Vintage Tube Amps [Archive] - GuitarsCanada.com

Jeff Flowerday

02-03-2006, 02:00 PM

nice nice...guess u can pull off any hendrix tone from them (tho he used marshall)

I have an 18 Watt clone that might be a little closer to the Hendix thing. :)

Jeff Flowerday

02-03-2006, 02:39 PM

I've played a number of Deluxes, but I'm not that familiar with the Princeton. I mean, I've heard of them, but what do they sound like? Is it similar to a Deluxe, or a totally different beast?

Princeton is a little Deluxe in some senses. It's about 12 Watts. The best clean sounding Fender when set up properly. The only problem is the Princeton is just that, nothing but clean, humbuckers will barely make it break up when cranked. Now it's brother the Princeton Reverb has a little more gain on tap because of an extra gain stage in the reverb circuit.

Same goes for the Deluxe, it's a little cleaner than the Deluxe Reverb for the same reason as the Princetons. Just not as bad.

SCREEM

02-04-2006, 07:37 PM

sweet amps...I'm starting to hate you, you have nothing but the best of the best:D

whitegreyblack

02-06-2006, 05:34 PM

Here's the baby that routinely rocks my socks.

imbackagain2

02-06-2006, 05:38 PM

Really nice amp. I mean really nice. I wish I could get my hands on some cool vintage gear. You seem to have it all.

PintoMusic

02-11-2006, 04:17 PM

This is only sorta vintage but it's also Canadian.

This is my Garnet Enforcer tube combo. I think it was made in the late-70's:

http://www.nealpinto.com/photos/grnet01.jpg

Robert1950

02-11-2006, 06:12 PM

Here are my 2 babies:

1964 Princeton
1966 Deluxe

http://members.shaw.ca/jeffflowerday/Images/VintageAmps.jpg

Can I kill you and steal them both???? Especially the Princeton ???? ;)

Yerffej

02-15-2006, 12:04 AM

Can I kill you and steal them both???? Especially the Princeton ???? ;)
dont quote pictures. I like the simplicity of tweed deluxes more, myself. it is hard to find a bad tone with so few nobs. nice amps

StevieMac

03-05-2006, 07:40 AM

First is a 1960 5F6-A with vintage P10Q's. It serves double-duty since it's perfect for both harp and guitar.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/poonman66/BMfront.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/poonman66/BMrear.jpg
My other is a '62 Pro/Super. I consider it a hybrid since it came with factory original tube rectifier and has since been converted to a 2x10 set-up. It's now more brownface Super than Pro. I love 'em both!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/poonman66/gearpics011.jpg

CocoTone

03-05-2006, 02:15 PM

I posted mine in another thread, but here they are again. Traynor Guitarmate with a G12H30 Heritage speaker, Traynor Bassmate head on an old large Sunn 2X12 semi open-backed cab with Chinese Greenbacks, and a 5 year old Super Reverb Reissue that sounds as good as any of the vintage Superes I've owned.

CT.:D

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/CocoTone/gearshot.jpg

guitarzan

03-14-2006, 12:50 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/rawkzilla/lgsp905.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/rawkzilla/Dscf0006.jpg
that is my YSR1 custom reverb
i need to get better speakers in the cab.
i put in the LG because i see you have one as well.
what string guage are you using and do you have a specific setup for height of the strings and pickups? those seymours are fairly hot and i have been experimenting with different setups.

Tybone

04-15-2006, 12:44 AM

I guess you could call my two fenders "Barely Vintage". I have a two amps from 1971. A silver face Twin and a silver deluxe reverb. No pics yet.

