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Post subject: Vintage Fender Amps - Current Draw?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 6:27 pm
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Our band is playing at our annual company picnic in 3 weeks, and we're set. New drummer - has a car that fits his kit, has dynamics, and learns the songs before rehearsal. I pinch myself.

We normally coordinate with our AV and Trade show teams on stage size, stage plot and input list so that the team can plan what they need out of the mic locker, or if another event is going on, what they need us to bring.

Today, one of our trade show guys asked me for our total backline current draw - apparently something the town is asking for with the permit. Never been asked before.

Started looking up existing current backline gear to see its power consumption, and have most of the newer stuff sussed out, but with several older Fender amps, figured that Arjay or others may know this.

'65 Fender Showman - 85 watts, 4 x 6L6
'65 Fender Bandmaster - 40 watts, 2 x 6L6
'65 Fender Tremolux - 35 watts, 2 x 6L6

Not mine, but guest guitarist:
Goodsell Super 17 Mk III - 17 watts, 2 x EL84

Is doubling the wattage to get a peak power need a wives tale? Guessing folks may have the exact number or a better way of estimating.

Thanks in advance.

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'59? Bogen Challenger CHA-33, '65 Bandmaster, '65 Tremolux, 65 Showman;
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Post subject: Re: Vintage Fender Amps - Current Draw?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:48 pm
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I'm sure Arjay or someone can tell you exactly what the power consumption is of every amp Fender ever made, but I can give you at least one example.

The tube chart of the 1959 5F6A Bassman lists the power consumption as 180 watts. At current line voltages that works out to be 180 watts/120 VAC = 1.5 amps. The amp uses a 3A slo-blo fuse. It is probably safe to assume that the current draw of most any amp will be about 1/2 the value of the power line fuse. You could go a little higher for a little safety margin. Suffice to say that most well designed amps aren't really power hogs. Hopefully no one is using a Marshall Major, though. :lol: :lol: :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Fender Amps - Current Draw?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 8:13 pm
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Straight from the tube charts, Nedo......

Showman (and Dual Showman) -- 260 watts
Bandmaster -- 175 watts
Tremolux -- 150 watts

(all chassis's are the AB763 variant)

Can't help with the other stuff. However, most companies label the unit with a power-consumption spec somewhere on the rear panel.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Fender Amps - Current Draw?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 8:36 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
Straight from the tube charts, Nedo......

Showman (and Dual Showman) -- 260 watts
Bandmaster -- 175 watts
Tremolux -- 150 watts

(all chassis's are the AB763 variant)

Can't help with the other stuff. However, most companies label the unit with a power-consumption spec somewhere on the rear panel.

Arjay


All three together draw about 5 amps.

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Fender Amps - Current Draw?
Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:04 am
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Thanks guys - appreciate the quick response. I would also guess that the wattage listed is the maximum, either for inrush current draw when turned on or if cranked and not continuous, but to be safe will give them the higher number.

Looked at my Dr. Z Mini last night; no power info on the back, but it has a 1/2 amp fuse, so that would be the max I'd use. I've emailed Goodsell as the amp in question won't be available for our guitar player to get to for a few days (he's traveling) and there's nothing i could find on the web.

Oddest request ever for a live sound permit.

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'59? Bogen Challenger CHA-33, '65 Bandmaster, '65 Tremolux, 65 Showman;
'74 SF Princeton; '77 SF Princeton Reverb; Dr. Z Mini Z

Our band: http://www.facebook.com/thetoysband


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Post subject: Re: Vintage Fender Amps - Current Draw?
Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 4:30 pm
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Not sure about the town's concerns. But when I have large bands or outdoor music fests at work(Methodist church), I definitely calculate the amperage required and an additional 75%-100% safety margin. Art

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Fender Amps - Current Draw?
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:30 am
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thanks Art.

Ended up using the max of either the Fuse rating or tube chart wattage/120. I think we'll be fine.

Found out this is an attempt by the city to see how loud the backline will be. Guess they haven't heard of a modern PA... I could bring my 5 watt Mini Z and through the PA, it could be deafening.

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'59? Bogen Challenger CHA-33, '65 Bandmaster, '65 Tremolux, 65 Showman;
'74 SF Princeton; '77 SF Princeton Reverb; Dr. Z Mini Z

Our band: http://www.facebook.com/thetoysband


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