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Post subject: Fender 30?
Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 9:25 pm
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So I just won a Fender 30 on ebay for what I think was a very good price... I think these were Rivera-era PTP amps from the early 80's (this particular one is an '81). I was actually the only bidder and frankly considering the price and the demand for vintage Fenders I did not expect to win. I was certainly surprised when I did and though I like to think the price was right, I probably shouldn't have spent the money unless it was really worth it (typical impulsive gear-related behavior). As such, I might try to sell it or I might hang on to it indefinitely 'cause I assume it'll appreciate in value.

EDIT: Pre-Rivera, actually.

I've seen one or two of these before as well as the Princeton Reverb II from the same time period but there seems to be a general paucity of information with regards to these amps... The seller says the 30 is quite rare. Seems like an interesting take on Deluxe Reverb, with some Vibrolux qualities and 6L6 tubes rather than 6V6s as well as an attempt at a higher gain OD channel, or so I've heard... Like I said though, I really never expected to win the amp and I've never heard one in action and can't seem to find a recorded example. The few reviews I've read were generally positive but they're brief and vague.

So, does anyone have any experience with one of these? What did I get myself into?! Hopefully something good...


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 10:51 am
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Look on the Harmony Central review site ("Legacy" section-I hate their new design) for some reviews. I cam close to buying one once--Really liked the tone and the features-I think it is a Rivera-era design. It has good bite to it as well as clean sound, and it is quiet. A good amp for all occasions-you'll like it.


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 12:01 pm
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The "30" made its debut at the same time that Fender introduced the "75" and "140". All three had multiple pull-boosts for the tone controls and an active EQ section, with selectable output power for the '75" and "140" versions. The "140" disappeared in less than a year, with the "30" holding on a bit longer. The "75" was the most common variant and, while not precisely delivering a traditional "clean" Fender tone, produced some nice Mesa-Boogie-ish sonic simulations. I've never personally heard the "30" or the "140" but if your "30" sounds anything like the "75" then I think you'll find it a pretty solid and versatile amp.

HTH

Arjay


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 12:15 pm
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Mesa/Boogie-like tones is a good way to describe this amp. An unsung gem from that cluttered and complicated era of Fender.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 12:24 pm
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Well got the amp today...


When I turn up the reverb there is a very objectionable hum that turns into a horrible piercing noise once you pass 4 or 5. I can't hear any audible reverb either. Everything seems to be in place and the tube in V3 (a 12at7 so I'm assuming thats the reverb driver) looks OK to me. The tubes seem pretty old but they appear to be functioning normally.

Any idea what this might be? Doesn't say anything in the description so I assume it wasn't like that when the seller had it. The amp was packed well and it doesn't look like anything has been jostled too badly, but who knows... I tried replacing the tube, checked the wire connections on the tanks, nothing seems to work.

There is also an idle AC hum which doesn't seem abnormal at low volumes but increases as the volume is turned up. Not sure whats causing that either.

Despite these issues the base clean sound is quite good... Hopefully I can get this all squared away with the seller in one way or another.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 2:00 pm
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The 12AT7 at V3 is indeed the reverb driver.

Here's the schematic which hopefully will give you a starting point to troubleshoot from......

http://www.schematicheaven.com/fenderam ... _schem.pdf

HTH

Arjay


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 6:27 pm
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Hi there Daniel, nice amp!!! Just wondering if you've tried adjusting the hum control for the AC heater(filament) circuit ? Art

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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 6:32 pm
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Yeah, I have. It doesn't seem to do anything though.

Ya know, its a 30 year old amp that's never been serviced... Probably just needs a recap, some new tubes and whatever fix the 'verb needs. Its got a good sound though, and I think with a little work it could be great.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 7:15 pm
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Yep, that's the ticket ! Actually, I've been very interested in these amps for years. They seem to have all the right ingredients for tone. The components, at that time, were at a very high level. The only thing that bothered me was the bias circuit. I'd feel compelled to change it over to an old style adjustable type. But that's just me. This amp should be a tone monster in it's stock form, after you bring it up to snuff ! Art

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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:16 pm
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It looks like the typical Fender bias circuit, just drawn a little differently. Now I might dump those 2000pf parasitic caps.


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