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Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 5:31 pm
by Ace K
twelvepoint wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:56 am Twin Twelves always sound awesome when I hear them live. Have any small builders (looking at you, Dr. Tony Balls!) ever reissued these things in, perhaps, a simplified form with a turret board?
This is something I've actually been considering for a while, I just use 1484 and 1483 and it would be cool to get a bulletproof version.

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2023 5:33 pm
by VaticanShotglass
Ace K wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 5:31 pm
twelvepoint wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:56 am Twin Twelves always sound awesome when I hear them live. Have any small builders (looking at you, Dr. Tony Balls!) ever reissued these things in, perhaps, a simplified form with a turret board?
This is something I've actually been considering for a while, I just use 1484 and 1483 and it would be cool to get a bulletproof version.
I can’t recall which, but one of the popular amp and cab diy kit websites (mojotone? Webber?) used to offer a stripped down 1484 kit (looked like the feature set of a 1483 perhaps. It was significantly more than the cost of an old 1483 (which I still sorta want) at the time. However all those old amp prices keep rising and there’s the likely cost of a once over by a tech, not to mention the old pressboard cabs being less than rugged.

Also consider that if those kit sites list full documentation, you can just crib the notes and source parts more affordably and perhaps diy the cab or chassis.

I’ve always loved the look of those little 1483 heads with the full chrome faceplate and beveled box edges. I’ve often thought of building a little 1x12 conversion.

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:44 pm
by Mickey242
Making a DI with a Jenson transformer. Bught out by Radial.

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2023 8:05 am
by Tom Wanderer
VaticanShotglass wrote: Thu Apr 20, 2023 5:33 pm However all those old amp prices keep rising and there’s the likely cost of a once over by a tech, not to mention the old pressboard cabs being less than rugged.
My 1483 has been amazingly rugged. In the 20 years I've had it, it's been through a lot. The OT went 15 years ago and the replacement (spec'd to the original) went a year or so later. My wife used it live and it was always dimed. My amp guy said the original OT was undersized for the job, so the second time he replaced it with an OT from either a Deluxe Reverb or one of those Fender Blues amps...I can't remember which, but it's been rock solid ever since.

So if you see one that's cheaper due to a non original OT, that's probably an improvement. If you go for one with an original OT, be aware that there's a good chance it will need to be replaced sooner or later.

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 8:10 am
by Tom Wanderer
I've got an EGC that had a broken pickup selector switch. The toggle snapped off during shipping and I've been meaning to replace it for 12 years. Finally got around to it!

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 5:13 pm
by Ace K
Tom Wanderer wrote: Fri Apr 21, 2023 8:05 am
VaticanShotglass wrote: Thu Apr 20, 2023 5:33 pm However all those old amp prices keep rising and there’s the likely cost of a once over by a tech, not to mention the old pressboard cabs being less than rugged.
My 1483 has been amazingly rugged. In the 20 years I've had it, it's been through a lot. The OT went 15 years ago and the replacement (spec'd to the original) went a year or so later. My wife used it live and it was always dimed. My amp guy said the original OT was undersized for the job, so the second time he replaced it with an OT from either a Deluxe Reverb or one of those Fender Blues amps...I can't remember which, but it's been rock solid ever since.

So if you see one that's cheaper due to a non original OT, that's probably an improvement. If you go for one with an original OT, be aware that there's a good chance it will need to be replaced sooner or later.
The OT is the main source of failure, but I feel like it's also part of the vibe?

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 7:56 pm
by llllllllllllllllllll
Not the same thing but I have a 50s Gibson GA6 with a transformer that was changed many years ago. Nobody likes hearing that, but my tech said it was probably better than what was in there stock. It does rip, and in fact I had another all original GA6 that I eventually sold because I liked the one I have now better. It roars on 1. Insane amp

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Wed May 03, 2023 10:01 am
by Tom Wanderer
Ace K wrote: Tue May 02, 2023 5:13 pm The OT is the main source of failure, but I feel like it's also part of the vibe?
Haha having a gigging amp with an OT that failed repeatedly was not a "vibe" that I was into. I couldn't hear the difference with the new OT. Still sounds gnarly, unique and amazing and has been problem free for well over a decade.

I want my shit to work when I need it to work. I know old gear is going to need service, care and parts eventually, but I try to keep things in good working order. The original part was already blown, so why not seize the opportunity to make an improvement? If you've got a great guitar with a pot that cuts out, would you fight that forever or just replace the pot?

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Wed May 03, 2023 11:17 am
by Bubber
llllllllllllllllllll wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 11:06 am Anybody using professionals for mic repairs these days?
Not sure if I'm misunderstanding your question, but if you're asking if ppl have recommendations for mic repair, I sent a pile of EVs in to Cole Suddarth in Nashville about a year ago and I couldn't be happier about it. First heard about him via Lil Bub LLC. Anyway, very reasonably priced and fast. His Instagram account is worth following, too: colespicksvintage

Re: PRF Members Tech Journal

Posted: Wed May 03, 2023 5:48 pm
by thecr4ne
Bubber wrote: Wed May 03, 2023 11:17 am
llllllllllllllllllll wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 11:06 am Anybody using professionals for mic repairs these days?
Not sure if I'm misunderstanding your question, but if you're asking if ppl have recommendations for mic repair, I sent a pile of EVs in to Cole Suddarth in Nashville about a year ago and I couldn't be happier about it. First heard about him via Lil Bub LLC. Anyway, very reasonably priced and fast. His Instagram account is worth following, too: colespicksvintage
Cole was referred to me by Misha at Russian Recording for ribbon mic work as well. I haven't actually sent any mics his way, but we exchanged a few emails and he's definitely getting my business...at some point.