1968 Fender Bassman AB165 gets Caps, Tubes, and a Dynamite Switchable NFB Loop
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2020
- This video features a really nice 1968 Silverface AB-165 Bassman in a head cabinet. It required a complete re-capping, new Remote Speaker jack, new 3-wire power cord, new output tubes, and, best of all, a switchable NFB loop that really works !! In addition, we will take a drone flight over an area of red sand dunes near where I live, accompanied by a really nice tune from viewer, Jim Suber. His tone and touch are exceptional, in my book.
If you enjoy advertising-free videos like this one, please subscribe to our channel and gain access to over 300 more educational, entertaining videos. Also, please consider helping to support our channel by becoming a Patreon patron at: / uncledougsvintageamps or by making a PayPal contribution to: dldcam@aol.com. Thanks so much for watching :) - เพลง
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Because of the A-3XXXX serial number, I initially thought this was a 1973 Bassman, but later discovered that it was actually a 1968 version.....i.e. a blackface circuit in a silverface cabinet. I apologize for any confusion.
You can message me at my Facebook page: Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps......But, I'm sorry to say that I don't work on radios at all, only vintage tube audio amps. Check the internet to see if you can't find a radio repairperson. Good luck.
@@UncleDoug Now stalking Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps :D
I have to say your channel is amazing! I really am learning so much from how you explain everything about these amps. I'm currently looking into getting a degree and was wondering what is a better degree for the work you do would be. Either a electric engineering degree or an electric audio technology degree?.
I want to design amps and pedals and fix them like you.
@@UncleDoug You do very nice work. Outstanding amp. At the end your other subscriber's music was also outstanding. Enjoyed very much.I am subscribed, I double checked
Nice! Just opened up my 1967 QA AB165 and it looks pretty much identical to this other than being a blackface cosmetically. This is going to be really helpful as mine is in need of all the things you did here plus a bass knob and potentiometer. Truly appreciate you taking time to do this!
Set volume to 4 or 5 and it's one of the best sounding amps ever!
YES! Led Zep AND Tom Petty! Brilliant repair, Uncle Doug.
Jim Suber's playing was SUPERB! Please have him play more often on your drone/car show vids.
Thanks, Dave. I agree, and will try to get him to play some more tunes for us.
28:00 "That's about the most graphic demonstration, I've ever seen, of the effect of unbalanced output tubes."
Uncle Doug's - Words to live by
It's an effect we read about but rarely experience. I was impressed and hope you all were too.
@@UncleDoug Seeing a practical example of theory expressed WHILE learning about it is particularly valuable. THX
I’m in Austin and it’s beautiful here, but I surely do love your desert vistas...🎸
Thanks, Mike. My two sisters live in Austin. After the plague subsides, I will be visiting your fair city.
Your attention to detail is what makes your work outstanding, not just the amps but your cars and Im sure every aspect of your life.....
Thanks, Mike. My wife would probably differ......but what does she know ???
I can't speak for your wife but mine knows everything!
@@richreid7098 the two wives are probably on the phone right now. If you cut the service they just get pigeons there's no stopping 'em.
Doing a good service for guitar players everywhere !
I just so happen to have a1969-70 fender bassman head 50 just like this with the same problem (needing caps to fix hum) and now I'm confident I can fix it, thanks big time !
You're welcome, Aunt J. Best of luck with the project. Be careful :)
I just had my 59th birthday on the 8th and one of my wishes was another video from Uncle Doug - and here it is :-) I've learned so much from these videos, and I really enjoy them. Sometimes, when I fiddle around in the workshop, I have an Uncle Doug video just playing in the background. It's like having the company of an old friend and makes the workshop very cosy. I hope and trust, that you are well and taking care in these COVID-times. Greetings and warm thoughts from Jesper in Copenhagen.
Happy birthday, Jesper. Jack knew it was on the 8th, so we hurried and got the video done on time, just for you. Best wishes for many, many more :)
Love this. Just recapped my ‘74 bassman 100 last month.
Fantastic from start to finish. Thank you for all the work that you put into making these videos.
Thanks so much, K. We're glad you enjoy our creations :)
Hi Uncle Doug, thank you for your superb videos. I built a two Princeton reverbs from scratch and watching you was a life saver!
