Jess Oliver lives on through The AMPEG PORTAFLEX CLUB - now up to lucky 7!

[JimmyM]

Did not know that, David, but would explain a lot about why so many have been replaced.

[beans-on-toast]

Originally Posted by Shadi

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I wanted to ask about the death cap in my 67 B-15NF. When I had my cord replaced with a 3 prong grounded unit, I told the tech to remove the death cap...he looked at me like I was nuts, and nothing was removed

To take the death cap out of the system, is it just a simple removal of the capacitor with no other modifications? I'm going to take the amp to another tech, but I want to be armed with information so I can get this thing safely removed from the amp.

Shadi, yes you can simply clip it out when the three conductor power cord is in place. Most people remove this capacitor. It is a safety measure in case the capacitor fails and shorts.

Some modern amps like the Ampeg SVT's still have a phase capacitor. They have a three position switch, like the two position switch on your amp. The difference is that in the middle position, the capacitor is out of the circuit. Most people leave the switch in that position. It amounts to the same thing as removing the cap.

[Oktaven]

So I guess that answers my question as well, right? I don't have a phase / ground switch, and that .047 cap (death cap) is just roughly taped in place, so I'm going to get it out of there. It appears that, besides that one and the big brown 30uf/600v cap by the PT, all of the other electrolytics have been replaced on mine.

Incidentally, besides the goop, there's also signs that something blew up in the vicinity of the cap can, so I'm guessing that this thing experienced some trauma at some point...

[beans-on-toast]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Did not know that, David, but would explain a lot about why so many have been replaced.

Yes I think so.

When they pot a transformer they are supposed to do it under a negative air pressure. This ensures that the potting compound penetrates into the smallest spaces around the transformer. Any air pockets can result in local hot spots and lead to premature failure.

I doubt that they took these sort of precautions in the old days. The tar was thick and cooled before it had a chance to get in there. They would pour it in and hope for the best.

[beans-on-toast]

Originally Posted by Oktaven

Thanks! Yeah, the goop is a bit weird, not sure what that's all about. That "dangling" .047 / 1000V cap - should I just remove it? I think there was talk back in Part V about taking that out of the circuit completely, unless I'm missing something. Also, am I right in thinking that the cap can has been replaced? It's made by CE Manufacturing LLC, and the label looks fairly new...

I would remove the .047 cap.

Your cap can is a good modern replacement. CE Manufacturing is owned by the same people that own Antique Electronics (tubesandmore.com). They use the same machinery to manufacture that caps that Mallory used to make the originals.

[Oktaven]

Great, good to know. Now that I've got the death cap out, I'm going to see how things fair leaving it otherwise as-is, and then I guess I'll just have to figure out if I need to replace the 30uf cap. Thanks for all of the great info!

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by John D

I think your concerns about not playing the amp are probably valid. However, someone having a B-15 N(C) and not playing it would make me more concerned about the owner than the amp.

John,
Valid point you have there. It will probably be passed
on to a deserving bassist at some point. Most likely sooner than later. For the moment however, I'm not looking for prospective buyers.
I'm not intending to set it of to see the world just yet.

Ric

[ddbassGA]

PIA Update: B-18N in GA

The PIA continues to be active in the pusuit and liberation of vintage Portaflex amps. The latest find is an original 'late '64 B18N near Atlanta, GA. I picked it up yesterday for Agent F/A on the west coast.

Initial impressions: Not the prettiest, but not a bad original example. No cap job or 3 prong plug, but still pretty quiet at idle. The logo light doesn't work. There was no speaker cord. The wheels are not stock but work well. Cab is definitely double baffle. Handle is missing from head lid. Chrome logo missing. There's a bit of a treble squeal/ buzz with vol turned up, when you play a low string. There weren't 2 tubes in it that matched.

Upon closer examination: Tubes: dirty, dusty but when I cleaned them up I was pleased. The preamp tubes are nice Sylvania, no microphonics. The 7199 and one of the 6SL7 are original Ampeg. The other 6SL7 is a newer Sylvania of the same construction as the Ampeg, but with taller bottle. The rectifier looks new, Sylvania, made in Great Brittan -- so a rebranded Mullard!

The power tubes were a mismatch of an RCA 7027a and an Amperex EL34! No wonder it squealed. I took the EL34 out and installed another 7027a. The squeal went away and the amp "got right". I just happened to have a single NOS RCA 7027a laying around that is a perfect match.

