1946-47 Masco Tweed Amp......Brought Back from Ampageddon

There is a lot to marvel over in this video. First off, we will resurrect a really nice old late-40's Masco amplifier that arrived damaged but responded well to treatment. All details of the restoration process are covered and we get to hear it play once again.....after decades of silence. In addition, we will share a restoration tip, get a visit from Jack (at least we think it's him), enjoy(?) some bizarre attempts at humor, and finally......get to see what UPS can do to a rare, vintage amp. Hint: It ain't pretty.
One correction: In the video, I discuss my proposal for repair of the input section AFTER I discuss the completed input section. Thus, it will appear for a few moments that time is moving backwards. Don't fear........this type of time warp actually only occurs only when visiting the DMV, sitting in a dentist's chair, or stuck at a child's dance recital ;)
If you enjoy advertising-free videos like this, please subscribe to our channel and consider becoming a Patreon patron at / uncledougsvintageamps or making a PayPal donation to: [e-mail]. These cats are eating us out of house and home ^..^ Thanks for watching !!

[@UncleDoug]

A Special Shout Out to Ian in Toronto.......Happy Birthday on the 28th from Jack, KC, Ollie, and your old Uncle :)

[@jackallen6261]

Happy Birthday, Ian!!

[@nuttynut54]

I got this old KEIL 55G Amp that I wanted too get fixed .. but I cant find any info on the amp just wondering if you know anything about the company that made the amp Oh yeah happy birthday Ian... and a big EH To you

[@iangomes]

UHH, this is the greatest day of my life!

[@jackallen6261]

@@iangomes Cool enjoy!! !! UD is such a cool guy!!

[@TheGman858]

Uncle Doug has a great sense of humor makes his videos unique hilarious and informative Genuine youtube treasure

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Greg :)

[@dkovorik409]

You are legendary, Uncle Doug! I don't understand electronics but I look so forward to hearing you and seeing Jack and Ollie....I miss Rusty (Rest In Peace). Thank you, Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, DK. We really appreciate your kind words.

[@outthereassociates7155]

A tip of the hat to Ollie and Jack. Their comedy writing is really coming along.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Dan. I'll tell them :)

[@riffraff9000]

@@UncleDoug Yeah, the first thing that came to mind with those initials and all, was that there is a headphone amplifier company called Schiit Audio (in fact, I'm listening to you through my "Schiit Stack"). :-)

[@luthravin4774]

Another wonderful amp rebuild Uncle Doug!! It’s just so awesome to see these true life relics being brought back to a respectful life... wish I could say same the same for the other amp.. UPS.. jeez.. I had new Pro Jr. IV delivered by FedEx.. and setting next to it as the driver opened the back door to his van.. was a crushed cardboard box the same size.. as he was reaching in I was praying it wasn’t my Fender....it wasn’t.. mine was in perfect condition.. thanx again for the AWESOME video and pro playing by Jack and Ollie!!!

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Luth :)

[@Kilovolver]

UD Time, lets go! thanks again, you are part of our lives UD. Netflix is blind, your show with the boys, Wheeler Dealers style would be a smash hit!!

[@UncleDoug]

We're ready for a production deal, K :)

[@Finom1]

Bless you Uncle Doug, for sharing your wisdom with us!!! This was a blast.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, F1. I tried to have some fun with this one :)

[@eggy68]

I kept hoping to hear Jack sing the "a-how, how, how" on LaGrange. Nice job saving this gem, Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Eg. I'll ask him to learn the lyrics :)

[@SirBelvedere333]

Another awesome repair by the best amp Doctor still living today. Great job Uncle Doug PhD of amp repair and rebuild. Sorry about your damaged amp. Ppl just don’t get the importance of proper packing. Have a great day.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Sir B :)

[@fortj3]

Uncle Doug is the amp whisperer.

[@Mojoman57]

Less than 5 minutes in and you've already coined a new band name. "Mute Horror".

[@jackallen6261]

I can see Glenn Danzig fronting that band!! lol

[@dale1956ties]

When I think of UPS, can't help but recall that Ace Ventura movie where he goes undercover as a delivery guy who is obviously supposed to be a UPS guy, and he just beats the crap outta that box he's carrying. I can't really describe the play by play of that scene but anyone who's seen that movie will probably recall the hilarious action. So anyway, I agree with you Uncle Doug. You could double box and bubble wrap a cannonball and UPS would find a way to break it en route. Incidentally. During this time of social distancing and self-quarantine, I'm filling my time by watching old and re-watching my favorite Uncle Doug videos. Good stuff! These videos make the time fly.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for the great comments, DE. It's always good to hear from you, and to know that we're helping you weather the quarantine :)

[@garyhundsrucker7771]

My wife and I were just talking about those old window drive in speakers and this seems to be just a few notches above that sound quality but it sure is vintage!

