Tone King Imperial - Hardware Changes, Service & Test

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/ @bradsguitargarage
Webpage: www.bradsguitargarage.com.au
Facebook: bradsguitargarage
Instagram: / bradsguitargarage
Equipment:
Soldering:
Pace MBT station w/SX100 & PS-90 handpieces
Hakko 474 w/815 handpiece
Hakko 936 w/907 handpiece
Hakko FX-888D w/FX-8801 handpiece
Quick 861DW hot air station
BOFA fume extraction unit
Loctite Multicore solder (C511 / 362)
Test Equipment:
Fluke 11, 175, 177 & 179 handheld DMM's
Tektronix 2236 analog oscilloscope
Rigol DS-1054z digital oscilloscope
BK Precision 4017A sweep / function generator
BWD 160a function generator
HP 6236B triple output DC power supply
Kyoritsu 3132A insulation / continuity tester
Video equipment:
Overhead cam: Panasonic HC-V785 w/Audio Technica AT9946CM mic
Handheld cam: Panasonic DC-G85 w/Olympus M.Zuiko Pro 12-40mm f/2.8
On location cam: Panasonic DC-GH5s w/Panasonic-Leica 9mm f/1.7 & 12-60mm f/2.8
Capture card(s): Magewell HDMI USB, ATEN UC3020-AT, ATEN UC3021
Headset Mic: Audio Technica BP892xcW-TH
Lapel Mic: Rode Go
Editing: Adobe Premiere Elements
Hand Tools:
Wiha, Felo, Stanley screwdrivers
CK & Engineer cutters / pliers
RS Pro wire strippers
Sidchrome & Gear Wrench spanners, sockets & shifters
Veritas planes & chisels
Materials / Consumables:
JJ's / TAD electron valves
Elixir / Ernie Ball / D'Addario / Rotosound strings
Electrolube & DeoxIT cleaners, lubricants & chemicals.

[@kenr86]

'Bottomed out on the shaft... like your Mum'. Best side remark every! You're a true champion, mate.

[@goodun2974]

Brad also let slip that he likes his "bags" thick and well padded; and that's okay, no judgement here!

[@voodoochild1954]

I had to go back to make sure I heard that right. 😂 “so’s yer mum”

[@kenr86]

@@goodun2974 The deeper the cushion, the sweeter the pushin.... I think that was Spinal Tap - their great song 'Big Bottoms'. Talk about plum cakes, I've got bum cakes.

[@goodun2974]

@@kenr86, " Fat bottom girls, you make the rockin' world go round....." Queen

[@mead1353]

Your level of dedication and commitment is a rare gift today. I would bring you my amps all day, no questions asked, if I would live in Australia.

[@nathan.j101]

Great job, Brad! I hope your customers appreciate how you always go the extra mile. Keep up the awesome work.

[@RaxFx]

I'm glad you're finding "things" & truly hope you don't stop.

[@chrisquinn9104]

I just looked at the internal pictures I took of my Tone King Imperial. The board is dated 7/14/14. Mine doesn’t seem to have the issues that one does. The board is black. There’s plenty of room for pot changes and probably more room for other repairs as well. I can send you photos if you are curious. Maybe older isn’t better?

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

Yeah, I did find some photos of green coloured PCBs which had about 1" more room behind the pots.

[@StephenBarker-e2g]

Keep up the good work Brad!

[@Spupilup]

I have to tell you, this video was superb! I love that you care as much as you do about the way these amps are finished off. When you pay the premium for an amp like the Imperial, you deserve to get an amp that was truly fretted over, insuring that everything was sorted before it was sold to you. If I ever needed an amp tech and you weren't on the other side of the world, you'd get my business.

[@Richard56er]

You're not being picky. You are one of the few that actually takes pride in your work.

[@tedmich]

Leo's designs are soo durable! Thanks Brad! Get that arm looked at, cant work without arms!

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

Yes, booked in this morning to get it checked out. Work will have to wait, unfortunately.

[@midnighthour4299]

Good on you mate, cut no corners, plenty out thete will do that for you.

