The 1965 Bandmaster from Hell......A Really Tough Repair Job

[@davekimball3610]

Jack's meticulous care in his job cannot be understated.

[@UncleDoug]

He gets paid well for his efforts, Dave. Many shrimp treats were traded for this masterly sniff-o-rama :)

[@podrum7421]

Hey, Uncle Doug, DON'T use JJ capacitors, there is a pretty well reason NOT to use them, they can come broken from factory or if they aren't then they break and leak much quicker than F&Ts or even china ones... I really don't recommend them.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the warning, FB.

[@andrewdomenitzdmd]

He does the cat scan.

[@daleburrell6273]

@@andrewdomenitzdmd YOU BETCHER LIFESAVERS!!!

[@willykanos1044]

I'm impressed. Few people would take time to repair that brightness switch. Good work.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Willy. To be honest, I really enjoy fabricating parts like this.

[@waynejohnson6594]

@@UncleDoug I can tell.

[@VIDS2013]

Yeah--I would have replaced it!

[@paulcargo4233]

Uncle Doug, great job as always and props to Jack.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Paul. Jack says "Hi" :>)

[@brianyork5510]

Jack never ceases to impress. Not only does he perform reliable "cat scan" duties, but he also serves as a fine audio quality control inspector. I believe some extra cat nip may be in order. Another entertaining, and educational video. Thanks Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Brian. I would be lost without his able assistance......and don't forget Ollie, the blues cat ;)

[@bucyruserie1211]

Quote of the week "The amp is amping"....

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Tom. Don't forget "The tremolo is tremulating"......

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, DL.....we are working on it :)

[@johnclifford4456]

Bucyrus Erie12 #

[@damianvila]

Ha, ha! I loved that part. Uncle Doug is really funny. And entertaining. And educational. Good Uncle Doug...

[@smasica]

Dude, Bucyrus Erie used to be my gamer name back in the day. I saw it on a piece of heavy equipment and thought it was cool. Thanks for the memory.

[@ananymouboy7914]

I just realized that jack is the real brains behind the diagnosis. Very cute cat

[@UncleDoug]

Your analysis is quite astute, SP. He runs the show :)

[@matthewenderby]

Always a pleasure to see another Uncle Doug video. Jack is such a character hahaha.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Matthew. He is indeed :)

[@julian65886]

Ray Davies would not approve a kinked power cord at 12:31. Brilliant ! At 17:24 "This amp finding new ways to torture me" and yet he remains so calm, what a gentleman.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, JG. I love a good challenge :)

[@Kettletrigger]

Great video! I'm enjoying all of the individual part repairs too...I'm hoping that one of these days you'll show us how to rewind a transformer!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, KR. I will......once someone shows me how to do it :) It's the one final step I lack in building an amp from absolute scratch (not counting the small components).

[@jensenbell]

I’m glad I waited until I had time to watch this with total focus. This troublesome amp afforded me the opportunity to understand more clearly the things my amp techs say to me. Though I won’t be building my own high wattage amp, nor hang up a repairman shingle out side of my door, I will be better and cooperating in the maintanance of my own 50s and 60s fenders with my trusted technicians. Thank you again, Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Jensen. That's a good way to look at it. As my old granny used to say, "Everything you learn is eventually helpful in some way".

[@jensenbell]

Uncle Doug - your grandmother sounds like someone well worth knowing.

[@UncleDoug]

She was indeed, Jensen :)

[@jensenbell]

[@UncleDoug]

What nice reminiscences, Jensen. It sounds like you had a good, supportive upbringing. Don't worry, once you get to retirement age, you will have plenty of time and resources to hunt down all sorts of good cars and items. Trust me :)

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Well, the customer sent that amp to the right guy. Great methodical approach to fixing each problem that cropped up. Jack does better than my two cats or my dog. My cats just jump inside the box and the dog well he thinks its a tree and pisses on it. Great repair job and video Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

I have to laugh, picturing the arrival of boxes to your house, Larry :):) Thanks for the nice comments.....and the good laugh.

[@michaelnewell3823]

Hi Doug, I just wanted to say a couple of things. I have watched and enjoyed your videos for years now. I have a 1965 Fender Bandmaster that I redid and your videos have always helped me fix my amps. I have never come across anybody that explains things in such detail as you. You are amazing. The things that you can do is simply amazing. Building hot rod cars and being a teacher and amp repair tech is nothing short of miraculous. I hope you will always keep doing all of these videos. A lot of people on KZbin are not forthright with this much information and my hat is off to you. This has to be my favourite channel. Just a thank you for all of the great videos. My Fender blackface 1965 amp has a plate voltage of 483 volts on the plates. My amp seems to play fine. This voltage seems very high. If you wouldn't mind, is this normal on some of these amps or could there be something wrong here. Just thought I would ask you about this if you wouldn't mind giving me some advice. Thanks Michael Newell from Niagara falls, Ontario, 🇨🇦 Canada

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much or your very nice comments, Michael. We really appreciate them. The plate voltage (PV) in a circuit is indirectly related to the plate current (PC), which means that if you increase one, the other decreases. Perhaps your PC is too low, making the PV too high. The only way to determine this is to bias the output tubes and balance the PC and PV.....which can be a hazardous procedure if you are not qualified to perform it. Perhaps you can seek some local tech assistance if you're not personally able to do this. Good luck.

