1966 "Tweed" Fender Vibro-Champ......A Real Challenge to Repair

This lengthy and rather complex video covers the trials and tribulations presented by a 1966 Fender Vibro-Champ in a tweed cabinet (see the video). Because of the difficulties encountered, there are many helpful and informative repair techniques, such as: 1.) Correcting ultra-high tube bias 2.) Silencing both 120Hz and 60Hz hum 3.) Correcting single-wire 6.3VAC filament wiring 4.) Power switch replacement 5.) Installation of a new can capacitor 6.) Proper installation of an oxblood grille cloth.....and several other procedures, including good packing and shipping methods.
In addition, we will have a brief overview of the evolution of Fender tweed cabinets. The audio demo has a nice, but hopefully-not-too-distracting photo montage, including baby pics of Jack and before-and-after pics of K.C. Finally, we will go for a drone flight off of a steep mountain highway, with vertigo-inducing altitude and a special backing track.
If you enjoy advertising-free videos such as this one, please SUBSCRIBE to our channel and consider becoming a PATREON patron of our channel at this link: / uncledougsvintageamps or making a PayPal contribution to: [e-mail] THANKS !!!
If you like vintage cars, trucks and hot rods, please visit our second YT channel: Uncle Doug's Hot Rod Garage Thanks !!!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Wow, what a rebuild! Hey, thanks for the nice Patreon audio perk of this video's soundboard direct recordings. I'd rather listen to those than the KZbin re-compression of your work. Nice to see Jack again. Have a great weekend.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for your nice comments, Craig. I'm glad to offer Patreon patrons an early viewing of the video, as well as access to the original (non-YT-processed) audio demo file.

[@GilgaFrank]

It's always a good day when there's a new video of Doug digging around inside an elderly amplifier

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Frank. It's our life's work :)

[@RHR-221b]

@@UncleDoug 😎

[@marccarter1350]

An hour of uncle Doug inside an Amp on a Sunday, heaven :-)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Marc.....and I survived ;)

[@MrJoeydano]

This is why I’m SO GLAD I had the amp sent to you ! I honestly don’t know if I could find any other tech who would do what you do ! THANK YOU SO MUCH UNCLE DOUG 👍

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Doug. I'm glad you got to see the video.....it's a good record of all that was done to it. I hope you're pleased with the result :)

[@alexbozas887]

Thanks Uncle Doug, best vacuum tube restoration service and online you tube audio school in the whole damn world.

[@UncleDoug]

Wow....thanks, Alex :)

[@scottmulrooney3130]

#Truth!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I always use all the sections of multi-section caps, if 1 is stated to be unused, to increase the filter effect, just as they did in the later version of the circuit. I ALSO will add a choke right off the rectifier tube if the original does not have one specified. In the case of 'original' or not, I always vote for improved performance. If I came across filaments like this, I would absolutely remove the cheap grounded method, and replace with twisted pair and a 2 resistor virtual center tap ground if no actual center tap winding is present. Kudos and 3 thumbs up to you for doing it!!!! As I watched the video progressing, I wondered if you would get to it or not.. Almost started cheering and shouting out YES!!! when I saw you get to it. Other viewers take note: This is the right way! Do IT!!!! I am nearly 70 years old and been building hi-fi and commercial tube gear as a hobby since 1965, and professionally since the mid 70s. Uncle Doug is teaching you correctly! Listen, watch and learn. One day we old farts will be dead, and it will be you younger ones carrying on, so learn the craft and do it right while guys like Doug are here to teach.

[@UncleDoug]

Wow.....thanks so much for your very nice comments, Jennifer. I hold your opinion in high regard and appreciate your helpful, knowledgeable input.

[@m1goodwin]

OK Jennifer, enough kissing up - get to work! Just kidding! :) A very relevant comment.

[@joseceraia]

I also use a choke in every amp, even in my Champ.

[@UncleDoug]

@@joseceraia It's an excellent addition to any amp circuit that doesn't already have one, Jose.