[@danielweinbaum]

Brad, you are not being too picky ! We have a saying in Connecticut that kinda takes a dig at southerners, "WHY DO IT RIGHT, WHEN YOU CAN DO IT AGAIN !"

[@goodun2974]

Serial amp-builders, like serial killers, are typically trying to "evolve" into their truest selves.....but sometimes they end up devolving....

[@seanblythe9109]

You are the best observer and teacher on the entire web I’m convinced.

[@glennbeeler3312]

brad , keep doing what you do

[@Lu_Woods]

aw jeez, your customers are lucky to have you around. Hope you get to a PT soon to get the elbow happy again.(nudge nudge)

[@camielkotte]

I love what you are doing. Had 2 of my guitars refurbished after 30 years by a local shop with 2 guys. They inspected both of them. But set a fixed price for all guitars the same and just go do their job and do anything they find , or not find, from frets to cleaning, insulation, solderingd... Everything. Until it's perfect to the wish of the customers AND their own. That's craftsman ship and it's a mindset. Needles to say, people born with more pragmatic wired brains don't care that much. To them it just has to work. Let's celebrate were all different. Would be boring as ants otherwise. Ps Life of Brian: "You're all different! " One single soul in the audience says "I am not!" . People who don't like that film are less interested to detail. In my experience...

[@fiddlix]

I like your channel just the way it is. Keep the great content coming..!

[@jeffwonk2024]

Great work as usual. Nice playing at the end BTW.

[@stevevender1154]

“So’s yer mum” 😂. Greetings from Albuquerque!

[@spumpstein9374]

12:26 "...so's yer mom..." there's the reason why you are among my top 3 preferred online amp guru. cracked me up. re: the question of whether one goes too far with their repair tech expectations of amp designers...I believe it is the amp repair tech's prerogative to scrutinize the design and repairability of any amp that comes across their bench. IMO it's fair game, because affordable repairability is not just a perfectionist's wet dream - it is very much where Leo Fender started when he formed his company. He owned & operated a radio repair shop, and side-lined renting small PA systems, for a good 10-15 years before he started making lap steels with Kaufmann. His guitar amp designs were informed from the beginning by the very same type of repair tech encounters with less-than-ideal radio, turntable, & TV design. His amps were the among most repairable of their day - and remain so today. No one can argue with that. That literally millions of pre-1980 Fender tube guitar amps are still in service, and still sound great when in good condition, tells the tale. Keep up the scrutiny - it's a public service to anyone who wants to own & rely upon a tube guitar amp. cheers from Seattle.

[@audiomsg]

Go Brad! I love it when you and Lyall poke the bears. There's nowhere for these manufacturers to hide, whether it's laziness, incompetence, cost-cutting, poor design, or just not giving a shit: they will be exposed. Too bad if you're a fanboy of a particular brand, you need to sit up and hear the truth.

[@audiomsg]

And the same can be said for @psionic as well, of course

[@omen3766]

you really know how to handle those "knobs"!!! 🤘

[@vintagetubeamplifiers]

I worked on a Imperial Mark II earlier this year and it was one of the best sounding amps I've worked on.

[@JasonT-xp3kh]

The angle of the dangle is always thwarted by the heat of the meat. Lol

[@Swodie_Jeetin]

Thanks for the tip on reverb tank orientation I've been wondering why my reverb hums since putting a new bag in 🤯

[@mattg082]

On the Tone King Amps, I’ve always reversed my reverb tanks around…solves most all hum. But there’s always a tiny bit when at 10. I rarely go above 3 on these just for a little bit, then use Space Echo or a different kind. I like the Reverbs on these, but they aren’t the spring ones like Fender. A lot more subtle on these Amps.

[@Andy_Yates]

I have a Mk2 and thankfully it doesn't have the gap between the face plate and cabinet. The knobs don't seem too far from face plate either. I can see the nut in the gap and that's all. That said, I am not sure that they made servicing it any easier. I knew I was going more complex than a 65 reissue with the channel switching and attenuator so it's cool

[@TRtribal]

You were already going to get my like, but you secured it with the "so is your mum."

