Old Acoustic 150 Head: is it worth salvaging?

john grey · #1 05-25-2011, 06:05 PM

I got a very old Acoustic 150 (guitar) head for free. It's quite old w/ the big old TO-3 power transistors, old fashioned reverb box and multi-channel. It has two "clear" separate channels - that could be used as a emergency Bass head (& another set of two "guitar" channels) . It appears to be fairly clean & so old that it was made in the USA.
I don't have any info so I'd have to hunt for details but it might be salvageable..... is it worth the hassle? Opinions?

RickenBoogie · #2 05-25-2011, 06:19 PM

Only YOU can answer. Is it worth the trouble to you? If this is to be a main gig amp, I'd say no, but otoh, one can never have too many amps.

Bill Whitehurst · #3 05-25-2011, 06:19 PM

Yes.
Find the Acoustic Forum for help and details.

john grey · #4 05-25-2011, 06:35 PM

It would unquestionably be a "emergency backup"......
I like the idea of it's age, if for no other reason than it's almost "history" being made in the USA. It's repair cost shouldn't be vicious as it's wasn't physically abused (looks new actually). The components are available internally; I checked that out. The only thing I couldn't replace would be the reverb box but it APPEARS quite clean.
I'll take some pics & put it up in the Acoustic Forum; perhaps someone has had one.....
Old stuff's getting harder to find.

banikek · #5 05-25-2011, 08:50 PM

The 150 makes an excellent keyboard amp. So-so for bass. I own one now and find it to be simple and solid.

john grey · #6 05-26-2011, 09:16 AM

What can you tell me about it (any idiosyncrasies)? Was your's functional from the start or did you have to work on anything?
Is the reverb unit tough (overall construction, performance)?

Thanks

Keyboards is a great idea., especially considering what I have as a speaker-cabinet to use with it.

banikek · #7 05-26-2011, 10:37 AM

I picked up one years ago in perfect working and cosmetic condition - $150. Sold it later. Picked up another for $100 that need <$50 in repairs - still have it. I would not pay more than $150 for one as they are pretty common. Most amp repair guys have no problems with the old Acoustic stuff - easy to repair and lots of space to work. Limited tone shaping ability but a good basic amp.

KramerBassFan · #8 05-26-2011, 11:09 AM

And the parts are relatively still easy to find - unlike most of the old first gen. solid state amps. Good luck ever trying to find Output transistors for KUSTOMS.

Rabbit371 · #9 05-26-2011, 12:31 PM

I had a 150. Liked it but replaced it with a 370.
I "fixed" a 1968 Acoustic 360 for $1.75 for a blown internal fuze. All it needed.
See WebHome < Acoustic < Wiki

My advice: fix it. Won't cost much.

**garmenteros** · #10 05-26-2011, 12:49 PM

I had the 150b (bass version of the 150). Excellent amps and very well built. I sold it only because I got a 370 (second one I've owned). My 150b had a blown fuse and a damaged cord when I got it. 15 dollars later good as new.

john grey · #11 05-26-2011, 02:10 PM

Good stuff: thank you all. It DOES seem very straight forward and roomy with no esoteric parts from Hades.