1953 Newcomb G-12 Guitar Amp......Uncommon and Built Like a Tank !!!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- This video features a really nice, completely original Newcomb Model G-12 Instrument Amplifier, made in Hollywood California way back in 1953. Newcomb was a prolific manufacturer of audio gear, but apparently not many guitar amplifiers were produced, since few are found today. The construction of this amp is extraordinary, and this video focuses on the wonderful details that make this amp so unusual and special. A sound check is also provided at the end of the video.
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Thanks for watching !!!
I still have the Newcomb public address amplifier that my dad bought just after the end of the war, somewhere around '46 or '47. He had that, a mic and stand and a small speaker in a wooden enclosure. We were dirt poor, but for some reason, we had those pieces ... Thanks for showing this one to us!
Sometimes very basic equipment can produce the best memories, TT. You're quite welcome.
Hello Doug. Thanks for preserving music history.
It's great to hear from someone else who appreciates great design and engineering. The wiring is exceptionally clean, with no "plate of spaghetti" excess wire runs, and the components are all first class. As a result, it does indeed have a clean "hi-fi" sound. I appreciate your input and analysis. Thanks !!!
Uncle Doug,
Thanks so much for your expert tutorials, vast knowledge of amp electronics, a fine and seasoned sense of humor, love of vintage car restoration as well as amplifiers, and lastly and importantly your gentle nature and care of neat critters on our planet. You are a rare and vintage gentleman. You gracefully set the standards for the best qualities of a human being.
Wow.....thanks so much, MP. I am humbled by your kind words and wish you the very best in all your endeavors.
I'm glad you share my appreciation of the Newcomb G-12, BT. The extremely clean sound is most likely a reflection of the fact that Newcomb Audio Products was mainly a manufacturer of public address systems, where cleanliness of tone is essential. To them, warmth and distortion were flaws, not attributes. Looking at the schematic, there are several areas begging for modification, including a bypass cap for the cathode of the 6SC7 preamp tube, but the pristine nature of this amp........
What a neat piece of amp history.
Agreed, VC :)
I don't blame you. I very rarely ever see such pristine, perfectly matched original tubes. They are real gems. In fact, I believe all the tubes in the amp are the original ones that came with it from the factory.
Wow... with that build quality (especially for that period), it's a wonder Newcomb didn't go under sooner! Great vid, Doug. Thanks again!
You're welcome, Britt. I doubt that they made much profit on the few they sold :)
Wow !! You Tube really is an international community. Thanks so much for your kind words and I hope to see/hear from you again in the near future !!
What a beautifully designed amplifier. The attention to detail is heartwarming.
Thanks, John :)
Hello Uncle Doug and Seasons Greetings ! After seeing this excellent video I bought one of these fine little amps...I liked it so much I found another one to use in a two amp set up....Now through your educational videos I am building my own amps and I've decided to let one go...If anyone should want one of these lovely Newcomb G-12's, I have one listed on Ebay....Cheers and thanks so much for all the knowledge and good cheer that you've imparted to me and countless others.
You're welcome, Darrell. Good luck with your amp projects and your sale.
Love this amp. Nice show
Thanks, Ronnie.
Hello Uncle Doug. While I initially watched your videos for the wealth of knowledge you coney to the viewer, It's your unbridled passion for the workmanship and design of these old masterpieces that really draws me in.
That and your great dry humor with your pets.
Wow, thanks so much, Trebor. I do indeed respect the craftsmanship that is evident in these vintage gems.
T-H-A-T.....is a gorgeous amp... the chassis, louvers, the handle....all nice octal tubes ,....nice painted chassis ....wow!
I agree completely, Chris. I had never seen (or even heard of) a Newcomb guitar amp before this one, and was thoroughly impressed by its construction and design. I recently relented and "warmed up" the tone a little, so its sound is now equal to its construction quality.
Wow! Doug, I've NEVER seen an amplifier designed so well in all my years as a tech. The chassis could probably withstand a tank running over it; this type of engineering does not exist these days and hasn't in many years! What's even more amazing is the inside being so clean...no rust or corrosion. I have mixed emotions about the fuse being located internally, however, it protects the amp against the user over-fusing (people like the one who brought in the Fender Twin today) LOL :)
Another great video, you seem to have a natural knack for organizing your thoughts and keeping things very interesting
AssAlarmMyLincoln Thanks so much, AA. I taught school for many years, and found that being entertaining and organized really helped in the transfer of information.
......discouraged me from performing such modifications. Your suggestion of external tone modification with a foot pedal or effects device is excellent, BT, since it would create a more pleasing tone without actually changing the amplifier itself. Thanks for your thoughtful input.
Thanks Doug for sharing this one. It was no surprise to me to see the amazing quality of construction. I remember how heavy and rugged the Newcomb phonographs used in schools were back in the day. Webcor was right up there too. Those are the two brands I remember.
It was my pleasure, Joel. They really are well built.
Beautiful work...looking forward to the video in the future
Thanks, Ed.