[@kenhancock8931]

Thx uncle Doug n the jack cat scan NVR fails! Must be the animal magnetism. Hope you both have a great day ;)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ken :)

Uncle Doug that is so true about the Letter on the hill. Where I grew up in Central California my small town is Reedley. 25 miles southwest of Fresno. Right before the uphill gateway to Kings Canyon National Park there is a letter R for Reedley that has been there all my life. Great reminder of our cultural past!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Joe. I guess my high school wasn't alone in desecrating the beautiful mountainside :)

@@UncleDoug it's an American ritual that perhaps is forgotten these days. Many never have lived that. We who have can still keep it alive! Happy Super Bowl Weekend!! Go San Francisco!

[@UncleDoug]

@ It is indeed a pleasant memory from growing up in the "Good Old Days". Thanks for your very nice comments.

[@misterguitargeek]

I just purchased a 1966 bandmaster. What timing! Now I know what I'm up against.

[@UncleDoug]

Congratulations. Hopefully, yours will not be as challenging to repair.

[@thespiritof76..]

It's not timing it's algorithms buddy.. Ai robots manipulated all the electronic steps from your purchase to programming lol.. I'm laughing but this is all basically true

[@PLINKER]

It is a pleasure to see that there are still techs that insist on things being done right! Good job! Tom

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Tom. Hopefully, there are more of us than people realize :)

[@SIXSTRING63]

Just did one about the same year a while back. Someone had put an FX loop in it and made a mess. I took it back to spec and it sounded great after. Great videos Doug! I usually just use an 80uf cap that are a lot easier to find. I just went through this intermittent tube short on a Marshall JCM 800. Inverted the chassis and it worked fine and after I flipped it and moved it was blowing HT fuses. Checked the tubes initially and they tested fine, after it started blowing fuses I started to think bad tube. Sure enough a second test showed a short on 3 of my tube testers, my Hickok 539C, 6000A and my old Eico 666. Replaced the bad tube and it ran fine for hours where it would cook the fuse after 2 minutes before. I'm thinking a loose element in the tube that moves around. Like a light bulb that will light after shaking it around sometimes.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, 6S. I think I'll use the 80's too next time.....I actually have a nice pair on hand.

[@faultlessguitarsandamps1116]

Had something similar with JJ EL34 in a JCM 60 . Tubes are mounted horizontally in these amps . Tapping tubes gently with a chopstick caused instant red plating on one tube . So I think vibration and horizontal mounting caused say a grid to cathode short . Luckily the tube set was Ok after turn off and cooling down .

[@douglashealy9348]

I have not seen a Simpson since I was in Electronics School in NYC .. Circa 1980 .. you are doing an amazing job here sir .. thank you !

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Doug. Thanks !!

[@kendavis8046]

Dang, Uncle Doug, that amp is 6 years younger than I am. I wish I "only" had minor blemishes like the minor corrosion on the top of the chassis!

[@UncleDoug]

I need an abacus to calculate how much older I am than it, Ken, and agree about the corrosion on the chassis :)

[@bill605able]

I hear you brother!

[@isoguy.]

Long vid, never, could watch 24/7, expert diagnosis, fix deployed and another satisfied customer. Thank you for sharing Sir.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, ISO :) Thanks !!

[@nonsuch]

Been ordering from Parts Express for 10+ years. Great place.

[@UncleDoug]

Indeed they are, Rob.

[@Ratchet2]

Yes, I used to shop there in person when I lived in the Dayton area. Great service, they used to be in the basement of Mendelson’s. Not sure if they still are.

[@andersonrowland]

Nothing like an Uncle Doug video after a long day... The only problem,.. I have almost watched them all.

