re: tube guitar amplifier goodies
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Hi Scott,
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> <w4pj@bellsouth.net> writes:
> I know this is a list mainly for Amateur Radio RF amplifiers,
> so this may be off-topic or at least slightly off-topic.
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As far as I've ever read... it just says "amps" on the label. But
your topic breaks up the day to day bickering...
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> I am preparing to refurbish a Fender Super Reverb
> mid-1970's guitar amp. It hasn't been plugged in
> for more than 10 years.
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I am one of the frequent members of the alt.guitar.amps
news groups. It's a good place to find a mix of similar
personalities as often found here on amps. You are
welcome to Email me direct with questions any time. I
have mucho vintage audio and guitar amplifier information
to share.... free if your patient with my schedule.
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The current train of thought in regards to your "refurbish"
statement? Most of the vintage crowd would say to change
as little as possible to obtain "normal operation." Keep
all changed parts in a plastic bag if you go to sell the amp.
The resale price will be higher. Less changes is
betta'...
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> After starting it up with a variac for several days, I'll know
> whether the caps should be replaced, or maybe I should
> just go ahead and replace them anyway?
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Good way to be safe... the days vs the hours return to
line voltage makes a big difference. Be careful, some of
the Fender amps have a dangerous "hum switch" which
couples one side of the mains supply line to the chassis
ground. Your variac is probably not an isolated transformer
type. There is a serious shock potential.
Many experienced guitar amp techs cut out that ac line
to ground switched cap. It is/was a very bad idea.
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> Does anybody know a good source in S. Florida for
> parts?
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Sovtek and many others have vintage parts. Many of
us use Digikey and Newark. For special parts, there is
a "network" of small shop Dealers I can and would put
you in touch with. Pick up a copy of Audio Express
Magazine... Specific to South Florida..? no.
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Many will tell you to auto replace the filter caps, some
will tell you to replace them only if they are leaking, some
will tell you to test and replace all that do not pass some
set bench mark. The choice of when to replace
electrolytics is often debated. A lot of opinions fly
back and forth...
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> Besides the standard, Vance Baldwin and Electronic
> Equipment Company. ?? The speakers are original,
> paper cones, maybe need replacing or re-coned. Also
> silver-mesh fabric? Any specialists in old guitar amps
> in this area?
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The web gives you world access... lots of dealers out
there on the web. Check Harmony Centrals web site
for some of them. Your going to save some serious
money, learn a lot about your amplifier and feel
better about your mods if you widen the scope of your
rebuild to include web resources out of Florida.
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> There are a few websites but referrals are the best ads.
> Thoughts?
> Scott / W4PJ
> Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Your best bet is to get on alt.guitar.amps and post
the same questions. Then watch everyone chew out
an answer, two or twenty. Most will tell you to leave
the amplifier as stock as possible. Even a moderate
"vintage 70's Fender" can be sold for enough money
to buy a newer replacement. Then you'll kick yourself
for selling it after it's long gone.
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Guitar Amplifier people are just as wacked as rf amp
types. The same game, just different names as the
regular players. Your results will vary...
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cheers
skipp
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