After soaking in so many of these videos, I really believe amps had a heyday. This was an exciting time of discovery of electronics in a post war America. Just as I marveled when I crawled thru a B-29 looking at what my Grandfather flew in - nothing digital, I'm just as amazed at the early pioneers of these musical instruments. I just wonder if the person whose hands built this could've dreamed in 100 years that it'd still be an object of affection after this many years? Great amps are still being made - but, this amp comes from a time of true unbridled discovery.
Very well put, Chad. Thanks for sharing :)
This amplifier has a lot of attack! that's why it doesn't have the warmth. These military grade components were very, very accurate, this is the reason Mcintosh and Marantz used them on their high end vacuum tube stuff. Construction is simply phenomenal! I made several tube hi-fi amps but i never thought someone would make such a pristine looking wiring like this one! Love it, thanks for sharing
Thanks, Dave. I can't help myself when confronted with great engineering. Until yesterday, I had never heard of this manufacturer, and now I'm one of their biggest fans. You've got to admit......a gold plated fuse holder with two sheet metal screws to keep it from rotating......outrageous !!! :>)
Do you know who made the transformers? They look like triad.
@@fredrickmeyers8076 No, I don't, Fredrik. Sorry.
Fantastic Doug, thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it, John.
When I moved to LA in 1982, I went to work for Audiotronics in North Hollywood. They made indestructible record players and cassette players for school use. They made some primitive "lab" learning stuff where 35 kids could plug headphones into something and watch a filmstrip. They also made early ATM and cash register video displays. Working up in the prototype department where I eventually ended up was an older fellow named Don Newcomb. He was pretty old, probably in his 80's, and sometimes he would help with an issue the plant was having; recurring problems, too many rejects coming off the assembly line, that kind of thing. Everybody loved him because he was just the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. I barely knew about Newcomb amplifiers at the time, and there were many many electronics manufacturers right around the Hollywood area starting after WW2 and into the 60's. Plenty of guys who worked for the radio networks and early television stations broke away and started their own companies. Altec started this way. Unfortunately I never thought to ask him if he was related to Newcomb amplifiers....but I am almost sure he was.
What a great story, P. I have a feeling he was the same guy who built Newcomb amps.....their factory was in Hollywood. It's just too much of a coincidence for it not to be. Here's some photos of their products: jedistar.com/newcomb/
Thanks for the nice comment, JZ. Yes, removing the main source of vibration....i.e. the speakers.....would certainly reduce the microphonic tendencies. I am having some similar problems with 7591-A tubes being microphonic and will probably try replacing them before doing anything more drastic. I have no experience with 12AU6's.
Good line re; the Power Cord, "Inadvertent Arc Welding". Well put.
Thanks, Greg. Glad you liked it :)
Quality all the way, amp & review. My guess would be that this was hand built for a Hollywood guy called Mike. The left hand input for his use only... Not a cheap piece of kit, that's for sure. I love the awe in your voice when you come across something seriously well built. Get in line, Mr. Rembrandt...
Thanks so much, Bill :)
Thanks Doug for it seems I'm the new owner of a Newcomb. I'm completely bowled over by the prices these old amps are garnering. Tonight I was watching an auction on a '53 Alamo Model 3 that was excellent cosmetically but needed a good servicing. Winning bid; $510 + shipping. unbelievable.
I agree, John. On one hand, I'm glad the prices are going up, since I already have a bunch.....but on the other hand, it sure makes it painful to buy any more. Also, the days of "stealing" things for pennies on the dollar went out with the advent of the Internet. Now, everybody is an "expert" and they demand absolute top dollar for whatever they are selling....regardless of condition.
Re your new acquistion, Congratulations. I think (hope) you will be very pleased with it. Re the Alamo amp, if the "3" referred to watts of output, then $510 was indeed quite high.
Wow! Between this guitar amp and the Newcomb PA you demo in another video, I'd have to say this company made stuff to an extremely high standard. Just wow. That's what I call high end.
They did indeed, Brad, and for reasons that elude me, their products (though rather uncommon) are generally available at very low cost. Garage sellers all think that anything with a Fender, Vox, Gibson, etc. label is worth a fortune (and they sometimes are), but they haven't caught on yet to the Newcomb brand. I always capitalize on this, by groaning and acting disgusted whenever I find such unheralded items at garage sales.....until I get them home safely.....and then I cackle with glee.
Yes, I must admit, I too have been known to gleefully cackle at finding a rare and largely unknown prize. Usually I wring my hands and do my best Dr. Frankenstein impression, complete with wild eyes and exasperated vocalizations. My 4-year-old just stares at me and asks me politely to "please stop that".
In an attempt to conceal my adrenalin rush at a great discovery, I too resort to all sorts of bizarre behavior: pointing and laughing, saying things like "What idiot would want that piece of _______ ?", and even gagging and feigning disgust-induced nausea. Often sellers will accept my insultingly-low offers simply to get me to leave. Eating a lot of garlic (and beans) prior to negotiations helps too :)
I had not thought of the latter techniques, but I have not been averse to wallowing in human fecal matter in the minutes prior to an important negotiation.