LB

scuffelwood

04-20-2006, 10:38 PM

Mines Tweed so it`s Vintage...........ok its not its Peavy.......damn!

dwagar

04-21-2006, 07:47 AM

Here's a cool piece, an old Vox AC-10. 10 watts with 2 10" speakers.
This thing just smokes!

http://www.wagarsales.com/otdb/images/vox1.jpg
http://www.wagarsales.com/otdb/images/vox2.jpg
http://www.wagarsales.com/otdb/images/vox3.jpg

Belongs to a friend of mine in Edmonton - I get to use it whenever I go up there for a jam. It'd have to be miked for stage use, but has just the right amount of power to hold it's own (volume pinned) in a loud house jam.

torndownunit

05-14-2006, 04:12 PM

Here are my 2 Traynors, a 1975 YGM-3 and a 1970 YBA-1 (with jtm45 mods).

http://evilrocknroll.net/traynors.jpg

And here is my Princeton Reverb. It's actually a 69' Silveface but the previous owner modded it to a blackface.

http://www.fireweed-alpacas.com/MUSIC_GEAR/PR_files/image003.jpg

sesroh

09-10-2006, 10:38 AM

ive only got one vintage amp. its an early 70s HH electronics 100watt head. if you're a fan of pink floyd, im sure you know of these. they can be seen numerous times during the Live at Pompeii film. i have been using it with a mid 80s Marshall 1965A 4X10 slant cabinet.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/j_charles67/010103181.jpg

ive also got a a maybe 10-20watt selmer tube amp from around 1961. it is my fathers amp he has had for many many years. i can post pics of that if any1 is interested.

GuitarsCanada

09-16-2006, 12:35 AM

Pictured here with my 1967 Gibson ES345

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/ES345.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/superlabel2.jpg

GuitarsCanada

09-16-2006, 12:41 AM

Sold this one a while back but what the hell, enjoy the pic.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/stratbm.jpg

nonreverb

09-22-2006, 08:25 PM

'67 Super
This baby's sold!

Robert1950

09-23-2006, 11:19 AM

My FAKE vingtage amp, :tongue: A reissue of the '50s GA-5 Les Paul Junior.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4704246-lg.jpg

M_A_T_T

09-23-2006, 09:16 PM

I also just ordered a 1964 Blackface Princeton. :rockon2:

Mr. David Severson

10-01-2006, 05:33 PM

Here's my 1969 Deluxe Reverb:smile:
http://members.shaw.ca/davidanddebbie/guitars%20canada/deluxe.jpg

GuitarsCanada

10-01-2006, 09:02 PM

That one is in excellent condition for the age. Nice. Drool

Mr. David Severson

10-01-2006, 09:08 PM

It is in really good shape..I scored this one off a janitor from a mall I used to work in. It sounds fantastic. It didn't have the original speaker in it, it came with a old peavey square magnet speaker that sounded like a fart can. I put a revrend all tone in and it really opened it up:smile:

torndownunit

10-02-2006, 04:13 AM

That Super and that Deluxe Reverb are great looking. I'd love to own a super one day if I lived somewhere where I could could actually turn it up.

gtrguy

10-02-2006, 01:50 PM

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/3909/gearnt4.jpg

'67 Deluxe Reverb
'66 Super Reverb
'66 Twin Reverb
'81 JCM800 2203

Looking for a Princeton Reverb....

gtrguy

nonreverb

10-02-2006, 08:47 PM

Here's a family photo...cheers:smile:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/nonreverb/IMG_0011.jpg

Pauls2

10-03-2006, 08:43 AM

Nice to see a Canadian guitar forum - my first post here. Here's what I'm playing through - it's a mid 50's Super which my brother got a number of years back in a somewhat modded state. He's been building and re-working amps for the last 20 years so took it upon himself to fine-tune and create the nicest tweed amp I've ever played.

I eventually got it a few months ago:-)

http://homepage.mac.com/sherstobitoff/.Pictures/Gibson%20335/50'sSuper03.jpg

This is one gets a lot of playing time through it.

http://homepage.mac.com/sherstobitoff/.Pictures/Gibson%20335/Jr01.jpg

It's a CS re-issue and Krangs like there is no tomorrow through the Super.

Paul

CocoTone

10-03-2006, 11:12 AM

M_A_T_T

10-07-2006, 09:14 PM

My new addition came.

This only had one previous owner. A real closet classic with the original RCA and Mullard tubes. Totally untouched.

