Virtually Mint 1966 Fender 6G15 Reverb Unit.......It Quit Reverbing :)
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- čas přidán 8. 08. 2022
- In this long and complex video, we will examine, repair, and thoroughly test a super nice, one-owner 1966 Fender 6G15 Reverb Unit. I have provided a detailed table of contents to allow viewers to select and view individual topics if necessary.
Emphasis was placed upon 1.) Close examination of the unit to assist those who desire to build their own at home. Here is a link to my own revised 6G15 schematic, parts list, construction and layout diagram: app.box.com/s/iad551xa97auao2... 2.) Concealment of the new filter caps 3.) Transplantation of new transducers into the original Gibbs tank 4.) Thorough audio testing of original Gibbs tank, repaired Gibbs tank, and repaired 6G15 unit.....with comparison of 6K6 and 6V6 tank-driving tubes.
Here is a link to the video featuring the AO-35 Conversion Amplifier feature in the video: • Conversion of a Hammon...
If you enjoy videos like this, please SUBSCRIBE to our channel, and consider becoming a Patreon patron at: / uncledougsvintageamps or making a PayPal contribution to: dldcam@aol.com. Thanks so much for your time and interest.
CORRECTION: "606" on the transformers refers to the maker, Schumacher, not to a date of manufacture. - Hudba
Giant Table 'o' Contents:
0:00 Open Box
1:05 Examine 6G15
2:48 Open gifts with Mitzy the Shop Cat
4:38 Resume Examination of 6G15
15:10 Read Owner's Letter
17:20 Begin Disassembly
27:08 Schematic Review
36:50 Begin to Replace & Conceal Filter Caps
39:40 Test Tank Transducer Continuity
44:05 Resume Filter Cap Replacement
49:20 Test Reverb Driver Transformer
52:15 Test all Tubes
55:25 Test Reverb Cables
59:20 Install 3-Wire Power Cord and Rectifier Diodes
1:02:12 Test Original Gibbs Tank vs New MOD Tank
1:07:42 Mitzy Seeks Attention (You know how girls are ;)
1:08:30 Transplant New Transducers
1:18:20 Test Repaired Gibbs Tank (6K6 vs 6V6)
1:22:54 Final Audio Demo
1:35:03 Farewell Messages
I've never seen anyone do that with capacitors. What a great idea.
Another charming, delightful video, thanks Doug. Did you find the fault that stopped the reverberations reverberating or was the old tank just unsatisfactory?
@@robnic52 Thanks, Rob. As I said in the video, I believe the transducers lose their magnetism over time.
@@GabrielVelasco Glad you liked it, Gabe :)
Love the high-tech glue applicator - remember, there is no such thing as a free lunch (or in this case a free steak dinner) 😂😂. I was surprised you didn’t change the cardboard electrolytics in the main circuit. I assume they were ok?
I am a retired electonics teacher and have been working on tube amps and building Fender copied reverb units for ever, I have learned so much from you. You are a very good teacher. Thanks so much for all the lessons you have created. Boy, would I like to find a 1966 reverb in that condition!😃
Indeed. Uncle Doug is The Professor. Being tardy (twice) requires an offering of quality beef jerky. Falling asleep in class requires a side of beef!
You're welcome, Charles. Thanks for sharing :)
...if you've been at it "forever"- you must have an AWFUL lot of experience-(?)
@@daleburrell6273 I'm not sure what this is referring to, Dale.
@@UncleDoug I was responding to Charles Berquist's post.
I must say, I like the way the Gibbs performs.
Thanks for sharing your opinion with us, TV ;)
@@UncleDoug well, I've always been on a different wavelength than most. Keeps the world interesting.
And thank you for all your content. Your teaching is top notch (are you still teaching or retired?) as is your wit and wry humor. Plus your big 'Ole heart for the animals. Rusty lives on in your older vids while Jack and Ollie continue on the fine musical performances, and it'll be interesting to see how Mitzie (I did hear her name right, didn't i?) contributes ro the demonstrations other than checking out the bench.
