61 tweed fender

[jsw1965]

Hello all! New member here!
I just purchased a 61 tweed vibrolux in pretty decent shape. It looks all original
with the exception of one metal-film resistor(between the first two filter caps). also, all tubes have been replaced. The tubes glow and very little sound comes out. The original Astron filter caps look like they're leaking a bit so, can I start by replacing the filter caps and begin to troubleshoot from that point? It also still has the death cap and two pronged cord. I plan on changing that first, but I'm seeking advice on how to make this amp a daily driver while retaining it's value.

[ampgeek]

Welcome!

Sounds like you have "unearthed" a jewel. Presumably, it is a narrow panel Champ. Original speaker as well?

Probably best to report all the particulars to the gang here to get the best advice (e.g., exact circuit type, transformer codes, external and gut pictures, etc...) before doing anything drastic.

First and foremost, save everything that you remove and keep it all in a safe place.

Definitely replace the cord with a three prong unit and attach the green ground wire to a tranformer bolt. I always solder on a ring, slip it over the existing bolt nub and sock it down with a bolt on top. That way, you don't have to loosen up the existing nut if you don't want to.

Definitetly remove (or disconnect at the non-ground end at a minimum) the death cap.

Replace the filter caps, for sure, if they are originals. Much debate to be had on what to replace them with for maximum value though. I have used Sprague Atoms, Nichicon and Illinois with no problems.

You should probably just go ahead and buy another set of tubes from the onset if you will be buying other parts to save on shipping costs. ALWAYS good to have spares. JJ Electronics are probably your best bet in the new production realm. I have had really good luck with their 6V6S power tubes.

Could you tell of the pots were scratchy when rotated? Consider picking up a can of Caig Deoxit cleaner in the same parts order.

As you suggest, see where you stand from there before going in much deeper.

Spend a few minutes reading the "Servicing Fender amps" information here:
http://www.el34world.com/schematics.htm ... der%20amps

Good luck!
Dave O.

[Gibsonman63]

For a daily driver, I would replace all of the electrolytics (Filter, cathode bypass and bias supply). Save the old ones if it makes you feel better. I did, but I am still not sure what I am going to do with them.

Some people pull the original speakers if they haven't been reconed and store them and run aftermarket. Personally, I don't have an issue running the originals and having them reconed if and when they need it.

If you really want to protect your investment, invest in a road case if you are going to haul the amp around. You can get something really nice for $200 and you have more of the "Wow" factor when you roll in the amp and pull the cover off.

BTW, scratchy pots aren't necessicarily dirty. It is a good idea to clean them with Deoxit, but if they are still scratchy, check for DC voltage on the pot, indicating a leaky coupling capacitor.

[jsw1965]

Thanks for the advice. I'll post some pics. It's a 5F11 with the original jensen speaker. Funny thing is, my wife is not sure that it's worth the 200 bucks that I paid for it.

[billyz]

I would use Fader lube instead of Dexoit on the pots. Dexoit is great stuff but can damage pots, ask me how I know. Caig Fader lube is better for pots.

I have had pretty dismal results with JJ's recently and prefer EH 6v6 for new or even better, find some nice RCA or Tungsol 6v6's. I seldom change the electrolytic bypass caps on the preamp tubes , They usually are fine. Definitely do the power supply and Bias caps though. If it has the selenium diode, I would change that to a 1n4007 silicon.

[jsw1965]

I was wondering about the selenium rec. What is it for? Vibrato? Also, can you run these old amps wide open with the original OT?

[Randy Magee]

I was wondering about the selenium rec. What is it for? Vibrato? Also, can you run these old amps wide open with the original OT?

The selenium rectifier is part of the bias circuit...

[billyz]

I leave the Selenium Rectifier in place for The originality but disconnect it and use the Silicon diode in stead. And yes, You can easily blow the OT. they were very under rated if you are going to play on 11 . I use a Blackface Deluxe OT.

[Drumslinger]

nice little score js.

billyz, thanks for the info on Fader Lube.

[LeeMo]

I have a '60 Vibrolux that I bought in 1976. It has a D-110 JBL in it. I still have the original caps and tubes in it. You'll find that it plays fairly clean below about 8 on the dial and starts to overdrive and sag above that. It has the same basic circuit that the Harvard has but adds tremelo (vibrato) . The Right Reverand Billy F. Gibbons used a Harvard on most of his first three albums with that "little ol' band from Texas". (Haw Haw Haw). Enjoy it.
I used it as my "clean" with an A-B switch to my '55 Tremolux's "Dirty" in a country -rock band back in the Eighties. My Les Paul pushed them very well.

LeeMo

[Big Jim]

I must be going to the wrong garage sales

[jsw1965]

I'll try to attach some pics. Hope it works. Also,PT code is 125p1a 606029. I read these the best I could with a mirror and flashlight so they might be off a bit. I could not find a number on the OT. Would it have been on a sticker? If so, it's long gone. The tube chart shows KA for dating and the ser# is F04181. I was wondering how close I have to be on the filter cap values. The Blue Atom caps I find online are all 20mfd. Thanks for the advice!

[Firestorm]

Antique Electronic Supply has 16uF/475V ATOMs. Most 16Uf caps measure 20uF anyway, so it doesn't really make much difference. The 20s, though, are physically just a little bigger, and with unmolested amps like this I usually keep the cardboard insulators from the old caps and slide them over the new ones to keep the inside of the amp looking like it hasn't been touched since it left Fullerton. The 20s won't quite fit.

[marcoloco961]

Have to agree with Big Jim. I MUST be hitting the wrong garage sales....LOL. I can never even find an old used tube, yet alone a treasure chest. Nice score John, point me to a good garage sale.

How does the exterior of the amp look? Still pretty reasonable?

[marcoloco961]

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