Much love from the UK
That's great to hear, James. Likewise, from Texas :)
Great to see you at work again Doug. I am enjoying your videos very much. Thanks for taking the time to make them and for your excellent instructional style.
Glad you like them, John :)
I have learned so much from your videos, Uncle Doug. Keep sharing please!!!
Thank you, I will, Mr. G :)
Cool Repair Doug..Loving this stuff and still on the learning curve. Fabulous old amp, love it. Stay safe, and keep up the great videos and fun comentary..!
Thanks, Ed. We will :)
You never disappoint making these super good videos! Even though I know nothing about amp repair,I find it fascinating to see the step by step transformation and hearing the end result. You truly are an amazing amp guru! Much love to ya Uncle Doug!!! As usual, the amp sounds killer!!
Thanks so much, Phil :)
You are an amp-wizard, Doug! Love watching your videos, your knowledge, quality standard and methodical work MO. Its a pleasure! Thanks for sharing :)
The pleasure is ours, Ralf. Thanks for the nice note.
Thanks for the videos , always a pleasure to watch and hear.
Glad to hear it, Ray. Thanks !!
You are a true master of your craft kind sir. Thank you.
Wow....thanks, Mike. We appreciate it :)
Wow. This is really awesome. Well filmed and fantastic info. Props for great audio too. I am fascinated by stuff like this. Thanks for posting.
Thanks, Gino :)
Another great repair. Well done. They're in good hands, with Uncle Doug.
Thanks, John. That's a good slogan.......for some reason it makes me think of Insurance ;)
Great one. The impact of NFB was indeed really clear here!
Thanks, K. I agree......a very useful mod.
Thanks again Uncle Doug.. Your a Mighty Fine Mentor.
Thank you kindly :)
Nice repair as always! I also enjoyed the video and Jim’s music there at the end also. 👍
Thanks, ARB. Glad you enjoyed it.
much enjoyed.thanks for your time.
Our pleasure, DH.
Fantastic work as usual UD! I loved the new tunes too! Never can go wrong with a little Zep!
Thanks, Scott. You are so right :)
very nice repair and good to know about QC of tubes ,Jims playing is amazing and enjoyed the dune tour ,as always excellent video Uncle Doug!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Joe :)
Thanks for the video. Nice shot of you and Mrs Doug.
You're welcome, Martin. Thanks from both of us :)
Great vid as always, and learned something new about tube balance to boot. Also, that music at the end was fantastic! Kudos to the writer/player.
Thanks, KT. Glad you enjoyed it!
Floored again! A return of the drone, the NATCO shop speaker, a fantastic Fender AssMan amp and superbé musical video! That music was marvelous!
Thanks Doug!
Thanks for enjoying our offerings, KM. We appreciate your nice comments.
Another excellent video by the man himself.
Also wanted to take a minute to say that I just completed a Princeton 5F2A build from scratch, and that your videos were extremely helpful in helping me complete it. You have mentioned the NFB mod quite a few times..so I included a switched & adjustable pot for the NFB in the build. Thank you !!
Congratulations on a successful build, Dave. We're glad the videos were helpful :)
Thank you Uncle. I needed this video. It's like you read my mind!
You are very welcome, Nacho :)
I've got an amp with a NFB pot on it so you can choose exactly how much you want: works great! Thanks for another fun video Doug!
Sounds great, Nick. It was our pleasure :)
Super happy to see this video. I have a similar era Bassman coming my way. So I may have to do some work on it as well.
We're glad, David. Good luck with it.
Uncle Doug,
Your craftsmanship and attention to detail are top notch.
It doesn’t get more professional...and a concert to boot!
Thanks,
Jim W
Jupiter, FL
Thanks so much, Jim :)
Beautiful desert scenes and soundtrack. Plus I learned more diagnostic info!
Glad you enjoyed it, Tim :)
Thanks for your advice. I really enjoy your videos. I am learning lots.
That's great to hear, Walter.
Great video as always! Love the second features! What a beautiful country we live in.
Amen, brother. Thanks :)
I remember when we started our first band, our bassplayer used this kind of amp. He had a big speakercase with a 16" speaker, and it sounded great. Thank's for all your videos. :-)
You're welcome, Arild :)
Yet another brilliant video Uncle Doug. I don’t fully understand everything that you do but your explanations and commentary make the videos so enjoyable, informative and entertaining. Thank you once again. BTW, really enjoyed the drone pictures as well.
