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Post subject: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 12:14 am
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I recently purchased an old Fender tube amp. It is a TV front, and by the Tube sticker on the inside side panel it was made in 1951. (5U4G, 6L6G, 6L6G, 6SC7, 6SC7, 6SC7) It has the original 15" Jensen (have not heard sound through it but it registered on a multi meter and the cone looks really good) and many original capacitors have been replaced with cheap ones, and it is missing one 6L6G and doesn't have 6SC7's, but 6SL7's and such. It is in relatively sad shape in some respects though. The Handle is missing, the feet are missing and the back panels are the only place where original tweed remains, and it does not have the original grill cloth I think. Someone took off the tweed and replaced it with not one but two different types of wood grain shelving paper. Also someone painstakingly form fitted aluminum across the whole top of the amp maybe in an attempt to protect it.
I have a few questions and would like some advice as what to do with it.
1. What is the best way to remove the fender nameplate with the 4 little nails in it so I can finish removing the shelving paper? I have it all dismantled, even the speaker baffle is out.
2. What is the best way to clean the chrome control panel without removing the painted numbering?
3. Should I try to re-tweed it, or just varnish the pine as the dovetailing looks cool to me.

There isn't really any vids of this amp on y.t. Is it fairly rare? Any thoughts on it? I have a 72' Tele Deluxe I have to buy a new neck for and I was going to strip the black off of it and blonde it out and thought the two would make a cool little combo.


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 1:54 am
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It may be necessary to carefully grind away the nail heads holding the nameplate to the cabinet in order to remove it. Of course, you'd need to find some period-correct replacement nails when it's time to re-install the logo.

Cleaning the control panel may be tricky depending upon how soiled it is and if there is any real corrosion. Abrasives or solvents should not be used in order to preserve the panel markings. If it's merely accumulated gunk, I'd go with mild detergent and warm water.

Personally, if the cabinet were structurally sound I'd perform a full restoration with new tweed and repro hardware. All are available from various commercial sources. The original tube chart (if present) should be protected.

The 5B5 Pro Amp is somewhat rare and, once competently overhauled, a nice sounding vintage amp. Additional info can be found here......

http://ampwares.com/amplifiers/fender-tv-front-pro/

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 2:48 am
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51bob50 wrote:

1. What is the best way to remove the fender nameplate with the 4 little nails in it so I can finish removing the shelving paper?
Picture will help


I have it all dismantled, even the speaker baffle is out.
2. What is the best way to clean the chrome control panel without removing the painted numbering?
Picture please

3. Should I try to re-tweed it, or just varnish the pine as the dovetailing looks cool to me.

Picture please

.


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 3:54 pm
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https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57DD181A

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57E30BB8

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57A3942E

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57B1DF51


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 4:06 pm
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Gotta agree with Arjay on this one. All the good stuff is there, go ahead and do a full refurb on it. It looks as though maybe it was in a flood or very wet basement. Get it retweeded, VERY gently use a bit of soap and water (Not soaking) to clean the control panel, get the Jensen reconed, and have the amp chassis checked by a qualified tech and use some F&T caps, and lastly some good NOS tubes for it. You have an amp with good bones for the most part and it is certainly worth the refurb!

T2

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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 4:32 pm
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T2Stratman wrote:
It looks as though maybe it was in a flood or very wet basement.


Flood myass!

That sumbitch looks like it went down with the Titanic.

:mrgreen:

But as Tony says, the bones are there.

Go for it.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 5:56 pm
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This would be a great project! Rare amp.

Anyhow, by the looks of those IC caps in the chassis. This amp was prolly restored within the last 20-25 years. So, it was most likely running at that time.

IMHO, original iron is going to make or break this amp. In terms of tone and worth.

Before you even start the restoration, better check the trannies for shorts. Almost all of the other parts can be found. Either as today's replacements or NOS stuff. BUT, OEM/NOS irons are going to be much harder to find. Post the static DC resistance values. Ends-to-center tap. End-to-end. Etc. For the power and output trannies. And any chokes.




Good luck!


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 7:48 pm
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So, how would someone go about taking the nameplate off? Is there a tool or should I just use a little flat head screwdriver? :?:

Oh, I did a little research and I guess this is the amp Buddy Holly recorded with in West Texas. Also, in the pics I see of these, instead of 6sc7's being glass, they are metal in some of the amps. Are 6sc7's metal?

Oh Yeah *** Would There Be A Schematic or Wiring Diagram on this site For This One?***


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 7:58 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
This would be a great project! Rare amp.

Anyhow, by the looks of those IC caps in the chassis. This amp was prolly restored within the last 20-25 years. So, it was most likely running at that time.

IMHO, original iron is going to make or break this amp. In terms of tone and worth.

Before you even start the restoration, better check the trannies for shorts. Almost all of the other parts can be found. Either as today's replacements or NOS stuff. BUT, OEM/NOS irons are going to be much harder to find. Post the static DC resistance values. Ends-to-center tap. End-to-end. Etc. For the power and output trannies. And any chokes.




Good luck!


O.k. thanks. I'll do my best. lol.


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 8:36 pm
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Here is a few more pics. How would I know if anything has been modded electronically? Also, can anyone identify the grill cloth and is that chicken wire normal in this era amp? lol.

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57A1D1CF

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57A9DE3E

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57E39A84

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=57E5003E


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 9:14 pm
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Those are the original coupling caps. I definitely check them for passing DC voltage. Those IC electrolytic caps need to be changed out. IMHO, go with F&T.

I have seen old amps with "chicken wire" support behind the grille.


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 9:46 pm
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Use a thin pry tool or knife edge at each corner and work the plate up. When you can get a pliers on the head of the small nail then pull it out. Its the same for all four corners. Take your time.

If you like the wood look then clean, sand and stain/varnish as desired.
If you want tweed then get the appropriate tweed and glue. Antique Electronic Supply or some place like that.

Cleaning the plate is another story. Anything beyond mild cleansing may remove the lettering. It is worth a try though. Maybe someone has a better solution. Lets see.

The P15N is a great speaker. If it does not work get it reconed by a reputable repair shop.

The 6SC7 and 6SL7 are very similar. Respectively 250V versus 300V plate rating with slight difference in plate resistance and Gm but about the same amplification factor of 70.

Good luck.


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 12:36 am
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6SC7 and 6SL7 have different pinouts. No?


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 12:58 am
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Are transformers are working ?

If they are all rusted inside and short this will make the repair more $$$


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Post subject: Re: 1951 Tweed Pro amp.
Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 4:30 pm
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Whoever the tech was that put those two Illinois electrolytic Caps into an amp of this vintage should be taken out and summarily shot! IMHO of course.

T2

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