Rare & Wonderful 1940 VEGA Model 112 Guitar Amp....Wow !!!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- Here is a rare opportunity to watch the complete disassembly, repair, tune-up, and audio demonstration of a really nice, original, and very uncommon 1940 Vega Model 112 Lap Steel Guitar amplifier. It's the first Vega amp I have ever personally seen and I think you will find it to be unique and very interesting. In addition, we'll have an update on the starving little kitty left on our doorstep, and Jack and Ollie are on hand for some scorching licks......so let's get started !!!
If you enjoy advertising-free videos like this one, featuring ancient tube amplifiers and effects, then please subscribe to our channel.....and consider becoming a Patreon patron at / uncledougsvintageamps or making a PayPal donation to: dldcam@aol.com. Thanks !!!!
I love the old amps, especially does manufactured before 1950. A lot of those amps were knew when I came into the world. Muscle cars that I worked on when they were brand new, now I see antique tags on them. And it takes a warm heart to rescue A desperate kitty. All my cats that I owned we rescued from being abandoned,
And two were thrown in a dumpster was very tiny kittens. They all lived over 15 years old, except one. She is 19. You and me would have a lot to talk about over a cup of coffee. Hot rods old cars old amps and cats. 🐱. I so enjoy your videos while we are under quarantine. Thanks friend!
Thanks for your very nice note, Brad. I agree, it does seem that we have much in common. Stay healthy :)
The only thing better than Coffee in the morning is Coffee with a new video... thanks
I hope you enjoy both of them, Ivan :)
Amen! Thanxz
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 1.) I ended up adding a 130K resistor in series with the .001uf tone cap across the VC to reduce some "Alnico" harshness, especially for single coils. 2.) I am seriously contemplating building a SE amp using the KT-88.....I hate to see it go to waste.
I made an ax84 p1 extreme using a 6550, and it sounded great especially for bass. Kt88's are a little different of course but I bet you could coax something sweet out of it.
I'm going to do some research on the concept.
@@witeshade my VHT ultra lead will take either kt-88s or 6550s. I like the 6550s best.
I doubt you can cut it up to power tube overdrive to hear which is best , the 6550 are said to have the best crunch OD sound ?
Every amp acts differently , I guess your amp is 2x 6550 cathode bias at 75-80 watts !
This one amp is very nice too. Modified but for the best. And i dig your choice of riffs played.
A 'big bottle' SE(T) amp with all your knowledge and bon goût may be great.
I have a Vega banjo that was owned and played by a man who worked in Jack Ruby's nightclub. The former owner actually testified for the Warren Commission that he'd seen Lee Harvey Oswald in Ruby's club before the Kennedy assassination. I had a Vega archtop guitar from the mid 30s once. It was one of the best crafted factory guitars I've played. Right up there with Gibson and Epiphone archtops of the era.
The Guitologist In the 60s I discovered the complexities of bluegrass music. I had borrowed a Vega banjo from an elderly gentleman who could not play any more because his hands had stiffened up on him. I tried for weeks, after a brief demonstration of the 3 finger picking style, to master the technique. Never was successful. When he died a few years later, the banjo went for $100 at his estate auction. Even then I knew that Vega made top shelf instruments! Thanxz
Thanks, Brad. I have always heard that Vega was known for quality products. The banjo sounds like quite a historical item.
I had a 1970's Vega, but it blew up, damn car.
OK Brad & to keep it audio-related: one thing you wouldn't hear from one guy with a bolt-action rifle is a bang-bang - which all 176 ear-witnesses did hear that day in Dealey Plaza. Not Ruby, of course, because he didn't attend - he let his dear Jackie drive right by the window of the Dallas Morning News. He asked an ad exec there why he wasn't down watching "the fireworks" - Ruby's words to Mr John Colley..
The Connallys' account confirms a bang-bang (and four shots minimum, BTW.) The Z film does; Both audio labs circa '79 found likewise Two of the shots, no matter the total, were too close together.
Put Oswald in that lunchroom, make the Italian rifle a throw-down, never in Mrs Paine's garage, consider that the cop was shot by 2 men, whose 2 brands of automatic shells were found there - and you satisfy the good monk William of Occam, and Conan-Doyle, aswell.