That's great to hear, Robin. Thanks for joining us :)
Wow, I don’t know what’s best your technical direction & explanation of the work you’re doing, the audio test by Jack & now you’ve added some awesome music by a subscribers. Although I’ve played drum back in the day, I’m not a musician nor do I have any equipment, I actual viewed a video of yours a few months to get a better understanding of tub amps since I was about purchase one for my audio system. Now I’m hooked to watching your channel to see what on the work bench next. Lord behold, you’ve added music performance to hook me even more. Thanks 😊 & keep ‘em coming.
Thank you for your kind words, EL.....we will :)
Lovely music Jim Suber, perfectly matched Uncle Doug's flying.
Glad you enjoyed it, Cliff. Thanks from both of us.
I just picked up a 66 Bassman and I opened it up to inspect previous repairs. I watched this video to prep and I’m glad I did. The previous tech had wired the three prong plug backwards, left the polarity switch in circuit and he had replaced the death cap 🤔. I tidied up his handy work and turned the polarity switch into a NFB switch and the results are better than expected. It really thickens up the lead tone. Thank you for the tip! The amp sounds wonderful.
Congratulations on a successful repair, J. We're glad the videos were helpful. Once viewers can perform their own routine repairs, perhaps incompetent "techs" will have to find another line of work.
Really nice job Uncle Doug. I appreciate the way you always keep in objective to stay as close as possible to the original design, only paying attention to necessary changes and of course to the security measures needed. The way you consider the wiring of these fuse holder is for me the perfect representative of real experience (we all got stung one day or another!), and long reflection. All this make these marvels sound as close as if when they came out of the factory, some probably better. The only thing missing is the "catscan" on any new parcel.
And for the last part of the video, this definitively answer the question about life ... on Mars!
Thanks so much, Alexis. We really appreciate all your very nice comments.
Nice job, Uncle Doug. I'm glad to see you using metal-film resistors--they're the best.
They definitely are, especially in the power supply and on output tube sockets.
Great demo playing from Jack and Ollie, that is my kind of music for practice noodling. Top work again on your amp upgrade, a real pro.
Thanks, Keith :)
Great video Mr Doug. Thanks again
Glad you enjoyed it, Jim. Your playing was the icing on the cake. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Been subscribed for a while now, great videos, entertaining & always educational, thanks for sharing your knowledge & all the best to you & those you love in these trying times.
Thanks so much for subscribing and for your very nice comments, TT.
At my age I will likely never own another amp, but I love watching the level of craftsmanship you put into your work. You set a good example for all. Be it the circuits, the cabinets, or your hot rods, your attention to detail is second to few. Hopefully your work ethic will be passed on to some of the younger generation through these videos.
I appreciate your nice comments and agree wholeheartedly. We desperately need some young acolytes to carry forth the hopefully-eternal--torch of tube circuitry.
Another great video Doug. Interesting and informative.
Glad you enjoyed it, Brian.
Another great amp and repair video by a mastercraftsman.
Wow, thanks!
The XTC riff was a pleasant surprise! Beautiful work as always, sir. Sounds fantastic!
Glad you liked it, Charlie :)
#114 👍..... GREAT VIDEO.....UNK.....as good and thorough as you have ever produced over the years.
Very satisfying..... peaceful and edifying. From your long time apostle....isolated on the Sea Islands of South Carolina. You never miss a beat. Cheers....
Thanks so much, William. We appreciate your loyal viewership :)
As usual, another quality presentation, Thank you for the wonderful areal trip,
Glad you enjoyed it, Mike. Your Super Reverb is next.
Uncle Doug Great!
Enjoyed this immensely. I got that old Aims Eclipsor amp working. Caps, cord, fuse, and a 7025. Thanks to your videos. I want to try this negative feedback switch. Drones are so fun!
Glad the videos helped, JG. Good luck with your projects.
that was quite nice, sir, am honored to have my painting on display in your shop~ uncle doug can play that guitar, no doubt about it, with more tasteful notes than most~
Thanks, Jay. Playing credits go to Ollie, Jack, and Jim Suber ;)
As always thank you for another excellent video!