[@markspurgin8225]

Keep up the good work 👏 you just keep doing you wouldn't want it any other way 👍

[@walterjebe8703]

Keep doing what you are doing. Improving details are an important part of understanding what amp makers are worth investing your money into their products. I find that with products made today are not set up to be repaired.

[@tomoshea5683]

Great video. Great sounding amp!

[@brucepritchard9195]

Enjoy the channel! Perhaps snip the lock washers in half to allow to slip down around the shafts from the top, there'd be enough teeth to still do the job without having to go through all that.

[@steveennever9905]

My two oldest amps, a Fenton Weill & an Axis 50 watt Head, both early 70's, have never suffered pots becoming lose. One would normally associate this with the more cheaply assembled products. Continue with your quest.

[@AprioriMarcos]

Absolutely love your videos. Knowledge, explanations for us wankers, and solutions. As an aside, if you were building an amp with harmonic trem, I'd buy it at any price.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

I'd love to try a harmonic trem one of these days.

[@roryloftin6493]

Great sound samples 🤘👍🎸

[@martinreid1740]

Knopfler used one of these a few years back. A nice enough amp but that was a tough job to fit a few washers.

[@TheMorganOrgan]

Sounds fab. Shame the designers stuck one to future service techs.

[@jDS-xh4zq]

Just wondering if there is a "U"/horseshoe shaped lock washer on the hardware market that would work to secure the pots in this situation without having to remove everything around? Or could cutting the washers open work?

[@FXClinic]

Kinda reminds me of a Diezel Einstein I had on the bench. Taking the freakin board to service the pots, was just.... a nightmare.

[@AlanW]

I might have gone cheeky and cut the lock washer into a C to try and slide them on without taking out the pot. Probably would have gotten myself into more trouble that worth, but that's why you are the pro, and I'm just some rando who shouldn't be trying to service my own amps, let alone anyone else's!

[@sempercompellis]

Anyone with that much mold in their amp is NEVER gonna notice the evenness of those pots Fender handwired their amps up to 1981- It blows my mind more people don't buy a silverface bandmaster or bassman for 900 and never ever look back. If you're dying for a higher gain sound- what is it ?? a dozen solder joints and a handfull of caps away from a marshall. This shit is really not complicated--or at least it wasn't back then. I'm glad i learned about this stuff early enough to get my 68 collection of blackline 10" amps (PR VLX SR) while they were still had for around 1200 ;they are each around 3500 now (well, the SR's are giant and thus less desirible in the market- they go for around 2000) but if i were starting right this second i would go early 70s bandmaser all day long.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

It was a recent purchase and the new owner I'd a good customer of mine, hence going the extra mile. Restoring a silver face Fender is another great but sometimes costly option.

[@Bairov]

The reverb on my MKII is on 6 and nowhere near as big as this one. I wonder if it's defective. I hate to have to crack open that bag, but I'm thinking something is up. Maybe a detached spring?

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

If you're suggesting something is wrong with this one; it's fine. I know the sound of a broken spring.Likely a circuit design difference between this one and yours. It's a huge reverb, that's for sure. If you're concerned about your amp, try finding some demos of the Mk.II online and see how it compares. Having said that, it looks like there are different versions of the Mk.II model out there too, so hard to tell for sure.

[@mattchase3153]

I have a Mark ii. It's a frequent comment that the reverb is quite subdued compared to a Fender. It suits me fine as I'm not into splash, but if you were a surf guitarist you would want more. Note also that the reverb level is further attenuated in the Lead channel.

[@goodun2974]

Maybe the wrong reverb tank was subbed, or Installed backwards by an inexperienced tech?

[@goodun2974]

​@@BradsGuitarGarage, you let slip that you like your bags "thick and padded"! Hey, s'alright, this is a judgement-free zone!

[@RobbieF]

Thank you, Brad. So are you telling us that a Tone King is not a bad amp to purchase?

[@RobbieF]

@bradsguitargarage Never mind ... guess I should have waited until the end of the video before commenting 🙂

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

I'd have one! They might be built a little different these days with Boutique Amp Distribution at the helm, I would like to see if there are any design differences.

