Monomyth Skeleton Key

[FourT6and2]

I’m in Australia. I’ve seen you post a lot of technical knowledge. Question: why do most manufacturers hard wire transformers that are voltage specific? I know some (but very few) come with a selectable switch for 120/240V.

I don't know. Maybe it's just easier? The one in the classifieds should have taps for your country, though. But I don't remember for sure what PT is in it. You'll have to ask the seller.

Is it expensive or tricky?

Neither. If the transformer has primaries for other voltages, it's easy enough to wire it up. And if you're looking at an amp that has one of them hard wired, you can just change it over to another tap pretty easily. It's just 1 or 2 wires. But if the PT only has 120v, then you're out of luck. If you're talking about an amp that someone built, either DIY or from a small builder, then maybe it's slightly cheaper to spec a PT with only one voltage. But it's not all that much cheaper. Maybe $25-$50.

That said, a vintage Marshall with the SK mod and stock transformer should have voltage taps for Australia. Might simply be hardwired inside and you just move a wire or two.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

I don't know. Maybe it's just easier? The one in the classifieds should have taps for your country, though. But I don't remember for sure what PT is in it. You'll have to ask the seller.


Neither. If the transformer has primaries for other voltages, it's easy enough to wire it up. And if you're looking at an amp that has one of them hard wired, you can just change it over to another tap pretty easily. It's just 1 or 2 wires. But if the PT only has 120v, then you're out of luck. If you're talking about an amp that someone built, either DIY or from a small builder, then maybe it's slightly cheaper to spec a PT with only one voltage. But it's not all that much cheaper. Maybe $25-$50.

That said, a vintage Marshall with the SK mod and stock transformer should have voltage taps for Australia. Might simply be hardwired inside and you just move a wire or two.

Yeah he confirmed it has taps. I know Bogner and Mesa need to have the PT replaced. Which is annoying. I watched the Headfirst guy replace one in a Rev Green.

 

[FourT6and2]

Yeah he confirmed it has taps. I know Bogner and Mesa need to have the PT replaced. Which is annoying. I watched the Headfirst guy replace one in a Rev Green.

That's wild that Bogner and Mesa don't have universal primaries. Never knew that.

 

[mnemonic]

I only knew about Mesa not using multi tap primaries, every other amp I’ve ever come across at least could be rewired internally. Like half the rectifiers you find for sale here in the U.K. are 120v USA models. The only mesas I see with selectable primary are some old mark series, using a rotary switch with a chicken head knob on the back (which seems the least safe way to do it, way too easy to reach back and move it, I’d think)

 

[Eazy-ESP]

I only knew about Mesa not using multi tap primaries, every other amp I’ve ever come across at least could be rewired internally. Like half the rectifiers you find for sale here in the U.K. are 120v USA models. The only mesas I see with selectable primary are some old mark series, using a rotary switch with a chicken head knob on the back (which seems the least safe way to do it, way too easy to reach back and move it, I’d think)

Yep I’ve noticed the same on the old mark series amps too. Somewhere along the line they decided to stop doing that. I’d honestly bet it’s to protect local distributors.

 

[Maarcn3]

From what I know, they’re usually turret board builds and done in limited runs.