My pleasure, Kurt :)
Doug so crazy consistent content you are a pleasure to enjoy
Thanks, John. We try ;)
Another great video Doug.
That NFB switch really is noticable.
Great Job.
Thanks, Jeremiah :)
Excellant video…enjoy watching these and now maybe I can learn more….Thanks Uncle Doug
Thanks, JC. That's our goal :)
Devo. I love it Doug. Great job as usual.
Thanks, CB :)
Nice shout out to Lupe! That's one of my favorites of your videos. I love to imagine her at her bench, soldering parts, humming a little tune...
Agreed, Isk. I wonder if any of her offspring know of her great importance to our field ?
Hi uncle Doug, I didn’t realize out of balance bias would generate that much hum. Thanks for sharing! Sand dunes at the end of vid are amazing. You and family stay safe💕
The pleasure was ours, Vince. You too :)
Just great @Uncle Doug - I learn so much from your videos. Will contribute on PayPal again.
Much appreciated, Bob. Thanks !!
wow my birthday and a video of uncle doug. what a nice gift. Thanks! Greetings from Argentina!
Happy Birthday, Demian, and best wishes for many more :)
Loved the outro music Uncle Doug, very very nice to whomever the credit is due!
Thanks so much, BB. Glad you liked it.
Thank you Doug, I have a much greater appreciation for classic Fender amps these days.
Oddly, A Fender was my first amp. A Kinda weak and mundane single 12"... 12 or 15watt S.S. ( Faux )Bassman combo... brand new...I was 14 in '72. & Clueless, not now though. Each one of your episodes is a unique Journey. And well worth the time.
Thanks so much for your nice comments, RW.
Great video, always a lot to learn
Glad you enjoyed it, RJ.
Great sounding demo. Finding good 6V6’s and 6L6’s has been tough here lately! Thanks for the sanity check.. both with those EH current hogs and now this. Will look into that tube brand.
Thanks, Bill. I discovered the EH's after ordering the TAD's, but will check out their 6L6's soon. I'm wondering if the current hog EH 6V6's weren't really 6L6's in disguise (?)
Great work 👏👏👏
Thanks, John.
excellent again Uncle Doug! Great video of your desert Stay safe over there :)
Thank you, we will, Dean.
Another fascinating and entertaining video 👍 Teasing us at the end with a selfie (almost) 😁
Thanks, Mark :)
Sounds amazing.
Thanks, RH :)
God Bless and Protect your wonderful family. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Great educational video.
Thanks so much, F1. Likewise on the blessings.
really enjoyed the guitar of the drone flight reminded me of a great guitarist from san antonio who has now passed on thanks for including that as always great instructional video i like how you did the nfb loop your giving me ideas.i really need to install a three pronged cord.i record with a zoom h4n and having the guitar in one hand and touching any metal part of the zoom with the other hand is always a pleasant reminder of the power of electricity and the importance of having a three pronged cord.i like what you did with the hum switch and at the same time made the amp a lot safer to use.
Thanks, Philip. By all means be careful......we value our viewers.
Thanks for the visit to the orange sand dunes. That's some really pretty country out there! I've also got a '68 drip edge Bassman and that circuit is a monster. I had a three prong cord installed years ago and am starting to think that an NFB switch might be a good addition. Great video as always Doug.
Thanks so much, Mark. Your amp is an ideal candidate for the switchable NFB.
Uncle Doug colonised Mars with 6SL6 drone probes resulting in a positive bias to subscribe to his channel.
Awesome, just plain and simple unadulterated organic interestingly pleasurable fulfilling whole-grained awesomeness at its best.
Thank you.
Wow, thanks so much, IG. We're guilty as charged :)
I have a 66 ab165 and am going to add the switchable feedback loop. Thanks Doug.
Let us know how it turns out, Pat :)
This was again a very good video to learn about electronics of the vacuum tube amplifiers. After seeing about all of them i begin to know about them now finaly. I have learned a lot allreddy but learn more with every video. Thanks for the knowledge dough. Sure wish i could have seen them 40 years ago. And i also love the place you live in, It looks so much better then the place in the city in europe where i live. The droneflights sure do ad a great feature on the vidio's.
Thanks for all your very nice comments, Remi :)
Always great content!