[@manuelpena3151]

I don't think it was "properly" mic'd/u-tubed; becha you would love it "live".

[@colt45peacemaker]

Didn't sound poor to me. I would try another speaker and mess with the coupling and cathode caps a little. This amp was before the 12AX7 and 12AT7 era.

[@billswaim]

The old Masco rides again, thanks to the Doc of Rock!!! You are the tube master and still the best teacher on KZbin! Thanks and yep, I still LOL!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow.....thanks so much, Bill :)

[@jimbobjackson4521]

Hello Uncle Doug, I hope you are well. I’m going through rewatching all your videos for the 100th time, lol. This one is one of my favorites. Not only informative, but also hilarious. The “disemboweled antelope” line has me in tears every time,😂😂😂. These old oddball amps are my favorites (along with the Fender stuff). As always, thank you so much for all you’ve taught me.

[@UncleDoug]

Greetings, Jimbo. We're glad you enjoy our videos. Thanks for the nice comments :)

[@lawrencegenereux8567]

Uncle Doug: You surely are the Amp Whisperer. In years past, I knew an old German amp technician in Catskill, NY, who understood tube electronics and how to make amps sound "right". I was always certain I would never find anyone who could match his hands-on ability with guitar amps. I stand corrected, sir. You have "the gift" of knowledge AND experience that equates to a mastery of the genre. The beauty of what you do, however, is shown through your willingness to share your knowledge and experience with younger people who grew up in the digital, modeling era. What you do not only preserves the past, it enlightens and trains those who did not grow up in the golden age of tube audio guitar amps. From an oldster (65) to you, many, MANY thanks for your continuing dedication to what made guitar music what it is today; and, if I may, God Bless you, your family, and your amazing pets. You have no idea how many ampaholics rely on you for your insight, knowledge, and sense of humor on a subject we hold near and dear to our hearts. We love you, man!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks so much, Lawrence, for one of the nicest comments I have ever received. I am humbled by your praise and sincerely hope that I can live up to the high standards you have attributed to me. Likewise on God's blessing, and our very best wishes to you and yours.

[@Alexandreklechowicz]

Amazing video Uncle Doug. Every video i see i learn something new, thanks. Keep this greats amps alive!!!

[@UncleDoug]

That's good to hear, Alex. Thanks !!!

[@69mercurycyclone44]

Thank you soo much for the laugh and school session! Put an end to my bad day!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, 69MC.

[@Finom1]

Uncle Doug, it makes so happy hearing you play. My wife "The Boss? asked me why I was smiling and so happy looking at the laptop. I said because Uncle Doug is killing it over hear. It;s amazing the tone coming out of that vintage amp you restored. It makes us feel young again hearing you play. I turned it all the way up and we had a in home concert over here!!!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, that's great to hear, F1. I'll tell Jack & Ollie that they have some fans out there in KZbinland.

[@ab0ez]

I've done a few 6V6 to 7C5 conversions, simply because the 7C5 tubes are still available NOS for a good price. Just can't beat the sound of those old vintage tubes, nothing new production compares!

[@UncleDoug]

I agree, Ab. Thanks :)

[@therugburnz]

I always liked rear facing control panels. Thanx for saving it.

[@cass2771]

Good work, UD. Another amp, another piece of history saved. Thanks for the explanation and education.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Cass.

[@russianvideovlogguy]

that amp has a magical sound - almost brings you back in time

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, RVVG :)

[@brettgallagher6951]

Great video as always. Must comment on the last section though. Here is my experience with shipping a vintage Valco Supro Chicago 51 amp via UPS: The amp was shipped about 80 miles from a seller to my house. It left their place in perfect condition and was packed extremely well. The box arrived at my house from UPS looking like it had been crushed. When I unpacked everything, the 5Y3 rectifier was found to be destroyed. The speaker had actually come loose from the cabinet as the screws holding it in were torn away from the cabinet. Must have been an incredible amount of force to do this much damage. Was able to put in a new 5Y3 and mount the speaker again. Everything was fine at that point. Have no idea what UPS did, but it was VERY VERY bad. And the amp only shipped a short distance!