[@UncleDoug]

We're working on a new one, 59......on an early Vox, believe it or not :)

[@jjiacobucci]

I rewatch UD‘s videos. It’s like Watching reruns of I Love Lucy. It’s still a delightful experience :)

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

May I suggest Eurotubes to buy JJ.. They actually burn in all tubes for enough hours that the infant mortality will happen if its going to.... and then test and sort with a computerized testing system that does measurements under actual load. They do the fail culling in advance, not the customer. On 3 wire power cords, always switch and fuse the black... white is neutral and effectively in parallel with GND back in the service panel. Excellent video. Slide switch repair was great!!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the recommendation, Jennifer. I believe that I wired the primary just like you said. Glad you enjoyed the festivities :)

[@Andy_Yates]

I can also say I've had good experience with Eurotubes. They sell through their website and on Reverb. Nice people to chat with, I traded messages a couple times on Reverb.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Andy.

[@michaelszczys8316]

Have a cat exactly like Jack, he sniffs and checks our food to make sure it’s okay. Had an old Fender amp years ago. It started getting funky and I took it to a crazy old electronics guy I knew to check it out and never saw it again. Wish I still had it, you and Jack could help me fix it up myself.

[@UncleDoug]

I guess the crazy old electronics guy wasn't all that crazy......just crooked :)

[@fullwaverecked]

JACK IN THE BOX!

[@UncleDoug]

He's a dedicated sniffer :)

[@drtidrow]

And I thought that my cat was the only one that likes chewing on tape...

[@UncleDoug]

It's a weird, but apparently common, habit, Ray.

[@daleburrell6273]

...more like Jack AND the box-!

[@iloverush123]

I've had JJs that were brand new fail in 2 different amps, and it seems a lot of the amp repair videos I watch have problems with them. I've now learned which tubes to avoid lol. I really enjoy your videos, I've learned so much about fixing these dinosaurs.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the input, Josh. I have been keeping an eye on JJ's ever since.

[@wrenchhead4378]

Ive also had JJ’s show up dead on arrival. (12ax7)

[@domperroud4014]

You really got me Doug with the Ray Davies comment..

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Dom. Ray is a million laughs, and after all, girls will be boys, and boys will be girls.......

[@50gary]

..and a Well Respected Man.

[@UncleDoug]

All day and all of the night.......

[@dwightbehm4747]

Dear Uncle Doug I've learned a lot from your videos on biasing diagnostics and repair work on tube guitar amps from your videos and I am some of those techniques to my own little Fender blackface champ amp I bought this little amp for $100 22 years ago you are the best teacher I have ever heard and watched all be it on video. Hands down. Thank you very much. I have been soldering since I was 9 years old fixing the family transistor radios those many years ago because my brothers and sisters were a little abusive but I'd always fix them so I'll watch these videos again and again and apply those Diagnostic and repair techniques in my own Hobby of works learned a lot Doug so I'll be watching them again and again to absorb very good information thank you you are a gem live long and prosper

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks so much, Dwight. It sounds like you really got an early start in electronics. Keep up the good work. Best of luck with all your projects.

[@CraftAero]

Barely awake as I watch this but I nearly spit some coffee at the Ray Davies non-approval regarding the kink. Do you think he ever used KT88s ? Probably not, eh ?

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, CA. Sorry about the coffee snorting :)

[@CraftAero]

I had to look up the so-called "fart-box". An Elpico AC-55 direct feeding a Vox AC30 played into the custom shredded speaker. Seems both amps use EL84s. So, yeah... no KT88s (Kinkless Tetrodes). 😎

[@UncleDoug]

You couldn't expect them to use "kinkless" tubes......

[@tomfrye9037]

Wait...what did I miss? I thought all tubes were kinkless. When did some start hanging out with the LGBT epsilon theta foxshit crowd?

[@UncleDoug]

Some of the tubes had to have prosthetic suppressor grids installed, Tom.

[@渡辺聡-d3i]

ローズピアノの８８鍵はアルミケースの中にフォトセルと半田付けされた電球が入った物が２系統のステレオでした。トレモロが効かないため、中を開けたら、電球はすでに切れていて、適当な１２V球とソケットも取り付けて組み直すと、トレモロは復活しました。音が左右に飛び回るあの音でした。この時代の回路はホントにシンプルなアナログ回路で惚れ惚れしますね。

[@UncleDoug]

かしこまりました。トレモロはとても素敵でシンプルなエフェクトです。

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Sounds like someone threw a lot of bad parts in a bucket the someone else built an amp from them! How bad does your luck have to be to get so many component failures in the same place? I'd love to see the completed restoration in its cab.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Kevin. I have seen photos of the cabinet and it is beautiful....like new. This will be a spectacularly nice amp when it's all together. I'll ask the owner to post some pics on my FB page.