Who hasn't ??? ;)
Wow, some beautiful piece of gear you got there! I share your admiration for the mechanical construction of this amp, and all those little details that have been carefully thought through and expertly crafted. As you said, they don't make stuff this way any more, and even in it's time the durability and craftsmanship was outstanding. Indeed it looks like military design. Awesome, thanks for sharing this gem :)
You're welcome, Stan. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the mighty (well built) Newcomb G-12 :)
Nice amp! I've replaced many of the bumble bee caps....In radios they are almost always replaced automatically, but still a really nice find!
Great job on the video.
+Pete Dazer Thanks, Pete.....glad you liked the amp and the video :)
I wish I could come back in time. I would buy ten of these. Lol!
Let me go with you, RS.....we'd probably need a truck to haul all them :)
i use modern tung sol 6v6, im drooling over those originals
Wow - that front panel!
Don't forget your welding goggles :)
Greetings, Cat. It really is too nice and original to alter, including the power cord, which, upon closer inspection, just had three cracks in the external insulation and none in the insulation of the individual wires. It has great volume and really good, clean tone.......so there is no reason, other than scientific curiosity, to try to turn it into something it isn't. I may well try it with other speakers to see how it sounds. Thanks for your input.
Nice find, Doug. In case no one mentioned it, the material used in place of grille cloth is expanded metal.
I believe you're right, Roid. It reminds me of the metal lath they use to support plaster and stucco.
Amazing amp! Reminds me of a 1950's hotrod :-)
It's definitely solidly built.
A good suggestion, JZ. The circuit is very unusual. I may indeed make a video about it......including possible modifications.
Doug I have a Tweed G-12 that I believe is 1951. I found a way to add the fender Tweed sound while letting the Newcomb be a Newcomb. I found a pedal from Brantone Electronics in the UK they make a pedal called Vintage Tweed. It bring in all those tones you were looking for to “warm” the amp up I don’t think I will ever play mine again with out it.
Thanks for the tip, Jeffrey. I'll look into the pedal you described.
Great video! Many thanks!
+SiliconSet You're welcome, SS :)
Doug...Be carful of too much drooling on your review here. Drooling can lead to a dead short in the your beloved Newcomb amp! LOL Great job man!
Dear Doug, thanks for this inspiring video. I was so impressed with the build quality that I bought one of these. I wonder if you've looked further into this amp since the video? Thanks!
After the video was posted, I moved on to subsequent acquisitions and videos, JR, but remained impressed with the build quality of the Newcomb. I hope you enjoy yours.
I have a similar vintage Newcomb 17. Same color covering but in a suitcase that splits on the 45° with 2x12". As i understand, it was meant for public address and square dances as it has a phono input. The amp is a 2x6L6 with original RCA blackplate tubes.
Just a wonderful vintage amp.
Yes, the stock speakers are a bit thin sounding, but plugged into an old Jensen C15 it really sounds good. It's an amp ill never sell.
I have a very similar suitcase model, Christian, and it does sound great, especially through speakers other than the pair it came with.
Beautiful.
Thank you! Cheers, Jeff.
love your videos ..God bless
+raw5069 Thanks, Raw. Likewise :)
UD this is terrific! I realize it's been 5 years now, but an easy way to warm up this amp while retaining the lovely articulation would be to (perish the thought) swap the speaker with a Celestion Greenback or Creamback or an inexpensive clone like Eminence or WGS.
Two terrific semi-custom, competitively priced speakers are Weber & Scumback. Jim Seavall (Scumback) is the best since we lost Ted Weber years ago. Jim & Ted worked together in the 2000s.
Thanks, K3. I like your idea. Perhaps not a permanent speaker exchange but the installation of an external speaker jack.
This thing sounds amazing!
Thanks, Michael.
You bet Uncle Doug.
Ahhh, Uncle Doug! I truly MISS those days where American products were OVER-built for reliability! We still have machines from the 1800s and early 1900s that still function flawlessly, and need only minor maintenance to continue. Wish that that were still the case, but planned obsolescence seems to be the rule of the day now.
THANKS for the look back!
You're welcome, Dave. I agree :)
Interesting that u mentioned Hi-watt because i think this amp has the same chime -ing ringing tone. . IMHO of course. Thanks 4 the great vids, Doug :)
+Fatz Treeboy You're welcome, FT. Glad you liked the amp and its tone :)
how this realy nice work!! i have a french amp from19 58 and bild sevral amps on the delux or champ base like your way of explaining!!!
roodbaard51 Thanks, RB....glad you enjoy the amp and videos :)
Finally got my hands on the G-12 I picked up a couple of months ago. Very pleased with the tone, especially in the "mike" input. I may have led someone astray as to the output. Is it, in fact, 12 watts? At any rate I took it to a respected amp tech. It needed very little other than a little cleaning up and the 6v6's swapped out. New cord, of course.
