1972 Traynor YBA-3 Custom Special amp (local sale: DC area)

[hangman]

I hate to do this, but I need to sell my 1972 Traynor YBA-3 Custom Special amp.

Power output is measured at 132 watts@8 ohms; 112 watts@4 ohms.
One channel, two inputs (one padded), master volume, volume, bass, treble, high & low range expander & presence controls, treble & bass boost switches.
The amp was serviced in Dec. 08. The following work was performed:
All electrolytics replaced; tested components and replaced as needed for noise/drift; installed external bias adj. pot; replaced bass pot; removed base retainers and installed spring-type retainers on octal sockets; rebuilt fan motor; installed new 3-way AC cord; set-up for KT-88s. The amp is equipped with matched JJ power tubes (KT-88s) and JJ preamp tubes. I would estimate they have no more than 40 hours of gig time on them, and I would bet it can last 40 more years with minimal TLC. The work was done by Pete Cage, of Cage Amplifiers, in Damascus, Maryland. Pete is one of the best, and nicest amp builders/techs on the East Coast. I can provide a copy of the invoice, if need be.

There is a lot of information on the internet about this mod, and about the amp in general. I also have copy of the owner's manual, which is basically 2 typed sheet of instructions.

Cosmetically, the amp shows the wear of one typical of its age, but there are no tears on the tolex, but there are some rips on grill cloth [see photo]. It has the rubber-chrome bumper guards and two handles on the top. Schematics taped on inside of top.

If you're interested in this amp, then you probably have a good idea of what it sounds like, but I'll just say that the sound is
loud and fat. The KT88s add a more aggressive edge that the 6CA7s didn't have. Mate this with its Big B 8x10 companion cabinet, pull out your P-bass, and bring the walls down.

Reasons for selling: I need the money to fund double bass gear and it's simply not getting used. This amp needs to be played in a young, loud garage band. It also functions as a guitar amp.

I'm not going to ship this. It's around 60 pounds, so it's local pick-up. I live in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The price is $700.00, cash. That's less than the price I paid for the amp and the costs of the service and modifications. I'll throw in the quartet of EL34s that came with it when I bought it.

Please ask any questions, and thanks for looking.

[hangman]

More pics:

[recreate.me]

I will agree, i have this version of that traynor head, mines more beat up but its amazing. I love it to death!

Some one needs to buy this thing!

[PunkRocker33133]

Is there anyway I can demo the amp before buying it? Also, what is the wattage like on this? Loud enough for a loud rock/metal mix with the right cab?

[hangman]

Sure, you can demo here at my house. Power output is rated at 132 watts; yes I think it would be loud enough. PM me if you want to set up an audition.

[Din Of Win]

Bump! Talked to Hangman via email yesterday, good dude!

Someone buy this!!


@PunkRocker33133: I have this same head, and it's great. Even in a noisy garagy indie pop band (maybe not as heavy as metal, but i'd wager it's a good bit louder) with 2 guitarists (1 using a Fender Reverb 4x10 combo and 1 using a Marshall JCM900 half stack), plus synths going through Mesa and GK combos, as well as a drummer... mine was FINE even with a single 8 ohm 1x15. The master volume was only at about the halfway point, maybe even less.

So even with a super metaly heavy band, i doubt that this, through a 2x15,6x10, or 8x10 would have ANY trouble keeping up with the volume levels.

[Zanpa]

I have the yba-1a through 2x15. The loudest 90 watts ive ever heard. Rarely goes above 2.

[recreate.me]

I have this head, and as everyone was saying the old traynors are always seeming louder then they are rated for. When i was researching my YBA3 before buying i came across an article that traynor put out saying the way that they determined the wattages was different then other companies and so they are actually capable of putting out a lot more then they are rated at... Im looking for the article now..


But yes this is super loud enough, and full, and thick and everything you could want in a tube head.

[Zanpa]

I wont say what i payed for mine but i will say that it was worth evey penny and i will never sell it never never never

[ko stradivarius]

bump for a great amp.

[bassboysam]

I would put this head up against any amp tone wise. I modded mine for 7027 tubes, I can't imagine the awesomeness with KT88s.

[hangman]

Thanks guys. It is a monster.

[ko stradivarius]

Oh, and fyi for those interested, you can now buy 3'x3' sections of vintage grill cloth from Traynor.

[recreate.me]

This is still here? Its such a great amp, i need to re-grill cloth mine, since it has none, but is using the lining you put on the bottom of a cupboard, its grey lol
thanks for the update!

[hangman]

Thanks for the info on the grillcloth. It used to be the holy grail of grillclothes. I wrote to Traynor, and I'll pass along the reply:.

"The part number for the grillcloth is GC1. It is a 36" x 36" piece, $43msrp, and could be ordered through any Traynor dealer."

[derridiandrift]

Originally Posted by PunkRocker33133

Is there anyway I can demo the amp before buying it? Also, what is the wattage like on this? Loud enough for a loud rock/metal mix with the right cab?

Hey, Punkrocker. I live near Toronto where this amp was made. I've seen more of these amps than SVTs in these parts. I have no idea who this seller is, but in a word, YES, this amp will be loud and you'll be the envy of punk rock bass players two states away. Go over to this guy's house with a p-bass and plug into a big cabinet. You'll $hit yourself (sorry for the thinly veiled vulgarity). Plus, the seller has done all the upgrades and updates this amp will ever need.

[hangman]

ok, deal fell through on the amp, so back on the block it goes.

[Incarnate365]

PM me if you'd come down on the price. I would be interested, but not for that much.

[hangman]

New Year bump.

[jamesy]

Still not going to ship? Up for any trades?