Reinforced tweed handle?

[Luthierwnc]

Does anybody know where to find a '50's reproduction handle that is actually made to take the weight of a Bassman or Twin? I'm working on a 5E6-A that tore through the slot on an aftermarket handle. Fortunately, the amp didn't land hard but it doesn't change the fact that those handles weren't made to support the 40-watters that were developed later in their lives.

Best would be one that has a hidden steel strap like the blackfaces do but even something extra beefy would be worth the money.

Thanks, as always, Skip

[brentm]

The repro dogbone should be fine. Are you looking for a leather strap handle? I haven't found one that is both comfortable and sturdy. I took the original plastic dogbone of my late narrow panel bandmaster and use the reproduction dogbone. Same handle found on the tweed bassman reissue. It's worked great so far.

[Espjr215]

You might check http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page ... 9&pn=90209 ,that might work for you and it looked like it might be able to support some weight.

[brentm]

Just as an FYI - I replaced the handle on a tweed blues jr with a mojotone handle. It was super comfortable, but started to cut through (fail) at the handle bracket in a couple months.

I think part of the issue is the sharp edge on the handle bracket. The rocking motion of walking while carrying the amp eventually cuts the handle like a saw.

[Luthierwnc]

Thanks guys. Right now the plan is to buy another reproduction handle and slice open the stitching on one end. Then I'll mill a thin steel insert (like a blackface handle has), insert it between the two layers of leather and resew it. Not completely retro but no more visits down the stairs either.

It had to happen when I was at the top of my basement stairs. The handle broke in my hand and for what seemed like 5 minutes it tumbled long-ways down to the basement. Fortunately, I had thrown a bunch of cardboard boxes down the stairs over the weekend to be recycled and it landed in the middle of them. No dents. Two of the tubes fell out.

My wife heard the noise and thought I'd fallen down. When she came running over I said, "That is a $3,000 amp" and she said, "Well, he did ask you to fix it." Ever practical, my wife

[Kazooman]

Angela Instruments has a lot of Fender handles including some with steel reinforcement. You might find something suitable there.

[OneWithNot]

The handles are ALWAYS the weakest part. I know someone who had the handle fly off his Twin Reverb at the top of a flight of metal steps after a gig. He said nothing broke, but the one corner got a little mushy. He mentioned seeing the whole slo-mo roll thing, too. LOL!

I have the cheapo, leather Angela handle on a Champ, and while it is comfortable, I wouldn't put it on anything over 40 lbs. The leather looks like it will eventually rip out, and I don't carry it around very often.

The real Fender ones they sell are tougher, but for real security, cut a shim stock steel insert like the blackface handle, and sew it in.

No one will ever know if you do a nice job stitching it up.

[rp]

Never tried, too expensive but maybe they are better leather:
http://www.eldoradostraps.com/new-products.htm#amp

[vibratoking]

This doesn't help at all as far as finding a handle, but I don't trust the damn things. As I get older, 52 now, I find that carrying a heavy amp with a handle stresses my fingers. I try to avoid this as much as I can, especially on gig days. I find that bear-hugging my equipment is better for me and it. Just a thought...

[martin manning]

I agree with you... a top-mounted handle is an awkward way to carry a heavy amp. The handles break, your knees will bang into the amp as you walk, etc. I'm especially careful not to pick up a vintage amp by the handle, and I'd bet Luthierwnc won't be doing it again either!

[surfsup]

My wife heard the noise and thought I'd fallen down. When she came running over I said, "That is a $3,000 amp" and she said, "Well, he did ask you to fix it." Ever practical, my wife

I hope that guy's not reading this!

[Luthierwnc]

He's already heard the whole story. I told him as soon as it happened. The boxes were a break. My wife's business uses a lot of them and I heave them down the stairs to crush and recycle. I just hadn't gotten around to clearing them from the landing.

I haven't put the chassis back in the cab but I think I'll need to straighten-out the two machine screws. All else as is. 4 P10Rs ready to rock.

[Structo]

Wow!
That would be a nightmare if a customers amp went down a stairwell and got damaged!

I'd say you dodged a big bullet on that one.

My cousin has a tweed bassman.

I thought it was a new reissue, nope from the 50's.

He has the best luck at tracking down these old amps.

Here is a small number of the amps he has.

Gibson stereo amp, Bassman, Bluesbreaker, Deluxe.

[David Root]

Niiiice!! And not one beater either.

[David Root]

Double post.