[@petarbursac76]

I like when you said "I can't wait to get new part". I absolutely agree with you. Greetings from Australia

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad, Petar. I'll bet you guys really have to wait a while for parts, since you're so far from most sources. Regards from the Desert Southwest, USA :)

[@jonnybeck6723]

Wow, I've never heard Jack & Ollie cut a mean blues before... pretty cool ...and thanx so very much for another great learning video. BTW, what does that ginormous 'A' stand for in the drone segment? Oh and, though I'm sure it's not necessary, I just wanted to mention that if my rent didn't utterly annihilate my fixed income I'd most certainly be donating to you, my most worthy and hard-earned teacher... who knows what the future may bring tho' Like "Don't bury me 'cause I'm not dead yet..." Thanx again and Cheers

[@UncleDoug]

Jack and Ollie are very versatile musicians, Jonny. I posted an explanation about the "A" right at the beginning of the drone video.

[@Barabyk]

Just got 64 tremolux, attic find/bargain of a lifetime, planned to restore the case, but ended up bringing it to the playable condition, ordered parts for the tremolo, new caps. The sound is fantastic, and learned a lot along the way.

[@UncleDoug]

Wow......what a great acquisition, B. You are definitely a lucky guy :)

[@tangotommi]

I was playing through the Studio City 50R and it was terrible when i got about a year ago, but had good volume. So i started in on it when i watched a few of your vids. Replaced all the filter caps, a lot of out-of-spec resistors, i put the reverb tank on, fired it up, at first erratic, no sound...,(&”#%,..., then no readings, no nothin’! So I followed your process of measuring the continuity of the ITs primary. Turned out to be the fuse contacts, just needed cleaning! Whew, . Now, the volume is very low, but plays at least, and the heater voltage is only ~3.15vac, hmmm, it does have a center tap surprisingly. Lots of fun!! Thanks so much for inspiring me. I owe you. PS love the car vids too!!! Your comments are priceless! Hah!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and nice comments, TG. Are you sure you haven't used the wrong 2 wires for the 6.3VAC circuit? Or perhaps one of the two half windings is open.

[@tubelife70]

Sounds like there is a really cool sounding and ever present resonance buzz that seams to come from a specific frequency. It gives it that real authentic Tom Petty sound... Sweet Amp and great repair video... Thanks Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Cameron.

[@MrAmptech]

I usually find that the white wire is often on the wrong lug of the auxiliary power outlet. Good work Doug. And thank you for the proper use of Tremolo/Vibrato.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Mr. A.

[@rohankhemraj]

This was really great. When I was a teenager, I had a used 65 bandmaster. At some point it stopped working, so I sold it. If youtube was available at the time, I likely would have tried to repair it. What a great time we live in.

[@UncleDoug]

Indeed, it is a great time. Too bad you didn't just stash the Bandmaster away in a safe place until it could be repaired. Believe me, I've discarded and sold all sorts of great items over the years.....and I truly regret it.

[@OldSkoolF]

A good sense of humor is a priceless commodity..

[@UncleDoug]

Amen, OS. You need it to survive :)

[@SandersAmps]

After a two days of my own trouble-shooting on a new build, and getting nowhere fast, it was good to see this and realize that it happens to the best techs. Thanks Uncle Doug. (but of course, my problems will probably be due to something I did wrong:).

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Shaun. Part of the appeal of working on tube circuits is that they can offer great challenges from time to time, and more often than not, the solution is not only relatively simple, but in plain sight......that is, once you've figured it out :)

[@daleburrell6273]

...we live and learn-!!

[@Ideal1980]

Thank you Uncle Doug, for your contribution to humanity. I had a firm grip on my beer during the level 10 tremolo testing.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Ideal. I (and your carpet) thank you :)

[@scuzz152]

Thanks again Uncle Doug, glad to know it's not just me that those things happen to. A customer brought me a $5000 Bogner head for the installation and biasing of a new quad of power tubes that he had bought from a not so well known tube vendor. One of the tubes red plated during testing. In a panic, I killed the power and when my heart slowed down, I tested all the tubes on my Hickok AND TV7 testers. NO shorts. With my current limiter hooked up and watching the plate current, one of the tubes red plated again and I noted which one. I proved that it was not the amp doing it and advised the customer to contact the vendor. The vendor gave him grief and told him his technician didn't know what he was doing. I contacted the vendor and he told ME the same thing. I told the customer that I was not comfortable taking any more chances with his amp and he agreed to take the amp home and do his own testing, and then carry on the fight with the vendor. Sure enough, the tube red plated again on him and he was finally able to get a replacement. There you go. It's one thing to fool around with red plating tubes in a $200 amp, much, much harder on your blood pressure in a big dollar amp.

