Jay J. Posted October 13, 2002 Share Posted October 13, 2002 I have been looking around, and am interested in getting a vintage all tube bass head. I was reading about some traynor heads that look pretty cool and don't seem to cost a lot. the traynor yba-1 bass master, and there is one called a mono-block II and few others. I don't know much about these and imagine that if I got one I would probably have to mod it some, which is what I would like to do. has anyone had expiearence with any of this stuff and could give me some words of wisdom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill C from Nashvegas Posted October 13, 2002 Share Posted October 13, 2002 I haven't worked on the Traynor, but I have an old Ampeg V-4, and as I've been doing mods on it, I've come across a Web forum on the old Traynors. I believe some of them ran 7027a tubes, like my V4, and I think I recall seeing mods to convert them to 6550 or KT-88. (though the 7027's aren't a problem if you want to keep them.) Other than locating tubes and substitutes, the main thing to do would be a complete cap job. Some of the old multi-section filter electrolytics aren't made any more, it's a challenge to fit replacements in. If you can find one cheap, go for it. Once you have a decent schematic, I think you would enjoy the project. I'm assuming you have some background in electronics that's why I say go for it. Otherwise I would caution an absolute beginner to troubleshooting: There's high voltage in these old amps--545 volts DC in mine on the B+ side, and that can kill you if you touch the wrong thing. BTW, if you don't have one already, pick up a scope on ebay, and a signal generator, and a good bench meter, maybe an LCR meter too, and did I mention a Variac (next on my wish list)... Try a search on Dogpile with "Traynor tube" or "Traynor valve" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fonz Posted October 15, 2002 Share Posted October 15, 2002 okay, i know nothing about modifying amplifiers other than "never lick the capacitor." BUT i will say i have played through a few traynors and they rawk. tone for days. good stuff, that. Eeeeeehhhhhhhhh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted October 15, 2002 Share Posted October 15, 2002 I had a mono-block a long time ago. It certainly wasn't a tube amp. I sold it to Matt Freeman of Rancid and then it caught fire on stage at Gilman Street. But other old Traynor amps do have a good reputation. The only downside to restoring an old tube amp (other than electrocution) is the cost of retubing an amp will be so expensive that it might be cheaper to just buy a new tube amp. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.