Congratulations on a nice acquisition, John. I would estimate the output at a little over 12 watts, probably more like 14 to 18. My guess is that the "12" refers to the diameter of the speaker. Thanks for sharing !! :)
Hello Doug.
Thanks for your reply. I'd like to give my two cents on these older caps, such as Bumble Bees, Black Beauties, Waxies and so on. REPLACE them all. Period! Do not run them! Period! They WILL leak at higher voltages and pass current, thus red plating the respective tube/s.
I learned this personally. Paul Carlson over at "Mr. Carlson's Lab" has some great insights into this topic.
Thanks again Doug for the education. and for your time. Love to Rusty and Jack.
You're welcome, James. Thanks for your input :)
Uncle Doug you may have been onto something when you said the construction of this amp was reminiscent of milspec. Southern California was the Silicon Valley of the era around that time, aerospace and military contractors made up a huge part of the local economy. I can imagine some of the talent from those industries flowed out into the private sector and started making all sorts of great equipment for the private sector. This amp would be a good example of that. Did you ever follow up on the background/history of the designer/engineer?
I didn't do any research along those lines, Aero, but since Newcomb was a well-established manufacturer of PA systems for schools and businesses, perhaps some of their engineers and designers were recruited from the military sector and their contractors.
@@UncleDoug You misunderstood me. I wasn’t claiming they were made for military use, lol, just that the design and manufacturing principles from the military sector, you know, “built like a tank,” and even the workforce that made them may have been highly influenced by design and manufacturing principles that were at the time being used in the aerospace industry.
The head of Newcomb was Robert Newcomb They made sound system amps record players for use in schools and transcription record players. The company went out of business in the early 1970's I think.
Thanks, Doug. Since they were involved in PA systems and school record players, it's no surprise that their guitar amp tone would be very clear with lots of midrange. They probably felt, like the guy at Ampeg, that distortion was to be avoided at all costs :))
@@UncleDoug And it would clearly explain the quality of construction.
That last tune you did Sonny James Young lungs young love that was my favorite Sonny James Young love when I was a little kid that was my favorite song that running there
It's one of my favorites too, LB. Sonny was a very talented guy.
Nice !!!
+raw5069 Thanks :)
I was born in Hollywood (actually Echo Park) in 1953 so my numerologist says make it warm. Now.
Wow! I have to agree, that amp is built like a brick s#@thouse. Very nice! Thanks for the great videos, you are the most entertaining TH-camr that I know of. Also, we seem to share to same low watt old amp fetish.
You're welcome, Jeff. I really prefer the smaller, medium to low-wattage amps simply because they sound as good (or better) than most of the big amps.......and they are a whole lot easier to service and to carry around :)
I found my G12 at a pawn shop in Sacramento for $180 with a vintage Jensen P12Q. They didn’t know what they had. Love it and play it all the time in clubs and with students.
The lack of warmth he is referring to is probably due to the cabinet, which IMO, is the amps only downfall. Great design, but It’s thin and light and probably cheap wood. My Jensen sounds much warmer than the stock speaker on the video, but at higher “club” volumes the amp lacks the cabinet presence you hear in a Fender Deluxe from the same era. I’m still toying with the idea of adding a line out and ext speaker line.
Overall it’s a really great vintage amp if you can find one. Great brown 6V6 tones and a real looker. And those 4 inputs have come in handy many times!
Thanks for your very helpful input, TD :)
Great video!
is and amp that uses a very microphonic tube like a 12au6 and that makes alot of noise because of it aftert many tube swaps a good canidate for rehouse into just a head? btw love this amp. its rock solid
I can't wait until the next (tone quest) video on the Newcomb.
While you're waiting, H.A., check out the video on the Newcomb Pathfinder Model E-20.....a P.A. amp converted for guitar use. It's similar to a Vox AC-15.
Im on it. Sounds like a great conversion. I bought an old tube pa amp not long ago maybe I can do something similar.
If you're adept at amp circuitry, HA, adding cathode bypass capacitors to cathode-biased tubes (if they don't already have them) is a good way to boost the bass response and warm up a cold-sounding PA amp.
Awesome thanks for the tip. I don't know how adept I am yet. Im trying to learn.
I have an opportunity to pick up one of these. Though a little on the expensive side it is priced in line with some of the better conditioned Valco Spectator-type amps. Sounds like this one ticks all your boxes
It's a beautifully-constructed amp with an ultra-clean tone, and there are some basic modifications you can do to improve the tone if you wish. They are rather uncommon and quite unusually designed. Yes, I like the one I have.
Uncle Doug If you do as you say, and tweak the low end ever so slightly, I think you've got yourself a serious jazz amp. I'm imagining a Gibson arch top like maybe an L-5 or ES-175 or maybe a super 400 plugged into it. I believe just about any serious jazz player would forget all about his Polytone once he heard this thing. Whoever designed it must have built stuff for the military at some point. The workmanship is beyond amazing! The bean-counters would never allow such quality today.
