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Post subject: Thanks, please close
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 8:26 am
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Hello folks. I have an opportunity to pick up a practice amp and I wanted to run it by more experienced folk for their approval. Amp is a 64 Champ. PT replaced with a Mojo clone, and now the amp runs a replaced 8 Ohm 8" Weber Chicago Blues speaker. External cosmetics are nice. Redone baffle. Replaced necessary caps & resistors. Essentially this is NOT a vintage musuem piece. I am looking for a practice amp. Seller would take 3 bills.

My concern is the inside of the chassis as it looks a bit sloppy to me. At some point the seller says the interior looked like something had been spilled inside and it had to be cleaned out. Should I pay the man and run or walk??

Image

Image

If you click the photo it's possible to enlarge it in Photobucket: I am concerned by the solder work.
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Last edited by Toronado on Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:52 am, edited 2 times in total.

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Post subject: Re: URGENT: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 8:37 am
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For 3 Bills I don't see any Red Flags.

Solder job ain't the prettiest I've seen, esp. the Grounds, but all look OK.

Take a DMM and check continuity if you suspect one.

It's a '64... of course it's had something spilled in it at least once in the past 50 yrs.

If it plays well and suits your purpose, get it !

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: URGENT: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 8:49 am
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I believe that "Tone Clone" is a Mercury Magnetics item. Which is very good. I can't see the water damage. But, the cap can is an aftermarket JJ can. They make pretty good capacitors. So if the thing has little hum, no wicked distortion, plays fairly clean to "4." Then slow onset of OD from "5" on. No smoke, plastic/chemical burning smells, etc ... think you'll be good to go for $300.

Heck, even if you have to change the PT (the most $$$ OEM item on the amp), you won't lose money on resale.


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Post subject: Re: Thanks, please close
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:50 am
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Many thanks BMW2002Ti, the OT is indeed made by Mercury. When looking at the amp I looked for everything you described. The amp performed handsomly. I am blessed to have such a nice little practice amp without breaking the bank.


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Post subject: Re: Thanks, please close
Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 6:23 pm
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How about an overall pic of the front, Toronado?

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Thanks, please close
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 8:41 am
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You got it. 8)

Image

The amp even fits in my closet. I open a sliding door, plug in and go. Keeps the kitties mittens off.


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Post subject: Re: Thanks, please close
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:42 am
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Aw she's a beaut, Toronado!

Just don't let those felines have their way with it -- grill cloth is like a magnet to kitty claws.

I have two of those little maggots.

:mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Thanks, please close
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:28 pm
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:lol: My kitty isn't even allowed in the room where the amps are.

I did have a rack case a while back, and kitty had managed to step in something white, and then track it all over the top of the case - perfect little white kitty paw marks. I left it and gig'd with it that way for years.

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Post subject: Re: Thanks, please close
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:10 pm
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Toronado wrote:
You got it. 8)

Image

The amp even fits in my closet. I open a sliding door, plug in and go. Keeps the kitties mittens off.

I'd give $350 right now.

Nice amp.

Cheers,

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Post subject: Re: Thanks, please close
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:52 pm
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"I am concerned by the solder work."

Toronado,

Yeah, some soldering done by a tech, is "blobby." For sake of completeness, the excess solder should be wicked or sucked off the board. This will actually make for a better long-term, reliable connection.


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Shoot for a soldered eyelet like these:

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