[@UncleDoug]

I feel your pain, Brett. Yes, individuals should pack fragile items carefully, but why do carriers feel like the entire burden of item protection is on the packer/shipper ? No parcel should be subjected to impacts that can actually break cabinetry, bend steel, and shatter tubes. You should have a reasonable expectation of careful handling......but some carriers simply do not provide it.

[@davidstuckey102]

Another terrific repair! The prettiest control panel ever. Thanks, Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, David. I agree....it really is a beauty !!!

[@angelomelitc]

Thank you for a fun video and your wonderful sense of humor. Made my day.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Angelo.

[@Retro.Studio]

Allways Nice to watch and learn. And Allways give me a smile on jokes like that. 👍🏼Thanks Uncle D. Greetings from 🇳🇱

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, R4.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Way cool panel 👍 Excellent repair/restoration UD!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, James.

[@Rico_G]

I cannot fathom how anyone could give this video a dislike. It's a shame that the world just has its share of miserable bastards. Thank you Doug for introducing me to Masco amps. That's a new one on me. Informative and entertaining video as usual.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Cank. I honestly feel that it must be from a dyslexic viewer, who thinks down is really up :)

[@Slugg-O]

I believe it's the same mouth breathers that down vote every new post who likely never achieved a perfect score in school and can't stand to see anyone else with one.

[@EngineeringVignettes]

@@UncleDoug - Maybe they're Australian? (Sorry, could not help myself)

[@ashwinrawat9622]

Ah chill its just youtube's twisted algorithm.

[@MichaelALoberg]

Come come... the world needs psychos too.

[@jamesflack8624]

I love priority mail delivery day. Ya never what good things may come your way. Tasty playing as always from Jack and Ollie.. Another great one, thanks Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, James. Thanks !!!

[@josephmagedanz4070]

I agree 100% with your take on UPS. I avoid them whenever possible. Can't always do that, but I try. When this happens to me, I sometimes get the seller to refund the shipping costs while keeping the amount the item sold for and I keep the item to repair or use for parts...just depends on the situation. Thanks, Uncle Doug for another good video.

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Joseph :)

[@JesusIsLordofMybeing]

Tooo funny Uncle Doug. You always keep it a popcorn moment!! Thanks

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, JT.

[@jasonkirkham550]

Another great Uncle Doug video ! Awesome repair on a good looking amp mingled with good humor.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jason. That was our goal.

[@joemcgraw5529]

nice repair altogether enjoy all your instructional videos ,great playing ,nice choices of testing that ol girl

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Joe :)

[@graxjpg]

Great great video. Because of your channel, amps like this will continue to be kept in working condition until they’re at least a hundred. I plan on doing my part to make sure that these amps last longer than the guy who repaired it before me.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Grant. Keep up the good work. We need all the competent techs we can get.

[@davejones5745]

A cranking, killer, mid range blast. Probably the best sounding you've fixed. Need to hear more of THESE kind of tones ahh yeah yeah....

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Dave :)

[@stevenstewart3414]

I know that this will shock you, but I happen to own a very old Samuel Haskins & Irving Thompson Co. amp! It sounds like, well, I'm sure you can guess. The case is especially interesting. It is covered in a brown... well, it's not tolex... and it is very dull. After some research, I found the construction of the cases for Sam & Irving was contracted out to Thomas Underwood & Raymond Dunst Inc. I tried to shine it up. But as we all know, you can't polish a T.U. & R.D. This was another greatly informative and entertaining video as always! Many Thanks, Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

That was an excellent routine, Steven. Thanks for thinking it up and sharing it with us. You made our day :)

[@fransterhorst3694]

Yeah i had to stay tuned for sure after the 'as the glue dries' drama.. excellent video again! i have a hunch where Jack went by the way, but i might be wrong.

[@ProphetNikoz]

Best TV for tech guys since ever.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much :)

[@johntilson2535]

Lotta grit in that one! Probably made a blues musician playing in a juke joint 'on the other side of the tracks' very expressive and his audience very happy!

[@UncleDoug]

I believe the owner intends to use it with harmonica, John, which should be perfect.

[@brucefulper4204]

I have that same Masco. Belonged to my mom in the 40's. As a kid I destroyed the electronics. But still have the cab and I use it to test speakers when playing out.

[@UncleDoug]

I too destroyed some nice items as a callow youth, Bruce. Generally in the name of scientific investigation.....but the end result was the same :(

[@rayjaurique4624]

Good on you sir!!!! Great video.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ray.