:food-smiley-004:

bRian

10-08-2006, 04:27 AM

80's Fender Super Champ. This is my pride and joy

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m251/Caper177/Super%20Champ/100_0538.jpg

bolero

11-09-2006, 07:02 PM

Pual, does that super have a 15" speaker?

have never actually seen one of those, cool pic!

Pauls2

11-09-2006, 07:14 PM

It has 2X10's - very clear, articulate and detailed.....but it can sure rock!

I just picked up a CS Nocaster and they were made for each other......the Nocaster is so responsive I can almost breath on the strings and they start to ring.

I've never experienced a guitar and amp become an extension of each other like these two. Leo got it right - right at the beginning!

Paul

bolero

11-13-2006, 04:27 PM

nice!!

that thing looks totally badass...I hope you don't go & get it retolexed or anything !!

gerald guerrero

11-18-2006, 09:15 PM

Sweet Home Al-a Baa-MA!.....Won'tchu Flyyyyyyy Highhhhh Freeeeee Bird ,yea! Just picked up this old mace head. 160 watts Hybrid. Skynyrd recorded and toured with this . This is styraight from the Horses mouth (Ed King).They dumped the Black widows from the L-4125 and put JBL's init though, and took the back off. Ive had the cab. for awhile, but just got the head tonight. More tone,mmmm, possibly. More power?...doubt it!!http://files.myopera.com/gjgkerrtx/albums/163076/jerr%20194.jpg

Pauls2

11-30-2006, 11:42 AM

nice!!

that thing looks totally badass...I hope you don't go & get it retolexed or anything !!

No chance of getting it retolexed........People pay good money for bumps, tears and dirt!:-)

M_A_T_T

12-04-2006, 07:38 PM

Got two more to add.

gerald guerrero

12-07-2006, 06:40 PM

[QUOTE=M_A_T_T]Got two more to add.

Matt. I really think those old Fender units are some of the most rare and desirable gear left on the Planet. I would gladly donate my liver to research(not charity, they wouldnt want it) for that sweet sweet unit. You are very fortunate my fine Canadian friend!I think hose "verb units are going to skyrocket in value!!

GuitarsCanada

12-07-2006, 07:21 PM

Nice units Matt. Very nice indeed. I would love to run into a few of those at a yard sale. :food-smiley-004:

Jeff Flowerday

12-08-2006, 04:16 PM

Since I sold my Deluxe and I'm selling my Princeton I should really delete this thread. :wink:

torndownunit

12-11-2006, 04:04 PM

1968 Princeton Reverb

There is some confusion as to whether it's Blackface or Silverface. The guy who sold it to me was the second owner, and he said the previous owner had put the blackface panel on it. But, I took it to the tech I use (who is pretty knowledgeable) for a checkup when I got it and he said that it actually is a blackface from his dating of it. If this is the case, I got one heck of a deal. Even if it is a silverface, I still paid a pretty good price for it.

I have it in an Allen 12" cabinet right now with a Weber 12F150. This give it a lot more clean headroom and to my ears makes it sound like a cross between a Deluxe Reverb and a Princeton Reverb.

http://66.49.206.203/pr_01.jpg

GuitarsCanada

12-11-2006, 04:47 PM

Does it still have the tube chart attached inside> Is the circuit either one of these? AB868, AB1270. the blackface circuit was AA1164. Below is a tube chart from my Super reverb, which was a silverface but had the blackface wiring from the factory.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/superlabel2.jpg

torndownunit

12-11-2006, 05:26 PM

Ya see, it didn't come with a tube chart. 1968 Princeton Reverbs have the same circuit as the blackface though. I have learned that through research on other forums. On the 'simple' amps like that they didn't change the circuit when they went silverface.

So technically, it really doesn't matter. But as you know it does matter to collectors if you ever went to sell it. I'd be curious if it's an actual blackface just for insurance reasons etc.

I have all the serials from the transformers etc. (which I heard are better to go by then the tube chart). If anyone knows about this stuff, let me know and I will PM you the info. I don't want to sidetrack the whole thread.

