1959 FENDER CHAMP 5F1 Guitar Amp Repair, Restoration & Demo

In this video, we'll follow the electronic restoration of a 1959 Fender Tweed 5F1 Champ tube guitar amp. We'll go slow and show a lot of our work and do a lot of BSing about stuff. At the end, we'll demonstrate the amp using my Zio Meteorologist.
#Electronics #Guitar #Restoration
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[@Blaren1]

Seriously? Sawdust causes cancer now? Brad PLEASE don't say things you know nothing of. If you want to see data about asbestos just Google it but please do NOT tell people it is like sawdust. Asbestos fibers are long and sharp and when they get unto lungs...ahh, go read about it. Just please stop being an idiot about deadly things. Also don't guess. No, extra holes weren't drilled into a chassis "in case they wanted to use a bigger transformer". Did you ever think that maybe that bottom "back door" was originally installed higher where the color is different?? Facepalm. Please stick to what you are good at. Yeah I don't know either Kidding. You are good at making g KZbin videos and fixing amps and playing guitar.

[@TheGuitologist]

I did not say "asbestos is like sawdust". If you want a serious discussion on something, don't attempt to start one by applying a strawman onto your opponent's argument. But in case YOU want to get educated on sawdust, here you go: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/wood-dust

[@MercutioUK2006]

I think that's convincing proof that Brad knows what he's talking about.....and that it pays to actually listen to what he says before launching a tirade based on misinformation and/or miscomprehension. Hardwood dust is the most likely culprit and of course working with guitars and amps is very likely to expose you to it's varieties. It's not as much of a risk as some occuptions, but it's certainly food for thought.

[@mrh.5903]

Remember the wearing masks? I seriously got issues with my sinuses, as with my lungs just by sawing and grinding natural wood, for hobby. When I feel sawdust flying around me I squeeze... I've also heard about cancer by oak etc. But just imagine those particles in the lungs... black snot... That's what we got these masks for.

[@TheFalcro1234]

@blaren yes as a matter of fact it does. You make yourself look stupid here not Brad. Not only can it cause cancer, it can and often does cause a few other respiratory issues. Here on KZbin The creator that owns Rosa String Works has lung problems from a lifetime of building and repairing Mandolins, guitars and Ukuleles. Maybe it is you that should not talk about or say things you know nothing of. Just a thought Edit: Congratulations on Making it to the "pinned comment" club

[@olivergiles6731]

Yes it does . Alder for instance is known to be carcinogenic. Depends a little on the species. .

[@caffeinastudio832]

It’s so good to see full videos like this, it’s not 10 seconds short, plus you actually learn something

[@1Dougloid]

After I did some research concerning the types of oil or wax that were used in paper and foil capacitors like the Astron you're holding I am never going to take one apart again. A lot of halogenated compounds were used, i.e., halowax. Good for stability and fireproofing but definitely not something to get too comfortable with. I spray a couple of coats of Krylon clear matte lacquer on those asbestos pads and that makes them non friable.

[@lonnieo4676]

Lupi,,, to be remembered for something you helped build in 1959 is really something,,, if she's still alive somebody should show her this video

[@bertrodriguez3087]

I was glad to see the fuse argument. Uncle Doug, as you stated, is just absolutely awesome. I know of no better teacher on KZbin. I have said more than once, the world needs more teachers like him. He just has that great teacher quality that is so hard to describe. I like his arguments, but I too have always soldered the fuse first. If you have ever gigged, you know the electricity is very spotty at best at some smaller venues (bar/grille type places). I would rather have the fuse blow before I ever turn my amp on. That's just the way I've always looked at it. And I have seen that happen in improperly grounded commercial sites, more than once.

[@nevillegoddard4966]

@@bertrodriguez3087 I think in this case, with this particular type of power switch, wiring the incoming active (hot) wire to the fuse first, is the better way to go. As Brad showed, just a mm or two distance from the switch terminals to the switch 'chassis' is of concern. And that's only the part of the switch we can see on the outside! Normally, or often, the power switch is mostly plastic or bakelite, so the possibility of an internal short to earth inside the switch is almost impossible. In that case I would always wire the incoming mains wire to the power switch first, or else there is mains power running round inside the amp even when it's switched off! What Brad should have emphasised a bit more was the incoming mains wire being connected to the END of the fuseholder, rather than the side.

