univox '71 with ampeg 610

nathank333 · #1 11-05-2011, 04:06 PM

don't know about matching tube watts to modern cabinets. someone's selling a vintage '71 univox all tube head 150 watts locally. would this be a good match for my ampeg 610 (classic series)?? all info well appreciated, thx.

RickenBoogie · #2 11-05-2011, 04:42 PM

Yeah, should be fine- just be sure the Univox has a 4 ohm tap and you're good to go.

**garmenteros** · #3 11-05-2011, 05:25 PM

If you can get pictures I'd like to see them... i thought their 1011 was their biggest wattage tube head at 100... I've owned a couple of univoxes... great for the money and sound really sweet.

dog1 · #4 11-05-2011, 05:26 PM

Yeah. I agree. I come from a day when there was no such thing as solid state. Sometimes I wish that those days would come back.

shrigg · #5 11-05-2011, 05:31 PM

Even the solid state amps are decent... We have a 1974 Univox U600L head at the store I work at and it's cool... Kind of a solid state Fender Bassman equivalent. Good sound for moderate volumes.

dog1 · #6 11-05-2011, 05:42 PM

My first amp was a Silvertone, sold by Sears. Next came a Bassman @ 50 watts, 2-12's with tilt back legs. Both had great tone, but sucked at volume. After that, Kustom tuck and roll. Solid state, 200 watts, 4-15's. Made the others look like toys.

shrigg · #7 11-05-2011, 05:50 PM

I have a Blonde 62 Bassman with the matching 2x12 cabinet and it sounds better than any amp I've ever heard, period. Just pure honest tube warmth with punchiness, even with a bass. It absolutely kills with guitar, destroying the house at volume, lol.

But one great thing about the Univox, or at least the one we have, is the SUPER light weight. I'd say the U600L head we have weighs less than 10 lb. Crazy light for a vintage amp.

dog1 · #8 11-05-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shrigg

I have a Blonde 62 Bassman with the matching 2x12 cabinet and it sounds better than any amp I've ever heard, period. Just pure honest tube warmth with punchiness, even with a bass. It absolutely kills with guitar, destroying the house at volume, lol.

But one great thing about the Univox, or at least the one we have, is the SUPER light weight. I'd say the U600L head we have weighs less than 10 lb. Crazy light for a vintage amp.

Soooo, where is that available from?

shrigg · #9 11-05-2011, 06:17 PM

It's $200 plus actual shipping cost. PM me for details if you're interested...

Getting back on topic, here's a pic of that 62 Bassman the day it came in:

nathank333 · #10 11-05-2011, 09:34 PM

thanks for all the responses. here's what it looks like (at garmenteros). how do i know if it's got a "4 ohm tap"?

nathank333 · #11 11-05-2011, 09:41 PM

the guy says it's in pristine shape (from the pix looks to be the case), he doesn't say when the tubes were put in (that's my next question), and he wants $475. is this a good deal (if the tubes are fairly new and in good shape)

how frequently do tubes need to be replaced anyway?? (talking hours of playtime)

96tbird · #12 11-05-2011, 09:45 PM

Tubes need to be replaced when they die or go microphonic. My 74 Ampeg has all the original tubes and sounds fantastic, however I have collected some nos tubes and am playing with rolling them in and out and listening for tonal differences. Fun!

Capacitors in the amp are another matter. When they get old and dry the amp gets noisy, hissing and popping and they need replacement. If you go vintage, you need to have it checked and caps done where needed, then you'll be good for years. Amazingly, mine still seem fine.

New stock tubes may not last as long by user reports here and elsewhere on the web, the jury is out.

rodl2005 · #13 11-05-2011, 10:06 PM

Hey great lookin amp! What tubes are in it?

chillerthanmost · #14 11-12-2011, 04:21 PM

I can't speak for the rest of the vintage Univox line but I LOVE my '71 UX1501. It was their top of the line at the time. Four 6550 tubes, 140 watts, hand wired ptp. It is the best bass head I've had and I've had an Ampeg v4, sound city 120, Mesa 400, sunn concert. This thing destroys them all.

I picked it up with genuine USA tubes and in super clean condition for $600. I haven't seen any Univox heads go for more than that. The one you posted I would say is more on the mid $300 price range. For $500 you can get something more known to be reliable and or sound excellent like one of the other heads I just posted (all in that price range).

Good luck. Here is my UX1501