[@UncleDoug]

I agree 100%, Scuzz. Working on other people's (sometimes expensive) equipment can definitely be nerve wracking when things start going wrong.....especially when it's not your fault, but you're the one who ends up taking the hit. This is why I prefer building my own amps and cabs from scratch......all new parts and no one to answer to but me :)

[@barrychristiansen4579]

wow , that was too cool Doug. What a life of tech. we now are experiencing. Praise the Lord! nice to see you and the misses. from the far south side of the Rockies. Im almost at the N.side 49 th. Parallel.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Barry. I believe the 49th parallel is the northern border between the US and Canada.....so you are far north indeed.

[@woodhonky3890]

Uncle Doug, you are a national treasure!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, WH. I wish my wife felt the same way.....instead of "an old geezer who wastes too much time on his hobbies, etc. etc."

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Very well done Uncle Doug..!! That amp had lots of surprises and worn out parts. Rebuilding that slide switch was AAAAAAA+

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mr. G :)

[@fostexfan160]

Great video! Bonus footage of a drone flight in sunny blue skies, which is a welcome sight seeing as I;m sick of the rain in Wales at the moment!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, FF. Glad you liked it :)

[@davemassie3726]

Looks like Jack is stepping up his game. Rusty would be proud. A- Team player for sure! Awesome fix as always! Thanks for sharing.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Dave. Thanks from all of us :)

[@PerryCodes]

It's amazing just how simple these amps are. I should have started a hand-build amp business in my 20's.

[@UncleDoug]

It's a tough business, Jason. Far more amp builders fail than succeed. It takes time to establish a reputation.....and all the while, you are expending capital.

[@jpalberthoward9]

I just completed my own baptism of fire with a Twin that fell off of its extra 4X12 (Marshall) cabinet while it was cranked up and being played hard. I spent weeks tearing my hair out with cracked solder joints, output tubes with the same kind of intermittent shorts as this one, red plating one minute and ok a minute later, shafts broken off of the pots, pin no. 4 of V1 broken off in the socket and shorting against the cathode, pin 3, (sometimes) B+ voltage on the chassis, (sometimes) surprise! surprise! Gomer Pyle's in the house! How did I get way over here on this side of the room? Excuse me while I go change my drawers! Just lots and lots of fun. Like playing "whack-a-mole" blindfolded, and somebody's throwing firecrackers at you the whole time. Long story short, i finally chased down all of the gremlins, and she's whole once again and sounding great. The guy is picking her up tomorrow and I get $$$ The reason I tell you all this is because it's not only the toughest fix Ive done yet, but i honestly think that one of the reasons I got through it and finished the job is because of the troubleshooting tips I've picked up from you over the years. I almost gave up a couple of times, but now I'm glad I didn't. You deserve some of the credit for that. Thanks and God bless!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow.....thanks for sharing this tale of tribulation and triumph, JP. The "Whack-a-Mole" analogy is right on the money. Fix one thing and nine other problems pop up. I'm glad you were able to complete the repairs. Keep up the good work.

[@kgsalvage6306]

I don't blame you on waiting on parts! If it's fixable, I'll fix it. I hate waiting. Once I get into one, I like to hear it. As always, Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, KG. Thanks for understanding my impatience :)

[@998SBayliss]

I have had so many faulty out of the box JJ power tubes that I will never use them or recommend them. Thanks for all your vids.

[@UncleDoug]

This was my first mishap, 998, but I'll definitely be careful in the future. You're welcome.

[@willsims7585]

I'm glad you have an inspector like Jack. Electronics and a cat, I immediately subscribed.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Will. We'll do anything to gain subscribers :)

[@edwardhannigan6324]

Hey Doug, still hacking my way through your videos of various amp repairs and problems. Trying to gain as much knowledge as posible for and old head like mine..! This sure was an amp from hell. I'm glad you were on board to fix it..Great info and entertainment also..Thanks once again for these jewels of knowledge..Ed..U.k.

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Ed. Challenging jobs, like this one, are the most rewarding, both in knowledge gained and in satisfaction upon completion.

[@edwardhannigan6324]

@@UncleDoug Yep, that amp looked so cool with it's new face as well..😎

[@steveomusicman6645]

Doug, a marvelous video, and you are a great host and narrator..

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Steveo :) You are too kind.

[@tomfrye9037]

I have made switch repairs like that. I have a small sheet of brass laying around for such as that. Regarding the weird capsuckitors with a crimp on both ends...they look like something out of a speaker crossover network. Strange(8-). Yeah...sure, Doug...YOU saw the short indicator light up(8-). Anyone else see it? Didn't think so. Whatcha been drinkin', Doug? Seriously, fleck of crap inside, maybe? Ya shook it loose...I fear it'll be back...Guess not(8-). Great outfit to do business with. Gonna write the company name down. They're top shelf. Great video...and a challenging specimen to work on. It truly needed the Dr. Doug touch. Glad you had Jack around to help with all the soldering. Thanks for the video and the education it provided...and thanks for the drone ride for dessert(8-).