[@rickwahrlich6259]

Love your channel. I watch you and uncle Doug all the time. I’m a retired audio tech. Brings back fond memories. Thanks

[@maxmustardman298]

going to a steel panther concert changed my life, its like medicine

[@pinkmoon4211]

Asbestos is deadly my friend thousands of shipyard workers here in Scotland have had a terrible death due to it . Not something to be careless about personally know people who died. Love your show .

[@JasonBrockStick]

You sir are an inspiration! Great that you share your knowledge on how to save older amps/electronics. You are also an inspiration in your strength as a father and human. Proud to be a watcher of your channel. Thanks for your hard work!

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you dig the channel.

[@vayabroder729]

Second that. Brad is a good man.

[@richardturk7162]

I have had new handles made by a shoe repair shop they deal in stacked leather and have the machines to sew it. They also can match the color too. I was able to get my cost to 5 bucks a handle and charged $30 for them.

[@michaelmiller1965]

I appreciated the way you discussed your preferred method of installing the power cord. I watch Uncle Doug and your channels to learn about amps, I consider you both very sharp. I've been reading up on amp repair and these videos are very helpful in connecting the dots. Thank you kind sir

[@TonySkiens]

Kudos on your comments about our Uncle

[@r1ckgr1m3s8]

Back in the early 90s my uncle who knows nothing about guitar amps picked up an old vibrolux at a yardsale in Delaware. Some fool spray painted the tweed black Aaauuuugggg! Anyway it would turn on but there were no tubes in it so it sat in my possesion for many years. So fast forward to about 8yrs ago a friend at work who fixes my Marshalls for me, I was telling him about it he said bring it in I'll take a look at it. Turns out it was from 59, he being an engineer & having more disposable income than me said I'll fix it up & you can sell it, OK! So he got new tweed & a handle it had the original Jensen that still worked, not sure what all caps & what not he replaced. Long story short, he put all the time & cash into it & gave me $1200.00 for it in the end. I'm just glad he was able to bring it back from death.

[@AB-ye6cl]

G'day from Australia Brandon sent me here

[@TheGuitologist]

Tell Brandon I said "thank you" and "let's go!"

[@Ezekiel33USA]

I love how much pride you take in these amps and the work you do. I am sure your customer really appreciate that. Enjoy watching your channel and I learn a lot from it. Thanks.

[@METEORAMPS]

A lot of times I found scratchy sound on pots due to bad interstage caps leaking DC. Great video Brad, keep on rockin´!

[@markr.k8260]

I have ‘62 Champ. Got it from a friend in the ‘70’s. Never sounded very good until I saw ( you were the 1st you tube channel I watched) you changing caps in an old amp. So I did it to mine last year with the Blue Zoso’s and it sounds so good and very quiet. I recently stuffed the old caps and will change them out soon. Have a ‘57 Deluxe I got from same friend that sounds bad so it will be next. I‘ll stuff the caps on it hopefully Lupe ( the tape is still there) won’t be able to notice. Thanks for the valuable info.

[@TheGuitologist]

Best of luck with all your electronics endeavors!

[@framusburns-hagstromiii808]

I can see reasons for both wiring methods in regards to the fuse and switch. I have seen fuse holders fail more often than those old-style switches. Typically the fuse-holder would Crack and crumble presenting a possible shock hazard if the tip is 'live' and I have seen that. Less often, I have seen those old switches break internally as well, which could present the possible short condition/hazard you base your method on, but I have never seen that happen. Uncle Doug's recommendation seems to be a good way to go if the Amp uses more a modern discreet on/off switch that is more robust and a better overall design....guess it depends on the amps design, component quality, etc. Good one Brad, Cheers!

[@santrixhimself3679]

the simplicity of these few components is pure and true beauty

[@danielsaturnino5715]

I'd say just unplug the amp from the mains if you are messing with fuses :) thanks for the video man

[@nicholashoell1295]

Brad! The new 80's retro intro is so cool! Keep it!

[@benlogan430]

To me if it doesn’t work right it’s value is zero donuts. So, I fix what ever is needed to make the stuff function. I always did that with vintage drums and the collectors would be upset and offer you poo for money. That was always alright because that’s what vintage drums cost me back in the day. Sweet video!

