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Post subject: US amp in the UK?
Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 1:24 am
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I tried to search for an answer and just couldn't find any posts regarding this topic... Here's the scoop, I live overseas, and I'm in the market for a "twin amp". I know Fender makes both a US version (120V/60Hz) and a UK version (230V/50Hz) but I'm confused on which one to buy. Should I buy the US version and use it here in the UK for a few years with a standard household transformer knowing I'll have a US spec amp when I inevitably wind up moving back to the States... or should I explore getting a UK version with the hopes that converting it to US spec when I move back will be easy and cost effective. It seems like a pay me now or pay me later dilemna. Anyone have any experience with this?
thanks! Bottom line, can I use a US spec amp in a UK spec plug with a commercial external household step down transformer?

-Cess


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Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:34 am
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Hi,

If you have a look on the schematic:
http://support.fender.com/schematics/gu ... ematic.pdf
There is an export transfo that can be wired 100V 60Hz and 240V 50Hz. It could fit your need.
However, I've no experience on rewirering the Twin Amp, I would prefer to said that: contact directly the 7ender dealer technician to make sure that possible. :wink:

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Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 5:26 pm
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I was in the same boat when I lived in Germany. My opinion is to get the US spec model so you can bring it home. I had to sell my Marshall at a rock bottom price because I couldn't find a buyer until the last minute. I looked early on at converting it but it was going to cost an arm and a leg. Tube amps sound really good using a transformer. Well mine did anyway.

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Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:42 pm
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Dave, if the stepdown trans is a 6amp-1500 watt unit, you're in great shape. But you can Google the subject. It sounds like it's the start-up spike, that needs the large margin. I haven't checked the tech spec numbers on your amp, but it should be very evident what the continuous usage demand will be. This amp has nowhere near the demand of micro-wave ovens, air conditioners, or large TV sets. If you decide to go with the export power trans(which would be my choice), you'd have the luxury of not having to haul around some 12lb trans when you head out to jam. Welcome to the forum ! Art

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Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 1:51 pm
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I have both US and UK voltage Fender amplifiers here in the UK. You can get a decent transformer from Maplins for about £30. If you are using a US amplifier, make sure it has a 3 prong US plug and if not then have the power lead changed (doesn't cost much). I have had an electric shock in the past when using a US amplifier with a 2 prong plug through a transformer. My old Pro Reverb has a selector switch built in so that you can select whatever voltage you want. That's great!


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Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 5:52 pm
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Excellent info and Welcome to the forum, Gizmo. There's no substitute for firsthand experience. This question has come up before and I tend to over-guesstimate a suggestion. The Pro Series Twin tube amp looks to consume 360 watts, continuous at the 120vac level. Which transformer do you think will support this amp, with a reasonable safety margin? Art

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Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:02 pm
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Hello, and thanks! 360 watts sounds like a lot to me. My mid 1970's Pro Reverb is a 40 watt (at 4 ohms) twin amp and it has a British power cord on it. But I have a few old Champs and Vibro Champs that have American three prong power cords (some converted from 2 prong cords) and for these I use a MW2P100 Voltage Converter. This Voltage Converter is good for any amp (or appliance) up to 100watts. But if you get one be sure to check out how many watts it will handle as they make one that looks identical but handles much less power.


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Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:42 pm
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A blackface AB165 Pro Reverb Amp consumes 175 watts at 110 VAC, 60 Hz. Power consumption for the US-spec Super Reverb, Bandmaster, Vibroverb, etc would be similar.

HTH

Arjay

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