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Tom. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@alorenger]

Thanks for taking us on a drone flight....great relaxing music and showing us your old Alma Mater ! CHICO ,DETROIT

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Chico. Thanks for joining us :)

[@petedazer3381]

Excellent job, especially with that slide switch! I think I would have rifled through my stash of S-38 parts for that one. Fixing it that way shows tremendous respect for the amplifier authenticity.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Pete.

[@fortj3]

Another great video, Uncle Doug BTW, my Newcomb D-10 arrived. So far, all of the TIny Grief caps test bad. All the electrolytics test bad, save for one Zenith cap that appears to have been an old repair for a failed Tiny Grief. I've ordered new caps to replace all the TIny Griefs and electrolytics. Since this amp is missing all its knobs, I ordered brown chicken heads. Ordered a can of Deoxit to clean the pots and switches. Now, the hard work begins.

[@UncleDoug]

It sounds like you are well on your way to a successful resurrection of the Newcomb D-10, FJ. Let us know how it turns out :)

[@fortj3]

Thanks, UD. You know I'll be asking you questions as I go, right? I'm thinking I'll need a 100K resistor in one of the inputs (for guitar). Wondering what resistors I need for bass and blues harp. Once I get the caps sorted, I need to find out where the negative feedback loop(s) is/are so I can remove or mod them for guitar use. I'm a complete tube amp virgin, so I know jack about them. Just know that I like the way they sound.

[@fortj3]

So, can I substitute 6L6 tubes for my 6v6s, to get more gain?

[@UncleDoug]

Not really, F3. If the circuit is designed to handle 6V6's, you'd best stick with them. 6L6's require higher plate voltage, plate current, and filament current.

[@gtb81.]

i could listen to you playing that guitar on an old amp like that for ever, it is so mesmerizing

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, TD.....but the credit goes to Jack and Ollie on this one :)

[@thebooda]

Love your cats!! Very talented! Thanks for your videos too!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks from all of us, Craig.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

My first amp. Paid $25 for it...100% untouched orig., fully operational, with 100 cigarette burns across the top front edge of amp. I LOVED THAT AMP! Saw it years later in a pawn shop for $625. I didn't buy it...but I played it.😊😊😊

[@nor4277]

You do nice work,I been working on tube radios but I watch your channel to learn some of your secrets I need to no ,to be someday safe as you .

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ron. Always be careful :)

[@mikeparker5008]

Beautiful amp! You followed a very nice procedure - very logical, no easter-egging. You clearly know how amps like this work, and so experience informs you on where to hunt down problems. Thanks for a clear and thoughtful presentation, I enjoyed it a lot!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Mike. Thanks for your very nice comments.

[@dave-d]

Sneaky resistor! Well found. Thanks Doug. Another few gems of wisdom to add to the toolkit.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Dave. They can be treacherous little $@%&?#'s sometimes :)

[@jeffbrooks7246]

Wow once again. I can't believe the nonsense this thing put you through but yet you remain undefeated! If it was me (a novice to intermediate tech) I surely would have had to ask you some questions with something like this. As you said, an excellent opportunity to witness what one can sometimes expect.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jeff. I really thought it served as a good lesson in the challenges of what started out as a simple repair. You really have to keep testing these old circuits to "smoke out" all the flaws before you spend a bunch of money shipping them back to the owners.

[@jeffbrooks7246]

Sage advice for sure.

[@calechivers7405]

Thanks Uncle Doug , another excellent video . The bright switch repair was like a magician showing his tricks and Jack must have been channeling some early T Petty .

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks on the bright switch, Cale. Often it's easier to simply make a part than it is to hunt one down. Jack is a big fan of Tom and Mike. You're welcome :)

[@diabolicalartificer]

The cats have learned a new song! Sounds like they've been practising too : ) Cracking job as always, this one gave you some gyp, still, it's nice to have a few odd faults as a bit of a challenge. Fair play to the lads at Antique for swapping the dud valves.

[@UncleDoug]

I agree with all you said, DA......and rather enjoyed the way you said it. Good on ya', mate :)

[@Jimself43]

Uncle Doug, from the very start of my troubleshooting intermittent problems in equipment that used vacuum tubes, I learned that good tubes should be able to withstand moderately aggressive taps from a finger (or pencil eraser) without sparking or unexpected affect. Tubes are subject to flaking cathode material, and weld-fatigue from the repetitive heat-cycling, so I made judicious tube-tapping the rule, to avoid call-backs and unhappy clients.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your input, James.