[@lucianodebenedictis6014]

This is all right. Only small exception if there's a rectifier tube you don't want the reservoir capacitor too big of course Edit: oh he has addressed that By the way yeah, that original heater wiring seemed pretty awful

[@shaunsanders9673]

These videos are a national treasure. But enough kissing up...made me lol. To be able to watch any of these videos from time to time keeps me grounded (metaphorically) and gives me confidence for the next project. So cool. Plus - hot rods! The amp sounds great. The guitarist is getting really good, too. But enough kissing up.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Shaun. Thanks for your nice comments......but enough kissing up.......;)

[@mrgrinch14]

What I love about these videos is how well you go into the WHYS of what you're doing and what not to do. For someone who's new to old tube amps and aspiring to build myself an amp someday it really helps me to understand the nuances of each part of the construction process from circuit to front panel.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Mr. G. Comments like yours help me decide what to emphasize and include in each video.

[@LTJR.]

Hello, great to hear you've been bitten by the building bug. If you haven't visited yet, you may also want to try "el34 world". Not a KZbin show, but an open forum with many helpful, knowledgeable folks. Between this great site and there, I can now build an amp from the ground up..... Without shocking myself too many times JK!

[@UncleDoug]

@@LTJR. Agreed, Lawrence, EL34 world is an excellent site. I visit them often.

[@joseceraia]

I like people who always ask WHY or WHY not, that makes them so special and different from all others . The main reason why I like Uncle Dougs channel so much.He is my hero !

[@UncleDoug]

@@joseceraia You're so kind to say so, Jose. Thank you !!!

[@IL2TXGunslinger]

You are a National Treasure, sir! Thank you for all your efforts - I watch every video and most of the old ones also. You are such an effective teacher

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, IL2. We really appreciate it :)

[@jonathanfreeman7441]

Great job Uncle Doug, you always teach me so much! I just finished up a Deluxe Reverb build on my own thanks to your influence!

[@UncleDoug]

That's great news, Jonathan. Congratulations !!!!

[@Retro.Studio]

I always enjoyed to watch your videos sir. Nothing better than laying in bed stream your videos to my bedroom tv. Excellent job you’ve made on this amp. Very good education for me also. Love your extended version of Sleepwalk. Stay safe uncle😷

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, Retro, and you have a good ear......the backing track for the drone tune was indeed Sleepwalk :)

[@alexbostelle287]

You have such a methodical, deliberate approach it's down right therapeutic....I'm done gushing except to say I really enjoy your use of vocabulary, refreshing.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Alex. Glad you enjoy our videos.

[@AiMR]

57 is a great guitar mic. One of the things I was taught in the recording studio is to put the mic a little off axis rather than dead center. Always a pleasure Uncle Doug, you're such a good teacher!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, AMR. I try to do that. The cameral angle is sometimes deceiving.

[@LitesLAB]

Great job Uncle Doug! I especially liked your attention to detail on the grill cloth. This is often overlooked, so it was nice to see you do it right. Keep on rockin’ !

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, LB :)

[@johnlanfranchi3234]

I'm hooked! Who needs Valium when you have an Uncle Doug. Thanks from FLA. for all you do.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, John. High praise indeed :)

[@ManMartin]

Very clever trick to aline the cloth. Thanks again

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, MM.

[@greatreset3]

You never said, but apparently you found out who the owner was? But what a great job cleaning up the sloppy mods and grill. I truly believe it takes a guitar player to repair amps properly, not just electronics knowledge. 🎶🎸👍

[@UncleDoug]

Yes, once I saw what was in the box, I knew who it belonged to, Ed. Thanks so much. I agree......oscilloscopes are not a reliable tone-measuring device.

[@tunedaug]

That filament wiring was pathetic. Unbelievable. Maybe one of your best video's that I've seen! So much great information. Thank you UG!! Music cool too....

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks, Lee. I expected a simple repair job, but it turned out to be anything but.

[@charleshensley2018]

This amp demonstrates the difference in the quality of Fender amps pre CBS and post CBS.

[@UncleDoug]

@@charleshensley2018 I wonder if the pre-CBS amps had double-wire 6.3VAC circuits. If so, then it would confirm your suspicions, Charles.