[@RobbieF]

@@BradsGuitarGarage At $2K plus US, I think I would rather spend half of that on a Bassmen and the other half on rebuild by someone like you or Lyle. Almost came home with a drip edge the other day ... only thing that stopped me was having to save my allowance for the kid's Christmas.

[@jefffree6990]

Nice ! Sounds great and I love the look. Does the tremolo seem a little slow overall?

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

It is a bit slow in my opinion, yes. That could easily be changed in the future, however.

[@goodun2974]

​@@BradsGuitarGarage , most trems are *too fast* for my taste! I prefer a slower wiggle.....you can make of that what you will (mum jokes aren't my style!).

[@khillsy4489]

Pay no mind to the meatheads. Keep on keeping on.👍👍👍🇨🇦

[@Spupilup]

Was this amp actually made by Mark or was it made by Boutique Amps Distribution? I think BAD began making Tone King around 2016.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

Dave F. tells me that it was a late Bartel era one. There does appear to be many revisions from the gut shots I could find online, from both during and after the Bartel era. They're all fantastic amps, just this particular one was a little annoying to the tech.

[@shckltnebay]

Very versatile amp

[@jeffdennison3347]

I would cut tooth star type washers u shaped so they would slide past the barrel. That is how I make a bad to salvageable situation .

[@lordgraga]

I thought so too but imagine if they come loose and rattle around the amp.

[@jeffdennison3347]

@@lordgraga I make a small cut and bend it open sideways slip it on and bent it back flat so there is no way it can fall even if you loosen them up.

[@thatampguy]

How the mighty have fallen

[@vl292]

Sounds ok. But this really screams ”lets just build a brand that tics all the boxes for high end boutique-nerds and then have contract manufacturer churn them out and enjoy the ride. Like just the brand ”tone king” or the model ”imperial” sound like marketing 101. I’d rather buy 70s deluxe reverb if this was my kind of tone than this. But I tip my hat to your dedication on servicing amps, I hope your customers acknowledge they are getting more than they paid for.

[@roncarter2188]

What a pain! But making it right for the customer sets you apart from some other turd. Great job!

[@rob-french-data]

It sucks because if you don't do that stuff, it's like you are responsible for it anyway. I've been burned like this in other service jobs, and it's the same everywhere. Documentation is your only defense.

[@mattg082]

Only thing even on the new Tone King amps, is servicing on some can be annoying. Not the funnest amps to take apart at all. I have a Sky King and I def wouldn’t just drop it off to any local service guy. From experience they are very easy to get banged up during servicing, and schematics on some aren’t widely provided. Usually have to contact BAD if newer, or ship it out of state to someone more familiar with the amps. They do sound good, and offer a lot of features though from home to gig.

[@maxvockner]

Just need a longer shaft.😂

[@shane011471]

No need to apologize for one damn thing as like you said it's literally your job. Was wondering if you had a chance to open up the REVV yet? I have not even seen one nor have I played through one, but I see just about every damn KZbin guitar channel has one in the background in which that in itself gives me pause.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

That's on the bench later this week. Videos for sure!

[@shane011471]

@@BradsGuitarGarage Thank You sir!

[@rpm4999]

Could snip the lock washer and slide it on in situ ?

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

It did cross my mind! But I decided it would likely squash out under pressure and still be pretty awkward to do, and risk scratching the inside of the chassis with pliers.

[@rpm4999]

@@BradsGuitarGarage i know you don’t cut corners or washers BTW i watched the last streams in full ..im off work with a broken arm Enjoy the show👍

[@GhostfaceGriller-hd7jw]

Old women, Bear traps and not using lock washers are a few of my bug a boos

[@GhostfaceGriller-hd7jw]

Even on pedals!

[@JEmilioJNava]

sounds surfy!

[@soapboxearth2]

My buddy recently suffered an elbow injury. He tries to tell us its tennis elbow. He doesn't play tennis. Im no doctor, but i suspect penis elbow. Hope yours heals up for ya !

