ASK SKIP
AMP HANDLE REPAIR � Skip Simmons
Hello Skip , I am writing you about a 1957 Fender Champ repair . The handle is busted and I don ’ t know where to get an authentic 1950 ’ s handle to replace it . I ’ m wondering if this is something you ’ ve got a source for and could you install if I shipped you the amp ? I think the amp sounds great and after reading your articles I don ’ t plan to replace any of the parts , but if I sent it to you what would you do to make it sound better ? Thanks , Matt
Hello Matt - Thanks for writing , but I don ’ t have a source for an actual vintage handle . Most repro handles are junk , but I ’ ve seen two companies ( Brookwood Leather and El Dorado Straps ) whose products are excellent quality . I ’ ve also had good luck with taking the original handle to a shoe-repair shop and having them make a copy of it . The handle is held on with four wood screws and is easy to change yourself .
I am glad that the amp sounds good and I certainly agree that you could just go ahead and run it as-is , but what I do is service the amp along with assessing all the components in it . Almost every old amp can benefit from a tuneup and oil change , so to speak . If you decide to wait on any servicing , be sure to check the fuse . The proper value ( 1 ampere ) will protect the circuit in the event of a component failure . If you fire it up one day and it doesn ’ t sound as good as it used to , give me a call ! ~
Skip , I just got hold of a 1956 Gibson GA6 that looks to be pretty much all there except for maybe some tubes . I think it sounds great for harmonica and guitar . It does hum a bit and , looking in the back , there appears to be oily spots by many of the components . It can only go so high in volume and I know that may be normal . I would love to have this thing in top shape . I see you have worked on them . Do you think you could help it out some ? Thanks , Steve
Hello Steve - You bet ! That is a cool old amp and your photo of the amp chassis shows that they can still sound good with a bunch old leaky wax capacitors ! Your Gibson ( unlike many Fenders ) uses coupling and electrolytic capacitors that are almost always defective by now , and I would suggest replacing them along with some good servicing . Labor would likely in the $ 100 range but I ’ m sure that the amp would be more reliable and sound even better afterwards . I would only need to see the amp chassis , which is easy and affordable to ship . ~
Got a question for Skip ? Email him at SkipSimmonsAmps @ Gmail . com
16 Jul � Aug 2016 CollectibleGuitar . com