Greetings, JP. As you say, the amp really is beautifully made and sounds great (after a few minor modifications). The company was a major manufacturer of PA equipment....hence the emphasis on midrange and clarity of tone. It would be perfect for jazz guitar.
Yeah, it's too bad Joe Pass or Tal Farlow aren't around any more. To be able to listen to those guys play on this thing would be a real treat. I know either one of them could do it justice.
Hello Doug. I am a fan of your videos. What did you do to warm the tone? Can you update the end of the video with the modded tone? A before and after with the tone modification would be interesting.
You're right, Endo, it would have been an interesting comparison. When I made the video, I wanted to keep the amp original, but after hearing it several times, I couldn't resist "warming it up" a little. Unfortunately this was long after the video had been completed and posted.
To improve the tone in "sterile", overly-clean amps like this (remember that Newcomb made PA systems and were obsessed with tone clarity), I generally: 1.) Increase the value of the input capacitor(s) (between input jack and first tube grid) and coupling capacitors (if necessary) to prevent the blockage of low frequencies. 2.) Add 25 to 50uf cathode bypass capacitor(s) to the pre-amp tube(s) to boost the volume and bass. 3.) Remove or reduce any high-frequency bypass caps across the volume or tone control pots. 4.) As a last resort, insert a .0001to .001uf cap (by trial and error) to ground within the input circuit to reduce the shrillness.
I have posted some videos on other amps demonstrating the tone before and after the "warming" procedure. The most dramatic improvement would probably be evident in my "Improving the Tone of a Gibson GA-35RVT" video which was posted a month or so before this video. It also required the removal of some counterproductive circuitry, but the before and after contrast is significant.
Thanks for the great reply. I can't thank you enough for putting this effort into the reply. I have a few old vintage amps that could use a little warming up and minor fixing. One is the same National 70 bass amp that you do another video about. I also have an old National Westwood guitar amp (2x10)and National Glenwood guitar amp (2x12). And my only complaint with them is that they don't have the same warmth of frequency response as say a blackface Fender. I have no desire to mod or change the circuitry design of a perfectly good classic old amp. Typically I would just replace warn out or out of spec stuff and only if really needed. But I'm sure I can live with a slight change of capacitor or resistor value by the V1 tube to coax a little more bottom end frequency. I admit that I am fairly new to electronics repairs. But nevertheless I find messing around working on these old amps an P.A.s fascinating and a lot of fun to do. I just don't ever want to be one of these people who butchers up the old stuff. Your videos are very clear and helpful.
Endo Alley
Endo, I agree with you 100%. We are torn between the desire to make our equipment sound its best, yet hesitant to alter it from its pristine, original condition. You have a wonderful collection of amps.....Nationals are one of my all time favorites......and I can't blame you for wanting them to sound as good as they look. It's a very personal decision, but in my case, I do make minor alterations to improve tone. I also keep the original parts and indicate my modifications on a schematic, so they can be undone if necessary. With the National 70, there were a couple modifications to the tone control that were necessary to eliminate some shrillness. I describe them in a video posted on another site: ElPaso TubeAmps. Good luck with your modifications. I am sure that with a little experimentation, you will have all three amps sounding great.
The future has arrived Doug,I'm watching this video in 2020 Haha :-)
A voice from the distant future......thanks, John ;)
very nice, top-notch components~ makes fun of the common variety~
Thanks, Jay :)
@@UncleDoug have a name of the Newcomb, ole baldy?
Lol at "inadvertent arc welding". :-)
+Ken Brownfield Glad you enjoyed it, Ken. I think we've all melted a screwdriver tip or two by inadvertently creating a short.....and the drama that accompanies the event always gives my ventricles a good workout :)
Rusty did a very good job @ 16:03 :-)
Thanks, Sal. I can always count on my furry pal, Rusty, to make each video a little bit better :)
I agree entirely - leave it be!
Jeff Brooks Amen, brother :)
Dear Doug- I'm a beginner with schematics but having trouble understanding how the phase inversion works in the Newcomb G-12 and indeed whether this is even push-pull?
I don't blame you for being confused. It's a rather unusual paraphase inverter. The signal is split after the 6SQ7 (it is not a 6SF5). Half goes to the upper 6V6 grid, half goes to the lower 6SC7 grid. The 6SC7 plate then drives the lower 6V6 grid (out of phase due to one extra grid-plate reversal). It is definitely P-P.
I purchased a Newcomb cabinet that is actually two cabinets held by clasps (no hinges). A 12 inch speaker in each facing opposite directions when closed, but in order to get to the cabling one would have to disconnect the cabinets An old style cable loop around is in each cabinet. It has a small leather hinged handle that is in poor condition. Extension cabinets maybe?
I had a similar unit with a space at the bottom which held the PA amplifier. When the two speaker cabinets were clasped together, the amp was fully enclosed in the bottom compartment and you could carry it all around by the handle on top. I removed the amp, modified it, featured it in a video, and sold the two speaker cabinets.