[@medley4570]

Uncle Doug , I don’t think that the single filament wire approach was either new to the CBS amps, or even unique to Fender. My 1956 Magnatone Varsity Deluxe has the same wiring for the filament supply. Unfortunately in my case, there was no remnant of an original center tap wire to take advantage of. In fact, after posting this reply, I just looked up the original 5F1 Champ schematic, and it used the same approach. Great video once again, UD.

[@goodun2974]

@@medley4570 , Many entry level single ended guitar amps did the exact same thing, cheaped-out on the filament supply circuit. From Dickerson to Kalamazoo to Multivox/Premier, it was pretty common.

[@knifeswitch5973]

Doug, you are our filter cap trick in a mad mad power supply world! Thanks for the hour of peace

[@UncleDoug]

The pleasure was ours, Mike. Thanks for joining us.

[@adamstyles7977]

Jam packed full of concise, important information. Become a patron, worth every cent.

[@UncleDoug]

Wow.....thanks twice, Adam :)

[@billphillipstube]

“Be aware she can love in any direction.” Classic.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Bill :)

[@Kilovolver]

Clicked here faster than southwest lightning! Thanks UD!

[@damianred2003]

when I saw the notification and entered the video it said 4 views posted 4 seconds ago 🤣🤣🤣⚡⚡⚡

[@UncleDoug]

That's the way we like it, K. Thanks :)

[@matambale]

A good 22uF/25V cap should read no higher than 2 on an ESR meter. I don't know why I had to look that up, and comment, but I feel better having done so. As usual, thank you for an excellent video, Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the info, M :) You're quite welcome.

[@wandawong]

Terrific repair video... plus, excellent surface shots of the planet Mars, at the end!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, WW. We colonized many years ago ;)

[@paulcargo4233]

UD, great job as usual and the amp sounds great. In 1966 this amp listed for about $80.00 maybe about $600.00 in todays money yet Leo pinched every penny he possibly could with little regards for the hum chasing techs 50 years later...

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Paul :)

[@mikecamps7226]

FENDER did make mistakes.......if you follow what Uncle Doug did.....essentially fender cut out a piece of wire that comes supplied with the contracted power transformer to SAVE having to properly wire the heater filament circuit with an extra wire. A wire for a wire.....in the biblical sense, and REALLY in reality .....how much was FENDER saving ??? Damn Accountants getting their hands involved where they don't belong.......and needing the Mittens put on them !!!

[@UncleDoug]

@@mikecamps7226 Agreed, Mike. They still had to ground one pin on all the amplification tubes.

[@mikecamps7226]

@@UncleDoug When you examine the old ancient schematics for the early era......the Fender "A" and up to the "G" series (but not all G series) and both 8 pin and 9 pin pre-amp tubes and power tubes......they indicate to ground the one heater pin, THOUGH it maybe in a push/pull amp......just the old method. BUT for me, its a rarity that I see old stuff with the true birds nest point to point wiring and where I'd actually remember having it stick in my mind.......since its rather unusual for the heater circuitry to experience a failure and one of the first things to wire when building a true birds nest chassis with no circuit board hahaha. I usually see the heater hum when somebody converts power tubes to like 6550's and adds a filament transformer to run the pre-amp tubes but they used a 12 volt transformer and didn't have the pre-amp tubes wired humbucker for 6.3 volts.....because they need the power transformer to devote all its heater supply to run the 6550's. Which translates to me that they went to radio shack and the 6.3 transformers were out of stock that day and they grabbed a 12 volt transformer.........and couldn't wait......2 separate heater supplies

[@russellhltn1396]

@@mikecamps7226 The cost savings isn't the wire, it's in the labor.

[@cvdevol]

Regardless of historical accuracy, that amp looks totally cool!

[@UncleDoug]

I agree, Chris. It's a great looking amp :)

[@paulvale2985]

@canuckguy worried Personally, as the amp was indeed a 'Frankensteien', I would have fitted the chrome Fender logo to the grill but either way a great amp and a superb hour of Uncle Doug,

[@nickleonard8936]

The first amp I worked on was a 1965 Vibrochamp that my aunt gave me after finding it in her shed. I watched through your videos and tried my best to learn how it worked. I had to painstakingly go through everything you just did, and encountered the same hum issues. After forum surfing and banging my head against the wall, I finally found that the 40uF cap was the fix. Part of me wishes that this video had been on KZbin at the time, but the other part is grateful that I had to work out the issue on my own. I learned a lot more that way. Thanks for all these videos and your attention to detail!

