Modifying a Little 60s Kay 703C Amp into a TONE MONSTER!

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
  • In this video we will comb through the circuit of the Kay 703C series filament (aka "widowmaker") guitar amplifier looking for opportunities to improve the safety and the tone. For an amp you can usually find in the sub $200 range, these mods help squeeze out a lot of bang for the buck. For the demo at the end, I use my 1989 Charvel 750xl archtop, probably the best quality Japanese guitar ever produced. For those asking, this is the transformer you'll need for a project such as this: amzn.to/2hDhy7l

ความคิดเห็น • 169

  • @TheGuitologist
    @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    For those asking, this is the transformer you'll need for a project such as this: amzn.to/2hDhy7l

    • @anthonybowling9192
      @anthonybowling9192 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Guitologist I have a garden made 803c amp could you put in a 3 prong cord and do your mods to my amp? And what would it cost?

  • @leewarren
    @leewarren 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Hi Brad,
    I really enjoyed your use of the decade boxes to demonstrate the effect that different value resistors and capacitors make in a circuit!
    Nice job.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      If you can find a switch with enough selections, it would be easy to build one of those for both resistors and capacitors. Use high quality, close tolerance, parts.

    • @leewarren
      @leewarren 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Guitologist I just got Heathkit decade boxes for both resistance and capacitance, but need to check them for accuracy.
      I'm hoping the components haven't drifted too much.

    • @brittisaacrossman
      @brittisaacrossman 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I was at my local BnM shop and they had some old Cornell-Dubilier decade capo/resistor boxes (bakelite, no less!). A big box full of them. I purchased them all for $25. I gutted all of them except one of each, and as a result, I have decent stock of 10W 2% wirewound resistors from 1-100ohm, and dozens of silver-mica 1% caps from 1pF through 4000pF (a steal for sure!!).

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I got mine in a large buyout of stuff: th-cam.com/video/nWPTk-5vkmo/w-d-xo.html

    • @brittisaacrossman
      @brittisaacrossman 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Guitologist Ah yes, I remember that! Nice find. Total non-sequiter here, but thanks for your help on the phone earlier!

  • @fredchatham6680
    @fredchatham6680 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video reminded me of the first electric guitar and amp I remember seeing when I was very young, like first grade or so. A guy in my neighborhood had a green guitar, his amp looked like a car battery, one post was volume control, the other post was tone. I asked about it, "oh, this is just something I threw together.". It had a 6 x 9 speaker, coolest thing I'd ever seen. It had some raunchy breakup tones. I never had a chance to ask him about it when I was older, he'd died by then. I'm loving your videos.

  • @bluesbubba7429
    @bluesbubba7429 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks again Brad, for direction regarding my Kay 703 amp. The replacing of the caps and resistors did the trick. Sounds great, especially playing slide with it.

  • @brandonsmothers8907
    @brandonsmothers8907 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Watching you work on amps is like watching Bob Ross paint! I appreciate all your videos! Rock on bro!

  • @JamesMcCutcheon
    @JamesMcCutcheon 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just purchased this amplifier for $180.00 Reverb. Thanks for doing this video. The amplifier I purchased is in excellent condition cosmetically and has not been molested in the circuit. This will be a nice restoration project. I looked for a nice Parts build sheet but could not find one on the internet. Again, thank you and I like your channel.

  • @andrewmaslanka244
    @andrewmaslanka244 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That charvel 750xl guitar in that color is one I truly admire. Bravo for getting a hold of one.