It's how you get to no prints, no nitrates, no claim of responsibility, instead, a denial, by a guy who hasn't had a lawyer tell him how thin the case is, EG tell him that paraffin test result, that he's clean.
it's why Chief Curry in his memoir says, we could never put the suspect in the window, or put that rifle in his hands.
LBJ was behind the whole thing with JFK
I have learned soon much from you - Thankyou Uncle Doug! I really appreciate your Channel.
You're welcome, Kevin.
Yes, Kevin! I am forever indebted to UD for all the knowledge he has imparted on us!! Thanks, Uncle Doug!!
Your attention to detail and workmanship continue to inspire massive respect. It's great to see anybody take enough pride in their work to go the extra mile as you do so consistently in all of your projects. Your work is truly a benchmark for any aspiring tech, and the love you have for these ancient amps is obvious.
I'm doing some repairs to my silverface Bandmaster that fell off the cabinet onto the floor the other night, and I'm being supevised by pigeon rescue number 12.
He fell out of the nest about 3 weeks ago, and I've got him raised up to where he's about to take off on his own any day. He's an awesome little guy with a lot of heart, and he's going to be just fine.
I really love the compassion you show for your animals as well. I loved Rusty, and I'm sure you miss him terribly.
But the common thread here is the love for both your work and your critters.
That makes you an ace in my books. Just had to say it. God bless.
Wow, thanks so much for the very nice comments, JP. We really appreciate them.
@@UncleDoug the pleasure is all mine. The Bandmaster didn't suffer too much damage, even though it fell about 2 1/2 ft. from the top of a 4X10 cabinet. I left the room, the dog got Tangled in the cord, and down she went! All that happened was a bent plug on the speaker cord, a loose filament lead on an output tube, a loose cathode on the inverter, and a broken 12AX7. Easy fixes, and she's back in ship shape.
Rescue number 11 comes back from time to time. His name is Sluggo. He's figured out how to push the door open with his head, and he lets himself in, then he panhandles as many of the dry roasted peanuts as he can get. His new thing is to eat all of the little guy's birdseed, and then take off. It's OK though, I get the birdseed in 50 lb. bags. Again, thanks for all the great work great tech tips and awesome videos.
You are not only a genius at amp repair, but a kind soul. 😊
Wow....thanks, Michael.
Have been watching your fascinating videos (in reverse order) since discovering them a month or a little more ago. Have never gotten into any amps, but am rebuilding an Aria Tele Thinline copy that my Dad bought for me in the mid-late '70s, and an '85 Squier Strat, both of which have sat in their cases for too long. Just got to this one this morning, and I must say that Kaycee has really come a long way! I have one left out of a litter of three that is now 12, and three more that are around 10-11 years old that I took in after being abandoned. They can be little rascals, but are also so much joy! You, Jack, and Ollie keep up the good work!
Greetings, Jon. We're glad you enjoy our videos. Regards to all your rescued kitties :)
huge bravo for the kitty!
I agree, Tony. She is really doing well :)
@@UncleDoug, I always love your animal interludes, Jack is as beautiful as he is healthy and happy. Your new adoption was in dire need of your help and loving and you stepped right up! Good on you and family.
Neatness matters, another great job. In many of these old amps you can't tell what is going on for the old paper caps taking up so much space. After a re cap there is enough room for the filter caps under the chassis and then some. Those old rosette screws were once easy to come by, not so anymore...if I ever find them again, I'm going to buy a box. Thanks for all the great videos, showing the right way to do it.
You're welcome, DH. Thanks for your comments.
From one guitarist to another.... well done Uncle Doug.
Wow.....thanks, M1.
Your ideas on the circuit made her sound great! Good job Uncle Doug!
Thanks, Tom :)
I'd like to build a replica of this circuit - straight forward and clean. The solder gun test floored me. Wow! There's something new to learn every single day. I hope the kitty went on to live a happy and healthy life!
Good luck with your project, Chad. Yes, she is still living happily on our den couch.....getting lots of treats and attention daily.
