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Post subject: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:14 am
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I have a newly acquired a 1963 Super 6G4-A. I received it without tubes and installed all new JJ's. It has been in storage for 20+ years. My voltages are all to specification. When the Vibrato is switched on I get a pulsing thump sound. I have experience working on a few chassis. This one is special in that I would like to keep it as original as possible. I would like to update the chord with a new ground but other than that would like to keep it original. All the caps seem to be to specification.
If one of you could be so kind as to steer me correctly to fixing the vibrato I would sincerely appreciate your time. With the speed and intensity knobs off I get a pulsing thump. Other than that it is a tone machine. Both channels sound great with exception of the Vibrato. I hate to start diving into such a pristine unmolested chassis but want it fixed correctly with the least intrusion.

You Rock!!!!!!!!

Peace,
SMPL


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:23 am
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The Super Amp's harmonic tremolo is one of the most complex circuits ever designed by Leo -- there are a number of different components that may be responsible for the symptoms, including any one of the three tubes dedicated solely to the trem.

Here's the schematic......

http://web.archive.org/web/201001051823 ... _schem.pdf

Be advised though that there have been a number of documented-and-legitimate factory variations to the Super's circuit that are not reflected in the original layout drawings.

HTH

Arjay

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"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


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:33 am
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Thanks for the Schematic. I checked it out earlier when I measured all the voltages. Is there a good starting point on chasing this problem down?

SMPL


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:03 pm
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Finally dialed it in. A BAD GROUND!!!! This is a great sounding amp.!

Cheers,
SMPL


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:09 pm
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Outstanding!

How about some pics for us amp junkies?

:lol:

Arjay

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"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


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:40 pm
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I have a 1962 Pro Amp with the three tube phase/oscillator vibrato circuit, also. Best Vibrato, rivaling a good Vibro Champ. I'll shown mine off again. Much to the dismay of those on this board. Good luck with your unit. These are very unique sounding Fenders. I believe yours has two 12-inchers? My Pro has one 15-incher.

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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:03 pm
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Here you go my brothers. Hope all is well with you! This one has two 10" speakers.

Peace,
SMPL


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 6:04 pm
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Very nice! That puppy has the best rectifier. That GZ34? Right? The one thing I kinda wish the Pro had. Boy that original cover... has seen some mileage. :)

Show you my rear-end (the amp's---not to worry):

Image

And the guts of that Reverb Unit:

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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:41 pm
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Damn nice looking Super......damn nice!

Looks like it's all there too -- right down to the original brown footswitch and the OEM Oxford 10K5's.

What a find!

RAWK ON

8) 8) 8)

Arjay

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"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


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:49 am
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Man that's a beauty!...I have a 1960 Super,the tube chart says 5G4 but there's variations....mine has had some component changes.
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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:51 am
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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 2:00 am
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I LOVE the brown amps....right now I have a line on a 1962 Vibrolux,I've been wanting one for a long time,I haven't checked it out yet but if it's decent and I bring it home,y'all will see it.
The Browns have a nice round,thicker tone,lots of bottom and great mids....they make me take lots of time away from my blackface amps.
You're very fortunate to have that Super,I'll bet it sounds great...enjoy!


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:36 pm
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Rebelsoul wrote:
The Browns have a nice round,thicker tone,lots of bottom and great mids....


+1!

And that heavenly harmonic trem.

8)

Arjay

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"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


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:59 pm
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On that Super, I have one "pain-in-the-ass" suggestion, you may want to resolder the black (hot) AC line to the fuse. And the white (neutral) line to the now "out of commision" old ground switch. And I presume that "death cap" is outta the circuit now that the unit is properly grounded.

You might be able to see it in this photo better. Why Fender put the neutral line to the fuse (OEM) is beyond me. They did it to every brownie, BF, and SF I've seen:

This site may also help:

http://www.unclespot.com/3prongconversion.JPG


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Post subject: Re: 1963 SUPER VIBRATO PROBLEM
Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 10:56 am
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+1 BMW
I do that three prong conversion on all of my amps,rewiring them to that diagram where the hot is fused...it only makes sense.


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