Transformers for classic amps

  • Thread starter Thread starter ClintN667
  • Start date Start date
C

ClintN667

Well-known member
There are some amps that a lot of their special status comes from magical transformers. I saw a post the other day where someone fried their Mark IV PT. So it got me thinking have any of you guys had an amp that was considered a classic and replaced the PT and saw an improvement? Or lets say you had a SLO with the deyoung transformers and you fried one. Would you be shit out of luck? I mean who would you even use to replace one on a Mark series or Slo or something similar?
 
Aren’t the O’netics supposed to be a good SLO replacement ? And I believe Schumacher is back as a supplier to Mesa, so they must be available. For vintage Marshalls I’d go Chris Merren (if he’s still building).
 
I think it really depends on the amp....with a 2C+, if a transformer fried I'd definitely try to have it re wound by Schumacher. Keeping in mind though that the JP2C really doesn't get a true C+ tone; and those are also Schumachers. If it were a 66 Marshall, re wound by Marstran/Merren. SLOs, no the Onetics are not copies of the DeYoungs...I'd probably try to have Mercury or someone get as close to a perfect clone of a DeYoung as possible, since they aren't making them anymore. But, Soldano's are lifetime warranty so whatever they use now may work just fine? In my case my 72 Tremolo did have a replacement PT but it was still a 100w Dagnall from a later 70s Superlead. I did find a period correct T3556 for it on eBay for 120 bucks.

But, ultimately the PT isn't near as important as the OT...as long as the PT puts out the ballpark stock voltage the amp should sound spot on.
 
With PT, they don’t seem to make any difference as long as they are a replacement for it. My ‘69 1959 plexi PT had the bias winding fail. Replaced it with one from CE and sounds the same. But I didn’t know about rewinding at the time. Now I want to get it and another from a 68 Supertremolo rewound. Marstran said it would take a year and Heyboer would do it. Merren still hasn’t got back to me…MM wants $500 to do it, not sure I want to go that route…would rather try to keep them somewhat original.
 
Tube amp doctor make replacement power and output transformers for Mesa Marks.

Mark v power and output transformers may work, or if not Mesa may still have some old stock for repair purposes.

Quite a few SLO clone transformers out there as making SLO clones seems popular in the diy amp community. Onetics is one as mentioned above, Mike even used their transformers on the non-SLO soldanos at one point
 
So I asked this in the tech forum but since it's on topic here, what would you guys recommend for a 2204 build? I have used classicTone and heybooer in the past but if you were to build an 800 what would you use? Got one vote for MM so far.
 
I like my Hammonds but that’s one amp. I can’t attribute the differences solely to the transformers but my clone stock vs stock is way more aggressive with a nicer low end than my 79. I just don’t see the value in paying 2x for a Marshall-esque transformer from MM. Unless your doing some glpg80 witchcraft.
 
Chubbs said:
I like my Hammonds but that’s one amp. I can’t attribute the differences solely to the transformers but my clone stock vs stock is way more aggressive with a nicer low end than my 79. I just don’t see the value in paying 2x for a Marshall-esque transformer from MM. Unless your doing some glpg80 witchcraft.
Click to expand...
Yeah MM was $310 for the PT. Didn't bother looking at the OT after that. There is a Pacific Audio Magnetics that come up when I search for Drake Part numbers.

I have a VTM120 so I was thinking this would fill my 800 itch but as much as I love that amp seeing @griff10672 post on building got me motivated to build another 2204. I usually will build one then sell it at cost to fund my next build but this time I'm going to take my time and be a bit more selective on my components. I also want to get a chassis and faceplates specific for this build vs just getting a ceriatone or valvestorm chassis.
 
ClintN667 said:
Yeah MM was $310 for the PT. Didn't bother looking at the OT after that. There is a Pacific Audio Magnetics that come up when I search for Drake Part numbers.