[@goodun2974]

Sparked by your comment at 10 minutes andn 20 seconds, here is a fishing related anecdote. When I was about 12 or 13, my dad bought us a sturdy, heavily built 12' rowboat, with Tank like construction ( marine plywood, seams glued with Weldwood epoxy), A real beast of a boat, and very stable. We pooled our paper route and lawn mow ing money and bought a fifties vintage Evinrude motor for it, and my brother and I used to fish the inshore waters of Long Island Sound for striped bass and blue fish and flounder, porgies and tautog and so on. We christened the boat Bass-Buster, and put the name with stick-on Decal style letters on the stern of the boat. The boat's name only lasted unmolested for a couple of days because the wiseass older brother of my best friend pulled the first B off, changing the boat's name into AssBuster. After that, we decided it might be better not to have a name on the boat at all.

[@UncleDoug]

What a great tale, GU. Thanks for sharing :)

[@goodun2974]

@@UncleDoug , my best friend and I also built a "houseboat" when we were 13 or 14; basically a 6'x10' shed on a large plywood raft, floating on 6 or 8 55-gallon drums. We had intended to use it only in the calm, flat-water brackish tidal rivers and creeks, but my buddy decided to take it out on the Sound by himself one day ( yes, it had an outboard motor), and got a ticket from the Coast Guard for piloting an unsafe and unlicensed watercraft! Aahh, those crazy days of youth. Sometimes I wonder how we managed to survive into adulthood.....

[@wadeadkins4927]

That shipping damage is a real shame. It is also a good cautionary tale to any future amp shippers. Thanks for another informative video (as always). I always learn something new!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Wade.

[@rushelm8101]

Magic as usual!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Rush.

[@Bigjoedo66]

Another great video Uncle Doug!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Big Joe.

[@michaelogden5958]

Pretty much the only "bill" I ever get that makes me happy is a notice from Patreon that Uncle Doug has posted a video! And, if you play the notes on the control panel, you get something similar to the intro of "Oh How Happy (You Have Made Me) by Shades of Blue. :-)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Michael. I wonder if the artist intended the tune to actually "mean anything" ?

[@michaelogden5958]

@@UncleDoug It's unlikely that the artist had that particular song in mind. "Oh How Happy" was written by Edwin Starr (Charles Edwin Hatcher), who would have been 4 or 5 years old at the time. But at least the string of notes is melodically valid in terms of traditional popular music in the US.

[@dhix2388]

great vid/enjoyed. thanks for your expertise/time.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, DH.

[@abjr2010]

"2 6L6" Always good to hear. Your video productions are worthy of Oscars. Nice one D as usual. "As the Glue Dries" OMG It's like suddenly "Plan 9 From Outer Space"

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, AB. Any comparison to "Plan 9" is high praise indeed :)

[@metalcavy33]

Doug! Another great video.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, M33.

[@allanpennington]

I was having a Sally, Halt, Isgard, Toll, Toll & Yanky day today until I started to watch this vid.

[@UncleDoug]

We're glad it got better, Allan :)

[@300poundbassman]

Didn't know you worked on a masco! I have. 2. Keep us updated. More please

[@UncleDoug]

Hopefully the video will provide some tips for you, William. Good luck.

[@julian65886]

Nice natural breakup. Once again a lovely video Doug. Those guys play the guitar real well.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, JG :)

[@MrCayoCoco]

Good stuff !! I've acquired a vast amount of practical skills from your videos. (Jack was under the towel)

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, Mr. C.....we were wondering where he was :)

[@Acornhouseworkshop]

Thanks for the power cord tip! Stopped watching to place an order. Back to the fun, now.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Chris.

[@davidsigglekow1349]

Lol You have a great sense of humour sir!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, David.

[@julesl6910]

One thing that is especially endearing to me is when Uncle Doug says, QUESO. I know you're saying 'kay, sooo, but I always hear queso

[@UncleDoug]

Cheese has always been one of my favorite food groups.

[@KB_Joys]

Thats a pretty raw sounding amp there uncle doug. Nice sounds coming from the amp.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Bruce :)

[@clivedavies3]

Amp sounds good to me for its age well done resurrecting it.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Clive.

[@just_bucket]

If I wouldn't know your channel, I would probably still end up with my plate voltage leaking to my guitar strings, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, JB. Be careful :)

[@jeffbenson6102]

She's a beauty Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jeff.

[@billdyke9745]

Weapon of Masco Destruction rendered safe. Phew!! (I played that bar of music printed on the back. Gershwin could've done something with that. Rearrange the notes, add a shuffle beat, change the key... That sorta thing)... Cute little amp. Thanks, as ever, Jack, for the tail tip joke...