  • @williamplatte7318
    @williamplatte7318 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bought a 65' Penncrest Model 833 for $55 from a customer who did not want to pay the price to fix. Was not working, filter caps and diode tube with broken pin. All original. I following your rebuild recommendation for the "Tone Monster Kay Model 703c, with identical schematic. Put in your recommended n-51X Triad iso transformer, which fit nicely on the chassis along with a .5 amp sloblo fuse, and of course the three prong power cord. I did all the mods in your video and used my own Heathkit substitution boxes to verify your choices. I think you were pretty much right on with the mods. Installed the new power caps, I got the three in one, which worked fine and installed per the original look. Did the input resistor mods, the V1 bias mod, coupling cap mod for V1 to tone stack and put in the little bright cap on the volume pot. Also, did the 330k negative feedback resistor from the speaker output back to V1. Your video was good enough to make the correct connections along with my skill set of working on amps for many years.
    End result: Per your playing, which is excellent by the way, and my playing through the finished Penncrest 833 got a nice volume increase verses unmodded trial and blues/rock tone that is amazing very close to your demo. Got that 57 deluxe vibe in the overdrive harmonic distortion, not as loud of course with only 5 watts, but plenty loud to mike or record. Very pleased with the results and I want to thank you personally for your video that helped walk me through this whole adventure. I would send you pics if you send me an email address to respond. Best.
    Bill Platte
    T40 Vintage Lab.com
    Rio Rancho, NM

  • @omenroc1
    @omenroc1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I never knew a “small old amp” like that could sound so good. Sounds like you really dialed it in & tuned it up. Very informative channel! So interesting, & fun to watch!
    Thanks!

  • @gregflounder
    @gregflounder 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Glad to know I’m not the only one geeking out on this shit. Awesome videos. I’m a tinkerer, have modded a couple of guitars. Now I am your humble student on amps. Thanks Brad.

  • @Zelleram55
    @Zelleram55 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sounds good!
    Nice tool for finding the right sound, with the decade box. May have to get one of those. Your right, unbelievable difference it makes cathode biasing the preamp tubes, I discovered that on a Silvertone organ amp conversion. Something was always missing, then I did the cathode biasing and was blown away.

  • @JH-zy1dj
    @JH-zy1dj 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love your videos! I learn a lot from you and love trouble shooting as well. I would recommend that liquid electrical tape for things like that transformers exposed tabs. I use it in conjunction with tape and heat shrink tubing, they sell it at the home depot. It works really well. Thanks for the videos.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks, Joey. I appreciate that. I might consider some of that liquid tape for such things in the future. Definitely not comfortable leaving those leads exposed like that.

  • @phydeauxddog
    @phydeauxddog 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like how you know what different parts will sound like.

  • @MrHeggeb
    @MrHeggeb 7 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    After I reported the other channel, youtube sent me the email I just posted. I followed all the steps needed to report this impersonation of a channel I follow. If I was putting together content like Brad I would be pissed as hell if someone was stealing from me.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I saw your other comment. It went to my "possible spam" folder because of all the links, but I've followed some of the instructions they gave you and actually found a totally different avenue for reporting clone channels I had not seen before. TH-cam's reporting procedures need an overhaul. I also sent them an email this morning about it. Thanks for having my back. Means a lot, man.

    • @jumbosilverette
      @jumbosilverette 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I did the same and TH-cam dropped the ball. I said that your content was being stolen and they should get with it. They sent me back an automated email where they said they would do nothing.

    • @gusdupree9076
      @gusdupree9076 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      belly tripper ala akbar

  • @BuefordWilson
    @BuefordWilson 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Dang, man. Sorry to hear about the channel cloning issue. That has been happening rampantly on youtube and as you stated, they need a MAJOR overhaul of their system that deals with this. I hope you get it resolved successfully as I love your channel and subscribed as soon as I came across it. On another note, I have a Kay model 504 which is why I was even more interested in this video. Keep up the great work cranking out quality content!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks, Bueford! How does your Kay sound?

    • @BuefordWilson
      @BuefordWilson 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I love it. Love it with guitar and it's fantastic when you throw a harmonica or even vocals through it just for fun. I have been wanting to check into tuning it up a bit though at some point. I feel like it could have a bit more bite especially after seeing your video as it's a little dark sounding. Mine has a very well preserved schematic on the inside with the parts list as well. Also looks very similar to that 503C, but has a tremolo circuit in it. I noticed the tremolo is very subtle though. Do you think it was supposed to be like that or would it be an issue internally? Also, it does have a multi-section cap can on the bottom of the chassis. May need to check that out to see if it needs a treatment like what you did here.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The tremolo can probably be strengthened with a couple mods. You probably have some drifted resistor values.

    • @BuefordWilson
      @BuefordWilson 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Okay, good to know. I was thinking that to be a possibility. That'll give me something to tinker with. I've had some work done on it, but none of the resistors or anything in the trem circuit have been touched, so I'll dig in!

