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Post subject: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:07 pm
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I just dug mine out of the basement to get reay to do some "busking", only to find that the battery has been totally depleted.

So I check online and, amazingly there are still replacement batteries being sold by Fender. Awesome!!

So I order one and realize that I've never taken this Amp Can apart (it's built like a tank!).

I send a request form for Tech Support for instructions, and they don't give instruction for replacing the battery on this unit!! A bit odd I'd say, but anyway......

I need someone to give me a quick tutorial on how to replace the battery in the "Fender Amp Can"!!

Thanks in advance!

Harpo


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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:21 pm
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Octaveman wrote:
I just dug mine out of the basement to get reay to do some "busking", only to find that the battery has been totally depleted.

So I check online and, amazingly there are still replacement batteries being sold by Fender. Awesome!!

So I order one and realize that I've never taken this Amp Can apart (it's built like a tank!).

I send a request form for Tech Support for instructions, and they don't give instruction for replacing the battery on this unit!! A bit odd I'd say, but anyway......

I need someone to give me a quick tutorial on how to replace the battery in the "Fender Amp Can"!!

Thanks in advance!

Harpo

Welcome to the Forum. Octaveman, my opportunities to talk with Fender customer service have always been productive, a friendly knowledgeable group of folks. A pic might help, post one?

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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 4:43 am
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I'm not doubting Fenders' Tech Supports individual personalities at all.

I called them as well and they still gave me the same response.

Here is the email they sent me:

Dear Michael Williams-Wright:


Message from Peter Be at Guitar Center:
Dear Musician,

Unfortunately we are unable to provide instructions on how to change out that battery. Please check the manufactures website, or online tutorials. We apologize for the inconvenience. You are also welcome to take that to one of our stores for assistance. Again we do apologize.
We appreciate you choosing GuitarCenter.com

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or concerns, or if you are not completely satisfied with the service you have received from us today. We appreciate your feedback.


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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:57 am
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Octaveman, from the photos I've seen, I would try removing the four screws that hold the control panel in. Also, Musicians Friend sells batteries for it too. Sometimes on some equipment, there are screws under the rubber feet. I would look there too. Like Solid Body Love Songs said, some decent photos would help. If you can photograph the top, bottom and sides.

You can also try www.thefenderforum.com
Join, Introduce yourself and ask there. They are very knowledgeable there.

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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 2:03 pm
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that is pretty cool, I have met a couple of Guitar Center techs and found them friendly and knowledgeable too, is there a GC close to you Octaveman?

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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 7:51 pm
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Hi Octaveman,

Here is the link to the manual, in case you don't already have it. This contains important instructions about use and care: http://support.fender.com/manuals/guitar_amplifiers/Amp_Can_manual.pdf These batteries are not cheap, so it makes sense to follow the instructions regarding charging and use explicitly.

To replace the battery, which looks like a square motorcycle type battery. 1. Arrange the amp can so the control panel is facing straight up and won't fall out suddenly or unexpectedly as you don't want to strain any wires. 2. Remove the four screws on the control panel. 3. Gently lift out the control panel. It may be slightly stuck so it might not want to move initially. You might have to insert a knife or putty knife under the edge to pry it loose so you can gently remove it. Again, be careful not to overstress any wiring. With the control panel out you should see the battery. Inspect for leakage. If you see any leakage around the battery then reassemble the amp and take it to a service technician. If you see no leakage then proceed. Note now which terminals connectors are what color and which way the original battery is oriented. 4. Take a pair of needle nose pliers and slide off the slide on battery connectors from the terminals. 5. Remove old battery. 6. Insert new battery securing and orienting the replacement exactly as old battery was. 7. Reconnect the connectors to the terminals making sure to get them connected exactly as they were originally. 8. Replace control panel and all 4 screws. 9. Charge a minimum of 16 hours before first use. 10. Dispose of the battery by taking it to a place that sells automotive batteries or to a recycling center, do NOT throw it in the garbage.

The following information may come too late to save you some money, but might help someone else. This amp uses the small rectangular shaped maintenance free sealed lead acid battery design often used in smaller home and office computer UPS devices that keep power on for your computer when the power goes out and is used in certain rechargeable emergency lighting systems or toy cars like children can ride in. While music stores sell these as "Amp Can" batteries for about $50 USD, you can get the same 12 Volt 4.5 Amp Hour battery or even a 12 Volt 5 Amp Hour battery which is precisely the same dimensions and specs for about one-third of that from a battery specialty store. They will work just fine, are the same exact size and design and will last just as long. Some suppliers sell the upgraded 5 Amp Hour version that is the same dimensions as the original 4.5 Amp Hour battery. It might give you a few more minutes of playing time.

The $50 battery from Guitar Center:

Image

Now the $16 battery from Battery Space. Com:

Image


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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 2:25 am
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brotherdave.

Dagg! You're right.

This email came a bit too late to save me the $34 that I could have used elsewhere, but you were "right on time" with the much needed knowledge necessary to install this Amp Can battery!

I should be recieving my battery in a day or two and I'm very excited to get out on the streets and share some of my music with the rest of the Boston, Ma community!

I used to play (busk) quite often about 10 years ago, but my life took a drastic change, and though I would do regular indoor gigs from time to time, I found myself with absolutely no time to play on the streets any more (which by the way, I found more rewarding than regular gigs most of the times!).

As I await the time to save for a Honda electric generator (about $800.) to use with my Peavey Powered Speakers and mixing board (a very nice set up similar to what I've seen another musician on the street with), I eagerly await to get my current Fender Amp Can/Crate Limo combo back on the streets!

Thanks again brotherdave, and everyone else who responded to my post.

brotherdave, I'll be sure to contact you if I'm in need of any assistance in the future, as you seem to be very knowledgeable on the subject of Fender amps!

Play On!

Thank you so much!

Octaveman


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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 5:54 pm
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I just took mine apart 2 days ago and it is very easy. My battery was also toast. I hadn't considered replacing the battery; I was going to build a cabinet for it and give it a new 10" speaker. The rebuilt can will now be a box with a larger gel cell battery, solar panel, , voltage regulator, and the whole bastard sitting on castors. This configuration would run all day into the night.

My old stock amp can had served me very well. I played a whale benefit with Country Joe MacDonald and busking Fisherman's Wharf, and Old Town Monrovia; always playing Smashing Pumpkins covers :)

Now that I am an independent cabinet maker, it just makes sense.

The instructions were right on, but didn't mention the battery holder. If you need or want to change the speaker (the paper cone can get worn near where the grill attaches) the grill just pops off with a few gentle taps of a flathead screwdriver. The battery is sitting in a metal housing. The housing is attached to the can by a screw on the back, opposite the controls. You may not need to remove the speaker, but removing the controls will give you better access to the wire terminals for sure. Remove the battery connectors with needle nose pliers Remove the bottom and the metal battery holder. The holder will need to pried open slightly to remove the battery. Make the swap. Reattach the battery wires by sliding them on, screw the screw holding the battery holder on the back, and reattach the bottom and control panel.

It should take no more than 15 minutes if you take your time. If you want pictures let me know.


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Post subject: Re: Remember the "Amp Can"?? Well....
Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:40 am
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Get yourself a 30W Crate Taxi, a 50W Crate Limo, or both. They were the mainstays of all the subterranean musicians in the subways and railroads of NYC. Neither Fender, Roland nor any other maker, for that matter, have yet to build a battery powered amp to equal them.

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