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

Yep, there goes my love life. 🤣

[@soapboxearth2]

@@BradsGuitarGarage lol

[@Mrlz56]

What's the serial number. Mark 's team does much better work. That must be a post 2008 PBG amp not made at the Baltimore shop. Those and one's after do not sound as good. After hearing the amp that's not Marks work.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

It's a beautiful amp, just a bit of a pain to change a pot, that's all. There looks to be many versions from what I can find of photos online.

[@goodun2974]

​@@BradsGuitarGarage, " Life is like a truckfull of SkyKing amplifiers: you never quite know what you're gonna get". I wouldn't suggest buying one on Reverb unless somebody posts pictures of the inside of it ---- which almost no Reverb amplifier sellers ever do.

[@Mark70609]

The lack of washers is disappointing, they aren’t a cheap amp. What is Mark Bartel making now?

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

Mark is now making the best amplifiers ever built.

[@Mark70609]

@@BradsGuitarGarage thanks for the quick reply, what brand? I would like to see what his amps look like.

[@Mark70609]

@@BradsGuitarGarage I did a search and saw Bartel amps which are point to point and appear old school.

[@Mark70609]

@@BradsGuitarGarage I noticed from the pictures on Mark Bartel’s site that he is using carbon comp resistors. They have mojo, but they do come with problems. I’m curious about your experience with Mark Bartel products?

[@Satchmoeddie]

I bought one of those things that pumps ice water through a bandage that has Velcro on it for my screwed up joints. It's also not too bad wrapped around my neck to cool me off in summer. I'd put some peel n stick weather stripping across the top. The shit kids dump in amps ranges from money to spaghetti and everything in between. Nice sounding amps, but lose the axial caps guys. Seriously those should have gone away 20 years ago for new designs.

[@shckltnebay]

What did you say about my mom?

[@JasonT-xp3kh]

She got her bottom knocked out. Hahaha

[@paulwatson8809]

Something about a 3/8 bushing, I believe...

[@goodun2974]

PS, Brad ---- youre playing quite a bit better these days. Your playing demos seem to utilize a bit less distortion than you used to; more clean or "edge of dirty" playing, which highlights the fact that the use of excessive distortion by so many is often an attempt to cover up bad playing.

[@Michael-bm8hi]

Shows to me again that the stuff coming out of the BAD stable suggests that you are buying a high quality boutique style product. But actually it is pretty standard electronics you will get with a tendency to sloppiness when it comes to build quality. All of this is wrapped in candy color tolex with a hefty price tag hung around the handle. Check KZbin on the few videos walking you around their workshop. This will tell you a lot. I would keep my fingers off.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

This is a pre-BAD amplifier. It's very well built, just one or two areas for improvement. Sometimes how impressed I am with an amp doesn't quite come across in the video as I'm focused on areas for improvements. I'm trying to work on that more.

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#69_NuffSaid😊🇺🇸

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

Well... it does sound quite good! Very annoying build.

[@baabaabaa-yp2jh]

Mate, you cd say every amp you come across is brilliant, and some dhead will find fault... Great sounding amp though!

[@williambock1821]

God you guys won’t shut up about my mom!🤬

[@mad24r45]

You are working on amps and don't shit on the design and work of other people all the time? That's a welcome novelty on YT, subbed.

[@rgbplumbinghilton]

At the end of the day it's been built by someone who doesn't mind sending out rough work. It's a shame as it could be a great amp!

[@kmetal83]

Bunk amp

[@jamesbracken4618]

As soon as I saw it i didn't like it. Those printed circus boards are junk. They may sound good they aint worth shit.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

PCBs are THE best way to construct a circuit IF executed correctly. That's a MASSIVE "IF" as almost nobody does it as well as it should be done.

[@goodun2974]

​@@BradsGuitarGarage, I have a serious philosophical and metaphysical issue with output-tube sockets being mounted directly to a PCB, especially if they're on the same main board as everything else. At the very least, the output tubes need to be on their own separate board. PERIOD. No if's, ands, or buts.