My 1967 Ampeg Gemini V needs new electrolytics. Opened it up for the first time today, and was super impressed at the build quality and component selection. All carbon film resistors, all film capacitors, many by Wima, everything solidly locked down, but with adequate strain relief. Impressive for 1967.
Anyway, just thought I'd share. Really nice to see this.
Anyway, just thought I'd share. Really nice to see this.
This 0.1 µF/400 Vdc WIMA capacitor surely is a replacement, as is the black radial electrolytic next to the left upper corner. Why should an American manufacturer use components they had to import from Europe?
Best regards!
Best regards!
The radial is the 100/100 bias cap, and was clearly replaced, in the mid-90s if I'm reading the codes correctly. And yes, I replaced it.
There are three WIMA caps, and on reflection I'm sure you're right. Probably replaced at the same time the bias cap was.
When this amp came to me, it still had the complete original tube set, all with Ampeg silk-screening, so I was a bit surprised that there had been any work done at all. I replaced the entire tube set and carefully packed away the originals. They were pretty tired anyway.
There are three WIMA caps, and on reflection I'm sure you're right. Probably replaced at the same time the bias cap was.
When this amp came to me, it still had the complete original tube set, all with Ampeg silk-screening, so I was a bit surprised that there had been any work done at all. I replaced the entire tube set and carefully packed away the originals. They were pretty tired anyway.
Back in the good old days stuff was made to last and to be repaired. Nowadays stuff is made to turn into trash and be replaced with a new product. Stuff made in the oldies will last longer than almost anything that one buys today even if they have sixty year track record already behind, because they are ment to be repairable and to last... Of course this is not true on all fronts and products I just had to say it out loud though because it is sad... Well, at least in the DIY world it is possible to make product that'll last!🙂
ps. the old musical instrument/ amp stuff seems to appreciate in value whereas the new stuff won't, at least the ones that are trash. It is better investment to buy the repairable a bit more expensive product. Don't buy trash everyone!
ps. the old musical instrument/ amp stuff seems to appreciate in value whereas the new stuff won't, at least the ones that are trash. It is better investment to buy the repairable a bit more expensive product. Don't buy trash everyone!
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