[@sski]

Great video to get my coffee and wake-n-bake on. Yeah, it's my day off from twistin' dials and making other people's music shine. Today I sit and work on my own stuff. And a few moments of The Bradster wailing through that little vintage cube gets the motivational juices flowing. One day, Brad... we're gonna jam. You, me, and my drummer from another. We'll show 'em what a Holy Trinity is all about. (Man, I would dig that so much. Me and Rich backing you up. It would rip.) Anyway, thanks for the video and have a great day!

[@EvilHomer1973]

I built one of these from the plans in Dave Hunters Amp book. It adds a tone control and a boost switch to the original Fender design. - Evil Homer

[@micahwatz1148]

I really hope you and your wife are doing well man. Kids need you two.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

RE: Fuse / Switch - I always service my amps in the shower which is how I became a break dancing champion

[@TheGuitologist]

Greatest movie of all time is "Breakin' 3: Breakin' in the Shower with Electronics".

[@srtamplification]

@@TheGuitologist Beat Street 2 Electric Boogaloo

[@josephandrews8483]

You would be floored on how many classic rock tracks were done in the studio with these tiny monsters!! Both the Randy Rhodes Ozzy albums, Warren DeMartini of Ratt did all the early albums and countless others you wouldn't think guitarist would use recording.

[@TheGuitologist]

DeMartini used a Super Champ, I think, from the Rivera era on the RATT records.

[@jpalberthoward9]

@@TheGuitologist Scene from "La Bamba" Sax player:What the hell is that? Richie: it's my amp. Sax player: That looks like something somebody threw away Richie: Well, it's mine now. (Proceeds to play "rip it up", gets the gig)

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

If the handle manufacturing doesnt pan out, you could make back panels for old amps and call yourself the " Back Door Man"! ... I'm here til Sunday, don't forget to tip your waitress!

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

pats tip number 2 with asbestos like on that rear panel i always spray two or 3 coats of a flat clear coat sealer.locks it down solid for at least 15 years and seals it perfectly. Your acoustic tinted spray Brad would work fine as well

[@kenpowilliamson]

nice Vid Brad Good to see you back in the electronic trenches on a regular basis.

[@timothyb1559]

Excellent as always. If you break out the sewing machine sign me up for a couple of the handles with the arrow shaped ends.

[@TheTrashologist]

When I used to do construction we would cut through the asbestos tiles on the outside of house with an angle grinder

[@TheGuitologist]

That's just flavor...to a High Life man.

[@TheTrashologist]

@@TheGuitologist I surely was living the High life then…. And now

[@sski]

Yeah, we used to do that all the time back in the 80's. No masks either. We were 20-something Ubermen back then so we knew nothing would kill us except getting married. Soon as I did get married I got a blood clot, diagnosed with emphysema, and a fanatical devotion to the Pope. Weird how that happens.

[@matthewf1979]

I’ve seen “Lupe” tape go $500 on Reverb. If anyone actually paid that much, I don’t know. Those Astron caps just crumble if you try to mess with them. The yellow molded case is made from some type of very hard epoxy/resin. I’ve never seen a 59 anything with a Schumacher transformer. I’d be willing to bet it’s an early to mid 60 model, especially with all of those extra mounting holes.

[@trubadorphotography2541]

Will watch this tonight when I get home from work. 👍🏻 😎🎸➿➿🎛🔊

[@zedcarr6128]

It would be lovely if you and other You Tube amp techs like Uncle Doug etc. had a meet up or Interweb collaboration of some kind.

[@michaelstokes4497]

Brad, the way you have wired the switch after the fuse means that the fuse protect all components within the amp. Bravo and best practice in my book. The power from the switch over the top of the lamp holder may move in time and the insulation then becomes compromised. Maybe better to go under with a blob of silicone snot to retain the movement of wire. Overkill maybe, better then potential problem later as a result.

[@jasonkirkham550]

Great video. I agree with you about capacitors. I suspect the capacitor myth started with salesman that didn't want to fix the amp and jack up the price.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

In regard to fuses, I agree completely with your approach of having the fuse be the very first thing in the circuit from Line (hot) entering the chassis. It is also compliant with UL and CSA standards and practices. Something that might be of interest to a few viewers is the strange fact that many radios from the 1920, 1930s, and into the 1940s, there were no fuses in the AC current loop at all. If collecting and/or restoring antique radios, you need to be aware of the situation, has a safety fuse been installed or not... In out own small collection of antique radios, we have added ‘inline’ fuse holders just inside the chassis, and ALWAYS as the first circuit element, just as you illustrate. If retaining a 2 prong cord, we use a polarized cord to ensure the Line and Neutral are always known.