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Bill :)

[@Andy_Yates]

You were on a roll with the jokes in this Doug. Thanks for another great, and educational one! I also avoid UPS when I have a choice, to the point where I'll pay more for FedEx or USPS delivery. I ordered a used pedal through Guitar Center's website not long ago. They shipped it in a pretty heavy duty box, clearly meant for something much heavier, and UPS still managed to nearly crush and accordion the box. They must find the heaviest of boxes to throw on the top of the stack after running it over with their fork lifts. It's horrible

[@UncleDoug]

Amen, Andy. If I treated customer's equipment like UPS does, I'd be in jail or broke......or both.

[@jonnybeck6723]

Yes the Rock Monsters from Mars apparently played tennis with that poor unfortunate amp. ...and thanx so very much for this vid. That control panel HAS to be one of the most beautiful and inspired bits of silk screening (did they have silk screening way back in prehistoric times?) that ever wuz. I'm so glad you did that bit of extra figuring which payed off in allowing you to retain them big ol' (coke bottle?) 6L6's. I really dig and appreciate that sort of extra brain work which/what makes me your total double dyed in-the-wool fan fer life (!) Cheers

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Jonny. Thanks for the nice comments.

[@nichtimmer9134]

You get so nice amps! ...Unbelievable! ...i love 20s, 30s, 40, and 50s amps!!! Its hard to get stuff who is older than 50s amps! 30s abd 40s amps are rare! Nice videos! Love that old amps!

[@UncleDoug]

I do too, NI. Just like bourbon, the older the better.

[@nichtimmer9134]

@@UncleDoug 😂😂😂 thats truth! I was thinking im the only one! ...who love old wine, ...ämm sorry ..amps i mean!!! Moste are looking for the big 3! Vox, fender and plaxi ...all 50s and 60s amps but not many are interested in other and older brands and amps! Sad, than thay are all nice amps! A 30s amp would nice to have, but rare, and a 20s would be a dream, but im not sure if thay one out there? ...thanks! And suberp taste, my friend!

[@UncleDoug]

@@nichtimmer9134 Thanks so much, NI. Best of luck finding some nice old amps for your collection.

[@nichtimmer9134]

@@UncleDoug many thanks Doug!, my "vintage tube amp friend" :D ...i found my love in my old 59s truhvoice (selmer) lidle giant amp :D as i tell you from a few weeks here ;) ...but yes, i will collect more amps for sure, old 30s and 40s one as 50s to 60s as well. But the beginning in amplifier history is so interested that i will realy get some amps from the first generation of tube amps ;) the 30s and 40s one are realy special and beautyful in his completely kind! ...i love also old recording equitment like tubetaperecorder, tubemixer and tubepreamps as old tube mics, all are nice musicalay stuff! I must say that i love also new amps, but more the new build classic one in sound and look ;) ...thanks for sharing youre great amps and work Doug! All the best! Greetings from europe

[@UncleDoug]

@@nichtimmer9134 Thanks for your input, NI. Our best wishes to you and yours.

[@Eddy63]

UPS = Unparalleled Part Smashers ... We guarantee no one can smashem' better than us ... Good vid Uncle Doug ...

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Eddy.

[@djfrank59]

Well, I do have to say that the Masco was truly an adventure! Loctal tubes were not only used in military radios and other communications gear, but since there was a surplus of them left over, Many radios and amplifiers used them during that time period. They were popular in radios and used as a mixer/oscillator, first & second IF & detector stage. They were indeed reliable, and stayed put in their sockets. Philco used many of these tubes in their radio sets back in the 40's. Great video as always :). I tell all my customers NOT to use UPS when shipping me an amplifier for repair. It got to a point where I had to start doing unboxing videos for liability reasons. This way, the customer sees who caused the damage. I don't know how UPS stays in business either.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your technical comments and support on my shipping complaints, Frank. I will no longer bid on any Ebay item that has UPS shipping.

[@angryshoebox]

I actually got to play through one of those old Masco amps years ago at a blues jam; it belonged to the blues harp player running the jam. I don't know if he modded it or not. I had to crank it up pretty loud to be heard. It sounded very Marshall-y.

[@TomorrowsChild77]

Nice! Some Physical Graffiti action! Agreed... UPS is the worst... expensive, and abusive to packages.

[@UncleDoug]

Yep, we aim to please :)

[@erikjohansson1814]

SHITCO and ASSCO, that is pure gold and top notch humor!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Erik.