My first car was a Vega. Lol. Loved that car. Thanks for another great video Doug.
You're welcome, Sir B :)
I don't know who's happier, the Amp or the Kitty. Both saved by your vast skill and kindness.
Thanks so much, Michael. We appreciate it :)
I'm really enjoying viewing your refurbishings of all these vintage amplifier treasures! Thank for posting! Bonus points to Ollie & Jack for knowing the lick to The James Gang's "The Bomber"....
That's great to hear, Ace. Thanks.
Thanks Unk !!! Great trick about wireless OT/speaker testing !!! We’ll do that !!!
You're welcome, GP. Give it a try :)
I think I am addicted. I watch all your videos. They are great. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much, William :)
That's one pretty girl 😍 Tricolor cats are rather rare here in Poland.
Keep healthy, all the best from far away 👍
Thanks from both of us, Stan. You too :)
Awesome trick with the soldering gun and output transformer. You're the best uncle doug!
Thanks, NT :)
Very nice job! I use the Kester 66/44 and I agree. Very nice clean solder joints. I have used it for years on some on HF amps for customers over the years. I had the chance to revist them after years of service and the solder is still perfect. No corrosion at all.
Thanks for your input, Monty.
Thanks you uncle Doug for a great video of Vega guitar amp,sure is a vintage one amp and a vintage sound, and i love it for making it a live,I learned a lot from your video, thank you again ,more power to you and God blessed you always UD
You're very welcome, Bruce. Likewise on the blessings.
nice tip on how to change the amp tone! every video we can learn smt new with you uncle doug! and kacey is doing an awesome recover! cheers
Thanks so much, GG, from both of us :)
Great vid! Loved hearing the James Gang in the demo! Funk 49 rocks!
Finding a new video from U.D. is one of the few things I will trade a sunny afternoon for.
Like other followers I certainly enjoy seeing old amps brought back to life but it's the common sense tips that I enjoy and find very helpful, such as checking an OT and speaker using transformer emission and using rubber between the wire and retainer. Those are simple solutions but I watch and then wonder why I never thought of them, and using a piece of vacuum hose to make tensioners is a brilliant way to prevent nuts from backing off while also reducing vibration and rattles,. All are all very helpful tips not found in any book which is why I honestly believe you could turn a coffee pot restoration into an interesting lesson.
Thank you again Uncle Doug for another professional and fantastic video.
Wow, thanks so much, Randy. You are quite welcome for all the tips and the video :)
What a find UD! Thank Jack for the wonderful camera work! Kudos for always helping our furry friends! Always a pleasure watching your videos Sir!
Thanks, James :) I love the old vehicle in your icon pic.
GREAT tone! Love the EMF field demo with the soldering gun.
Glad you liked it, Howard.
another nice one , thanks. the soldering gun trick is an old one for me. I used it to test coil igniters when I worked for Datsun.
Thanks, Gerald. Glad you enjoyed it :)
A beautiful example, of taking someone else’s mess and cleaning it up. I was amazed at how quiet the amp turned out. Not a trace of hum even with the single coil pickup. From the photos I saw on the internet you naied the speaker screw look almost perfectly. I did see one post that was on a tombstone Vega amp about the same vintage that warned not to turn the volume above 5 unless playing single notes. It stated that the amplifier was designed with extra amplification and that chords should be played at a volume level of 5 or less to get a clean sound and prevent damage to the amplifier. I thought that was funny. Also very happy for the good news on the kitty.
Thanks so much for your always informative input, Mark. You do have to watch out for those 80-year-old speakers......but this one seemed quite happy at a setting of 6 or 7 :)
Of all the vid makers on this subject your top of the pile! Really enjoy and learn so much.Thank you.
You're welcome, Laszlo :)
A nice restoration. When it arrived it was more like a Toaster than an Amplifier !
Thanks, Bryan......and probably a very loud toaster at that :)
Nice amp! It still look very good for an amp of almost 80 years old! Especially those tubes, there beautiful, and what a sound, love it!
Uncle Doug, it is always a pleasure to watch you work...
Thanks, C7 :)
To you sir and your animal friends! BRAVO! Magnificent tone!
Thank you kindly, David.