I have an earlier unit. Alnico Speakers - It looks like this: d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/tHdgamXwwuxuXvctIo5YlA.jpg
Any guidance on if I should restore or leave as is?
Those are much better cabinets (and speakers, most likely) than I had. I always prefer to leave things alone, unless they need repair to function. Good, honest wear is a badge of honor, not something to be concealed.
Hey Doug, I was told that my Newcomb G-12 was a 1949. What do you think from the photo? Thanks, David
+Davids Home Repair I don't think it's quite that old, David. I believe they were only made for a limited period of time around 1953.
I think it sounds perfect, but I'm not there in person, and I can't help but respect your opinion...
So where in holy heck did you find this amazing little time capsule?
cheers
A guy brought it to the Guitar Center to trade in and they low-balled him, so he called me. An employee at the GC gave him my number, knowing that I would buy it and facilitate their sale to the amp owner.
Uncle Doug o
Great vid. Great commentary! Thank you
Hi Uncle Doug, thank you for all your fine work! I've been picking up knowledge on tube amps here and there since before the internet. I began my part-time quest for tone after noticing the obvious drop in quality of pop recordings as the eighties progressed. I've never picked up more info in one place than with your videos.
I could continue to gush, but I have a question for you and Rusty...
In this video and many others, you mention that you are going to check various components and report your findings. Do you desolder your caps and resistors to check them? Or do you use your ESR meter on the caps? I'm having trouble reconciling your admiration for the Newcomb with desoldering a bunch of components.
Maybe you can direct me to another video that discusses this? Thanks!
+Lindsey Montana You're welcome, Lindsey, and thanks for your very kind assessment of my videos. To be honest, I generally connect a newly acquired amp to a Current Limiter and turn it on.....sort of a trial by fire (so to speak). If it works perfectly (some do), then I tend to leave it alone. If there are any problems, I track them down using the symptoms noted during the CL test period as clues to facilitate the repair. I generally test the filter caps with the ESR meter, whether there is hum or not, just to see if any are out of spec. The testing of individual components is generally only needed if there are some problems noted. Overall, I adhere to the slogan, if it isn't broke.....leave it alone.
+Uncle Doug
Sage advice! Hey, since you mentioned the current limiter -- I built one, but of course you can't get the light bulbs any more. The highest wattage incandescent I could find was a 150 watt halogen which says 72 watts right on it. (sigh) So that puts me at about 600mA.
I have seen bathroom heat lamp bulbs in the 250 watt range, do you suppose those would be better? Or bulbs in parallel?
My only experience with my current limiter so far involves my blown Gibson GA-5 power transformer, for which the light goes on in with considerable vigor.
Your thoughts on this would be appreciated, thanks.
+Lindsey Montana Lindsey, the last time I checked, high-wattage incandescent bulbs were readily available on Amazon. The 250W bathroom heat lamp would probably work, but I've never tried one. Three 100W bulbs (still available?) in parallel would work too. Any PT that fully illuminates a high-wattage bulb must have a short in its windings, which you could probably locate with an ohmmeter.....be sure the short isn't really in one of the filter caps. Good luck.
Thanks, I had already pulled the PT before that test.
BTW, it's thanks to you I finally feel comfortable scrounging around for a suitable alternative, rather than the $150 drop-in replacement available online. I took some Electrical Engineering courses in college and didn't learn anything useful. Not so with your videos -- keep up the excellent work!
You're welcome, Lindsey. I'm glad the videos are helpful. Perhaps the problem that caused the original PT to fail is still present. I would definitely be checking the filter caps. Best of luck
I would say don't mod it. They don't all need to sound like fenders let it sound like it does a G-12
+Jamie Phillips I did, Jamie. Thanks for your input :)
Being a low wattage amp it seems like it should have some low end distortion. There's a demo here displaying some tube distortion at medium volume levels.
I guess it would be possible to overdrive it with some high output humbuckers, but without a little modification, it really tends to be pretty clean. Newcomb made public address systems, which require absolute fidelity of output, so they (like Ampeg) shied away from any circuit that would distort easily. It's not a bad quality, however, since the circuit can be easily altered.
Great review, as always, Doug. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and delight in these classics. Three questions:
*How would you describe Fender's Excelsior Pro (the one w/ the Eminence upgrade) relative to the classics you review? I've heard it compared to everything from a Supro to a Brownface Princeton, but would be very interested in your opinion about it (including its design quality and sound palette).
*Some of the Victorias sound great to me--like original '59 Bassmans, Harvards, etc. What's your opinion about their design and classic-Fender nearness?
*Can you suggest some optimal ways of breaking in cones to maximize warmth and note distinction?
