Fixing-up a '62 Fender Bassman head...

Dennis Olearchik · Post by **Dennis Olearchik** » 29 Apr 2003 7:18 pm

I've had this amp head since '72. It hasn't been used much since '77 and nothing has ever been replaced.

I'd like to restore the electronics (as the tolex is still in good shape) but I'm not sure what it would cost or who could restore it.

Any advice or cost estimates etc. are appreciated.

Thanks!

Dennis

Terry Downs · Post by **Terry Downs** » 29 Apr 2003 7:36 pm

Dennis,
I recently restored a bassman. You can pretty much bet the electrolytic filter capacitors are dried out. It could have any number of problems with tubes and capacitors. If the transformers are good, you can get it going with little expense. You can find caps and tubes at:

http://www.thetubestore.com/index.html

What does the amp do when you turn it on?

Regards,
Terry<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Terry Downs on 29 April 2003 at 08:38 PM.]</p></FONT>

Dennis Olearchik · Post by **Dennis Olearchik** » 29 Apr 2003 7:46 pm

Terry,

It still works. But if it's to be restored, I'd like to send it to someone who really knows what they're doing (as I don't).

Thank you for replying.

Dennis

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 29 Apr 2003 8:27 pm

If you let a tech do it and do it right then I would guesstimate the cost between $175-250.
You will need new filter caps plus all the other electrolytic caps in the circuit. Check all the components and anything that is more than 10% out of spec--get it out and get some better stuff in it. Grid resistors--go with flameproof. Match the 220K and the 1.5K in the bias circuit.
While the amp is open on the bench take a hairdryer and heat up different sections of the amp to find the "eggs fryin'" sounds--usually the 100k resistors in the preamp circuit.

ALL new tubes--matched power. Set the bias. Check the filiment voltage to see if it is decently balanced in order to keep filiment hum to a minimum.

Change the two prong power cord to a three prong grounded. Spray out all the pots and clean the ground contacts on the input jacks so the amp will be quiet when nothing is plugged in to it.

These old Fender amps will run with all sorts of components out of spec and with bad tubes and such, but once you put one back to specs they are fabulous sounding.

Don't expect the steel to have a clean sound though this amp. Going to be a bit edgy.

Dennis Olearchik · Post by **Dennis Olearchik** » 30 Apr 2003 4:16 am

Bill,

Thank you very much. Can you recommend anyone to do this work?

Best regards,

Dennis

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 30 Apr 2003 6:34 am

You could send it to Gerald Weber. Click on the link below.
http://www.kendrick-amplifiers.com/service/

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 30 Apr 2003 10:16 am

The Weber site looks pretty good. I know his work is top notch. If you do send it to Weber to work on, please let us know what it cost.

Rick Johnson · Post by **Rick Johnson** » 30 Apr 2003 12:00 pm

Dennis
Try David Allen at www.allenamps.com
He is the best blackface amp tech I
have ever known. Not to mention a
super nice guy.

------------------
Rick Johnson

Dennis Olearchik · Post by **Dennis Olearchik** » 30 Apr 2003 11:50 pm

Thank you!

Chris DeBarge · Post by **Chris DeBarge** » 1 May 2003 4:14 am

Keep those preamp tubes, there may be nothing wrong with them.