Traynor YBA3

[gnappi]

I have an opportunity to get an old Traynor YBA3 in good working order (sounds really good) but TERRIBLE cosmetic shape. The store is putting a value on it considering 90+ % condition but it is in fact a mess.

The tolex was painted white, the logo is gone, and lamps are broken along with missing knobs. I really like it but don't know what a sane offer would be. Can anyone guide me on value, desirability, or problems it may have in the design?

Regards,

Gary

 

[BbbyBld]

I like YBA-3s. As I understand, they had a big influence on the SVT--especially the Super version. One thing to be aware of is that there is not a lot of EQ control.

It will probably need to be re-capped.

I would offer $100 if it worked and just looked bad, but I also have a lot of parts and can do my own work. You could end up spending another $200 on it easy if you can't work on it yourself.

Is it a Custom Special, or a Custom Special Super?

What kind of tubes are in it? I know someone who bought one and it came with Mullard EL34s.

Is it with the matching 810 cab? That cab sounds awesome.

 

[gnappi]

I like YBA-3s. As I understand, they had a big influence on the SVT--especially the Super version. One thing to be aware of is that there is not a lot of EQ control.

It will probably need to be re-capped.

I would offer $100 if it worked and just looked bad, but I also have a lot of parts and can do my own work. You could end up spending another $200 on it easy if you can't work on it yourself.

Is it a Custom Special, or a Custom Special Super?

What kind of tubes are in it? I know someone who bought one and it came with Mullard EL34s.

Is it with the matching 810 cab? That cab sounds awesome.

Dunno the exact model, no markings on it at all... The cabs are big old Ampeg cabs, also painted white. I am probably not going to get the cabs, they want $700 EACH for them.

Anyway,

Recapping won't be a problem, nor will replacing any linen covered wires if needed. I repair amps and can do what's needed. I'm concerned about the tubes. I think they had 6CA7's or 6GK6's, EL34's are a sub for 6CA7's. I'll probably go that route if I can get them serious on the price.

I see you're with Peavey... good folks to work with, but I scratch my head when I look at their value engineering of amps.

Regards,

Gary

 

[Thornton Davis]

The YBA-3 is the Custom Special and the YBA-3A is the Super Custom Special. The latter are very rare.

TD

 

[BbbyBld]

Recapping won't be a problem, nor will replacing any linen covered wires if needed. I repair amps and can do what's needed. I'm concerned about the tubes. I think they had 6CA7's or 6GK6's, EL34's are a sub for 6CA7's. I'll probably go that route if I can get them serious on the price.

Sounds like you're in good shape. I repaired one and the only thing wrong was a shorted cap in the bias supply. The amp lost bias and blew the fuse, and then the owner did the aluminum foil trick on the fuse and melted the tubes.

One thing that's unique about the YBA-3 is the suppressor grid voltage. The suppressor is connected to the bias supply instead of ground to lower the screen dissipation.

With EL34s, the amp will do 160 watts. I've read that you can perform a couple of modifications and use 6550s instead and get 200 watts out of it--the transformers are supposed to take it without any problem.

 

[Crabby]

I have a YBA-3 Custom Special in near pristine condition. It has Mullard Tubes in it I am quite sure. Its a neat amp and although I dont take it out much, Its a blast to play through!