[@TheRoiderien]

Hi Uncle Doug--nice job as usual. I want to make a comment about using separate cathode resistors in your output-stage. With separate resistors like that, the output circuitry is not really operating like a standard push-pull amplifier. This situation can be addressed by either adding bypass caps across each cathode resistor, which will also, for good or bad, increase the gain of the stage. An alternative is to connect the 2 cathodes together by means of a bipolar electrolytic cap. That will also increase the gain. Your comment about shipping damage reminded me that one of my coworker's father worked for a shipping company, and she told me that her dad and his coworkers always took special delight in treating any box marked with a "fragile" label especially rough. Not nice!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the tip, R. Re shipping damage, I would wager that 90% of it is due to employee negligence and/or malice.

[@danielsaturnino5715]

I would have been pissed if that was my amplifier... poor thing has met his doom. Thanks for sharing

[@UncleDoug]

It is sad, because it will now end up in a trash heap somewhere......after surviving for all these years.

[@RandySchartiger]

wow that's a cool old amp! cooler now that you fixed it! nice work mate! btw ups handles guitars the same way!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Randy. I don't doubt it.

[@richardweinberger2756]

Hi Doug - Such a cool amp, one can only wonder what those 6L6's would sound like with a good speaker. Speaking as an experienced Ebay'er , we all must remember that new items are all about the manufacturer and used items are all about the previous owner or seller. If I am looking at some delicate or easily damaged item I always check the seller's feedback and other items for sale to see if they are familiar with vintage tube gear or old violins or whatever. If not, then I have to really think about buying from them. Even if I get my money back the time, frustration and lost joy from getting that great item are not a fair compensation. A seller that deals in lots of tubes and tube gear knows how to ship, and probably how to test them also.

[@UncleDoug]

Excellent point, Richard. Thanks !!!

[@moodyga40]

great video been waiting for a new video

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ian.

[@samdefrancomusic]

HA!!!!! Best video ever Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow.....thanks, Sam. I tried to have some fun with this one :)

[@Darryl603]

The amp sounded hideous, imo. I still enjoyed the video and appreciate your taking the time to share. Thanks and see you next time...

[@sarcophagist4097]

As much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree with the above message. (Which doesn't detract from the fact that I enjoyed this video very much.) I bet the original speaker would sound beautiful though after being reconed. Is the process of reconing an electrodynamic speaker any different compared to an alnico or ceramic speaker?

[@Headwind-1]

@@sarcophagist4097 don't think so

[@scott729]

I agree somewhat although it is hard to tell for sure from KZbin. I thought it had nice breakup and potential. I mean its 3/4 of a century old. A 1940's push pull 6L6 circuit is something I would be interested in. The one thing that bothered me was it seemed pretty noisy, but again not sure why or if it was just because UD was sitting close to the amp and it was turned up .... maybe he will give us his .02 on that.

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you for your courteous input, Darryl. Maybe next time things will be better.

[@UncleDoug]

Yes, the speaker could have been re-coned.....but it was in virtually perfect condition, other than some tone deficiencies. The owner and I decided it was best to leave it in place. The re-coning process is virtually identical for both types of speaker.

[@willykanos1044]

Good find.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Willy. It's a customer's amp......in for repairs.

[@MrBrymstond]

I'm blown away it works, but the noise sounds like the old AM transistor radio's stuck between channels, but the cats can still rock!

[@UncleDoug]

A mixed review, Mr. B......but we appreciate it all the same :)

[@MrBrymstond]

@@UncleDoug Just a noisy amp

[@SandersAmps]

It must be Christmas to get that in the mail. Or, considering the "mute horror," Halloween :) Not to mention the disemboweled antelope. This is now my favorite TV show!

[@UncleDoug]

That's good news, Shaun :)

[@danielthomas3057]

Hi UD; A 7C7 is a sharp cut-off pentode, similar to a 6SJ7 except that the C7 has 0.15 amp filament and the J7 is 0.3 amp. 7N7 is a 6SN7. If the rectifier socket has the following pins jumpered, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, 2 to 7, then either a 5Y3 or a 5Y4 will operate in it. Same with 5U4 and 5X4 in amps that require the higher rated rectifiers. Nice restoration!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Daniel.

[@georgekrabs6948]

Uncle Doug this seems to be very Friedrich Ulrich & Carl Kramer Electro Dynamic sounding BUT you did a great job to rescue it from possible meltdown

[@UncleDoug]

Two of my favorite manufacturers, George. Thanks !!! (I guess :)

[@georgekrabs6948]

@@UncleDoug Yeah I think they're both denfunked now (did I spell that right?)