I come from a long line of teachers, and I can tell that your students were lucky to have you. Thanks again.
@@TheTrueVoiceOfReason Thanks so much for your kind words TV. While teaching, I always encouraged original thinking. Let's face it, conventional wisdom never invented much of anything :)
...yeah...ditto - the replacement was WAY harsh. And partnered with the 6V6? Yee-ouch!
@@jamesmusicproducts Thanks for sharing your opinion with us, D.
Your capacitor stuffing idea has progressed from a damn fine idea to just perfect. Great video, as always!
Thanks so much, S :)
Outstanding! I guess the mystery of what happened to Lupe's missing can of tuna fish that she brought in to work for lunch has finally been solved.
Thank you, UD, for everything!
Thanks !! Glad you enjoyed it, Tim :)
A mid-week video from Uncle Doug! This Fender is is a gem.
I hope you enjoy it, Paul.
This amp + rev + guitar + paws is killer🤟
Glad you liked it, MM :)
This made me hear Apache in my head one of the best reverb songs.
Yep :)
Was blessed to see a vague hint our beloved Uncle Doug in the reflection of the input jack cord. GOBBLESS!
That may have been the body double I use for reflective situations ;)
@@UncleDoug 😆
@@UncleDoug Good man Doug. ill always watch your videos!
@@jacobdowler1 Thanks, Jake :)
The Gibbs tank provides more of the reverb and tone quality I'm use to hearing from Fender reverbs. I think it adds less depth than the MOD tank, but the Gibbs is the classic Fender sound.
Thanks for your input, Joe.
Seeing the date on the note you put on the re-stuffed caps shows when you did this video and the time taken since to edit and produce it for airing on CZcams. Clearly this takes time, effort and dedication to your viewers and that sir is much appreciated.
Thanks for noticing and commenting, Allan. A video of this length is quite a demanding project.
...you summed it up pretty well-(!)
I remember that Rexall Stores had Tube testers in most locations. Went many of trips with my Dad to test our TV tubes.
Me too.....a happy childhood memory :)
@@UncleDoug THX for the tip trip!
LOL ... Great memories of going with my late Dad to Rexall to check out tubes!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Up here in Michigan it was our Cunningham’s Drug Stores with those giant tube tester consoles in their vestibule. I was mighty young but it seems to me those consoles were about as big as a compact car. Maybe it was my single digit age that made them look so huge.
@@joeyoungs8426 As I recall, they really were rather large, Joe.....and filled with new tubes :)
I am glad I opened YT this morning. Work can wait until I have seen this beauty
Hope you enjoy it, Richard.
It never hurts to include the test and troubleshooting. It keeps it fresh in our minds. Keep up the good work and I hope you and your family stay healthy and safe!
Thanks, Duane :)
I had one of these in the early 70’s. I wish I had kept it…I bought it from a friend for $45.00 It was clean like this one ! Worked great with my brown Princeton that I ran into a 100 watt Vox and into a 2x12 Cerwin Vega G32 cabinet!
Sounds like a wonderful possession, Don. We've all let good items go.....darn it !!!
Great hearing reverb on Jack & Ollie's demo - most of their post-repair demonstrations are clean and with vibrato. I use reverb on my Fender amps about 85% of the time and vibrato only about 5%, so this was definitely a rare treat. Eedee says hello to the kitties!🐾
Thanks, Scott. Glad you enjoyed it. Regards to ED.
Woah, those custom cabinet tilts......!
Pure art Uncle D!
Available at fine amp-repair stores from coast to coast :)
I got a good laugh from this :)
@@PerryCodes Glad to hear it, Jason :)
I love the "no see 'em" rebuild. Yer a crafty guy, Uncle D.