Now for some rattles and cab buzzes. Touching, pushing here and there and found the grill loose, so tighted the four grill nuts and much better, but still a more subtle, deeper flabbering noise from the speaker on the low strings. I got worried the speaker was bad, but realized it was more of an air rushing noise. The speaker was loose! VERY loose, like you could make it move, so tightened it all around and VIOLA! Fixed. Sounds great! We have a perfectly functional (mostly) original '64 B-18N that will be on its way to F/A in CA tomorrow or Thursday. With a cap job and some other attention it should go another 48 years.

[beans-on-toast]

I've heard of Georgian hospitality, but man! Can't turn out any better than that.

[christw]

I know it's not a PF amp but there's a V4 in Columbus for $450 - Ampeg V4 Vintage Guitar Amp

Doesn't seem like a great deal but it's still vintage Ampeg someone may want. (Fuzzy?)

[FenderAmpeg]

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

I've heard of Georgian hospitality, but man! Can't turn out any better than that.

Dick made for an excellent regional agent and a real Southern Gentleman too!

Many thanks and my friend.

A little simple green, some Bon Ami and she will look just fine!!

[ddbassGA]

Originally Posted by FenderAmpeg

A little simple green, some Bon Ami and she will look just fine!!

and some contact cement, and a pair of light bulbs, and a new chrome logo...yeah I know the drill.

It was a pleasure. I get to fulfill my continued Ampeg cravings and my wife is happy I haven't spent any money or brought another one of those "blue checked speaker boxes" home for good.

[christw]

Doing my part for the PIA: orphaned B15 cabinet in Cleveland for $150: Vintage ampeg cabinet

[JimmyM]

I'd totally hop on that right now if I lived there.

[ddbassGA]

Me too. Needs a lid, and there's one eBay right now.

[FenderAmpeg]

Originally Posted by christw

Doing my part for the PIA: orphaned B15 cabinet in Cleveland for $150: Vintage ampeg cabinet

Nice work, that is a good deal right there.

Originally Posted by christw

I know it's not a PF amp but there's a V4 in Columbus for $450 - Ampeg V4 Vintage Guitar Amp

Doesn't seem like a great deal

Actually a pretty good price, willing to trade for a Fender Bassman 50, I must be missing something there........

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by ddbassGA

Me too. Needs a lid, and there's one eBay right now.

I once made a spare lid for my 77 out of MDF and lag bolts

[FenderAmpeg]

Originally Posted by ddbassGA

and some contact cement, and a pair of light bulbs, and a new chrome logo...yeah I know the drill.

It was a pleasure. I get to fulfill my continued Ampeg cravings and my wife is happy I haven't spent any money or brought another one of those "blue checked speaker boxes" home for good.

And mine already knows the open space in the "blue speaker box" line is going to be filled soon. Actually the timing was pretty good, I delivered a B-15 to a proud new owner at the same time the Georgia PIA was deploying on operation "Athens 18".

[christw]

Glad to be of use to the PIA. I'd buy the cab but I already have that single baffle B15 and BT15 Thiele orphan. I'll be headed up halfway to Cleveland tomorrow for a trade if anyone wants me to pick it and ship it. All I'd ask is you to cover the extra gas & shipping cost.

Originally Posted by FenderAmpeg

Actually a pretty good price, willing to trade for a Fender Bassman 50, I must be missing something there........

Maybe it's just my location but I've seen a lot of V4's and V4B's kicking around craigslist over the years for $400-$450. This one looks to be in a little worse shape than some I've seen.

Btw guys, wish me luck. That trade is a neat little turret board custom tube amp I've had sitting around for a while for an upright (!!!!!!!) I just repaired the input jack and it still cranks so now it's all up to the fates...

[fuzzy beard]

Originally Posted by christw

Glad to be of use to the PIA. I'd buy the cab but I already have that single baffle B15 and BT15 Thiele orphan. I'll be headed up halfway to Cleveland tomorrow for a trade if anyone wants me to pick it and ship it. All I'd ask is you to cover the extra gas & shipping cost.



Maybe it's just my location but I've seen a lot of V4's and V4B's kicking around craigslist over the years for $400-$450. This one looks to be in a little worse shape than some I've seen.

Btw guys, wish me luck. That trade is a neat little turret board custom tube amp I've had sitting around for a while for an upright (!!!!!!!) I just repaired the input jack and it still cranks so now it's all up to the fates...

I am looking for a upright