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Post subject: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 12:33 am
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Hi all,

Recently I bought a Custom Vibrolux Reverb on ebay.
I just would like to know more about it and ask for some modification opportunities.

1. I tried to find out the date based on the description here, but I can't see any code on the Quailty Assurance sticker. I just find something that looks as handwritten huge "W" letter, that's all I can see.
Any help how to find out?

2. The previous owner replaced one of the Jensen speakers with this one:
http://wgs4.com/content/vet10
I don't have any original to compare with. I just found that for that the amp sound less bright to my ears that I suppose it should. Could be because of the replaced speaker?
Otherwise it doesn't sound bad at all.

3. There are still the original Fender tubes in the amp, even the previous owner told me that it's about 10 years old. Should I replace the tubes anyway? If yes, what tubes to use?

4. I will move to Europe next year and I want to keep the amp and move it with me.
Is it possible to convert it to 220 V EU standard voltage?
If yes, how can I do it?
(I have some practice with guitar electronics but I'm not experienced in tube amps.

Any advice welcome... thank you!


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:21 am
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For european voltage , you have to buy a step down transformer. This is a big transformer you plug in europen wall outlet and plug your amp's 3 prong AC wire at the outlet built in from this transformer.

This could will more than $100. But I was surprise to see store on the web selling some for less than $30 ?????

If you don't like sound, your used amp need a good check up before doing some mods . Many second hand amps are not are top shape. With original tubes , chance they need some new ones. Be sure to find a good tech, not in a guitar store. Replacing power tubes need a bias check . Other tubes no.

WGS speakers have good reputation


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 1:26 pm
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Thank you.

I rather would like to replace the internal transformer than always carry a heavy external one because it will need to be powerful enough, so small "travel size" transformers could not handle the power consumption of such amp.

The amp otherwise in "like new" shape. It seems barely used.

I can't say that I "don't like the sound", I just would like a little more bright.


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 1:56 pm
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I agree that small travel transformer is not enough powerfull. Replacement for a new universal power transformer ( inside the amp ) one can handle all voltage would be very expensive part and labour. Hammond power transformer cost close to $100 + labour. Fender original universal not less IMO.

But if you stay long time in europe it could worts the money.

If you go for an external transformer for european voltage, it look not so expensive. Is it because they are made in China ?
The minimum power you need is the power write in the back of your amp with; 120 volts AC, 60 hz , xxx watts . Look for these watts . Probably more than 300 watts at full power; $30 here;

http://www.voltage-converter-transforme ... 4AodBxJrSA


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:46 pm
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stratele52 wrote:
I agree that small travel transformer is not enough powerfull. Replacement for a new universal power transformer ( inside the amp ) one can handle all voltage would be very expensive part and labour. Hammond power transformer cost close to $100 + labour. Fender original universal not less IMO.

But if you stay long time in europe it could worts the money.

If you go for an external transformer for european voltage, it look not so expensive. Is it because they are made in China ?
The minimum power you need is the power write in the back of your amp with; 120 volts AC, 60 hz , xxx watts . Look for these watts . Probably more than 300 watts at full power; $30 here;

http://www.voltage-converter-transforme ... 4AodBxJrSA


+1

A stand-alone step-down transformer also offers the benefit of utility for another -- different -- piece of US-spec equipment (such as if you buy another amp).

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: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 7:07 pm
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Thanks for the advices.

Well, I will stay in Europe for the rest of my life. :)
So, there isn't a big chance to buy another US voltage gears. My pedals can be powered by a 15 bucks adaptor and I also have a T-Rex Fuel Tank Chameleon, that is universal for any voltage.

So I still prefer to change the main transformer. I don't think that it's so difficult to do that I can't handle. Since I'm not an active musician, I have no problem to experiment with my gears.

Anyway, the link is very useful, thanks... I will think it over.


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:14 pm
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Hi MuzX,

From the manual, the part number for the export transformer is 049180 (maybe an extra zero in front and a couple on the end) for 230/240 VAC input. I assume that you have to change the plug for Europe also?

Hammond lists a 240 VAC 50 Hz transformer for the Vibrolux Reverb. You should contact them and verify if it will work for your amp.

http://www.hammondmfg.com/guitarLinePWR.htm

At the bottom of the site, there is a button to show distributors, some in Europe.

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Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 2:46 am
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I woul buy an Hammond "Classic serie 300" with all AC input in the same transformer. You just have do change primary connection ( by a tech) when come back to America ( like Fender 's export transformer ? ).
http://www.hammondmfg.com/300series.htm

Do this installation before you go to Europe and ask to the tech to put a switch , at the rear of the amp to switch yourself between 120 volts to 240 volts. If you don't mind a new hole.
This would be a complete and finish job.

The switch must be fool proof .You must not make a mistake in europe and switch to 120 V you'll blow youre power transformer.
The switch could be hyde on chassis where are tubes far from hand.....

Or Marshall voltage selector switch ; $26.95 at tubesandmore


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:24 pm
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Thank you guys for the detailed help!

Great forum community! :)

I'm gonna check them!


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Post subject: Re: Some questions on Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 3:41 pm
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Hi there,

I have an another issue. I don't know of it's related to the amp or not.

Since the original footswitch was not included when I bought the amp, I got one from ebay.

The seller described it as "Fender '80s New Old Stock Two Button Reverb Channel Footswitch For Stage Lead Amps"
I know, it's not the same as the original but I thought that two button switch with 1/4" plug should be functionally the same, just two switches and will work problem free.

I noticed if both of the reverb and the vibrato is activeted and I try to turn off any of them with the footswitch, a loud cracking noise came every time. But only when both effects are on.
If only one of them is on and I want to turn it off, there is no problem, it's silent as it should be.
Also when one active and I turn on the other, there's no cracking noise. Only when both are on and I turn off one, doesn't matter, which one, however, I realized that the vibrato has more loud cracking noise.

I found it quite weird.
Is it normal, or is it the problem of the switch or the amp?

Thanks.


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