Very cool amp. Thanks for the tour!
You're welcome, Rick.
What a wonderful amplifier Uncle Doug. Thank you for a really nice video showing all the in’s and out’s of this Vega Amplifier. It was really lovely, anyone would be so proud to have something like this in their collection and you made it sound so nice. That’s what is so great about you and Brad the Guitaologist, you two can modify your amplifier circuits and make them sound so much better. It was so nice of Dave to just send you this amplifier too, what a great guy. I wish I could help you more but being retired and now on a fixed income really sucks. If I charged more money for guitar repairs or antique radio repairs that I do, that would give me more money but so many folks nowadays don’t have much, I just hate charging. A lot of guitar work I do is for young kids and I just don’t feel right charging them at all. Please understand you always have my sincere gratitude for being a wonderful person and I’m very thankful for all that you do, Buddy
I understand that and appreciate your continued interest and input, Buddy. Thanks so much for all your very nice comments.
Great job with the Vega 112 amp repair and your concern with the aesthetics. How people treat animals speaks volumes!
Thanks so much, Don. I agree :)
A little gem. Love it. Cannot beat tweed for looks.
Thanks, Stephen. It really is a beauty :)
Hi Uncle Doug! Im from Rosario, in Argentina. I love your videos, im not a big fan of electric guitars but i build my own hi fi tube amplifiers just as a hobby. I find fascinating those old guitar amps you work on and the whole process of repairs, a lot learned!!!. Best regards! and thanks for sharing all your videos and a bit of your pets hard life!
Greetings and welcome, Frederico. Best of luck with your hobby. Thanks for watching and commenting :)
Uncle Doug sir,
I think jack the cat is more than happy with the new amount of work packages that are coming his way, when he was wearing bubble wrap he sort of reminded me of Elvis Presley with a cape on.
Jack has never been happier, Ralph.......loads of treats, lots of bubble wrap to hide under, and a nice cape to perfect his Elvis impersonation.
Catching up on some oldies.... wow, this is one of my favorites, the sound is to die for, you are so good Uncle D,. watching these is a balm to my soul.
Wow.....thanks so much, Clarence. So glad you enjoy the videos.
I never cease to be amazed at the quality of these old amps. I wonder how many of them still survive in lofts and garages all over the world?
Great work yet again Uncle Doug and Jack, not forgetting your "guest" kitty.
Thanks, TW :)
She's a beauty! So is the amp...... Another great project, many thanks.
Thanks, Peter, from both of us :)
When the levee breaks Joe Walsh is gonna play ... a tunesmith is what you are (paraphrased from Sling Blade). Another fine example of cool a American made vintage amps and a nice tone that is just hard to come by these days.
I am 50 years old and my father passed away years ago (92). Your playing and song choices remind me of when I was a teenager and he and I would sit together in the living room playing our guitars along with each other. Many of the songs you play were on our "set list". Thanks for that
Oh, and I also applaud your admiration for animals, you and I share that quality.
Thanks so much, Scott for all your very nice comments. I'm glad the video brought back happy memories of your father :)
That amp is another stellar example of great looks and great sound. The metal 6L6 was a class touch. KC and that beautiful Vega have found their way to capable hands! Thank you Doug!
You're quite welcome, KM. Thanks !!!
Nice work on this Uncle Doug!
Thanks, Dave :)
Always great to see your videos pop up in my notifications. This is definitely an interesting amp. I am starting to do some repairs myself and between watching you and The Guitologist, I have learned a lot. Thanks!
You're welcome, PC. Brad and I watch each other's videos and comment from time to time. Thanks for watching.
More genius from Mr Doug. I am again in awe.
Thanks so much, LB :)
Thank you for your superbness!
@@UncleDoug
Great video, Doug. As always, filled with helpful tips. Thanks for posting!
You're welcome, Gerrick.
A quick question, since I've got your ear for a moment. I watched the video on the Silvertone 1474 and in the video you pointed out two filter choke transformers connected to either speaker. What is their function and how do the effect the overall output from the amp and instrument?
I did some searching and found the answer. Thanks again for the video.