[@bobbarcus8310]

It blows my mind that you can get all these parts nowdays,Back in the 1970s you could not get a Fender 65 Faceplate.. Thanks to EVH lol and Boogie Bodies Thanks UD for all your time and help too

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Bob :)

[@crimson_sun7274]

It's a true pleashure and inspiration to watch a pro like Jack work!

[@UncleDoug]

I agree, Philip. I spend hours in the shop watching him in action :)

[@ColettaHughes]

It's amazing, after that simple lesson on tubes amps I have a good idea what you're doing here :)

[@UncleDoug]

That's good to hear, Coletta. It's our goal.

[@mozilla2576]

That was some great work! Very much enjoyed all the extra issues and your solutions.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mo. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gpwx]

Another Great Job Unk’ !!! You have the patience of a saint … !!! Thanks !!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, GP. My wife might argue with the "saint" part......but what does she know anyway ???? You're welcome :)

[@CHAOSMOVEMENT]

I completely restored a 1963 Twin Reverb, it had a power transformer meltdown, so I completely cleaned the board and chassis (totally black with soot), replaced a few caps and resistors, Mercury Magnetics PT, and found a pair of original blue back 1963 C12N speakers for it. It was beautiful. Upon coming to the fuse holder, the cap was wrong and would not fit properly. It drove me absolutely nuts haha!

[@UncleDoug]

Good work, LR. Just be sure that the fuse in the holder is the minimum value, and rapid-blow, to prevent a repeat of your previous meltdown. Best of luck.

[@CHAOSMOVEMENT]

@@UncleDoug Oh yeah, that was just a little icing on the cake to deal with. I bought it already melted down :)

[@thats2kewl]

Super repair/restore!! Man, your pets play better than do...some very sweet riffs!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, T2.....from all of us :)

[@tonymanns8249]

I own a 1969 Fender Bandmaster-Reverb amp that I bought new and it is genuinely a 50 watt amp that Fender installed a 35 watt output transformer into. The output transformer failed in the 1st year and was replaced with a 50 watt transformer. Since the transformer upgrade it is one on my favorite amps.

[@UncleDoug]

It sounds like the factory made a mistake, either in design or construction, Tony. Even at 50W, there was no leeway.

[@sting1111]

Great video! A trip down memory lane for me. I too restored a Bandmaster from hell. Mine was much worse however. Fried output sockets, filament wires, roach and various other gremlins.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Sting :)

[@danielsaturnino5715]

Wow, what a box of problems. Luckly it was in the right hands. Thanks for sharing!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Daniel. It was indeed a Pandora's Box of woes :)

[@GL64]

Another excellent video. Great job on the troubleshooting with that cool old amp.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, GL :)

[@martinfrog768]

Thanks for all your hard work putting this video together ... I've used Fender tube amps for many years and really love the Sound they make ...

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Martin. I share your enthusiasm for them too.

[@terencekaye9948]

Fantastic Video Doug... Lots of Learning going on for me..

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Terence. That's good to hear.

[@phonicwheel933]

Nice work on the Bandmaster and the camera work- clear images.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, PW. I'm back to posting in HD :)

[@DerisedEgami]

GREAT video... and priceless, in my case. My Grandpa gave me his '65 bandmaster, before he passed, some years ago. It still sounds great, besides needing a couple new power tubes. The information in this video could come in handy, one day. - Also love your verbage!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, DE. Best of luck with your project.

[@tonymanns8249]

Doug, you have done a fantastic job troubleshooting and repairing that classic amplifier. The aftermarket is great, I recently replaced the worn faceplate on a used Ampeg V4 amp that I bought and it looks as good as new. I love Antique Electric Supply and have had only good experiences with them over the years.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Tony. I agree, AES is an excellent, well-run business.

[@blackdogbite]

Wow! THAT'S real world! Good job and thanks for sharing all those juicy tidbits. You da man!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, BDB :)

[@jackallen6261]

Well I must say the amps from hell do make the most interesting videos! I learned a few valuable tips on this one, I would have NEVER guessed new components would be toast right out of the box,thanks for sharing!! Now we know why the cat scan took so long, Jack was finding all sorts of issues! lol. Loved the A on the mountain, that is really interesting, I never heard that before. It's good to see the "The amp is amping" again!!

[@UncleDoug]

Yes, and the tremolo is tremulating. Thanks, Jack.....glad you liked it :)

[@jackallen6261]

Yes it is!!. Always a pleasure watching you repair these old wonderful amps.. Actually I just today received my 1947 (according to the date codes I have found on the tubes) Gibson BR-6. She doesn't look too pretty but I am confident that when I get through with her she will be amping as she was intended to as well! Thanks again for sharing with us your vast knowledge on these amazing amps!!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Jack.

[@leemurray4158]

Great job on the bright switch!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Lee.

