Vintage Tube Capacitor Replacemet Cost

GangstaBean · #1 12-16-2011, 05:49 PM

There is an 1973 Ampeg V-4B on CL for $230. I was wondering how much labor and capacitor replacement would cost. It's a power capacitors(s). I need to have a ballpark idea ASAP.
Also, how are these amps? And how much does a retube cost?
Thanks, Nate

craig.p · #2 12-16-2011, 06:01 PM

I think you mean power transformer. Conservatively, plan on $400-500 including labor for a new quality part. Maybe half that or a bit more if a good used part can be located.

GangstaBean · #3 12-16-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

I think you mean power transformer. Conservatively, plan on $400-500 including labor for a new quality part. Maybe half that or a bit more if a good used part can be located.

My bad. Meant to say capacitors. I'll change the thread.

beans-on-toast · #4 12-16-2011, 06:30 PM

Go to fliptops.net. They list a recap kit at $89. The tube set can vary depending on the output tubes, figure up to $120. You can't just install the new tubes, the amp would need a tech to do this. The amp would need some tech time to bring up to spec, clean it up a bit, make it reliable. The condition of the amp is important. Maybe an extra $500 all total including the parts listed above. You would probably have to do all this even if the amp were much more expensive to buy.

No picture and such a low price makes me wonder if this deal is on the up and up.

GangstaBean · #5 12-16-2011, 06:38 PM

He said the amp cuts out when cranked, but it does work. He also said that he does have power tubes, he said it may just be preamp tubes.

coreyfyfe · #6 12-16-2011, 07:39 PM

I had my v4 recapped for $120-135 I believe. Somewhere in that ballpark.

GangstaBean · #7 12-16-2011, 07:45 PM

I just got an estimate from a local guy. $90 for recap, $40 for retubing. I pay for the tubes and caps.

beans-on-toast · #8 12-16-2011, 07:52 PM

If it doesn't have a three conductor power cord, you should have one installed. It is a safety issue. Also, you might want to consider having all the jacks, pots, and tube sockets treated with DeOxit to clean and lubricate the parts.

The estimate for the re-cap and re-tube and bias is reasonable.

Rick Auricchio · #9 12-17-2011, 11:06 AM

So you're looking at about $225 in repair cost for parts and labor, plus $230 for the amp. Bump that by a conservative $75 more for unanticipated repair work and you're over $600 for this amp.

I think it would be better to pass on this one and buy something that works.

seamonkey · #10 12-17-2011, 12:20 PM

How do you even know it needs caps?
It could be a loose ground connection. They often have a ground lug with a lug and bolted to the chassis. Screws come loose. lugs get corrosion.

Service first, then repair.
Shotgun replacement of all caps seems to be the standard fair, but look it over first.

Mr. Foxen · #11 12-17-2011, 04:57 PM

Cutting out is bad connection, might just be a cleaning it needs. Also consider if you pay for the service, you get a newly serviced, warrantied amp, if you buy one that 'works' you get some vague indication of an unspecific level of function from someone trying to sell you an amp. I've generally found totally dead amps easier to get working properly than sort of working ones, because I can just get on with doing everything that might need doing rather than poking about finding what needs doing.