It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:06 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Late 1965 Princeton speaker "conundrum"
Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:09 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sat Apr 22, 2017 7:15 pm
Posts: 1
I have a quite wonderful black face Princeton (non-reverb) that I have had since 1970 or thereabouts. The chassis (A06xxx) and cabinet (stamped "O" followed by a ripped corner of the tube chart containing what looks to be an "I" or "L) appear to be absolutely original and correct (so far as I know) for a late 1965 post-CBS Fender amp, but I am unsure about the speaker that came with it.

It's one of those orange label "Custom Engineered For Fender Electronic Musical Instruments by Utah Electronics" that I changed out for a 10" Altec back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and I played in many an elegant dive bar. There is no model number per se on the orange label, but the speaker frame is stamped "081810" and "328905". 328 is definitely Utah, but original? ... dunno.

I've searched around a decent bit, but I am still uncertain if that speaker could have been original from 1965. Lots of conflicting information as to when Utah was used as an OEM, what the codes mean, if they are decent/bad/hideous, etc. I was obviously impressed enough to replace it post haste back in the day, but now I am curious.

Anyway, I'd be grateful for any information, edification, correction about my little jewel of an amp - thanks!

RFX


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Late 1965 Princeton speaker "conundrum"
Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:05 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
Posts: 26415
Location: Tombstone Territory
The serial number dates your amp to 1965 OR 1966 -- records are somewhat ambiguous so supporting info from the EIA codes on the cap can, pots, or trannies should be consulted.

The Utah speaker you mentions poses a bit of a conundrum. "081810" is Fender's in-house P/N for 12-inch speaker destined for a Bandmaster or a Pro Reverb. The date code indicates it was made in the 5th week of 1969.

Did you or a previous owner mod the amp for a larger speaker?

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Late 1965 Princeton speaker "conundrum"
Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:22 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jul 03, 2010 2:18 pm
Posts: 6544
Photos of the Princeton would be very nice! Esp of serial numbers on transformers, pots, caps, etc. I'd like to see that Altec speaker. 10-inch? Alnico?

:D

Image


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: