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

[@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.

[@DannyDKNYC]

@UncleDoug why is there only 1 filament wire on the vibro champ? A money saver? I also noticed when I built a tweed deluxe mojo added the twisted filament to the design where as the original tweed I had only had 1 wire? Just curious and trying to learn . Thanks

[@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

[@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 !!!

[@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.......;)

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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 !!!!

[@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 :(

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@chokkan7]

UD, please don't be mad at me for saying this, but I have to say that I really enjoy watching you dig yourself out of a jam. You never fail to impress.

[@UncleDoug]

Don't worry, C7. I get a perverse satisfaction out of doing it :) Thanks !!!

[@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.

[@phillipyannone3195]

Super video in all respects.i never thought I would be so interested in Fender amps. But with this newly acquired knowledge how could I not. The photos and the drone footage were spectacular.👍🏻👍🏻

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Phillip :)

[@jimsuber6784]

Nice amp Doug. Good playing too. very enjoyable.

[@UncleDoug]

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

[@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,

[@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 :(

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@billphillipstube]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Bill :)

[@dale1956ties]

Having these Uncle Doug videos at hand is like having the most complete and easiest to understand library of books on the subject, but a whole lot more fun.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, DE. People often ask me to write a book, and I honestly feel like our videos are easier to access and search than a paper book.....and cheaper, too :)

[@dale1956ties]

@@UncleDoug Absolutely. While I do think a book would be an appropriate undertaking for you, (provided it doesn't mean it'll cut into your video making time) and I do think they'd sell, I don't think there's any way that your personality would come through in a text-only format. Honestly, seeing Rusty (RIP) being put through the paces of taste-testing the dog biscuits, or Jack doing his sniff tests and retrieving the little wadded up paper "toy" is half the fun. I think we'd lose all of that in a book. Even so, if you ever do write one, I'll buy a copy.

[@UncleDoug]

@@dale1956ties Thanks so much for your loyalty and support, DE. It means a lot.

[@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 ;)

[@oliverlangner5202]

Oh man! This channel is pure GOLD!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Oliver :)

[@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 ;)

[@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 :)

[@Gwamperter_Hund]

New album from Jack and Ollie: the hum is gone

[@UncleDoug]

.....and good riddance ;)

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@fairenoughthenwhat]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, FE. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@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 ;)

[@spacelab2756]

Great to see Rusty again.God bless you uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, SL. Likewise on the blessing :)

[@jimduffy9773]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, James.

[@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 !!

[@hubbsllc]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Hub. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@wandawong]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, WW. We colonized many years ago ;)

[@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.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Doug it sounds great. I like the fact that you don't go with good enough sickness. I have always been a staunch believer in make it the best you can in everything. The one valuable thing my day told me as a kid was, "if you're going to do a job, do it the best it can be or just don't do it". All that ungreen space is startling to us northerners, but somehow beautiful

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Mike. We try to do our best on every job......mostly out of pride in our work. Glad you like the desert :)

[@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 :)

[@codeman99-dev]

Hi Doug, glad I found your channel. In high school I attempted to build a Champ 5C1 amp from all new parts. I was a fool and made countless mistakes. A decade later I've finally got back around to my interest in music and electronics. It is time to finally assembly my amp, properly! Many Thanks, Cody

[@UncleDoug]

We're glad you found us too, Cody. Good luck with your project. As we age, patience and common sense overtake our youthful excess energy.

[@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 !!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jamesbracken4618]

I"VE been building Champs out of old Webester 205 Reel To Reels, They have 2 6AV6s which are half of a 12ax7, a 6V6 and a 5Y3. A reel nice plywood cabinet for a speaker cab.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for sharing this with us, James.

[@arnebroxleirnes418]

Thank you for yet another lovely, mouthwatering video!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Arne :)

[@lessevdoolbretsim]

I like your well and plain spoken voice and the fact that you spend your time putting across only pertinent information. No BS. Good stuff. Kudos.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mr. B.

[@comajoebuck999]

Really appreciate the grill cloth teaching.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Joe.

[@charleslambiase5670]

And then going on top of that , your diligence truly correct the problem of the hum!!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Charles. It was somewhat of a struggle......but hum chasing generally is :)

[@charleslambiase5670]

@@UncleDoug but you nailed it this is persistence!!!!!

[@UncleDoug]

@@charleslambiase5670 It's sometimes a very helpful virtue, Charles. Thanks !!!

[@charleslambiase5670]

@@UncleDoug you're very welcome Uncle Doug

[@keithcarter9396]

Another great video Uncle Doug, your persistence for perfection is amazing. Also, great scenic photos from your drone flight at the end with wonderful guitar playing music in the background topped off a first-class upload, thanks for your time and education. I obviously am a huge fan as I rewatch these uploads repeatedly. An advantage of age is that you get to see many things for the first time over and over again.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Keith. I'm really glad you enjoy the videos......over and over ;)

[@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 :)

[@martinfrog768]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, Martin :)

[@isoguy.]

You make the most interesting awesome technical, musical and visual content on the tube; can't understand why you haven't achieved 10M subscribers. Guess us techie type are a dying breed in the brave new world of consumerism! Todays world: busted, don't fix it buy a new one, don't create just destroy and who needs beautiful visuals and calming music when you can annoy the neighbours with "in the words of Shango066" blu, blur, dee blur, blur, blur gangster rap full of profanity. Thank God there are still people like you. Awesome vid and thankyou for sharing your multifaceted skills.

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks so much for all your very nice comments, IG. We really appreciate it :)

[@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 :)

[@peterjg1952]

I have nought electrical knowledge but I recognise immense intelligence and skill when I see it. Fantastic work Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Peter. Keep watching and it will all become much clearer to you.

[@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.

[@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 !!!

[@ManMartin]

Very clever trick to aline the cloth. Thanks again

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, MM.

[@prigs750]

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

[@UncleDoug]

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

[@adamstyles7977]

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

[@UncleDoug]

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

[@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 !!!

[@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 !!!

[@SeanKerns]

As someone else mentioned, I watch a lot of people fix amps. But you're the best at explaining why you change what you change when you mod something, like the tremolo speed, and why you change out components when you fix something.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Sean. Hopefully the explanations are informative :)

[@less_concerned1221]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, LC.

[@gwhiteoh53]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you kindly, Greg.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@michelholm5209]

I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos wonderful job👍

[@UncleDoug]

Happy to hear that, AA :)

[@jeffbrooks7246]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks, Jeff :)

[@michaelbutler2312]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you so much, Michael :)

[@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 :)

[@lynnphipps2609]

Not just repair but tube amp engineering lessons! Doug, you are impressive to say the least.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you like the video, Lynn :)

[@nicko6710]

That amp records well.. Nice work

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Nick :)

[@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 :)

[@pbrom99]

Uncle Doug, thanks again for sharing your many talents with us. Every video is a gem!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thank you, PB :)

[@jamesbruno5896]

UD your best video so far! You are the gold standard to which I try my humble best to mimic! Great call rewiring & grounding the CT of the filament circuit! It's the only & proper way to do it! TY & stay safe Sir!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, James, thanks so much :)

[@stevekampe8979]

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

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Steve.

[@MrMeik1970]

Thank you for this beautiful Video Uncle Doug 👍. The trick with the schematic for the improved version was great. Many greetings to the two cats and stay healthy.

[@UncleDoug]

Our pleasure, Meik. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gregdd57]

Great job saving another vintage gem! And that drone video at the end was a real "natural high", the best kind!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Greg :)

[@HooksBill]

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 :)

[@georgeburns5811]

Great repair video! I loved the slide show during the audio demo and vote to make it a permanent feature.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, George. I simply don't have enough good photos for another one. Sorry :(

[@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.

[@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.

[@michaelshown1362]

Thanks for another great video. It made my day when I saw that it was posted. I new it was going to be another wonderful Sunday afternoon. Thank you Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

You are so welcome, Michael. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@guitarsofold100]

Uncle Doug. You never cease to amaze me,that grill cloth reinstall was a an education in itself. Another tech would have left it as it was...Curios to see 6 thumbs down at the time of this post. is that you tube?

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, John. I think they are from people I have blocked from commenting on the channel and this is their only way to strike back. Their childish behavior should explain why they were initially blocked.

[@Cpt_Adama]

Those are professional trolls, their goal in life is to thumbs down every video that ever comes out regardless to the quality of content. Normal people can not understand them, but they derive pleasure from it somehow.

[@74cannelle]

Really great tone ! Well done Uncle Doug, once more !

[@UncleDoug]

Many thanks, 74C :)

[@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 ;)

[@keithcarter9396]

Uncle Doug, I really admire your bulldog attitude to bringing these treasures back to better-than-new performance. We do not see a lot of this these days but I am sure your efforts will encourage the next generation of amp techs on to do greater things. Lets hope I am right. More power to you. I see below that i commented previously here, I really love your work.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for your kind words of support, Keith.

[@edwardhannigan6324]

Fascinating as usual Doug..Great repair...Top man...!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for watching and commented, Ed.

[@rickfisher9594]

That was a sweet Beezer. Oh and on the amp repair, as always you are a true artist.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Rick :)

[@Slugg-O]

Watching you meticulously examine every inch of an amp is like watching a detective examine a crime scene. You've got an incredible eye for detail and there's no doubt that this amp is in far better shape now than when it left the factory. I didn't notice the filament wire fiasco until you pointed it out, and when you did I couldn't unsee it. I am aware that Fender was known for cutting corners back then but Leo was so persnickety about clean tone I'm surprised he signed off on that. Thank you again for taking us along for the ride, and of course the flight at the end.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for your very thoughtful comments, Randy. I initially failed to notice the single-wired 6.3VAC circuit, but, like you, once I saw it, it was burned into my brain and had to be fixed. Glad you enjoyed the video. We always enjoy hearing from you.

[@Slugg-O]

@@UncleDoug I wrote "filament" before finishing my coffee, but yes on the single 6.3 volt. Hope you enjoy your afternoon.

[@UncleDoug]

@@Slugg-O "Filament" makes good sense too, Randy. That's what the wires connect.