Thanks, David :)
Thank you for being our Uncle, Doug. Way beyond the merely educational, your videos and projects are always fun, interesting, and full of warmth and good humor. And cats.
Thanks, FM. Glad you enjoy our little productions :)
...THAT'S THE TRUTH-(!)
I think Jack has been secretly wood-shedding. His chops are sounding sweet. (You’re the man Uncle D!).
Thanks so much, S2. I'll tell him :)
Beautiful reverb unit. Sounds great with either tube but the 6V6 does inspire waxing up the old surfboard. Thank you for taking time to record the process.
Thanks for your input Andrew :)
CSA Group’s experienced team is known across North America and internationally for testing a broad spectrum of transformers. In business since about 1919.
Thanks for the info, X.
Gibbs is sharper and cleaner, Mod more spacious and hollow. I like the Gibbs.
Thanks for sharing, Paul.
That backplate with the glued Tolex 'eyelashes' is the most 1965 thing I've ever seen other than a Vox Mark IV played upright.
Glad yo enjoyed it, N&P :)
@@UncleDoug Definitely Op Art
Beautiful example of a vintage tank! Immaculate!
Perfect explanation of the circuit and how it works. I remember watching the videos on your 6G15 build a few years ago and the video on El Paso Tube Amps.
Mitzi is such a cutie! She’s probably the sweetest feral I’ve ever seen. My feral is a sweet boy to me and only me when we’re inside the house. All bets are off when he’s outside!
Thanks so much for your very nice comments, Matt. That EPTA video was way back before I had my own channel. Mitzy sends her regards to you both :)
Hey Doug,
About the phase: Fender obviously went for a cathode follower in the dry-path to keep the input-phase matched to the output-phase. The phase during the wet-chain is irrelevant, as it also depends on the way, the transformer is connected. Also the reverb tank will pretty much mess up the phase in the wet-path.
About re-stuffing caps: I was just about to mention here, that you should leave a sticker inside the doghouse, to prevent the next technician from instantly removing those restuffed caps again - and booom - you did 👍
I absolutely like the way, you restuffed the hall-tank, and preserved, what could be preserved from the original hammond-unit. By the way: I never expected the difference being so massive, due to the weakening of the alnicos inside the reverb-transducers! That is really important knowledge, and I will doublecheck the sound of those halltanks the next time, I will service old fender reverb amps! Thanks for all your help, out here in youtube-land!!
You're welcome, Sal. We're glad the videos are clear and helpful :)
This reverb is two months older than myself. Great job as always Doug.
Thanks, GP :)
Very comprehensive overview, Doug. Thanks for taking us along!
You're welcome, GM :)
Outstanding work as usual sir!
Thank you, David :)
Great video, lots of practical and useful content.
Thanks, Andrew :)
Thanks for documenting this. What a clean example.
Glad you enjoyed it, Rohan.
Always great to see Uncle Doug uploading a new video. What a treat!
Thanks, Ryan :)
Man what a day. Love your videos sir
Glad to hear it, Jason :)
It's always a good day when there is a new Uncle Doug video!
We hope you enjoy it, Gavin.
Thank you Uncle Doug. Once again a well done and interesting video.
Glad you enjoyed it, Reggie :)
You are the best uncle Doug! Appreciate you and all you do
Thanks so much, Rich :)
Oooh what a treat. Thanks so much, unc.
Glad you liked it, Grax.
Very nice as always, and as usual I learned something new. I really enjoy the level of detail you add to your repairs and wish I had thought of drilling through the end caps when I performed a cap job on my 65 Pro Reverb. Thank you again.
Thanks so much, Randy. Glad you enjoyed it.
Master of Teaching , Thank you Sir
You are too kind, BK :)
Uncle Doug, You never disappoint. Thank You for all you do.
You're welcome, BM. Thanks !!!