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Nick. I agree.....having to solve a problem without assistance is always a more meaningful lesson.

[@alexbostelle287]

I admire your adherence to standard of excellence..." i can't send it out looking like this" 👍 you are to be commended

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Alex. Reputation is based on deeds, not good intentions ;)

[@williamsquires3070]

(5:14) - Well, I have to admit; that’s something I’ve never seen before - a heat-shrinked power plug! 😂🤣

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

William Squires me too, with over 50 years of building stuff. Soon as you think you seen bout everthing, BOOM! ...a new variation on AC plug 'repair or enhancement'👍👍

[@UncleDoug]

Agreed, Bill & Jennifer. We never know what we'll find in these old jewels ;)

[@Cablexman2k]

Enough kissing up, let's get to work! Priceless.

[@UncleDoug]

Yep.....we can't lose sight of the real mission, which is fixing amps ;)

[@loopinnerthe]

Your work is sublime.This is when solid turns to gas without passing the liquid phase. Exactly as your drone at the end just lifted from solid ground to the air. If I owned that amp I would be so happy. To know that it wasn't just "mended" by an amp guy. Its origins and parents were researched its issues were corrected and then its circuit was improved. As ever a thrilling watch where I really learnt something, something of value.

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, IL. Thanks so much :)

[@comajoebuck999]

Really appreciate the grill cloth teaching.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Joe.

[@rosettenzerrer]

New album from Jack and Ollie: the hum is gone

[@UncleDoug]

.....and good riddance ;)

[@less_concerned1221]

I really enjoyed this one. It was a lot of fun to watch!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, LC.

[@stevekampe8979]

Learn so much every video! Thanks for sharing your experience with a newbie...

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Steve.

[@TheAmphibic]

Wow, Doug .. what an amazing demo and 'lesson' in your craft. I refurbished my silverface Vibro Champ about 10 years ago. Am more of an amateur and thought i'd check a few things over. That's how i found your channel. Anyway, learned a few more things! Thanks for your time and care I'm impressed. All the best!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your nice comments, AR. Welcome aboard :)

[@tubularrr1]

i learned more electronics with ur videos than in some electronics lessons at uni

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Benito......and our tuition is a lot cheaper than theirs :)

[@mega12ax72]

Another exercise in coolness from your favorite uncle👍👍👍😎

[@UncleDoug]

Right on, Mega. Thanks !!

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

You have such a beautiful black kitty cat. I love my black kitty cat. Mine is now almost 12 years old. Good to see you on, Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

Greetings, David. I hope you and your spouse are weathering the pandemic and ungodly heat with your usual aplomb :) It's ironic, but all this "self isolation", whether justified or not, has been great for the video biz. Jack has never been better, and has been ably assisting me since Rusty passed away. We adopted a little feral cat who showed up on our doorstep, starving and emaciated, and she has become a good friend and confidante for Jack. Stay well and keep producing your wonderful videos.

[@joemcgraw5529]

very nice repair Uncle Doug ,loved the slide show ,got to see ol Rusty again ,drone shots were awesome as well what a way to relax on a hot Sunday afternoon thanks for sharing

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Joe :)

[@oliverlangner5202]

Oh man! This channel is pure GOLD!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Oliver :)

[@HyyskanPolttaja]

Uncle Doug, thank you very much for this video, as well as all the others. It is a pleasure to watch your excellent repairs/restorations without being interrupted by advertisements every two minutes. Really liked Part II too. Stay well and keep those videos coming!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Kari. We will :)

[@fairenoughthenwhat]

Nice job uncle. The amp sizzles away beautifully, with some fantastic pics as a bonus.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, FE. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@zankyalbo2208]

Great video ...(as usual) ... and someone has some really great English motorcycles.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Zank. They're all gone. My knee went bad and I couldn't kick start them any more :(

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Fab job. Sound is ace. Well done for findingvthat center tap. The music is very relaxing and mystic.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Giulio.......glad you enjoyed it :)

[@martinfrog768]

What an excellently produced video ... Top Notch Uncle Doug

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, Martin :)

[@edwardswiderski4137]

Excellent video high quality information great craftsmanship thank you

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Ed.