  • @barrychristiansen4579
    @barrychristiansen4579 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    another bang up job as usual. THx . Brad for all you do on your channel. can't tell you how much i enjoy you sharing 99.67%of your labour of love. this kind of info. now at the fingertips is so amazing for what we dreamed of in the day. this was one of my dream gitars back in the 80s. rock on~!

  • @dreamwever87
    @dreamwever87 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man, I cannot stop watching. Super interesting stuff!

  • @w.rustylane5650
    @w.rustylane5650 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This one seems better built than the series filament Danelectro one that you posted. The speaker looks larger than the 6 inch in the Danlectro. This one looks to be a 10 inch speaker??? I like the way you always anchor the replaced caps to keep them from moving. You show signs of a very competent electronics tech. That's a very good sounding little 33 watt amp. It sounds like it has a good bit of gain. Thanks for posting. I really enjoy watching your videos.

  • @brpadington
    @brpadington 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You should start making Kemper profiles of some of these unusual amps you get a hold of. I am positive that people would love to get a hold of some profiles for a reasonable price.

  • @bobboitt3126
    @bobboitt3126 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing how good that old tiny amp sounds. Your mods made it sweet.
    What is the best sounding old small amp you ever came across?
    Just curious? I liked that 1224 National you did.

  • @bradcoley2895
    @bradcoley2895 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    .......documenting whatever provinence you can on your projects, is just smart CYA in my book...

  • @scottpeters4401
    @scottpeters4401 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a 750 back in the late 80’s....such a cool guitar....what do you think about yours??I have been looking for another one...it’s the one guitar I owned I wish I still had...

  • @AMSOfficial79
    @AMSOfficial79 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    A shredder guitar? A man of refined tastes, I see.

  • @vollewraithe
    @vollewraithe 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have one of these. The only things I've done was replace the electrolytic caps, isolation transformer install, and three prong cord. I may have to do more to it now after hearing yours. Mine has bad glass rattle from the 60FX5 tube. I bought another and it had the same issue. It drives me nuts.

  • @BallistaBomber
    @BallistaBomber 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "Inspected for electrical security"
    A R E Y O U S U R E A B O U T T H A T

  • @martinreid1740
    @martinreid1740 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for another great video, I really enjoy your work

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, Martin. I appreciate you saying so.

  • @toxicgraphix
    @toxicgraphix 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have an old Pennquest amp model 850 (made for JC Penney) that has the
    identical circuit, the part numbers are identical to this schematic, except for the knobs, cabinet and Handle. On my schematic above the UL label, it only says that it is listed as Model. 850, file number E-34601... no company name. I believe it is also similar to another amp you worked on, but I'd have to search to find out which, I believe it was a old supro, but can't remember for sure. Certainly some company was making these amps to redistribute under various brands. ... under the license heading mine just states the patent holder as AT & T. just thought I'd put this out there.... for what it's worth.
    just searched and it the same as that Samson amp you did a vid on, from Radionic industries ...

  • @davekeating.
    @davekeating. 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great informative video. Regarding the inputs, I see you have two carbon film and one carbon composition resistor - these can be noisy, especially the carbon comp. Better to use 1/4 watt metal film resistors. Also, you left the old 0.05uf input capacitor in the circuit. That was there as part of the original grid-leak bias system and worked in conjunction with the 4M resistor you removed. No need for it anymore since you switched to cathode bias. What you have now is a 3-way resistive-capacitive “ tone” circuit - then again that’s maybe what you intended!?

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I realize that, but I tried bypassing that cap in the course of my tinkering and it thinned the tone in a negative way. I had already dialed in the tone I wanted pretty much at that point, so I left it. Plus, if the V1 tube ever shorts between the plate and grid for some reason, no DC voltage can get to your pickups and fry them. Might as well just leave it.
      I've always used carbon resistors in the signal path. It's a personal preference. One or two components isn't going to change noise in a perceptible way, but a metal resistor tends to be a little harsher in signal paths, but again, it's a cumulative thing, I think, and it would'n't make any difference when it's just one resistor.
      Thanks for the comment!

