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Feeler, need tube amp fix help

basscooker

basscooker

Inactive
Commercial User
Apr 11, 2010
5,727
10,063
Northern KY
Disclosures
Cab fan, hobbyist
#1
Thanks in advance.

I have a very old all tube amp that needs help. There is likely zero documentation anywhere.

It is a rats nest of PTP components, manufactured mid (or possibly early) 1950s. The compliment is 12ax7, 2-6V6GT, and a rectifier I can't remember it's number.

It has worked and been lovely since the day I opened the box from eBay.

It took a tumble recently and isn't working now. It wasn't powered on but it was plugged in.

It is a straight power section; no gain, master, tone or any other control other than input and output connections.

The chassis overall isn't all that large or heavy so shipping isn't much of a factor, but the real question is:

Who in the world would touch this thing?

Anyway, TB, I hate to lose it, any suggestions?

Edit
Even a good vintage hifi shop?
 
Last edited:
#3
basscooker said:
Thanks in advance.

I have a very old all tube amp that needs help. There is likely zero documentation anywhere.

It is a rats nest of PTP components, manufactured mid (or possibly early) 1950s. The compliment is 12ax7, 2-6V6GT, and a rectifier I can't remember it's number.

It has worked and been lovely since the day I opened the box from eBay.

It took a tumble recently and isn't working now. It wasn't powered on but it was plugged in.

It is a straight power section; no gain, master, tone or any other control other than input and output connections.

The chassis overall isn't all that large or heavy so shipping isn't much of a factor, but the real question is:

Who in the world would touch this thing?

Anyway, TB, I hate to lose it, any suggestions?
Click to expand...
johnk_10 is ace with antique tube gear, for one. I would have loved to take it on before I retired, but that ship has definitely sailed by now! ;)
 
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#6
Are you saying that you are positive that the tube amp schematic is not something you can search for and find online?

If that's the case, then you'll probably need to do a lot of calling around to describe in detail what you've got. You may have to ship it somewhere to find someone willing to jump in there and troubleshoot, and it might get expensive. But there might be someone in your area. It could still become expensive. (I bought a Danelectro DS-100 on ebay and once when it needed some work I asked the guy to go in and see if he could also fix what was wrong with the reverb. We had the schematic and still couldn't make it work, but it was a couple hundred dollars down the drain trying to figure it out. This was a reputable and experienced business owner, not just some random dude.)

If you just don't know much about how to find someone to service tube amps, then just google amp repair in your area. There should be some person within a couple hours drive that repairs guitar amps, and you should be able to find them through google or through asking the local music stores if they know anyone. This person will most likely need the schematic, there will be a minimum fee to open it up on the bench, and then an hourly rate on top of parts costs. This is what they mean when people say "care and feeding" of tube amps.
 
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#8
Uncle Doug

www.facebook.com

Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps

Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps. 7,734 likes · 73 talking about this. This Facebook page is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, discussion, and occasional sale of vintage guitar amplifiers.
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com

Or possibly Fazio Electric

www.youtube.com

Fazio Electric

Colleen Fazio lives in Los Angeles, CA. She is an amplifier repair technician, and also builds custom guitar amps.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
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#9
Another option is to take it to a Hamfest, tour the tables, and find someone who might want to tackle it. Hamfests are chock full of old radio gear, parts, and so on. Mostly old timers who are intimately familiar with maintenance and restoration of old tube transmitters and receivers. In your state, there's one coming up on March 22 in Cave City, and another on April 5 in Elizabethtown. The ARRL web site has a pretty good search function where you can find such events. I used to go to them a lot (I have an FCC Class A Radiotelephone license from 1980, superseded by a new/updated license/nomenclature scheme).

There's also the possibility of working a deal with someone where you trade what you have for something fully functional that you like even more. I hardly ever used to see "amp only" units, but you never know what you'll run into at a hamfest.

My only caution is that you might find yourself walking out having purchased more goodies than you'd ever thought.

hamfests.jpg
 
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#14
A bit more detail. All the replies and suggestions are awesome, thank you.

It is an Ampro power unit from a 1x12 projector speaker (as in audio/video equipment) from the 50s.

Like I said in my op, it is PTP and a very simple circuit (for someone familiar with vintage stuff, presumably).

Local is obviously the first choice, but I'd like to explore all the options; including those that I'd have to ship to.

Is a sweet sounding little living room amp with some real vintage mojo, nothing more.

20211208_235647.jpg
 
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#16
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#19
Wasnex said:
View attachment 7160766Schematic may be last page of this document: https://www.acofs.org.au/part_5_files/AMPRO/Tech Stylist.PDF
View attachment 7160770
Click to expand...

Almost exactly! Wow thank you. The difference with mine is on the right side there aren't knobs. One is a different style output connector, and the other I can't remember, but it isn't a pot.

It's hard to see in the picture, but the one you posted might be model 630? Mine IIRC is 690. I'd bet the schematic is enough for someone to get the lay of the land though. Huge thank you @Wasnex

Edit, and yes, as you can see from the picture of mine, I built the head unit from a 3rd box. My amp was originally mounted like the pictured one Wasnex posted.
 
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#20
Hahaha

I think I should put on my "cheater" glasses a bit more often @Wasnex

Hmmmm?

I guess the amp I have was modded at some point!(?)

Yes looks like (hehe now that I put on my readers) you provided me with EXACTLY what I needed to help whomever I've chosen (from the WONDERFUL list provided by the collective!!!!!!!! Ty, all) to get this fun piece of decor making sound again!
:)
 
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