[@hubbsllc]

Good job catching and fixing the potato heater wiring job. Enjoyed the travelogue at the end.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Hub. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@rickjoyner3281]

Nice slide show to watch while listening to the demo tunes on the rebuilt Fender. Thanks Uncle Doug

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Rick.

[@jimduffy9773]

Great refurbish sir. Plus the cool cars and drone footage. That is quite the drone package.

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, James.

[@davidtexmex1616]

This fast became the Fender Vibro-Nemesis, especially from resistor/plate onwards! Hats off to your professional conduct 🎩

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, David. Yes, it was much more of a challenge than I expected.

[@TheJimburke]

Great video Doug. For my personal sanity I'm going to watch a lot more Uncle Doug and a lot less news. Thank you for your excellent work.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, James. I agree.....the news is relentlessly negative and disturbing.

[@GregsGarage]

Good show as always Uncle Doug. Fun to see some pics of Rusty as well. We miss that guy!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Greg. We do too.....a lot :(

[@mp-ov9dh]

Everyone at my house knows that once I make the declaration that there is a new Uncle Doug video everything is on hold for the next hour! Great video, I learn something everytime.!!

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, MP. Thanks !!

[@rfostore]

Wonderful, a fresh pot of coffee and a new amp repair video from Uncle Doug. It's a great way to start a Sunday morning.

[@UncleDoug]

I hoped it would be, Ray. Thanks !!!

[@LTJR.]

I already commented earlier, then went off to other vids. I've also thanked you, but it just got driven in, for your contribution, in total---Your time, knowledge, professionalism, humor, pride, care for aftermarket...paraphrase Burgess Meredith from Grumpy old Men---You got 'em all! I just came away from a site where the commercial breaks, reminders to buy/spend, ''I cant do this w/o viewers buying my shirts, coffee mugs...mentions of so many friends that if they bought the merch, the site could sell stock...just to hear their ideas, It is SSSOOOOOO EVIDENT this is a labor of love. I cant afford payments, as my disability pay is minimal, but if you need a 'stand in' someone to personally look over parts, the packing of, or the whole of a car, amp, guitar, in orange county, Los Angeles CA. all u need do is ask........not that i'll do it, but never hurts to ask JK wait, your love of animals cinched it....the offer stands. LT

[@UncleDoug]

Wow....what a wonderful message and offer, Lawrence. We do buy hotrods from your area from time to time, to fix up for resale, and I will definitely keep you in mind. Thanks so much !!!

[@jeffbrooks7246]

That is one of the coolest videos you have ever made - awesome!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks, Jeff :)

[@TonyDrews]

Great stuff as always. I really enjoyed the slide show during the audio demo, that really kept me engaged.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Tony. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@petedazer3381]

Thanks for sharing that masking tape trick on the grill cloth sir! Excellent video, stay healthy!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Pete. Good luck with your projects.

[@jimsuber6784]

Nice amp Doug. Good playing too. very enjoyable.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Jim :) It's good to hear from you.

[@arnebroxleirnes418]

Thank you for yet another lovely, mouthwatering video!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Arne :)

[@rciancia]

I was going to mention that the 6.3v line was not normal, but now just see you found it. Well done Uncle Doug.. Excellent explanation and demonstration.. thank you so much.

[@UncleDoug]

It was original from Fender but so sub-optimal that I couldn't let it remain.......especially in an amp with a hum problem. Thanks !!!

[@alexbozas887]

Before I got to the part in the video where u changed the 6.3v wiring, I was yelling change it change it, so glad u did.:)))

[@UncleDoug]

@@alexbozas887 So am I, Alex. Thanks :)

[@oldguy5381]

Another fine quality video from UD shop. Thanks

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, OG.

[@guitarpoetone1]

Wow uncle Doug u are amazing😊 wish I new half as much of electronics As u do that's great... thanks super video...