  • @iancosgrove
    @iancosgrove 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I feel inspired after watching your videos to attempt a 5e3 or similar project

  • @MrCarsandguitars
    @MrCarsandguitars 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    that charvel reminds me of my 96 mij Jackson dinky. nice vid, never knew these amps sounded this nice.

  • @IAmSurfer
    @IAmSurfer 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Hey thanks for the video! I just picked one of these up at an antique shop and I’m looking to do the same kind of mods. For the grounding wire in your 3 connector cable, did you ground it to the chassis? I’m reading mixed opinions on that.

  • @JamesMcCutcheon
    @JamesMcCutcheon 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a TRUETONE Western Auto Brand Kay with 1 x 12 tremolo ALL original black speaker cloth the silver prints on the cover are gone. have 1 5y3 Rectifier, 2 12x7's and 2 6V6 power tubes. For sure brown sound with 3 inputs. Restored and with a 3 prong grounding set up. Everything else in in place. The outer paper cloth covering is rough and missing in some places on the side but I was able to salvage this from a building long forgotten. Now it in my studio the Schematic is a KAY 605 pasted on inside of the cabinet. A local Amp. Tech. Restored it.

  • @camamoutback
    @camamoutback 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I keep waiting for Jim Morrison to start singing @ ~ 31:00 .. I love the amp... thankyou... ttfn

  • @anderjl276ps
    @anderjl276ps 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    sweet guitar Brad. very unusual for you.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      That guitar has been in its case a while. Only guitar of mine I'll never sell. It was my 16th birthday present. Got it rather than a car. It is the highest quality Japanese made guitar I've ever laid my hands on.

    • @colbym3295
      @colbym3295 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Guitologist
      I have a hammon ao-44 I want to convert into a guitar reverb unit, I have it ready to be hooked up I just want to add some controls and could use some help, I'd like to add a mix between reverb an dry signal, a foot switch and possibly a tone and dwell

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What kind of help? Are you wanting to bring it by for conversion?

  • @green.room.guitars
    @green.room.guitars 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Holy Moses... I'm gonna build resistor and capacitor selector boxes with different values on a rotary switch thanks to this video...

  • @duanethompson2360
    @duanethompson2360 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for saying I can clone, I was able to clone all your guitars and amps, sweet!

  • @verme33
    @verme33 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    NICE TONE

  • @chokkan7
    @chokkan7 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brad,
    I watched and enjoyed this when you first put it out, as well as your previous take on this model, and it took me until now to think of this question: if someone were to want to extrapolate from this design, and use 2-50L6s in a PP output section, besides a larger isolation tranny to handle the extra 3/4W of the added tube, would that be feasible with the addition of an inline tranny for the phase inversion for the extra tube? I've seen this on some of the Gibson Explorer amps, but have no experience with the calculations for adding one. It seems as though it would work, but I needed a second opinion...thanks for your time...

  • @BlakeTully-i1o
    @BlakeTully-i1o หลายเดือนก่อน

    Any chance you would be willing to restore another one? I have my grandfathers. Id like to be able to play it and it be safe, and have a nice tone.

  • @chokkan7
    @chokkan7 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dear Brad,
    First off, I sincerely hope you've weathered the local 'peaceful protests' safely.
    I saw this vid when you first put it out, and then I stumbled onto my own jewel. It wasn't working at all, so I got it for a song, replaced the filtering caps, and now I can't shut her up! I have a few questions, if you have time:
    1. On this project, you said you'd modified the first stage bias; if I may ask, what exactly did that entail?
    2. Since all these tubes run off straight 110V (give or take a bit), if I wanted to do a separate project along these lines, could you suggest some triodes (even dual triodes) that operate similarly? That would be a huge help.
    3. Mine is missing a knob. Any chance you have a suitable replacement in one of your stash boxes? If so, what would you want for it?
    Thanks for your time; keep up the good work...

  • @jameswilson197
    @jameswilson197 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a small hand wand scanner I got online for 14 dollars that scans schematics in situations like this and it works great with edit capability of software to clear up the background. Just a thought for future reference.