[@folkenbluzer]

Interesting channel! I saw you around the metal head hippie show and thought I'd check it out. Looks cool. I have old equipment. I'll check ya later

[@simonnotthepieman1581]

Hi Brad, 6 mins in and still watching. My 57 has a gap in the lower third of the back which the user could tuck the cable into. I'll carry on watching now :)

[@jpalberthoward9]

How about relic leather handles? They've been doing that with jackets for a long time. Maybe you could put a little metal strip in the middle for strength. If the look was right, they'd probably sell.

[@alvarofalcon7136]

Sometimes when you want to check the fuse and it doesn’t come out right away but stays in the fuse cavity, and then you try to get it out with your fingers, that’s when you get shocked. The Uncle Doug wiring avoids this risk.

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Thanks Brad Best wishes from Columbus Ohio USA

[@ColeWheeler4Lyfe]

Perfect amp for taste testing your 12ax7 stash.

[@TheGuitologist]

True dat! I ended up installing a 50s RCA. Really brought out the top end sparkle. Anyone who says tubes don't make a difference are changing the output tubes and playing metal, not changing V1 and playing blues licks.

[@TonySkiens]

I always thought you went for the biggest tip possible

[@jasonkeen712]

Perfect mic to use with that amp! Sounds amazing!

[@dougckelly]

Love the opening clips dude.

[@lloydluokkala4274]

I like the comment about the song at 24:08 , sounds like it was played through this champ.

[@michaelbennett1883]

I agree with your wiring on this particular amp. I will say one of the worst shocks I've had was on a 1972 superlead. The ht fuse blew and the filter caps were fully charged even with the amp off and as I replaced it I had one hand on the chassis and my thumb was touching one end of the fuse as I was putting it in. ( those fuse holders are different) I learned my lesson with those type of fuse holders

[@yqwgjsg]

The only way I could see the fuse issue being a hazard would be if someone was replacing the fuse and stuck the new fuse into the holder first instead of the cap. Then touching the top of the fuse might be hazardous. However I do like the power being fused ahead of the electronics.

[@marcgardiner6278]

Yup, I've done that before and got quite a wallop for my stupidity, especially as the voltage here in South Africa is 220V!

[@srtamplification]

I've pulled the fuse holder cap off before and the fuse did not come out with it. Imagine if you were unaware that the fuse was before the switch and thought you were safe to fish it out because you had the switch off. I think it is far more likely to have a novice end-user get shocked by an unswitched fused, than there actually being a short in the switch. Plus if there was a short in the switch, then the CB in the panel should trip.

[@scottclark7592]

@@srtamplification agree 100%, not really a fan of the solder power ground either, could end up going back to 2 prong cord without knowing.

[@edwardhannigan6324]

Great fix, love to see the oldies on the bench..Lots of info and tech stuff Brad..Nice playin'..Ed..uk..😀

[@tim8767]

Another cool video. Thanks for posting.

[@gogglespaesano2931]

Hey Brad! Glad to hear you laugh. Thanks for the video

[@walterberg8030]

From what I've read Clapton used one of these old Champs for many guitar tracks on the Layla album, could be BS but I can believe it

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

There are merits to both arguments on how to wire the power cord I guess, but I would be inclined to do it the same way as you. Not to diss Uncle Doug. That man has some serious craftsmanship and skills.

[@BustedJunkStudio]

There's a lot of schools of thought on this, maybe too many. I've always been of the mind to have the last wire to get disconnected when a cord is ruthlessly yanked out of the chassis to be the ground wire, that's why I always make that wire the longest.

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

@@BustedJunkStudio That makes lots of sense too. Never thought of that one. BTW, just discovered your channel a week ago. That would be the reverse of what I do with shielded leads. The shield takes the strain that the smaller center wires can't handle, but this is something completely different.

[@ooloncolluphid360]

You are completely correct going to the fuse first. There are good engineering decisions that led to the regulations that expect it. In all mains power appliances.

[@mikemoyercell]

I totally agree and that is how it was always supposed to be done. You always put the fuse first and make sure the hot lead is on the inside not the outside. Say in your house - you wouldnt put a switch before a fuse/circuit breaker now would you?