[@4bbl4sp2ex]

you're the best uncle doug! i want to thank you for your videos. you are the reason i started to work on vintage amps and build my own amps from scratch. i also love your truck hobby! keep up the great work and thank you!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, 442. Thanks for your nice comments :)

[@justinflowers2111]

"welcome to the world of madness." lol. That Immediately reminded me of a few repair projects I've worked on in the past. At least you have video so you you know you weren't going crazy... Probably just a gremlin..

[@denislavdenchev2572]

Such a pleasure listening to this amp and Jack and Olly rocking away.Once again thanks for the informative and entertaining content ,Uncle Doug!

[@SIXSTRING63]

Just did a 1977 Bandmaster. Had one 6l6 gc and one gb to start off . Other than that and some tired filter caps and some bad resistors in the LTP it was pretty good. A few plate resistors had drifted up in value a bit as most of those old carbon comps do over time. One broken resistor lead from the tremolo circuit. Of course I put in new screen grid and stopper resistors. New parts and two tubes I matched up on the old Hickok 539c with some biasing she sounds great. I just used 2 33uf caps in parallel to make up those 70uf caps. They measured out about 68uf per pair. Saved my customer $$$ since I had a bunch in stock.

[@UncleDoug]

That sounds like a very practical, thorough, and successful repair, 6S. Congratulations !!!

[@SIXSTRING63]

@@UncleDoug Yes, the 33uf body size were small enough to pair them up and have them still fit in the "doghouse" with no issues.

[@charlesmatthias9459]

Great work and restoration,Uncle Doug!What a "night mare"! Good thing you have years' of experience! Amp sounds' great!Nothing like a "black-face" "Fender bandmaster"!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Charles.

[@SeanKerns]

Wow. Rebuilding the bright switch was way beyond anything I've tried. Good for you. I once tried, and failed, to rebuild a pull boost switch on the Master Volume of a '73 Twin.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Sean.

[@McSynth]

Excellent work Uncle Doug !

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, McO :)

[@washaconte3956]

Hey Uncle Doug, if i were you, i would turn off and disconnect that amp, then throw some holy water and wait till is dry. Nice videos as always !

[@UncleDoug]

I think we effectively exorcised all its demons, WC.

[@johnbellas490]

Love seeing Jack doing the obligatory "CAT SCAN" Cats are amazing animals !! When I get an old radio to fix for somebody, or buy one for myself, my two cats, Snowball and Christmas ALWAYS have to do their obligatory " CAT SCAN" . Thanks for another great video !!! John Bellas KC2UVN

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, John. Where would we be without our furry "helpers" ?

[@deadfreightwest5956]

When checking the circuitry, Jack employs his whiskers, as well. Very sensitive to even the slightest signals.

[@God-CDXX]

You must like December 25 .. judging by your cat names my cat's name is Ratt

[@UncleDoug]

Does Ratt chase his own tail ?

[@God-CDXX]

nope . but he does growl at car horns

[@MrBrymstond]

Sweet job and the new face plate made it look brand new.

[@UncleDoug]

It was a nice touch, Mr. B. A first for me.....but the improvement was significant. Thanks !!

[@jmayoral]

Great video Uncle Doug. It is always so much fun to watch. Thank you!!!!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, JM. Thanks !!

[@jagjet9153]

Uncle Doug Usual accolades with a couple of observations . One of the biggest pluses in the modern world is to see anyone with patience who is willing to continue, even when it is not easy. With me I guess I don't like it when mechanical things try to beat me, but I don't like things unfinished. Watching you systematically diagnose issue after issue and with very little sign of true frustration is commendable and instructive. I have found that in many ways electrical issue are indeed the most puzzling on occasion. I had an issue with Air Conditioning fan on a car where I checked all the items on failure trail and was about to have to dismantle the entire dash to check things that were unreachable. And as a last resort checked the fuse again under load. It was good unpowered but the minute it was powered the filament took a big swing away from the solder joint at one end. It is the weird ones that are the most satisfying to overcome. So put your feet up and have Mrs. Doug make you a LimeAid freeze and relax, until you favor us with a new / old project ! Cool Drone stuff as well... Robert aka jagjet

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Robert. It's true that great challenges are often the most rewarding......unless you lose your patience and smash them with an axe, which I try to avoid when dealing with someone else's property :)

[@jameslucas6589]

That end of the video was a trip of nostalgia for me as well. The Sandia mountains had a U for UNM and the hills west had. J for St Joesephs college. When I had 20/20 I could easily see both from my home though the J was a good 20 miles away. I do not miss the desert one iota. Wind all year round (did not know until I was 18 that it did not blow everyday of the week til I moved-true story). Another superb video.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, James. I'm glad it brought back some fond memories :)