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your very nice comments, Lorenzo ;)

[@prigs750]

Thanks for another great video Doug. Special thanks for the BSA pics

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you like them, Paul. You're welcome.

[@dhix2388]

great vid .along with all your other expertise and eye for detail also a detective. enjoyed thanks for your time.

[@UncleDoug]

Our pleasure, DH :)

[@charlypetra191]

THANKS DOUG have watched almost all of your videos as a tech. PLEASE DO ONE on sources Diagrams, parts favorites etc... You instruct very logically.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Charly. I'll keep your suggestion in mind. Thanks !!!

[@randyheath8566]

Uncle Doug, your the Best. I really appreciate and Love your Channel your Videos and Content ✌👍🙏❤🧨🎸🌞⭐️

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, Randy. That's great to hear :)

[@The411]

I restuff the paper tubes and leave a note for the next tech with a sticker and sharpie. Loved the grill cloth explanation Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Good idea, LSR. Thanks !!!

[@jerrystephenson1172]

This is a real gem of a video! Excellent work on the champ & it sounds so good. Then the bonus of cool bikes & hot rods w/a added drone passage really made my day. You are truly a national treasure. Thanks doesn't seem enough.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jerry. We really appreciate your very kind comments.

[@madDadMusic]

especially enjoyed the slide show and seeing Rusty, plus the drone video of the desert.

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad, Tim. Thanks for joining us.

[@divebomb99]

Incredible video and absolutely indispensable. As far as those abnormal reissues, I love them specifically *because* of the jarring aberrations. They are typically visually pleasant and they stand out from the sea of usual suspects.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, DB :)

[@Denvermorgan2000]

Thanks for another great video and uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You are quite welcome, Denver.

[@carlosmanuelgonzalez310]

Great video!! Lots of knowledge. Thank you for sharing!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Carlos. Glad you liked it :)

[@matnelen1724]

This was great. Watched it twice!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow......thanks, Mat :)

[@PipeCat1965]

Unc, that was the COOLEST! Nice rescue of that little oopart/gem. It ended up having a repurpose sweeter than it original purpose. And GAWD, what sweet hot rods! I luh-HUV'd that little musical (Ollie & Jack?) flight at the end. We almost got a peek at the man himself, but not close-up enough to ID. I remain a happy lifelong Patre-ot.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, PC......glad you enjoyed it :)

[@j81851]

Absolutely made my Sunday afternoon! I know of no one I enjoy more and feel more brotherhood with than Uncle Doug. The amp, the repairs and updates keeping the original core, the explanations of the "weird mods" and fruit basket turnover effect of the grille, tolex and logo were absolutely what I expect from the Master of Fender Amps UD, I just delight in a man that appreciates the quality and durability of equipment made decades ago. For example one of my regular wear watches is 51 years old purchased when I was a young man from the fruits of my labor mowing yards and saving up. Unfortunately it was stolen some times back but eBay yielded an exact copy so now I can continue to wear that model and keep the sweet memories of my wonderful Dad hauling a lawnmower around in his 55 Buick so I could cut yards and make a little money to buy a watch I really wanted. There is just something good, wholesome decent and right about that memory! I appreciate UD and his vigil to preserve memories and up lift qualities and values of the people and the equipment they made so well. Specs on a page for new amps may be a lot better but try to convince us old guys of it, no chance! Keep up the good work you inspired me to solder on and I appreciate you and the inspiration. Just color me 69 and hanging in there!

[@UncleDoug]

What a wonderful note, John. This is why I take the time to review every comment. The character you built by working to earn your watch was actually a far greater acquisition, wholesome and decent indeed, and one I fear may be lacking in today's world. What type of watch was it? One of my previous hobbies was collecting and repairing vintage pocket and wrist watches. Trust me, as long as there are viewers like you, we will continue doing our best to entertain and inform our audience.

[@dougakers7974]

What an outstanding teaching lesson

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, Doug :)

[@hadireg]

missed your videos Uncle Dough! Glad to hear your voice!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Hadi. It takes a couple weeks to produce a video. We have a new one on the way soon.