  • @JamesMcCutcheon
    @JamesMcCutcheon 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a Kay TRUE TONE Amplifier 506 it has 12 watts and tremolo. I see that it is identical to a tremolux circuit by fender. I have the 1960

  • @JoelzombieThomas
    @JoelzombieThomas 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love that kind of tile. Totally matches the motif of your favorite amps to work on. Don't floor over it, or I'm gonna clone your channel also. But, if we get along well, I'll strip, wax, and buff it for you.

  • @internetnow5243
    @internetnow5243 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    that amp sounds like a little beast

  • @waynegram8907
    @waynegram8907 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Negative feedback 330K resistor is going from the plate to the grid on the power tube or preamp tube? I know you have added negative feedback resistors in other videos but don't show on the schematic where you're placing them at so its confusing how you're using the negative feedback resisting to clean up the gain.

  • @drzontar
    @drzontar 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the Captain America mug!

  • @davemassie3726
    @davemassie3726 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    f the clone dude, there's only one guitologist! great vid. love what you did to the 3 inputs to alter the tones! nice job. love those kitchen jam amps SWEET

  • @YACYDOODLE
    @YACYDOODLE 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    AH- i too, have the Charvel 750xl....AMAZING GUITAR

  • @jumbosilverette
    @jumbosilverette 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Don't go all raga on us, Nigel.

  • @contrabandjoe7974
    @contrabandjoe7974 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    amazing how much natural breakup/distortion that little amp has. No sound effect pedal needed. Again, being in my 50's I remember little amps like these in the 70's being considered junk, never want to own throw aways.. unreal......

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Little sucker can growl, can't it! :D
      In the end, I did dial down the OD just a hair with an input resistor and NFB, but it'll still get dirty when you dig in.

  • @cassvirgillo3395
    @cassvirgillo3395 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Brad, The Real Guitologist, First of all, sorry for diss'n the Silver Face, it had to be pretty tough to survive it's life, good you saved it. I will only watch original The Guitologist videos. It's you, Uncle Doug & El Paso Tube Amps. Loyal sub. Just funin' about the SF. Be good, C.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      This Super has already proven it can take a punch. You're good.

  • @modellurker
    @modellurker 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If I may ask, where did you get that yellow/black/red 20 microfarad 25 volt electrolytic capacitor you used when replacing the multi-cap? I'd like to get my hands on some of those, they look like the old Spragues Gibson used in some effects pedals.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's what it was probably out of, an old Gibson. I did some mods on a Gibson at one point and upped the value of this cap in the Gibson and kept the working cap because it was an oddball value. They usually come in 25uf 25v.

    • @modellurker
      @modellurker 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      OK, thank you. Love your channel, thanks for all the cool videos.

  • @backspin6698
    @backspin6698 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cute little thing there. Perfect Black Sabbath amp ;)

  • @stephenroberts8361
    @stephenroberts8361 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    just found your clone fixing washing machine

  • @parachuteman4
    @parachuteman4 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I own one of those amps. haven't plugged in for a while but as I recall it had a loud hum. I used to love using it as a practice amp. what would it take to get instructions on fixing it the way you did on that one?

  • @briangilman6982
    @briangilman6982 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Also added below but wanted to know if you would be willing to share your mods in schematic format? Thanks very much!

  • @jjegg63
    @jjegg63 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would love to have my Kay done.how do I reach out to you.

  • @jasonboczko4392
    @jasonboczko4392 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would like to send you another one that is the exact same model.
    In very excellent condition.
    How do we make this happen?

  • @Jorgegomez-wj7wu
    @Jorgegomez-wj7wu 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wanted to know if you could do a video on how to install a speaker out on one of these. I just got one and while the stock speaker is fine I’d like to hear it through my 2x12

  • @robertspoon8686
    @robertspoon8686 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    How have you treated the 60hz residual hum in these series filament amps?