With thanks to Dave for his generous donation and your skill there is another rare gem from the Uncle Doug video stable. I don't think anybody else has brought so many different vintage amps onto our screens as you. As you pointed out, the installation of the replacement P/T was a bit rough but at least it didn't look out of place from the top. Also, bless you for your kindness to the stray kitty. Many a person would have yelled and chased it away. Sometimes the lucky ones turn up at the right door. I see four viewers have given this video the "thumbs down". Darned if I know what they have to complain about. Maybe they should try making a video themselves and then they would find out how much time and effort goes into each one. Thumbs up from me Doug and thanks again. Regards, Jeff.
You're welcome, Jeff. Thanks for all your very nice comments. Amen on the four losers who seem to find fault with every video. Perhaps they're so ignorant that they think "thumbs down" means "I like it !!!!".
Nuts on woodscrews, that's exciting.... LOL. Nice video and fun too :)
Yes, it was. Thanks !!!
At 25:35 you are a poet Uncle! Lovely poetic description for kitty’s home! ;-)
Thanks, HC :)
Directed here from Fazio and geeking out lol. This guy gets his hands on some really cool vintage stuff! I get a kick outta the trolls that dislike his vids, I suppose they'd like it better with some cursing, maybe smash a guitar or something. Uncle Doug knows his stuff, so cool. Little James Gang and Zeppelin to ice the cake too lol.
Thanks so much, DM. We're glad you found us. Thanks, Colleen :)
The power toggle switch looked newer than the rest of the amp. The original might have been a straight shaft with a ball on the end. It's the little details that tells the story. Being educated about the early tube amps, gives us reference to use when discovering said vintage tube amps. I plan to travel next year to swap meets and flee markets and having knowledge of these wonderful amps will come in handy. This amp, like others you have showed, gives us ampaholics a glimpse into the evolution of the tube compliment and circuit design. If one thinks that filter chokes and other components were something of more modern design, this amp shows these components were used in early designs because they work. This baby is dead quite! Great video Uncle Doug! Glad the kitties are doing so well. That house with a heated floor, for the stray kitty, was a lot more than most people would have done! Bravo! Thanxz
I agree, ATL, the toggle was not original at all. In my experience, early toggles were generally smaller and had shorter "arms" with a ball on the tip (as you said). Good luck with your travels and acquisitions. Thanks for all your nice comments and observations.
I learn something every time I watch your work... Honestly thanks man
You're welcome, Billy. That's what we're here for :)
Doug I would like to wish you and your family merry X-mass thanks for all the wisdom on amp repair. 2022
Thanks. Likewise to you and yours, Paul :)
I like the way you include some amp repair interludes in your cat videos... Cool...
Glad to see the kitty doing well. The amp sounds really good. And looks better. Nice work.
Thanks from all of us, T :)
Great job, many thanks to Dave, the amp sounds great and the kitty came to the right place.
Thanks, Paul. Amen on the thanks to Dave Thompson.
I've just discovered your TH-cam site, and have been loving your posts. You are an incredible source of knowledge, a great guy. I wish you were my Uncle Doug! Keep up the awesome work!! Cheers!
Wow, thanks so much, Tim. Welcome to our channel. I hope you find all sorts of interesting videos to watch.
OUTSTANDING restoration, Uncle Doug! Wish I had a fraction of your knowledge of tube/valve amplifiers. The results were super.
KC seems incredibly affectionate for a feral kitty-kitty. Guess we're seeing her gratitude for your help showing. I hope that Jack and Ollie will welcome her into the clowder.
Please keep up the wonderful work and videos. BIG shout-out to Dave for the amp!
Thanks so much, Dave. She is a really nice little addition to the family. Amen on the gratitude to Dave Thompson.
One thing that this amp is lacking is the white paint spatter, I trust you and Jack will attend to that.
I have "antiqued" it, using the methods presented in my earlier video on the subject.
i love the word spatter. much more delicate than "splatter" which would probably not look good on an amp.
i should like to spatter all over my amps with paint from now on.
Another great video Uncle Doug!!
Thanks, Big Joe :)
Very cool. I have a 1940's era Vega lap steel.