Hamm Guitars

01-13-2007, 03:14 PM

This is my 1960 Gibson Super 400 (Gibson Crestline GA-400)
http://www.hammguitars.com/vintage/super400/super4001.JPG

I've owned it for years, but never bothered to put tubes in it.

Ripper

01-13-2007, 04:26 PM

Does it still have the tube chart attached inside> Is the circuit either one of these? AB868, AB1270. the blackface circuit was AA1164. Below is a tube chart from my Super reverb, which was a silverface but had the blackface wiring from the factory.

Don't rely on tubecharts to be accurate. Some blackface PR's had tubecharts indicating AA764 for them when the circuits inside were actually AA1164. It was common for amps to have the wrong tube chart in them right from the factory.

In regards to the blackface/silverface transistion, it took quite awhile for some of the circuits to make the change, and some made the changes in stages. The Deluxes and Vibrolux reverbs were some of the last to be completely silverfaced. The biggest difference was when CBS went to using crap quality drop capacitors. Changing those in a silverface to some good quality sprague or mallory makes a big difference right off the bat.

KHINGPYNN

01-13-2007, 10:13 PM

I've got a pair or Amperex twin 6V6 amps with cast 8" Jensen speakers. They look like a suitcase and were made in 1954... I have to take some pics... I'll post them shortly. I've also got two matching reel to reel tape machines.
Very cool!
All are completly origional and in perfect working order... they need to be cleaned up a little is all.

khing

old crow

09-13-2007, 11:54 PM

Cool GA-400 , Hamm.

garretrevels

11-08-2007, 06:48 PM

here's my late 50's RCA Victor tube amp (with tremolo)

12 inch speaker

tube line up is as follows....
6AU6, 6AV6, 6AQ5, 6X4

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/2928/p1010393wa6.jpg

nonreverb

11-27-2007, 07:47 PM

Picked up this beauty today for $650. All origional dates November 1964

greco

11-27-2007, 09:10 PM

Picked up this beauty today for $650. All origional dates November 1964
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/nonreverb/FenderConcertAmp001-1.jpg

Wow !!! Has it been in the original box since 1964?

Congrats...great score.

Dave

shoretyus

11-27-2007, 09:50 PM

Where did you leave your house hey again? :smile:

Ok buddy you now have a deadline. You have been promising a jam room. I want to play that. Me and ol what's his name are coming. We bring tidings of joy and good Danish cheer. In return ...... I get to play that thing and one of those B thingama bobs that I know you have... NO T's or limey's...

I will start phonin' your wifey.......

nonreverb

11-27-2007, 10:35 PM

Wow !!! Has it been in the original box since 1964?

Congrats...great score.

Dave

Thanks Dave,

Not quite but darn close...even has the origional cover and candy...:smile:

nonreverb

11-27-2007, 11:46 PM

laura-j

12-21-2007, 11:09 AM

I have a princeton reverb 1965... it's the nicest sounding amp i have at low volume.. i'm trying to get the nerve to try it miked playing out.. i'm just old school i guess and like to have a lot of power on reserve... bruno amps and a
1982 jcm800 full stack

bRian

12-22-2007, 06:30 AM

This is my 70 Princeton, picked it up on kijiji.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m251/Caper177/Sema2007005.jpg

Geek

12-22-2007, 04:14 PM

That looks in pretty good shape :smile:

Cheers!

devnulljp

03-23-2008, 05:16 PM

Here's my 72 Traynor YGM-3 1x12 (with 1980 ES335-Pro, w/ SD Antiquities).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2356024752_44d4c2f480.jpg

Not exactly vintage, but old (and fine) enough.

