Need some info on a Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master

[Reynolds 101]

I just bought a Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master head from a music shop nearby, but I have a few questions and I wanted to see if anyone here can help. I love this amp already and I've only had it a few days.

The serial is 2010752, I did some research and from what I read online I believe it is from 1972? Im not totally sure if thats correct but I seen it on a few websites.

Also, the tubes say Sylvania dm ADC, not sure if these are old or new.

I talked to a guy who plays bass with this head a while ago and he said he puts a patch cable going from input I to input II, what exactly does this do?

[Randall]

I also have one from that era. I will post my serial number later for fun. Jumpering the channels is done on svts yba's etc to combine both channels tone controls. Traynor has a vintage section on their website where you can read a little bit about your amp. I bet those are older tubes as usa made tube factories closed down a long time ago. I found some nice old rca preamp tubes in mine but new power tubes recently installed.

[Reynolds 101]

I have some pictures too, forgot to post them first.

[Smokin' Toaster]

Here's a great resource for Traynor info:

http://www.yorkville.com/downloads/o...llehistory.pdf

It's a history of Traynor in chronological order. Look at the year 1970, that's when they went to seven digit serial numbers, the first number being the year and digits two and three indicating the month of manufacture.

You are correct, your amp was made in January of 1972 according to this document.

[Alex1984]

I actually like a lot of old Traynors, they can really grunt. Is it a YBA-1A (90W Mark-II) or the YBA-1 (45W Mark-I)?

[N.F.A.]

When I bought a YBA-1 years ago, I emailed Traynor and they provided me with all the information you are looking for.

[chillerthanmost]

Those old Sylvania tubes are great. I wouldn't replace them unless they completely stop working. Jumping the channels was great when I played guitar through mine but gave me a bit too much gain through bass. But when I did, I plugged into the bottom input of channel one and jumped the top of one to the bottom of two. And when I didn't jump them I still plugged into the bottom channel one. Great amp. I sometimes regret selling my '69 but it was an offer I couldn't refuse. Congrats.

[DaZombieWoof]

Definitely YBA-1. YBA-1A had hernia inducing transformers and choke along with a fan for the tubes they were running real hard. Both are wonderful amps for what they are.

[Reynolds 101]

Thanks for that link Toaster, pretty cool little history lesson. I've always read that people should veer away from this amp because of how quiet it is, but IMO I think its pretty loud and I dont really see how anyone would need more power than what this amp provides.

So glad to have a tube head.

[devnulljp]

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

I've always read that people should veer away from this amp because of how quiet it is, but IMO I think its pretty loud and I dont really see how anyone would need more power than what this amp provides.

I played guitar through one of those years ago -- it was simply the loudest thing I've ever heard. It was awesome and I've been on the hunt for one for years.

This is also a good resource: Velvet Black - Models

How to date it: Velvet Black - Dating