  • @MrBrymstond
    @MrBrymstond 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow, that sounded just like Alice Coopers sound back in the day "School's out for Summer"
    Well we got no choice
    All the girls and boys
    Makin' all that noise
    'Cause they found new toys
    Well we can't salute ya can't find a flag
    If that don't suit ya that's a drag
    School's out for summer
    School's out forever
    School's been blown to pieces
    No more pencils no more books
    No more teacher's dirty looks yeah
    Well we got no class
    And we got no principals
    And we got no innocence
    We can't even think of a word that rhymes
    School's out for summer
    School's out forever
    My school's been blown to pieces
    No more pencils no more books
    No more teacher's dirty looks
    Out for summer
    Out till fall
    We might not come back at all
    School's out forever
    School's out for summer
    School's out with fever
    School's out completely

  • @dragonmodel9262
    @dragonmodel9262 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can I ask you a question please?
    I got this older marshall lead 20 amp and the transformer is loose or it got bent were it bolts down to the ground or chassis,you know how it bolts down on both sides of the transformer?Do you know if its safe to try to fix that my self to try and tighten it?
    or can you get shocked if you touch part of the transformer?
    Im sorry for the question,Thank you.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      You cannot get shocked by opening the (UNPLUGGED) amp and tightening the transformer bolts, as long as you don't touch power caps or associated components. Even so, if the amp has been UNPLUGGED a while, it's highly unlikely to hold any significant voltage in the power caps at all, and even if it does and even if you did get a shock, it's usually about like getting hit with a large static electricity discharge. There reason is, although the voltage can sometimes be high, the amperes are low. Safety is great, but don't be afraid to open your amp because of all the hysteria that's out there. If you want to know exactly how to discharge capacitors, there are videos out there on how to do that. But I'll tell you a dirty little secret, unless it's a solid state amp with huge capacitors, or a tube amp that has already shocked me once, I don't discharge capacitors when working on them. Don't tell anyone I told you that. Our secret. ;)

    • @dragonmodel9262
      @dragonmodel9262 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi,thank you very much for your help.
      When you said if the amp has been unplugged for a while do you mean years or hours?because it I still use it,its the only amp that I have that is working.Thank you for the help I'm going to at least try to tighten it but I don't want to mess with the caps right now..ty

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      After 15-20 minutes, 99.99% of all amps will be drained to almost nothing. But the safe bet is just don't touch anything in the amp other than the power transformer bolts and you should be fine. You might even be able to tighten them without opening the amp.

    • @dragonmodel9262
      @dragonmodel9262 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi,thank you again.The amp still works but it bothers me when ever I move the amp.Will take a while if I take this amp to be fixed.Hopfully I can get that to tighten.
      I once got shocked by a marshall jcm800 when I was a lot younger and didn't know anything.Im not sure but I think the caps blew out just from that but I can't tell.The repair guy we took it to said the caps blew out.That shock was pretty big it had a big buzzing feeling almost like touching a fast spinning motor or the inside of the motor.Thank you again.

  • @fortj3
    @fortj3 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos are awesome. I enjoy them. You're not a douchebag (rare for youtube)

  • @jackallen6261
    @jackallen6261 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    How cool! I just bought an 803 on ebay, same tubes it would appear. Thanks for the upload! Just for curiosity I am wondering if you are familiar with the Comcor EMI filter / Isolation transformers? Rated at 3 watts load and it features 3 caps and a resistor to filter out line noise all in one small package. I have one I plan to use in my 803. Just wondering what your thoughts are on something like that?

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like a power ripple smoothing. Transformer has a primary and secondary?

    • @jackallen6261
      @jackallen6261 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Guitologist Yes it does.

    • @jackallen6261
      @jackallen6261 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh and that should have read 3 amps load not watts, my bad.

  • @Fenrasulfr
    @Fenrasulfr 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Would this amp benefit from a larger speaker ?

  • @Davesintexas
    @Davesintexas 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you EVER have AMPS show up at your shop from like Out of State for repairs and nver have spoken to or Emailed the owners? Ive had a few guitars show up out of the BLUE wondering if anyone else has had that happen?

    • @BlindBatG34
      @BlindBatG34 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Davesintexas A buddy of mine holds an FFL (Federal Firearms License) and has had guns show up with no indication as to who they were for. At least in those cases he has a phone number of the sending FFL to call.

  • @1TEDSong
    @1TEDSong 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    N.I.B......Good selection!

