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Post subject: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 8:18 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. OT 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??

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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 11:46 am, edited 3 times in total.

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Post subject: Re: URGENT: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 8:39 am
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The amp looks like it's been exposed to salt-air corrosion and even though plated with nickel, the enduring effects on the steel chassis will remain permanently visible. On the bright side, this phenomenon usually has little to no impact on the amp's function or tone. There are a few components on the eyelet board that have been replaced but it looks like that was competently executed. The speaker upgrade is nice and overall I'd say it was worth the three-bill asking price.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: URGENT: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 8:41 am
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Impossible to tell the state of the solder joints from the blurred image there but it does look like there's some kind of solder blob near the filter cap. Bear in mind that amp "customising" (or "playing around with a soldering iron on a device you only marginally understand the workings of" as it's better known) is becoming more popular and a lot of first-time amp hackers will use a small amp like a Champ to learn the basics on, often before they have any real comprehension of how the thing functions. You mention it has a 4 ohm speaker, is that the same as the original? If not, has the owner used the right tap on the replacement OT? Has someone told him it will "sound better" with the speaker on the wrong tap? You really don't know what you're buying here. Same with the replacement caps, are they rated 105°C or are they cheaper 85°C types? Has he taken any notice of the replacement resistors' maximum voltage ratings?

If liquid has spilled inside it AND DRIED OUT AND NOT LEFT A CONDUCTIVE RESIDUE then it's not any kind of risk. If you're concerned that the amp is not electrically safe then you have three options - walk away, buy it and pay someone to make it safe or make it safe yourself.

Option 3 requires ability with a soldering iron and a knowledge of electrical and electronic repair. Option 2 requires money then some more money. Option 1 means you keep looking for an amp.

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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:44 am
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I've just come from picking up the amp. The transformer is actually made by Mercury Magnetics. That in conjunction with the Weber speaker and I can say I am pretty happy with the replacement parts. Amp works great, stays clean until around "4" and has a gradual breakup from then on.

I am very happy to have such a good practice amp. Talk about robust!


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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 2:10 pm
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A nice score indeed, enjoy!

8)

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 5:44 pm
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Good choice and for the money, a fine purchase. Enjoy your "New" amp.

T2

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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 10:58 pm
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Thanks Arjay and T2. :!:

Arjay, you are more than dependable. I truly appreciate the advice every time! I enjoy learning as much as I can about these amps as I go.


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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:01 pm
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Toronado wrote:
Thanks Arjay and T2. :!:

Arjay, you are more than dependable. I truly appreciate the advice every time! I enjoy learning as much as I can about these amps as I go.


Yes, Arjay and some others here are a treasure. A few snarl at silliness. :shock:

As it should be. :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:06 pm
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Congratulations Toronado !

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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:35 pm
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Nice find. I think those Champs are great little amps. 8)

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Post subject: Re: Calling the Forum Amp Gurus
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:45 pm
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Toronado wrote:
Thanks Arjay and T2. :!:

Arjay, you are more than dependable. I truly appreciate the advice every time! I enjoy learning as much as I can about these amps as I go.


It's our pleasure to help out when we can, Toronado.

Rawk that puppy!

8)

Arjay

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