I have a VTM120 so I was thinking this would fill my 800 itch but as much as I love that amp seeing @griff10672 post on building got me motivated to build another 2204. I usually will build one then sell it at cost to fund my next build but this time I'm going to take my time and be a bit more selective on my components. I also want to get a chassis and faceplates specific for this build vs just getting a ceriatone or valvestorm chassis.
Click to expand...
Do you have a chassis and faceplate guy? Finding a square switch jmp/800 chassis with faceplates with space for an extra tube is like pulling teeth.
 
Chubbs said:
Do you have a chassis and faceplate guy? Finding a square switch jmp/800 chassis with faceplates with space for an extra tube is like pulling teeth.
Click to expand...
Nah. Mojotone makes one but I kinda want to find someone else
 
ClintN667 said:
Yeah MM was $310 for the PT. Didn't bother looking at the OT after that. There is a Pacific Audio Magnetics that come up when I search for Drake Part numbers.

I have a VTM120 so I was thinking this would fill my 800 itch but as much as I love that amp seeing @griff10672 post on building got me motivated to build another 2204. I usually will build one then sell it at cost to fund my next build but this time I'm going to take my time and be a bit more selective on my components. I also want to get a chassis and faceplates specific for this build vs just getting a ceriatone or valvestorm chassis.
Click to expand...
This is a great subject ..... cause I'm already transformer shopping ...
 
KSR said they could do the faceplates but wasn't sure on the chassis.
 
I use a guy on eBay that makes very accurate faceplate copies. I think his name is Matthew. Not sure if he’s still around.

Here’s the guy’s eBay. Quantummechanic. They are perfect and worth every penny. I had to replace the one on my 74 as the original was stolen.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324948395454
Transformer wise I only use Hammond for repairs. Their customer service has sucked anytime I’ve called them. Their stock is limited and their PTs are all low or normal voltage spec’d, nothing high B+. MM has been amazing on the phone and I was even able to talk to one of their engineers in checking what model matched what specifications I wanted. MM has always treated me right and their product quality is great. I don’t mind the cost if quality and customer care is there which is why I use them exclusively now that magnetic components is no longer around. I’m not a fan of heyboer but maybe Marstran spec’d heyboers are better. Chris Merren is an option but he’s backlogged and usually works more transformer design in the winter.
 
Last edited:
What about Classic Tone stuff ?? My Splawn Super Comp has Classic tone .....and they sure sound OK to me ...
 
griff10672 said:
What about Classic Tone stuff ?? My Splawn Super Comp has Classic tone .....and they sure sound OK to me ...
Click to expand...
Classictone are closed unfortunately. Pacific Audio Magnetics maybe an option. I may try another go with MM. Like I said my next build is going to stay so I will likely spend a little extra on caps and iron.
 
griff10672 said:
What about Classic Tone stuff ?? My Splawn Super Comp has Classic tone .....and they sure sound OK to me ...
Click to expand...
They went bankrupt during covid. You can’t get them new anymore. Anything you see sold is used or NOS.

I liked classicTone for OTs. They were one of my preferences. Now I use Mercury Magnetics for everything. No question of quality and rated at higher than typical specifications posted. They’re built very well and they retain value, not to mention the customer service is top notch.
 
glpg80 said:
They went bankrupt during covid. You can’t get them new anymore. Anything you see sold is used or NOS.

I liked classicTone for OTs. They were one of my preferences. Now I use Mercury Magnetics for everything. No question of quality and rated at higher than typical specifications posted. They’re built very well and they retain value, not to mention the customer service is top notch.
Click to expand...
the choices over there at Mercury Magnetics are insane .... I'm a newb when it comes to finding transformers ..... do they have a " transformer kit for dummies " looking for a Headfirst Cali build .... and a straight up Headfirst 2204 ....
 
griff10672 said:
the choices over there at Mercury Magnetics are insane .... I'm a newb when it comes to finding transformers ..... do they have a " transformer kit for dummies " looking for a Headfirst Cali build .... and a straight up Headfirst 2204 ....
Click to expand...
Call them up! That’s one reason why I recommend them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top