[@kane100574]

You crack me up, man. I appreciate your time and knowledge and sharings so much!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Tim.

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Nice repair of a rare and classic amp. I can't help wonder, though, that there must be a time when old damaged tweed cloth is better off replaced than repaired. Like a beautiful woman, that gorgeous faceplate deserves a new set of clothes to complete the package.

[@UncleDoug]

I understand your feelings, SY, and I have recovered amp and speaker cabinets that were too bad to live with.....but in this case, it didn't seem all that bad to me. A nice Masco emblem above the speaker opening would be welcome, however.

[@12DGJB21]

YAY for dim bulb testers!!!! They are certainly a must have tool! I just completed building mine based on the design by "Electronics Old and New by M Caldeira". It was a fun build. I put it in a very elegant home built birch plywood chassis.

[@UncleDoug]

Amen, XT. They are the "sine qua non" of electronic tools.

[@brittisaacrossman]

Well, you certainly brought one back nicely! It's a damn shame the other beautiful tweed combo didnt escape the ampaggedon... Definitely glad ASSCO wasn't a company in the 40s. I dont think they'd have been long for this world.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Britt.

[@garystevens6831]

That old mains supply cable looks like something that would have been provided for an electric shaver...

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Thanks Unka Doug, nice restoration. At 70+ years its nice to see this stuff getting back in service. I have to say though that my experiences with loctal tubes has been less than stellar though. I have a few radios with them. Either I'm doing something wrong or my Hickok 2000 is showing every one of them as bad. Have never seen that before. Too bad about the second one. I feel for you... been there. Some shippers have their heads stuffed with peanuts instead of the package. Cheers,

[@goodun2974]

The short stubby pins found on loctal tubes are prone to intermittent connections due to any slight oxidation or corrosion on the tube pins or the contacts inside the socket. Polish the tube pins with a toothbrush sized wire brush, or an ink eraser. Clean/ polish the Loctal socket in your tube tester. *Don't spray them with Deoxit or any other residue-leaving control cleaner! Don't! Never ever!* At minimum, those miniature dental brushes used for cleaning around and between your teeth and orthotics, and drizzling with some pure alcohol or similar solvent, might clean the socket contacts reasonably well. Better yet, use a wound guitar string about the same diameter as the tube pins, probably. 036 to .039 ors so, and work it back and forth in the socket contacts, using it as a miniature round file, and flush the contacts with alcohol afterwards. A can of pressurized "air", keyboard duster in a can, is helpful as well. Retension the contacts, bending/pinching them closer together, with a dental pick or hewelers screwdriver. Then test those tubes again!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Eddy. Thanks for the nice comments.

[@SeanKerns]

Wow. That thing was a real basket case as it arrived, both from shipping damage and electrical malpractice. What a cool amp, though!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Sean.

[@dhpbear2]

17:16 - That's a neat fix. I'm sure there are COUNTLESS amps out there that use that original single-cathode-resistor design :(

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, David. It really seemed to work well.

[@jmonk77]

"Notify the Smithsonian... " I will have to remember that one for some opportune time.

[@jimraimondi410]

Disembowled Antelope LMAO!!!!!! Yep, We have a Goodwill near the house and I always scour the cord bin. :)

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it , Jim.

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! Jack's too funny... :-)

[@richardruth3315]

Wrong! That poor old amp could have been repaired, regardless of "the principles" involved. We have all seen you make such repairs and I know I'm not the only one who would have liked to have seen that with this one. On the other hand, this was perhaps the funniest segment you have done yet! 6:29-- a disemboweled antelope!!?? I'm still snickering over that one... Thanks for another great one!

[@UncleDoug]

Yes, I could have repaired it, Richard, but the decision wasn't mine. The seller chose to have it returned so he could file a claim.

[@audiotechlabs4650]

Like most corporations, UPS just don't care! They make millions a year and to refund a few $100s in damage control is peanuts to them. The people who ship their precious items are the ones who take it in the rear! This beautiful vintage amp could have been restored to a killer amp, but now it probably won't happen! The Masco was great! I had a Masco PA amp. It was very powerful, but did not meet my garage band needs. I traded it in on a used Gibson Hawk, man I wish I still had it today. Thanxz

[@UncleDoug]

You're right, ATL......or they simply decline the claim, since they are the arbiters of who is at fault (unless you appeal, I believe).