Thanks, and take care.
roscoefoofoo Greetings, Roscoe, and thanks for the kind words. I really like the Excelsior amp, especially the 15" speaker. The tone and design are exceptional. You could not build this amp for $300, so I have no idea how they can sell it so cheaply. It's a great buy.....probably the best available. I think Victoria amps are wonderful, but rather expensive (at least compared to the Excelsior). Their 15" model costs over 8 times as much as the Excelsior, yet I don't think it's anywhere near 8 times better. I've heard of people laying their amps face down on the floor with the volume at 10 and then playing the heck out of them to break in a new cone. The air resistance face-down buffers the cone excursion, so I think this is a bad idea. I would say, just like breaking in a new car, play it like you intend to use it and it will gradually become suited to your needs.
Uncle Doug Thanks, Doug! I much appreciate your reply. I also wish I had your talent for this. It's fascinating to see how energy can be manipulated to create subtleties of sound, and to figure out the sound's own components and possibilities. I've been impressed by the Excelsior, too. With an EQ pedal or boost in front of it, it can create a lot of deep tones. And though I'm not a pedal nut, it does respond beautifully to the basic ones I use, as well as to different guitars and playing styles. I've yet to put the heralded JJ tubes into it, but will soon. Every time I play it, I can hear how the speaker is richer. It's much like an instrument in itself. Thanks again for all your explorations of this!
You're welcome, Roscoe, and best of luck :)
I don't think the similarities to Fender were sufficient to warrant any legal action. Newcomb was primarily involved in manufacturing phonograph and PA equipment for schools and businesses from 1953-1959, and were highly respected for their extremely heavy duty, well-engineered products. Since they ceased production over 50 years ago, only older people (like me) would have ever heard of them.
mabye you could build a clone with your mods or just a paper and pencil vid of "possible mods" on a schematic? food for thought
Check out the wonderful art deco design of the cabinet on their H-25 amp. It's a shame mfgs don't put top notch design engineering and craftsmanship into products anymore.
Amen, Trebor. I'll check it out.
DO you buy old amps or if not can you help me identify an amp? I think its from the late 40's
+Ron-jon Timmons You can post photos of it on my Facebook page: Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps. It's possible that I or some other viewer(s) may be able to identify it.
What do you do with all these amps?
I keep them for a while, then sell some to make room for new acquisitions.
I hope again I am not being redundant.
The "grill" in front is called "Slit and Expanded".
If you Google it, you can get more detailed mfg. info. I've worked with it but I am not exactly sure of the mfg. process. Hope this helps!
Rusty, don't let Uncle Doug stop making videos!! Good Boy.
I have heard of "expanded" metal and apparently that's what this is. It looks like a gravel strainer to me, but it would definitely keep drunks and children from poking their finger through your speaker cone :)
Where you ever able to warm the tone on this one ? Also having trouble sending private msg. To see what you have for sale. Pteter
Yes, it responded to some alterations in tone and bypass caps. Virtually everything you see in any of my videos is available, Peter, if it hasn't been sold already. If private message is elusive, then please provide your e-mail address and tell me what you're interested in.
Jeez, I hope whoever designed this rig didn't get fired for forgetting about planned obsolescence, or maybe not building it to screw up so it would have to be either fixed or thrown away. When you see something like this, it just makes it that much harder to accept all the crap we have today.
True....this beast could probably withstand a nuclear holocaust. No plastic parts, no cutting corners, just stout steel and good quality components.
That looks to me like military surplus refurbished into a nicely made amp.
I think that to get tone it would better to use pedals and not do any mods directly to the amp. It was only on 3! Keep it stock and put the foot stompers though it. It is a rock just the way it is.
It is indeed a rock-solid amp, JJ. Perfect for those performances where the groupies storm the stage :)
Uncle Doug thanks for your response to a reply made about a two year old post. Did you make changes over the years to that amp. If so then how did it improve this amp. If not my suggestion is run some pedals through that bugger. A distortion or a reverb. Maybe a flanger and some other tremolo type sound effects. Just keep the thing stock for heaven's sake. It sounds great! Thanks again for your response.
finding them "out there" with your modifications to make it, perhaps more organic, will stick to my Tweed Bassman LTD~ (limited tweed design)~ on the "brite" setting is about the way a proper guitar amp should sound, with 4 ten inchers~ something tells me that a 15 incher would not please me as much~
That could be true, Jay.
You know what I find a little sad... This amp is built like a tank as you said. Absolute top notch over built in every respect, including how well it is wired up inside. That extra attention to detail costs more in time and a bit more in parts, but definitely in man hours to complete, and this company is no longer in business. If you could buy a Fender deluxe for less, and have the warmth needed, why buy the Newcomb? Unfortunately customers don't see what you see, and so graciously showed the rest of us. It's a shame that more companies don't put this kind of attention to detail in their work anymore. Instead, including Fender, design the beast to slam together quick and cheap, then ship off the plans to China or some other far east sweat shop and make it quick and dirty for the American consumer market. Bang for the buck. And the more bells and whistles that can be added, so be it. This is one of the reasons I like the Laney amps. While designed in the U.K. and guilty just like the rest, building it in the far east, China I think, at least they stuck with the simple circuits like the old days. Let the musician find his/her tone, instead of having it as some solid state preset.
and speaking of Laney amps, I wish I had the knowledge you have. I would make my own Laney Cub12, except it would be more like a Laney Cub 50, doing the Tim Allen thing with MORE POWER!! Living in Germany in apartments like we do, there is one thing I really appreciate about the design of the Laneys, and my neighbors do also, that extra low power input of
Greetings, Bob, and welcome to our family of ampoholics :) I agree with your comments and definitely grieve the fact that, in so many cases, workmanship and quality have been sacrificed for expedient, inexpensive mass production. This is the prime reason for our preference for vintage tube amps......made in the old days, by hand, by people who took pride in their work.
