so that we can estimate how much modding has occurred.
all the best,
mike
I don't have expertise or experience in repair, modification or building electronics. OTOH, I can build you an acrylic case for it that would look like a million bucks. (You just wouldn't be able to move it for fear of damaging my work. ;) ) It will cost me $50 bench fee to have a local tech open it up and have a look around to give me an estimate. I can move on from there. (or not)
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/27 09:59:35
(permalink)
I don't have any specific knowledge but it is my impression that you actually have some really good techs in the Tampa area.
We had to go through the process of training ourselves up here in Tallahassee because tube tech had become a lost art.
The reason I can fix my own amps and help an occasional musician is that I was simply desperate and had to learn the hard way. :-)
Now a days we have about a dozen guys here in town who might be able to help with a tube amp.
I've always thought the guys down in your market had better access to techs... and I imagine that has a lot to do with all the training that happened at McDill and the associated surrounding mil-complex industries.
Anyways, have fun with it.
all the best,
mike
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/27 12:30:32
(permalink)
mike_mccue
I don't have any specific knowledge but it is my impression that you actually have some really good techs in the Tampa area.
We had to go through the process of training ourselves up here in Tallahassee because tube tech had become a lost art.
The reason I can fix my own amps and help an occasional musician is that I was simply desperate and had to learn the hard way. :-)
Now a days we have about a dozen guys here in town who might be able to help with a tube amp.
I've always thought the guys down in your market had better access to techs... and I imagine that has a lot to do with all the training that happened at McDill and the associated surrounding mil-complex industries.
Anyways, have fun with it.
all the best,
mike
You know, I would love to know how to work on tube amps. What is the chances that I could self teach via books, articles, online courses and such? Maybe find a local buddy to watch over my shoulder?
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/27 12:43:19
(permalink)
I started before the internet and have what I think is a complete library of guitar amp repair books. Now with the internet and great forums like music-electronics-forum.com and all the other sites I would venture that you can definitely learn to do it... but it will take you many years. Finding a buddy to look over your shoulder would be fantastic. The thing about diagnosing an older amp is that it is not so easy to teach while you are also trying to creatively and effectively trouble shoot. A recent reprint that I enjoy that is primarily about diagnostics is Jack Darr's guitar amplifier handbook. http://www.google.com/pro...8G&ved=0CEkQ8wIwAw many of the books have great info but this particular book focuses on tracking down problems. There are some guys over in St Pete at wattstubeaudio.com that may be able to get you started. I'd advise that you have a pro fix up your bassman and then you consider building a very simple kit amp. It's a good way to get familiar with the pieces/parts so that as you read about stuff you are not over whelmed with labels, terms and jargon. I started the other way... by simply poking around... but my Dad was a E.E. so I had some basic safe practice competency learned in childhood even though I was wholly ignorant of the details of tube amps. The very first thing you need to know is that the electrolytic caps may possibly store enough energy to kill you even with the amp unplugged... so you need to learn to drain them before doing anything else. I'd encourage you to buy a few books even if you never actually decide to do the work. Also, it is my impression that Tom Deering and John (ampfixer) know much more than I so I'd encourage you to ask them stuff when it comes up. all the best, mike
|
ampfixer
Max Output Level: -20 dBFS
- Total Posts : 5508
- Joined: 2010/12/12 20:11:50
- Location: Ontario
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/28 00:39:16
(permalink)
I'm very late to the party but I'd give a +1 to keeping the amp.
I've never charged a customer for an estimate but it seems many people do. 69 was one of the transition years but they are still much better than most of today's $2K amps. Most of the key points have been mentioned and any tech should know most of the do's and don't s.
DO: Replace the electrolytic caps, Replace the power tubes and the 12AT7 driver tube, Replace the 100k plate resistors with metal film, install a proper power cord, remove the diodes on the power tubes, change the bias circuit to a bias level instead of a bias balance circuit.
DON'T: Replace the poly caps in the signal chain, replace the 12AX7 tubes unless they are microphonic, do a "blackface mod" and expect it to be a miraculous change.
If there's still anything you are unsure of let me know. I do all of the above quite often and never presented a bill over $150.
Regards, John I want to make it clear that I am an Eedjit. I have no direct, or indirect, knowledge of business, the music industry, forum threads or the meaning of life. I know about amps. WIN 10 Pro X64, I7-3770k 16 gigs, ASUS Z77 pro, AMD 7950 3 gig, Steinberg UR44, A-Pro 500, Sonar Platinum, KRK Rokit 6
|
DeeringAmps
Max Output Level: -49 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2614
- Joined: 2005/10/03 10:29:25
- Location: Seattle area
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/28 09:46:32
(permalink)
John has summed it up nicely.