Thanks, James :)
Boy Uncle . I have retired now, would have loved to traded jobs with you. It makes my mouth water to watch your videos. I do have a gift that I think you would love to have when I get paid.
Glad you enjoy the videos, Monty :)
Superb all round!
Thank you! Cheers!
Awesome video !!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Ron.
Yer the man Uncle D! Top notch job as always. Keep em coming!
Thanks! Will do!
Awesome as usual!
Thank you! Cheers!
At a low to "normal" volume I like it with feedback off, forty years back I copied the 50 watt RCA power amp, but I used 2 pair 7027 and a 2500 ohm output transformer, used different types of feedback
As always I enjoy the amp videos.
But, that was a really nice way to end the video. Beautiful music and scenery.
Thank you very much, Jason.
we love you Uncle Doug
.....and we love our viewers, G&G :)
I just love your channel and your narration in the videos. Cats are great silent partners as well.
I took a 1966 AB-165 and turned it into a 6-G11 Vibrolux after replacing the original burnt power transformer with a Super transformer with five volt rectifier taps. I made it switchable (SS/tube). The half triode section of the AB-165 was removed along with the 220k plate feedback resistors. I left the terminal strip intact as an easy way to check the plate voltage. Of course the inverter of the 6-G11 is a 12AX7 and has a voltage of only 17-19volts at the midpoint of the two 1 megs the 820 ohm and the 6.8K but it sure makes a difference in the attack and tone. I rewired the hum balance control for bias and put in a pair of 7581a output tubes...SRV tone.
I had plans to sell this amp, but after the transition it sounds too good.
The drone footage with that guy's music was fantastic!
You are a great content creator, thank you for your art.
Wow, John, that sounds like quite a conversion. Thanks for sharing it with us, and for your very nice comments.
with that many niggling things being out of whack uncle doug, ,
this would have leo fender himself cussing,, but you turned a
sows ear into a silk purse ,it can be done apparently !!
lovely piece of work.
Thanks so much, William :)
thanx, this made my day brighter
Glad you enjoyed it!
Superb craftsmanship. A voice of sanity in world of chaos.
Thanks so much, Mike. We try :)
Pays to get matched pairs of power tubes folks, and buy them from reputable place. I thought i was losing my shit repairing a 71 Bassman years ago and in the end it was just how out of whack the tubes were from each other causing that noise. Ive been buying my tubes from tube depot for years, so i can say I trust their matching. But if you buy new tubes for your bassman and it starts to make noise, its because the tubes are not matched and if they arnt close enough, even trying to adjust that pot isnt going to make that noise go away. Thanks so much for this video, reminded me of a lot id forgotten about and thanks for letting anyone new watching know that those ruby caps are horribly marked haha.
Thanks for the helpful info, CT.
I've had the very same idea about re-lacquering the front panel of a silverface Fender, but have also not tried it. What I had considered was a lacquer with a strong solvent that would melt in and smooth out, but then flash off fast, before altering the lettering. If I get to try it before you, I'll certainly report back! If not, I'll eagerly await your results. Thanks for the always amazing and informative videos! God bless you.
Thanks so much. Please let us know if you try it. Likewise on the blessing :)
Nice to see your wife enjoying part of the production, give her a wave back from in the UK.
Will do, Graham. Thanks !!!
Excellent, as usual.
Thank you! Cheers, Ray.
kidding aside, this is exactly what the Dr. ordered. Timely & informative. Never saw Fender use the tag strip with 220k's AND .022, where they almost always go .1 there. looks like somebody had a grip of 100k carbon film laying around, and filled the bottom of the board. I'm about to get into my Bantam Bass, and cant wait to hear this iteration. I don't think I've run across this particular amp b4. Thanks Always! Been meaning to give a mention of my appreciation to Ollie & Jack for letting the chords ring/decay naturally. You may be surprised at how many demo's don't do that, even on trem, & delay.
Thanks for all your very nice comments, Lawrence :)
Learned things today...the push pull hum was icing on the cake. The notation on those caps can be confusing..thanks for the clarity. Good job Jack &Ollie...
Thanks so much, Lynn :)
Great hand work by the better half Doug.
Thanks 👍
A good Bourbon worthy vid U D ... Much appreciated ...
A man after my own taste. Our pleasure, Ed :)
The Best amp repair channel!
Thanks, David :)