[@sidgar1]

I love to watch you work on these old vintage amps. It's interesting to see you point out flaws and possible failure points in the designs and how far amp design has come since then. Question: is the song at 24:08 your own original work? It's a very beautiful song! If it's your music, you should use your own original compositions more often!

[@michaelwojnar9247]

That's an authentic "LUPE"! Uncle Doug would be proud!

[@nevillegoddard4966]

@@michaelwojnar9247 Yeah lol! Uncle Doug gets real excited when he opens up a Fender & finds a piece of 'Lupi' masking tape inside doesn't he? I think it's very cool too. It shows her obvious pride in her work, & gives more of an emotional attachment. A creation more than just a appliance built in a factory.

[@martinlahaie6012]

Good video and info....real fun to watch...about the Asbestos...beeing from Québec 🇲🇶 who was maybe the number one exporter of this stuff and had my grand father work as a truck driver loading that shit...let me just say ,just to be on the safe side,try To get rid of that stuff man...he died at 51 of lung cancer...

[@fullwaverecked]

What a gem. Hard to beat the champ.

[@PATMAN0910]

the cord came off a vacuum cleaner! classic.

[@mm-xu5df]

A vacuum cleaner amp

[@PatrickInCayman]

Thanks Brad, I always learn something new from your vids. Cheers.

[@pauljohnson6172]

You Sir are one hell of a guitar player.

[@stonefly69]

Love your work, Brad! Happy 2022 and all the best!!!

[@beckybones]

Brad, I just noticed your white surge protector has a burn mark on it? Now I know you're probably aware of it, but I have to mention it out of my OCD. Thank you for the great vids!

[@TheRealFreekBos]

That was the funniest intro.... thanx. Cheered me up!

[@sweettoof9002]

Oh and that sounds glorious

[@nevillegoddard4966]

@@sweettoof9002 Really? I thought it sounded shit! Crackly, buzzy, not good at all. Brad should have replaced that microphonic crap Chinese 12AX7 before he did the demo. I was disappointed.

[@BustedJunkStudio]

It's nice to get the outer foil towards the ground or high impedance leg of a circuit but in audio circuits the frequencies are low enough not to matter much. If you're rebuilding your common everyday microwave transmitter it becomes more of an issue.

[@sski]

About these common everyday microwave transmitters... Crowd control or just coms?

[@BustedJunkStudio]

@@sski 😃

[@jutukka]

AFAIK, normally the outer foil is supposed to connect to lower impedance leg of a circuit, or to ground.

[@BustedJunkStudio]

@@jutukka Glad someone reads these posts, thanks for the correction.

[@herbalbert]

Sorry if it seems like spam but I can’t get over for $250 I just scored an all original 1959 Lectrolab r200b, tones like a tweed fender champ (this particular model mistakenly says 25 watts on it when in reality it is 5 watts). So the actual biggest difference is the price-4 months ago an all original ‘59 champ on reverb sold for $4300.

[@rchavez2112]

As you said you, "rather replace a cap or a tube than a switched pot". Especially that type of switched pot as they are very hard to find.

[@Twobarpsi]

Big Bertha!

[@RHR-221b]

Appreciated, Brad. As always: Stay free. Rab 🍻 😎 🌠

[@faultlessguitarsandamps1116]

Yes , I'm a fuse first , then the switch advocate too . Especially as I have had a coupe of broken Carling toggle switches in 70's Fenders to replace recently . When dismantled , you see exactly how they have failed and the possibility of live getting to grounded parts , so the fuse must come first .Even if I hadn't seen these failures , I'd still be doing fuse first . It seems logical to me .

[@Sparky68M]

Billy from Busted Junk studio mentioned you on a video the other day

[@TheGuitologist]

I saw that. Very kind of him.

[@pauldavis6356]

Control panel looks much better. But did I miss something - what's with the pilot light?

[@auntjenifer7774]

I have 1949 fender tweed handle That dry rotted so I soaked it in armoral , week I didn't soak it,I just sprayed it and it came back to life 😘

[@russl9029]

Cool video! I love those old champs! I'm in the process of building a 5f1 circuit..m

[@aevans692]

great vid , would have left the original handle , or if needs must a nice leather one , im pretty sure that's a rubber one .. What speaker was fitted , you didn't mention this .. thanks .