I DID the power supply caps and Bias mod on my '71.
This should not effect "Vintage" value for anyone who actually wants to turn the amp on.
I DID NOT do the plate resistors, but that is a good idea.
With the "mods" done on your amp, and the noise issues, its a no-brainer.
I guess you've been elected give her the TLC she deserves!
T
Tom Deering Tascam FW-1884 User Resources Page Firewire "Legacy" Tutorial, Service Manual, Schematic, and Service Bulletins Win10x64 StudioCat Pro Studio Coffee Lake 8086k 32gb RAM RME UFX (Audio) Tascam FW-1884 (Control) in Win 10x64 Pro
|
Dave Modisette
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11050
- Joined: 2003/11/13 22:12:55
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/28 10:54:48
(permalink)
Thanks for all the good advice guys.
|
ampfixer
Max Output Level: -20 dBFS
- Total Posts : 5508
- Joined: 2010/12/12 20:11:50
- Location: Ontario
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/31 03:41:22
(permalink)
I'm curious about the wiring in your Bassman David. I've seen many Fender amps that were not wired with cloth wire or the thicker plastic covered wire. Instead, they used something like telephone wire that was solid copper with a thin teflon-like insulation. All of these amps were from 1968 and early 1969. If you find this type of wiring, don't worry that it's not original. It's a transitional thing that happened at Fender as the amps were being changed from the blackface amps to silverface. It looks like they continued to use up materials in stock for several years during the change over. As each component inventory ran low, replacement parts and materials were given trials in production line amps. Some of the changes stuck and some didn't. The odd wiring is one that didn't stick. I suspect it was too expensive and they went to the cheaper PVC insulated braided wire. I know, TMI 
Regards, John I want to make it clear that I am an Eedjit. I have no direct, or indirect, knowledge of business, the music industry, forum threads or the meaning of life. I know about amps. WIN 10 Pro X64, I7-3770k 16 gigs, ASUS Z77 pro, AMD 7950 3 gig, Steinberg UR44, A-Pro 500, Sonar Platinum, KRK Rokit 6
|
Grem
Max Output Level: -19.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 5562
- Joined: 2005/06/28 09:26:32
- Location: Baton Rouge Area
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/31 12:39:38
(permalink)
ampfixer
I know, TMI
No it's not!! I read this whole thread!! Loved it all. I really am interested in Tube amps. I don't know how to fix them. But I do know enough to keep my interest in discussions like this. I get equipment. I don't sell it. And the one amp I will always regret not keeping was an Old early 60's Fender Head. I think it was a Vibrolux. The guy wanted $50. I kept it at the house for about 6months before he made me give it back. It wasn't long after that I got a Boogie MkIIb. I still have that and am glad I resisted the temptations to get it modded to the C version. This amp has the best clean sound! And it will growl something fierce, but it's got to be LOUD to do that!! I may break down and do like Mike suggests and get some books, do some reading, and build a small kit amp. I just don't know why this stuff fascinates me!! But when I think about how a tube reacts (transfer of electrons through the plates!) and relate that to me playing,, I don't know, it just gets me going!!
post edited by Grem - 2011/12/31 12:40:58
Grem
Michael Music PC i7 2600K; 64gb Ram; 3 256gb SSD, System, Samples, Audio; 1TB & 2TB Project Storage; 2TB system BkUp; RME FireFace 400; Win 10 Pro 64; CWbBL 64, Home PCAMD FX 6300; 8gb Ram; 256 SSD sys; 2TB audio/samples; Realtek WASAPI; Win 10 Home 64; CWbBL 64 Surface Pro 3Win 10 i7 8gb RAM; CWbBL 64
|
Middleman
Max Output Level: -31.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 4397
- Joined: 2003/12/04 00:58:50
- Location: Orange County, CA
- Status: offline
Re:Pragmatic advice about vintage amps
2011/12/31 13:16:52
(permalink)
A really fun first project for those wanting to get into tube amps is any of the 5E3 kits that can be found on ebay or at mojo musical supply. Little Dawg also makes a really nice kit. These are very basic one channel tube amps which can sound awesome for recording. The biggest challenge is studying soldering and keeping those solder joints clean which will take a day of practice.
|