Man, those baby boomers are sure kicking our arses:
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/classic.png

vgm9

04-20-2008, 03:35 PM

HI, I'm new here and hope to get some info on my new vintage 5 watt ARC tube amp. HELPlofu

fraser

04-20-2008, 04:18 PM

HI, I'm new here and hope to get some info on my new vintage 5 watt ARC tube amp. HELPlofu

made in montreal by pine electronics(pepco) in the sixties and early seventies. pepco made a number of amps, all similar- but with different badge names, like pine, regal,arc, riviera etc.
if it has only one transformer youll want to put in an isolation transformer so you wont get bit- they can be a bit dangerous-
ive got a few-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/fraserkaro/pic002-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/fraserkaro/pic004-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/fraserkaro/pic003-2.jpg

vgm9

04-20-2008, 04:30 PM

Any idea how much an isolation tramsformer and 3 prong conversion would cost?

fraser

04-20-2008, 04:53 PM

i paid about $20 per transformer-
hammond isolation transformer, 169QS, primary 115v, secondary 115v
i walked into my local electronics store, and they ordered em in for me.
i simply bolt the iso tranny to the bottom of the cabinet, cut the old 2 prong wire so that it reaches the tranny, them hook it up- then i cut the one end off a 3 prong pc power supply cord, and hook it up-
White and black to transformer black leads. Original two power leads from chassis to transformer red leads. Power cord Green lead to amplifier chassis.
cant imagine it bieng expensive, only takes 10 minutes- id charge $20 if it was me for the work-
does your amp have just the one transformer? and do 2 of the tubes have numbers like 50l6 and 35z5?
if its got 2 transformers, then you just wire a 3 prong cord like the old one, with the green wire going to the chassis-
some applicable infos here-
http://www.netads.com/~meo/Guitar/Amps/Kalamazoo/Mods/safe.html

Beevee

06-09-2008, 11:35 AM

Here is a '65 Vibro Champ w/Weber Alnico speaker

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/beevee12/65VibroChamp.jpg

I also have a '61 Brownface Princeton with Weber Alnico but no picture yet.
I'm selling off a lot of gear that I don't use but these two are staying (unless the right offer comes along)

traynor_garnet

06-09-2008, 06:22 PM

Any idea how much an isolation tramsformer and 3 prong conversion would cost?

I have a pro grade Hammond Isolation transformer sitting here. This one doesn't require any mods to the amp and will also ground you. It's over $100 new but is very safe and can be used with more than one amp. If you have any pedals sitting around I might be interested in a trade (just PM'd you too).

Get one of these things and forget about frying yourself!

TG

ROADDOG

06-13-2008, 10:59 AM

Some very nice amps in this thread , love the oddball stuff , and the uniquely Canadian Amps .. Heres a pic of my 64 AA864 Bassman and 66 Vibro Champ.http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/6STRINGS9LIVES/IMG_0493.jpg

Guitarmonkey

08-01-2008, 01:54 PM

I've got a 1964 Gibson Atlas Medalist 50 watt 115 bass combo, which breaks up pretty sweet at about 4.5...the original RCA black wall 6L6 tubes still rock this box....

I also have a 1968 Garnet "the Odyssey" 50 watt 4 channel amp, which sounds so amazing with a matching set of 4-8 cabs and stands.

I can't seem to post attachments yet (noob alert), but soon enough..... Now I want to go home and plug my Gibby into that Marshall AVT150H I picked up yesterday....haven't even plugged it in yet....mmmmm, Marshall......valvestate, no less.

Monkey

geckodog

08-22-2008, 08:06 PM

1968 Marshall Plexi that recently came into my store. Pretty sweet sounding amp. The 412 it came with isn't vintage.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/geckodog/DSCN0676.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/geckodog/DSCN0683.jpg

devnulljp

08-22-2008, 09:33 PM

Embarassed to post this after that plexi, but I just got this:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2787804405_5191ac9429.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2752571544_8b6a7f75fb.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/2752573756_f9ddb7670f.jpg

Does that count? 1965 Silvertone 1448L amp-in-case. A mighty 3 W no frills tube amp. Even has one of the original tubes in there.
All wrapped up in a chipboard case ... and with a guitar too :)

bolero

09-28-2008, 08:28 PM

really cool old supro 1624

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b67/bbolero/aecaf990.jpg

great sounding ( when cranked) '60's gibson GA-8, 1x12 combo

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b67/bbolero/fe68453d.jpg