[@tomfrye9037]

Not to worry on my part. I'm used to time warps. There's a shop by that name in a nearby town(8-). They have all kinds of ancient technology in there. I'll see if they have anything you might be interested in next time I go there. Regarding wires broken off transformers/chokes...can you say "Nightmare"? There...I knew you could(8-) Great cabinet fix...fits like socks on a chicken(8-). And the amp mods...made sense again to move the volume control in one stage.There's already a volume control on the guitar. So paralleling one right across it doesn't make sense...but that's what happens if the amp's volume control is the first thing the signal sees when entering the amp. Wow! That Fidelity amp got hammered! I can't believe UPS could let something like that happen. Little fixes to a cabinet won't make it sound enough different to tell, but a major overhaul would. Ideally UPS will make good, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Anyway, Thanks for a great video and some great advise.

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Tom. Thanks for all your nice comments.

[@bucyruserie1211]

Hi Uncle Doug & Jack '"We suspect it's Jack anyway ;-)" That Masco is a wonderful amplifier, I couldn't agree more about the unique beauty of the control panel on it. It truly draws one's eye and defines the identity of the brand. I'm also a sucker for odd/different type tubes, and this amp does not disappoint! Aside from the speaker issue, I thought the amp had great volume and tone.. I was thinking maybe you could try using your patented method to tighten up the suspension, then perhaps try some various Henry chokes, attached to the speaker? It just might quell the troublesome thing. Doug, like always, you did a marvelous job of repairing/restoring the amp to full operating condition and excellent cosmetic condition, while respecting and striving to keep the originality of these jem's.. I too have had amplifiers ruined by UPS (fighting to get the declared value, which I always payed extra insurance for) It's a shame the Fidelity De-Luxe didn't survive it's obvious mishandling, as it looked like a cool vintage amplifier. I was intrigued with the 6 inputs, wondering if they had different impedance or not?/? Also the tremolo.. I wonder how it worked, and how it would have sounded.. Shame you two didn't come up with a number that worked for you both, as I'm certain you could have repaired it... Wow sorry comment is so long. If you happen to reply back to this message, try to keep it short!!!! lol Be well, Tom

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for all your very nice comments, Tom. The return of the damaged amp was out of my control. The seller didn't want to suffer a loss due to the carrier's mishandling of the item, and I was asked to return it. Yes, it could have been saved without a huge amount of effort and would have probably been an very nice and interesting amp to feature in a video.

[@deadfreightwest5956]

Recently I got an item shipped to me "free" UPS 2-day service. It took a week. It actually got within a few miles of me the day after ordering, then got a new label, was shipped cross-country, lost, found, relabeled, sent to yet another state, shipped from there back to where it was the first time. Now, I have a deal with UPS to deliver to a local UPS store for pickup. They are supposed to text me when it's there. They didn't this time. So I went in to pick it up and they charged me for holding it. Grr! So, among other things, watch out for "free" shipping. It'll cost you!

[@UncleDoug]

UPS is, to me, the worst of all carriers when it comes to making you pay extra for reasonable delivery time. If you don't pay up, your shipment will sit for days in some musty warehouse. The damaged amp spent two extra days in each of two different locations along the way......just to be sure that it took the full 7 days to reach me. FedEx Ground will deliver in 2 or 3 days regardless.

[@goodun2974]

Only one and a 1/2 minutes into watching the video , but as soon as you showed the control panel I realized that I have repaired an identical or nearly identical Masco amplifier in the past, I will have to check my records. Without watching the entire video, I am predicting in advance that you will likely have a problem with hum and a ground loop between the amplifier chassis and the top mounted control panel. If I am right, you can cure this by running a regular ground wire between the two and disconnecting the Shields of the signal-carrying cable at one end. We will see if my prediction holds up. By the way, Masco stands for the Mark A Simpson company, who also built many Bogen-like PA amps as well. Sams' published the service info for some of the Masco products, and I do have a pretty good collection *of schematics* [edit/ correction] for those.

[@UncleDoug]

I did eliminate the shield connection at both ends of each shielded cable. Perhaps as a result, hum wasn't an issue.

[@hubbsllc]

“Paging Mr. Gibbons - Mr. Billy Gibbons...you have a code red at Uncle Doug’s house.” Would love to hear this through a well-sorted speaker cabinet, especially with humbuckers.

[@UncleDoug]

Then you should listen to our video featuring the Legend 50 amp......Billy himself would have been proud.

[@kgsalvage6306]

Where's Arnie? Had to go back and watch this one again. Thought about building an amp with some loctal tubes. Just as good the second time!