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Nice work, dude! 😎 I totally agree on the fuse holder thing too. 👍

[@Robert-Smith]

Would you describe the sag in this amp as the snarl when its cranked? thanks love your videos.

[@RaulHernandez-lg5nw]

I would leave the 12AX7 out when testing the 2 coupling caps for leakage. The same goes for power tube input grid caps.

[@PaulSmith-qz2re]

Hello top amp top tech way to go Brad

[@ronfrey5327]

use that one for template Brad then maybe check locals that work leather. at Kendrick he hired someone subbed them out and got them contracted the guy said it was a pain in ass to make them and he only did it cause he had too. neat amp. those sound great.....the bottom panel might not be original so one could be made by measuring the dry spot . might get one from mojo and age it.. I did some aging and grill cloth work and final assembly. so measure cover piece of wood in tweed age it too match then no shadow on back keep small piece with amp but restore original size piece to hide shadow. this is one application stain light app...enough to coat and wipe off somewhat. just to warm the new tweed..

[@bluesingmusic3443]

Brad maybe Lupe, was an inspector? Who knows? Or maybe just really good at her job, & did a lot of work.

[@filmmac3]

Why video do you explain the three prong cord replacement more in depth? Thanks

[@jpalberthoward9]

Have you ever disconnected the negative feedback loop on one of those? It perks it up quite a bit. A 25/25 cap across the cathode of the second stage of the 12AX7 will also liven things up. I know you can't do that on a customer's amp, but if the opportunity to experiment ever presents itself, give those two mods a try some time. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Perhaps on a home made clone.

[@TheGuitologist]

Set loose on one, I could conjure a monster of such devastation, the world would weep with joy and fear.

[@jpalberthoward9]

@@TheGuitologist My next one is gonna have a wooden desk drawer for a cabinet, (solid pine, finger jointed corners, curved steel handle, and 1/4 in. Plywood baffle.) A cake pan for a chassis, more 1/4in. Plywood for a turret board and no. 18 finishing nails for turrets. My Grandpa built a radio this way during the depression in the 30s. He still had it when I was a kid, and it still worked. It was probably 35-40 years old at that time. He said he built several of these for his neighbors and he would barter them for corn, eggs, chickens, potatoes, etc. It was one more way for creative, resourceful people to get through hard times. My motivation is to make one for a buddy who is always pawning, (and losing) his gear. No pawn shop will take a home made put together job, so he'll be stuck with it, and he'll always have an amp. Most old solid wood desk drawers are little resonant chambers like an acoustic guitar body. Try saying "hello" into one. You'll see what I mean.

[@sweettoof9002]

I would love to hear an a/b of that Chinese tube with an old USA one.

[@davidlewis3169]

Thats an awesome, simple Circuit, and sound great. Would have liked to hear a Humbucker through it too

[@deanmesserer3554]

Speaking of fuse holders, when I was a teenager I used to play through a blackface band master. The amp had a vinyl cover on the head and sometimes it would get bumped and the bayonet type fuseholder would jump off and fall into the back of the amp, leaving the fuse sticking out. I would not notice and reach around the back to turn it on and get shocked. Happened a few times before I learnt to check it first, but being usually up on a wooden stage gave me some protection I guess.

[@TonePriest]

RCA replacement for the Chinese 12AX7? God approves your choice of electron tube.

[@BlueCollarBastard]

For the handle look at how shoemakers put layered shoe leather together.

[@fongy200]

The yellow caps they have a green band around one end. Is that the foil end?

[@choctawhatcheekid309]

I think Uncle Doug only wires it that way on toggle style switches because of how unlikely they are to short to ground. I have never gotten the stuffing new caps into old cap casing the only people that will ever see it is the next tech. But got to do what customer wants.

[@TheGuitologist]

The ONLY reason I can see for doing it is it preserves the original look to an extent and may satisfy some weird future buyer's expectations of what he wants to see and therefore he might pay top dollar for it over one with new looking caps. I'm just doing what I think will preserve the value at resale for a highly collectible Fender. Less collectible amps, I wouldn't bother.

[@choctawhatcheekid309]

@@TheGuitologist Yea that makes since.

[@jon759]

Brad, in regards to the back door possible "missing piece" I can't help but notice the bottom strip with the 2 screws may in fact be that not missing but relocated piece. Someone moved it to the bottom of the cabinet, maybe? I do enjoy your posts, thank you.