My photo didn't post yet but mine is a tweed cabinet.
+Davids Home Repair Wow.....I didn't know they made them in tweed. It must be nice :)
+Uncle Doug Hi Doug, there are a few differences in yours and mine other than the covering. All of the screws in my amp are slotted head screws. My amp has the chicken head knobs instead of the round ones. The silk screen print around the knobs is different on mine and the speaker is different in mine as well as the fastening method for the speaker. Mine has sheet metal fasteners. I wonder if any of your followers have ever seen the version that I have. I spent $135.00 servicing it with Jeff Snyder of Jeff Snyder Amp Works here in San Diego and I'm trying to establish a value for it because I'm considering selling it. I really appreciate any help you can be. Thank you, David
I hate to give value estimates in general and for unseen items in particular, but I would think that if it looks great and works quite well, it should be in the $350 to $450 range, in your area. Book value is probably lower, but with the tweed and recent overhaul, it should bring a decent price. Good luck.
12au6, when used properly are lo in microphonics. their plate shields the grids
Alamo Model 3 refers to 3 tubes. A 6V6, 5Y3 and 6SC7, I believe. Too much. nearly bought one fully functional a couple of years ago for 275 shipped.
John, I think the output is about 3 watts also.....similar to the first Fender Champ. Not exactly a powerhouse :)))
I didn't Take kindly to the fact that you said it was real old, built in 1953! I was born in 1952.................... Great Vid though.
Think how I felt saying it.......at 75 ;) Thanks !!
well you can only get american 12au6s so yeah. i think its just normal operating but with a head ill have more flexibility, its not like im damaging a super valuable amp
Love your videos, glad to be first to say this here! Keep up the good work! Greetings from Romania!
They probably made mil-spec stuff during WWII and kept up the same level of quality afterwards.
Good guess, AZ. It does have a military-grade look and feel.
Reminds me of surplus stuff I saw as a kid. Can't have thingsrattling loose when you have Nazis on your ass. ;o)
No kidding, AZ ;)
Clearly the guy or guys who made that amp cared about what they were building.I wonder if the reason I have never heard of Newcomb amps was because they were built too well and the company had little repeat business because they rarely broke down.You alluded to design similarities to that of Fender's.Did Fender sue them for copyright or patent infringement?
The output tubes are the farthest apart I've seen on any design!
I would describe this amp as a "Closet" Amp.. Rarely used on the stage.. OR Not a working Man's Amp.. Or very little MOJO appears on this amp.. If I owned this amp I'd never consider modifying this amp to sound like any other amp..It's NOT a Leo Fender Amp.. Don't be "Playin' with the circuitry to make it sound like a Leo Fender Amp.. That's my .02 cents worth..
Maybe the pignose took some influence from this?
Perhaps, Mat.
Yes I am 49 so I don't remember the company.
Hi Doug, thanks for the absolutely fantastic videos! I'm learning a great deal. I just picked up a G-12 chassis on eBay as my first diagnostic/repair project. Per the eBay photo, I can see the cap can was removed and replaced by individual capacitors stuffed on the underside with the rest of the components.
PHOTO: i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/n~sAAOSweW5VBfvg/$_57.JPG
Is this considered an acceptable practice? Should I track down an appropriate cap can and revert the circuit to it's original physical form? I'm "assuming" there's a good reason why these caps were in a can in the 1st place! Any information you can provide would be immensely helpful.
What's also odd is that the eBay seller indicates that his unit uses a 6SF5 in place of the 6SQ7 on your chassis. I wonder if there were a few variants of this amp produced, or, if this is an incorrectly used tube. I'll know more once I receive and inspect the chassis.
Thanks again for all the wonderful information.
SJSclips Greetings, SJS, and congratulations on your acquisition. It is quite common to replace (expensive and sometimes hard-to-find) can caps with individual caps within the chassis. It appears they did a good job, and if I were you, I would leave them as they are. The original schematic shows a 6SF5 triode in the paraphase phase inverter position, rather than the 6SQ7 in my amp. Perhaps mine was made at a later date and 6SF5's were no longer available. Regardless, the 6SF5 is correct for this circuit, so you're in good shape. We're glad our videos were helpful and wish you the best of luck with your G-12 project.
Uncle Doug Thanks for the feedback... much appreciated!
You're welcome, SJS. Best of luck with your new project.