  • @hrjr2283
    @hrjr2283 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    thanky bradly! i always wanted to clone yo shite. ...i played phoenix hill's taproom (the big one upstairs) using one of these on a metal folding chair (used by staff when taking cover charge) what a hoot. sm57 didnt seem to care. sounded ok to me.

    • @hrjr2283
      @hrjr2283 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      ..i forgot, that was 1995, or 96. the amp is moldy and dead. thanks for this video. im gonna buy buys some insurance and try to fix it!

  • @daleweber2579
    @daleweber2579 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Same thing happened to breja toneworks to his channel some viewer from foreign country re upload his videos under his channel.

  • @Cancun771
    @Cancun771 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice ax!

  • @michaelkenney5016
    @michaelkenney5016 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    love it just a great video

  • @1955vagabond
    @1955vagabond 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brad really enjoy your videos. I have one of these amps and would like to make it safer and add some of your tweaks what kind of isolation transformer did you use ? or where could I find one. Thanls

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      This is the transformer you need: amzn.to/2hDhy7l

    • @1955vagabond
      @1955vagabond 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks again. Your videos are the best.

    • @1955vagabond
      @1955vagabond 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Brad you rock. I ordered one up but they sent a different one there is no markings on the box but it looks like the transformer you used on the Samson Amp video. specs are pri. 115/230 vac 50/60 hz sec. 115/230 vac output watts 15 to 1,000 va This maybe a N-68x ? Wish me luck really enjoy the videos.

  • @dryocum
    @dryocum 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a question. Can you run a switch between two capacitors to create a fat switch?

    • @stillsupro46
      @stillsupro46 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dryocum
      A fat switch is normally a cathods bypass capacitor on one of the preamp gain stages.
      Adding the capacitor to the cathode of the preamp tube gain stage will let more or less of a desired frequency through
      So u would need to be more specific
      On a blues jr and vibroking the fat switch is adding or removing a elctrolitic capacitor to the gain stage

  • @nikkihendrix1234
    @nikkihendrix1234 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I want that admiral tube caddie lol

  • @arensel84
    @arensel84 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Put a copyright notice at the beginning of all videos. That's the legal binding many popular channels do. Or in description

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Copyright is implicit. I identify myself as the content creator in pretty much all my videos. Bots don't care about that though. I've already seen more of my stuff published off of TH-cam now.

    • @somehowoptional2501
      @somehowoptional2501 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      How about adding a small watermark (your logo) to your future videos / or a 1-2sec intro - so people at least *instantly* know that they're watching a cloned channel, if they look at the channels name?
      Guys cloning channels probably rarely cut/re-encode the videos since this would actually involve some more work.

  • @toddmiller2147
    @toddmiller2147 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an 803 and would love to do these mods. Do you have a schematic I can buy or download?

    • @dezionlion
      @dezionlion ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting I’ve been scouring the internet to find any info on an amp I bought on eBay with no covering or brand. All it says is model 800 on a tiny metal oval I found tacked to the bottom of the amp. The handle looks like the one on these Kay amps (silver)any idea what I got?

  • @jacobsanturello9279
    @jacobsanturello9279 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you still have that 750XL

  • @bengalvin9932
    @bengalvin9932 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    if i lived near the guitologist i would be broke! BUT VERY VERY HAPPY!

  • @peanutbutterisfu
    @peanutbutterisfu 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Crazy that the owner wouldn’t want to know about the history of his business.

  • @DeadKoby
    @DeadKoby 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The person cloning your channel must really be a fan... or a money grubber.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's the latter. I think Chinese programmers have written code to do this to channels with x number of views or whatever. It's like mining for gold.

    • @DeadKoby
      @DeadKoby 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lovely... My next project is a Leslie speaker... after I finish my Kid's pine car.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Scratch Leslie? Or repair?

    • @DeadKoby
      @DeadKoby 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I bought from E-bay a Speaker/rotor/motor part from an organ.. The
      part number is a CMI number, I think it was for a Kimball. It's a
      single speed. My plan is to give it speed adjust, foot switch on/off,
      and a cabinet. It's a 10" speaker size. I was able to get it
      tested out, and everything that has to work does. The original
      speaker for those organs is a Pre-China Pyle.... sounds pretty good
      actually, so I'm going to leave it.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cool project.