[@TheGuitologist]

I had not considered that. Wish I'd removed it to see.

[@cantyouhearmeknocking1961]

Possibly to keep tubes or other small items in the back from sliding out the bottom.

[@3MonkeysGarage]

I will share a thought I had on those capsule shaped caps. As opposed to trying to drill them or cut them, which from the attempts I have seen, they are generally brittle and break up, make some semi rounded buttons and glue them to the ends of the new cap. That will get you the general shape, and you can go as far as you like from there. Paint them blue or yellow, stick on a label. At any rate, there is an undue amount of effort you can put into it for what they are and the purpose they serve. I do like the paper cap stuffing though. Simple and not too time consuming to preserve the appearance.

[@PhilipCockram]

I agree with you about the fuse and live connection . I enjoy these videos , even when not in repair or guitar mode , No wooshing is good , I think , LOL It's cool to just hang out with you working and learn a few things along the way . Sounds sweet now brother . Nice job .

[@kellykane312]

Why do you spend so much time telling us about the fuse socket? If you don't know about the basic simple things like that then you have no business being inside of the amp! I really like your videos and you are a very good technician just please don't spend time with things any novis should know.

[@richardweinberger2756]

I'm 68 and I worked for decades as a mechanic, and in those days disc brakes were just beginning to be used. Almost all brake jobs, and there were many, were with asbestos brake shoes. One operation that we did was to grind the brake linings to match the inside diameter of the brake drum using a rotating powered grinding wheel that threw out lots of asbestos dust as it was being used. I'm still here, both my parents lived to be much older, and it's kind of funny to see the paranoia about many commonly used things from my youth. Leaded fuels, DDT, cars without seatbelts, saccharine , etc. These days the most important thing is to be safe - even if that means to follow all instructions from "health experts" who don't know and don't care to find out where the disease came from that has killed millions of people . I get it, it's only 5 or 10 million, why be so uptight? . I don't want to spread nasty rumors, but I for one will not be buying so much product from the makers of that 12AX7, the cost is far too high overall. BTW - In California "everything" and I mean every single thing you buy has a warning posted on the package about cancer danger. - OK, you have been warned. Proceed at your own risk. I'm not a collector, but if I was gonna pay 3 grand or whatever for that Champ I would want it to be as original as possible. We don't see the caps all the time but the handle is very obvious. I wonder,,, looking at my GI style watchband - this is made from woven nylon and it's incredibly strong. Could someone remove that handle and slit the thread and insert a length of strong nylon inside the existing leather and cement it in place with 2 holes for the attaching hardware, then sew up the old layers and reattach. You would have to cut out enough material for the strap to go inside, maybe with a razor knife or dremel, but this way the original strap would still be there and look the same, but it will be much stronger and undetectable. kind of like what Uncle Doug does with those old caps. Also if I was a collector I would want the death cap to be there. You could clip the lead so it is inert, but it's still there as it was made.

[@TheGuitologist]

There is a lot we do not understand about the onset of cancers. I believe via intuition that much of it is chemical in origin and has to do with a particular person's proclivity to be allergic to a certain substance. When EVH said years ago that he thought a metal pick being put repeatedly into one corner of his mouth contributed to the onset of his tongue cancer, I believed him, and predictably I got criticized for it. Why should we dismiss this anecdotal bit of evidence from the person with the cancer, I asked. I think the same can be said for carcinogens of every stripe - there is usually an element of allergic or chemical reactions taking place in the individual body, along with an element of prolonged repetition in most cases. Want to avoid cancer? I think part of it involves changing your daily habits often so you aren't repeating certain exposures. But again, this is intuition and hypothesis, not based on any study I have conducted. However, most cancer studies do point to repetition being a strong component of disease.

[@denisroy7276]

I actually just commented above that we did the same thing - Even, blow out all those fine brake dust particles from heavy equipment with the air hose, They eventually stopped using asbestos for brake pads in the 70's.. At least, up here in Canada.. But, the reality is that it's still not all that uncommon to see heavy equipment hanging around with the original asbestos brake shoes.. Especially, in the mining industry or similar environments where specialized machinery barely got to move more than a few miles through the decades.. Yet, most people out there are none the wiser..

[@jimraimondi410]

That amp sounds great!

[@WillyMcCoy50]

Could also print a peel 'n' stick Astron label.