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In Reply to: RE: Some technical questions for the experts posted by spindoctor on July 21, 2017 at 07:17:40
Vintage, I take it (since you posted in this area). 8^)If it's a Fender, Vox, or Marshall --- there is a TON of data and info on the Net. You need a schematic, that shows nominal voltages. I'd measure all the B+ points, cathode voltages, idle bias on the output tubes, plate voltage, etc. Compensate for today's outlet voltages.
You should have a speaker cab, you know works. At least a stand-alone speaker that is good. 1/4-inch mono jacks and plugs. Speaker extension cord (do NOT use guitar patch cords for speakers). Many of vintage amp issues are speaker related.
I get most of my basic parts from Antique Electronics Supply. Fancy caps and resistors from Parts Connexion. You will prolly need to replace all PSU caps, bypass caps, and bias supply filter cap(s). Measure the DC passing coupling caps (on grid side).
Replace anyone that is bad. What cap you choose is up to the owner's tone desires. Replace them with what he wants. Not what you want. Guitar amp tone is a very personal thing. What sounds great to you, could irritate the heck out of the owner. Then, you'll need to rip out all those new caps and redo the whole thing. Only do mods that both of you agree to. Such as reverting BALANCE pot back to BIAS pot --- or other "blackface mods."
Do you play guitar or at least have access to a known good one. Many times the amp is fine, but the customer's guitar has issues. So, fixing the amp becomes frustrating and fruitless.
Heavy chord playing usually shows overdrive and speaker problems. Individual notes displays overtones and false notes.
In vintage Fender amps, rarely does the iron (PT and OPT) need replacing. Unless, the owner obvious shorted out the section(s). If you need iron, try to get as close to OEM as possible. Don't go for fancy stuff (like Mercury Mag), unless the owner agrees to it. IRON changes tone. Sometimes, for the worse. And they take forever to break in.
As for tubes... again it's up to owner's taste. Usually, as close to what he has in the amp now, is the best. Keep the tone as close to what he is used to... if that is what he likes.
Have fun! I love R&R'ing these old amps. Back to the original sound they had, in most cases. The amp MUST be reliable. Esp if the owner gigs. So keep this in mind, too!
Edits: 07/21/17 07/21/17Follow Ups:
I do have the schematic diagram. And I'm the owner. Primary guitar is my Gibson es 330 from 1964 and a couple of others. So I can not be limited other than by my ears.
Sim
The amp is a Baldwin C-1... I have replacement transistors coming from Russia.
Sim
I also snagged a new echo unit and will add new speakers and likely fully rebuild;ld the cabinet primarily because I'm a woodworker and have some nice wood laying around... may in fact use wormy chestnut.
Sim
Is this amp for you or a customer? I have very little experience with SS amps. Just the usual PSU cap changes. Placing three prong wire. Etc.
Is the amp working? Does it have sound issues?
The amplifier is mine. I first heard this amplifier around 1964 at a dance. This is an eBay acquisition that never worked. At the time was using a Sears Silvertone stacked unit with my Gibson That was a tube amplifier and served me for all of my R&R band days in the '60s. I gave that amp to one of our neighbor boys who had just taken up guitar. I was busy with career and family at that [point in my life. So this is a challenge and hopefully a fun project especially if I can resurrect it.
It's this amplifier from Willie Nelson's set-up. https://www.gearslutz.com/board/attachments/so-many-guitars-so-little-time/340000d1365778810-baldwin-c1-custom-professional-amplifier-supersound-6877913729_701aa1bc78_z.jpg
Sim
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