[@Justafeller]

Another great video. This amp got the works. And started off the test with some STP. Cool photos as well. Nice job UD!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, JSG :)

[@smasica]

Looks like miles and miles of just . . . miles and miles out in that desert. Nice montage of car photos.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, TM. That's where "the buffalo roam" ;)

[@gwhiteoh53]

The Vibro Champ sounds amazing. What a great job you do.

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, Greg.

[@Andreas_Straub]

Amazing video. Actually learned a lot by it - even though I am certainly not quite unexperienced with building tube amps. Thank You!

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad to hear it, Andreas. You're welcome :)

[@raycave2829]

Always a great education uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ray.

[@bassiclogic]

Agree with you on the grill cloth covering! It looks like a roller coaster.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, BL.

[@jakoblindekilde5832]

Great work - I'm always impressed with Dougs work!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jakob :)

[@marknash7113]

Uncle Doug the tweak master, sorts through the tone details from tremelo to bias tone! Get ya some of this wisdom! From an EE, who would agree?

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mark. Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@goldenbruce3583]

Hi uncle doug I'm so excited when I tune in to your you tube channel ,and I keep learning about tube amp from you're video's ,thank you and God bless you

[@UncleDoug]

Wow.....thanks so much, Bruce :) Likewise on the blessing.

[@goldenbruce3583]

Yeah uncle Doug may God bless always ,and you really have great taste of vintage cars.good day and More power to you uncle Doug

[@UncleDoug]

@@goldenbruce3583 Wow.....thanks so much, Bruce :)

[@timrussellguitar1516]

You’re amazing Doug! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you, Tim :)

[@robbramwell512]

Incredible restoration! The Vibro Champ sounds amazing!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Rob :)

[@michaelbutler2312]

this is just an amazing video from top to bottom. i love it!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you so much, Michael :)

[@gearheadted9210]

What a great way to spend a sunday afternoon,Uncle Doug an old Fender amp,hotrods,popcorn,Fanta orange and some great pickin,thanks so much for sharing you knowledge and hobbies,you're a swell fella!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Ted :)

[@SteverRob]

I built my own Vibro champ from scratch, a Weber 12" alnico in a pine cabinet I had built by a custom cabinet builder, oxblood grilleloth. All discreet components I had on hand. The cab was so beautiful I couldn't tolex it, so I coated it in polyurethane.

[@UncleDoug]

That sounds like a great project, Steve. I'll bet it's beautiful.

[@plgplgplg]

Really good vid UG, lots of notes to take. Followed by STP, TP, ZZ blues etc and cars n cats, pure entertainment baybee.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, P3. Thanks for watching :)

[@fransterhorst3694]

Thank you so much for sharing this valuable knowledge once more, i cannot say it often enough how much i learned from your posts, love to see the additional footage and the great drone shots too! keep on doing what you're doing! cheers!

[@UncleDoug]

You are very welcome, Frans. We will :)

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Great as usual. Legend has it that Clapton and Duane Allman both used vibro champs on the Layla album. They were both modded by claptons tech! I watched a vid on how to do it but That vid is still on you tube . It involves a resister and cap in the tone stack that sends alot of the gain to ground. He put a switch in to keep it stock or unleashed.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Russell. I guess that allowed them to run at max volume and distortion, without overwhelming the little speaker.

[@bertrodriguez3087]

I knew you'd rewire the filament wiring before you did it. I'd bet my bottom dollar on it. That single ended amp was never as quiet as you made it lol. Awesome job as always !!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Bert. There is only one way to do a job ;)

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hey Uncle Doug, You made my day. Best, C.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad to hear it, Cass. Likewise :)

[@sski]

The perfect Sunday morning watch. Wicked amp repair, a really cool slide show during the play testing phase, and some aerial site seeing at the end. Thank you, Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, SS :)

[@Wildman9]

Hi Doug ,after going to the ElectroHarmonix site.They state that you can run these tubes up to 475 volts with no problems.Now if your transformer can take it is another story. Nice redo.It will probably outlast all of us .🎸😎

[@UncleDoug]

I tend to think that the EH 6V6's are actually re-branded 6L6's, Bob. It would explain their high voltage/current capabilities.