They would go together well :)
i heard a lot of blues players used ukulele strings but i remember the guitar with a metal bowl reflector sort of design i forget what its called looks like a metal strainer lol,but it works very well.but that was a fine amp after you brought it back to life.me im still blown away by the overdrive on the silvertone i keep listening to that post now lol great post regards jamie...
Thanks. They are called "resonator" guitars, Jamie.
@@UncleDoug ive got a few tunes by blues
guitarists that used one quality guitar & fine recordings as well regards jamie...
Perfect start to my day off.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge in all your videos. It's a treasure.
You're quite welcome, DB. Thanks !!
"...come on and dance, We may not get another chance,"
Jack and Ollie have quite the repertoire...
And a kick-butt amp to blow through
Thanx to Dave & Uncle Doug and another wonderful, instructive video.
New kitty girl has this lower lid on one eye, gives her that
'femme fatale' uh, film noir thing... cool (?)
thanx again and cheers
They surprised me with a little Steve Miller, Jonny. You're welcome for the video, and ditto on the credit to Dave Thompson for the amp.
Another great video Doug, thanks.
You're welcome, O :)
That's brilliant. I love the sound of that amp and the single cools. Very cool indeed.
Thanks, Richard :)
That speaker looks like a 10” version of one my favorites, the Magnavox P-232, large alnico. They made some super lightweight P-232’s with same code. Those transformers look well made.
Thanks for your helpful input, PW.
Thanks again Sir! You are able to paint the driest stuff in rich oil with the help of horses or a river in the thickest colors. This visual power is impressive and probably will not come without a huge background. What impressed me so incredibly to make such a theme so vivid. At which university did you teach your students the best foundation! A happy New Year! Next year, I will be happy to patronize this work!
You're quite welcome, TD. Thanks for all the very nice comments. I started out teaching high school classes, but found the students to be distracted and uncooperative, so I switched to middle school and found my niche. I taught science and math to grades 6,7, and 8 for about 16 years.....and enjoyed it immensely. Happy New Year to you :)
Hi Uncle Doug--thanks for another top-notch video featuring a rare amp, and it's great to see your rescue kitty doing so well. She's a cutie!
Thanks so much, R, from all of us :)
Cool. Thank you uncle doug!!!
You're welcome, Johan :)
Excellent as always...Thanks for that troubleshooting tip!
You're welcome, Dr. R. Thanks !!
Thank you again for your help,sorry about Rusty,did not know,i have been away for a while.
best regards
You're welcome, Mr. A.
Another great video Uncle Doug! Putting in the bypass capacitor to brighten sound was very enlightening.Glad to see the feral cat doing so well I've adopted a couple strays recently.I named them Leslie and Strat! I'm not sure what the connection is between musicians and cats but, I do believe there is one! Thanks again for sharing your vast knowledge of tube amps with us.
You're welcome, SG. Thanks !!! She's getting healthier (and heavier) by the day. She'll be in our next video.
Yes. Thank you Dave! As always another awesome video UD!! I would have never ever thought of the soldering iron trick, that is so cool. I learn something in every one of your videos. I noticed Jack and Ollie have been practicing a Zeppelin song also! Very nice Best wishes to you and Jack as well as KC. Thanks again UD!!
You're welcome, Jack. As always, it's great to hear from you :)
Great video. I am a new subscriber and I am glad I found this channel.
Thanks, Dave. We're glad you found us too :)
Masterful, just masterful. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, IG. Thanks !!
nice one Doug, that thing sounds great!
Thanks, O13 :)
Doug, you know it's bad when I binge watch your videos over and over again. You must've conjured up the ghost of Stanley Kubrick because I get something new out of each viewing! That build came out exceptionally well even though it lacked an amenity known as a tone knob. Having such a thin plywood case I tend to think it would add to the tone of the product. Thanks!
Thanks, KM. I agree. If thickness (of cabinet wall) provided a lot of resonance, then drum heads would be 3/4" thick ;) In this regard, thinner is better.
Very cool amp! Thanks, great video! Kasey is looking pretty happy, thanks to your kindness! Subscibed.
