Standel Repair

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 28 Jul 2002 3:55 pm

The electronic parts in some of the 1960's Standel amps were built into modules. Are these amps still repairable? I assume these were all transistor amps? I know where I can get one that needs electronic repairs. Is this worth getting into? I think it is an Artist IV model? It has 2 15's in it.
Thanks
Dennis

Earl Erb · Post by **Earl Erb** » 28 Jul 2002 4:41 pm

Dennis,let me tell you what my amp tech told me about those modules.Those were supposed to be security boxes so others who might have wanted to steal the trade secrets of the Standel Amp could not take a peek inside the chassis and see the electronics so easily.Also,if a box was tampered with the warranty was void.That's what I was told.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 28 Jul 2002 5:08 pm

That was tricky!

I'll bet the modules weren't cheap to replace when one component failed?
I played drums behind the steel player that played through this Standel in 1968-69. I recall a nice fat tone. I have one tape recording left from that ShoBud/Standel combination.
Dennis

Earl Erb · Post by **Earl Erb** » 28 Jul 2002 5:57 pm

Dennis,I was also told that repairing the older amps to original specs was not cost effective and in most cases impossible because you could not get the replacment modules.I guess that's why you don't see a lot more of the older amps around.Actually my friend Big Jim Murphy has two old Standels and both work fine.

chas smith R.I.P. · Post by **chas smith R.I.P.** » 28 Jul 2002 9:46 pm

The only person I know, besides Danny McKinny who knows about Standels is Tim Maag, out here in Orange County.

Michael Brebes · Post by **Michael Brebes** » 29 Jul 2002 7:00 am

I actually used to own one of the amps with the modules for preamp section and tube output. They are potted and unrepairable. I got it repaired by Standel back in the 60's and they gave me a set of schematics, which I later gave to Groove Tubes for their schematic archive. The schematics only showed the modules but not the schematics for them. My recommendation would be to do one of two things, either have someone redesign the circuit with transistors or opamps on a breadboard or replace it with tube preamps. It's my guess that the power transformer can handle an extra tube or two.
You might be able to contact the Standel company and maybe they'll finally let go of the schematics for the modules. You would still have to have someone breadboard the circuit together since the old module is irrepairable.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 29 Jul 2002 1:21 pm

Thanks for the input guys
Dennis

Jussi Huhtakangas · Post by **Jussi Huhtakangas** » 31 Jul 2002 4:30 am

Standel schematics are hard to find, even Danny doesn't have too many of them, but he will definately be your best bet. Bob Crooks just didn't archive and keep the old schematics.