  • @TheGuitologist
    @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

    By the way...if anyone is interested in having a little amp like this, I have a couple similar amps currently for sale I can modify for you in a similar way. Just let me know. They make cool recording and living room amps.

    • @briangilman6982
      @briangilman6982 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Would you be willing to share a schematic of the changes you made? I'm trying to follow along on your channel but can't see everything you did and would love to do this to mine. Thanks!

  • @Nilli4rock
    @Nilli4rock 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Knowing the answer will probably be "no" and I know why, I still ask: will you ever reconsider selling your charvel? Best regards a die hard Shawn Lane fan

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      If the price was stupid high and I thought my daughters would benefit greatly from the sale, maybe, but otherwise, no. I got that guitar for my 16th birthday instead of a car. It was purchased new, but had hung on the wall of Abba's Music in Henderson, KY for years before I picked it out. I had no idea what I was getting really, I just liked Charvels and liked the color and wanted a guitar with a Floyd so I could divebomb like Brad Gillis or Kirk Hammet.

    • @Nilli4rock
      @Nilli4rock 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dude I totally understand :-) I have a 750 XL myself, but it´s the solid color one, meaning basswood.

  • @douro20
    @douro20 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Personally I was expecting something like a 12AV6 or 12SL7 pre and a 50L6 final...

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's the other common tube set for series filament amps. These are less common.

    • @DanielRamirez-rm7yr
      @DanielRamirez-rm7yr 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      12AU6 and 50L6 are the set for the 703 (as opposed to 703C).

  • @orbitaljellyfish808
    @orbitaljellyfish808 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    18:43 😲👏👏👏👏

  • @jameslewis2635
    @jameslewis2635 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    That thing's a little screamer. It kind of defies the way it looks. Going by appearances I would expect it to be a clean, possibly even jazzy style amp.

  • @Robothut
    @Robothut 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was the first amp I ever had as a kid. It never sounded that good stock trust me.

  • @jspinks2388
    @jspinks2388 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Change couplings and filters....there is not a significant amount of magic in it...maybe in the construction some differences....But people are high a 20++ year old capacitor probably isn't doing you any favors....

  • @jimmymeyer7758
    @jimmymeyer7758 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    asbestos tile, i think?? careful if u ever rip that floor up..

  • @bengalvin9932
    @bengalvin9932 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    the guitologist also know as THE HUMBLE DUMBLE!

  • @Zelleram55
    @Zelleram55 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Someone cloning your awesome channel is a shitty move. Hope it gets resolved.

  • @embreesmith7613
    @embreesmith7613 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    War Pigs ..!!
    I guess I know when you started playing
    Luv my 650XL w/ a P.J.Marx p'up that Brad Gillis gave me .. :)

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Brad Gillis is awesome. "SPeak of the Devil" album was a big influence on me.

  • @stevehogan8829
    @stevehogan8829 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I believe it only adds to your views and your income.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      The other channel, you mean? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it.

  • @bengalvin9932
    @bengalvin9932 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    your decade box needs a decade box?!

  • @jjdyal3897
    @jjdyal3897 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I re-iterate.

  • @MrHeggeb
    @MrHeggeb 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I reported that youTube channel as well.

  • @Wilted_Brainz
    @Wilted_Brainz 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Weren't these amps called "Widowmaker's"? Maybe that is why thet denied making them? Liability lol.

  • @audiotechlabs4650
    @audiotechlabs4650 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How do you find the clone? How to tell it is the clone? Has anyone else been cloned? This is horrible! If I can find it, I would report it! Thankz

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/users/jekenton

    • @davidkieltyka9
      @davidkieltyka9 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Looks like YT has smacked him now. That link no longer works (for me anyway).

    • @Stuve715
      @Stuve715 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Still works for me... have also reported that channel to YT

  • @imannonymous7707
    @imannonymous7707 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lol it takes all kinds , some people are incapable of an original idea, they just steal em....i hope u sorted ur clone issues out

  • @markbuxton2368
    @markbuxton2368 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery

  • @newmusicdanallaby99
    @newmusicdanallaby99 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    pretty raunchy... quack even