Thanks, Han, and welcome to our channel. KC sends her regards :)
I’m happy about the new sweet cat you’ve got. She couldn’t have found a better person to Love and take good care of her. ✨❤️✨
Thanks, BC. I hope she feels the same :)
She sounds great. and good playin at the end. Thanks Doug
You're welcome, D. Thanks !!!
I work in the industry too, and our last cat showed up on our porch Xmas Eve. Sometimes they just pick you. Great stuff, sir!
I think the ones that pick their owner tend to be the best pets, VR. Thanks !!
Loved the single coils especially the Bass notes! Going to try my hand at an Esquire build as soon as I get my new shop in order. Still looking for a 5E3 amp. Maybe build a kit after more watching! Thanks Uncle Doug!
You're welcome, Tom. Best of luck with your projects.
Great video. Love that 'tone compensation' mod-made a BIG difference!
Thanks, UL.
Uncle Doug, I have a couple of Wollensack portable reel recorders with built in tube amplification. I’d LOVE to get the amp circuit in just ONE of them up and running. Do you have any interest in taking on the job of getting one running (the other you can keep for yourself, sell, use for parts, etc; obviously I’d pay your repair rate in addition to sending the 2nd unit if you wanted, and some treats for Jack). I have no reel tapes, and no real interest in using the reel player portion.
The big points for me would be: Repair amp circuit, convert power plug to something more readily available, and convert input jack to 1/4” instrument.
Thanks as always for your superb videos!
By the time you paid for two-way shipping for one unit and one-way shipping for the other, plus parts and labor, you would have the most expensive Wollensak tape recorder amp in the world, Oqsy. I would estimate a total cost of around $450+, mostly for shipping and parts. The only economic way to do this type of conversion is to do it yourself. Installing a 3-wire cord and a 1/4" jack is not difficult, and I'll bet that at least one of the amps probably works. My suggestion is to try it yourself, or seek local assistance so you don't have to pay for shipping. Good luck.
Thanks for the video Uncle Doug, You're the best.
You're welcome, PG :)
The cats have been practicing.... great job.
They have indeed. Thanks, Dom :)
great video, and nice neat work !, as always !,, good luck to outdoor kitty, we did that for years, (strays),
Thanks, Gene. KC is a rather small, vulnerable kitty, so we moved her indoors.
Really enjoyed the playing and tone of the amp. Early breakup of the smooth cone work well.
Thanks, Mod :) Ollie and Jack prefer short intro's to long, drawn out versions of tunes. After all, the best parts of most tunes are at the start :)
Another great video... and Casey when you first rescued her... priceless and precious.
And Elvis says hi and says he wished he'd met her in a different one of his lives.
Do you recall which guitar Jack & Ollie were using?
...and many many happy reruns Uncle Doug
Thanks, Jonny. It was probably the shop guitar, a 1980 Vantage V-695.
Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it!!
That's great to hear, Bruce. Thanks !!!
I wouldn't take it into the studio, but it's a really neat piece of functional history. Nice job! You were killing me with those comments on the KT88 Tube. Good stuff.
Thanks so much, RB.....glad you liked it :)
very cool one Doug..I have a 65-6 I'm told Univox u302 an schematics avail??sure can use a hand...winters here...that Vegas really neat n great look...
Thanks, Scott. I'm sorry but I have no Univox schematics.
I put up a wooden fence and gate to give the stray kitties a safer place to stay around here. The extra privacy and happy kitties is worth it. Of course, I permanently adopted a silver tabby that's the largest cat I've ever seen.
He's taller than a toddler on his back feet, and eats more too!
We intend to move KC either into our fenced courtyard or even into the house, once she has a completely clean medical checkup and her shots. For now, however, she loves the (mostly) enclosed front porch and never strays from it. I wonder if that tabby is one of those Maine Coon cats: domesticcatworld.com/maine-coon
Jack is so cool! He is the spitting image of my dearly departed 'Lucky'.
Jack agrees with you, Gary.....and we both mourn the passing of Lucky.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for being awesome, UD :)
Gosh, thanks, Pentti :)
I can tell Jack has been working on his playing. It sounds nice!
He and Ollie practice daily and are indeed getting pretty good :)