Note to viewers - be SURE to check out Uncle Doug's series on Tube Reverb (especially "Tube Reverb, Part 2: Transducers, Tanks, Tone, and Signal Mixing")
Thanks, M :)
beautiful job again! love your special humor......you sure have a passion for your work
Thanks, Lee :)
Another great video, thanks Uncle Doug!
Glad you enjoyed it, William :)
Thank you, Uncle Doug! I always watch and never comment, for quite a few years now. Your videos are deliciously entertaining, informative, educational, personable, and funny. Thanks!
Wow....thanks for the very nice comments, Darrel :)
great video! this reverb unit sounds wonderful through your amp
Thanks, Ant :)
This is an absolute beauty!
Glad you liked it, David.
This hits right in my formative years. I was surrounded by tubes with my father and my uncle into ham radio and tube electronics. I learned so much through osmosis back then. Lol
Glad to hear it, David :)
Thanks Uncle Doug; what a beauty!
Glad you enjoyed it, Tom.
And another excellent video.Rob
L
Thanks, Rob.
Always a pleasure Mr. Doug
Thanks, OG :)
Always learn stuff from you, uncle Doug.....😊
Glad to hear it, Mark.
Thank you, sir. Another interesting, thoughtful video. I was really surprised how different the two tanks sounded. I wouldn't have thought there would be that much difference. Fascinating stuff as usual.
Well, it's a comparison between a brand new tank and a 56 year old tank. Magnets can degrade over time. The old tank probably sounded a whole lot better when new than it does now.
Agreed, Sooti. I have heard some glorious Gibbs tanks in early Gibson amps.
Lordy lordy lordy that is just immaculate! Thanks my favorite Uncle!
You're welcome, James.
Very nice Doug!
Thanks, Byron :)
Another great video learning experience Uncle Doug! Thanks for sharing your time with us out here in CZcams Land!
You're welcome, Mike :)
It's always more fun when the back paws get into the mix.
That's what an old girlfriend told me ;)
Great video as always. I’m always struck by how simple design can work really well. The bent sheet metal, the rough foam. There is a lot of beauty in simple, straight forward design. Also becomes easy to fix.
Thanks, Andreas :)
Back in the day I did a rather primitive opamp based reverb unit, this video brings reverberating memories of a previous life. Thanks uncle Doug!
Glad you enjoyed it, Luis.
It's always a happy day when you upload. The Uncle Doug amp with that reverb unit is a match made in heaven, what a creamy sound! I really want that amp now. Also, really tasteful and pleasant guitar playing. Thank you
Wow.....thanks so much, DJ. I may list the amp for sale on my FB page: Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps.
Wonderful Job thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for watching, Denver :)
Thanks that reverb sounds so good. Got to give Fender credit they got it right.
Amen, Fred. Thanks :)
Cosmic timing Uncle Doug! I am just starting a Mojotone kit build of the 6G15. Nice to be able to have an Uncle Doug tour of a mint specimen. Thanks a bunch! Regarding the C.S.A. Test label on the power amp, this is likely to be a Canadian Standards Association test mark. This is not the common label used though, which is a large C with stylized S and A inscribed inside of the C.
Glad for the good timing, Peter. Best of luck with your project.
The CSA logo was omnipresent on electronics sold north of the 49th en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CSA_Group
Hello Uncle Doug, great to see a video from you today. I always enjoy your knowledge and humor.
Thanks, SHW.
Enhorabuena por su canal,. Muchas gracias
De nada, Sergio :)
That sounds fantastic Uncle Doug! Really enjoyed the vid and glad to see Mitzi excelling at shop cat duties!
Thanks so much, Han. She really is a big help in the workshop :)
Today is a very good day. Thanks Uncle Doug!😀
I hope you enjoyed our little production, VTA :)
Really cool! The Ao35 sounds great,too! I built an 18 watt lite out of one with all new components and even a new output transformer but there are still more tonal similarities between the two than one would expect.
Thanks, William :)
My opinion is that uncle Doug makes great videos. I always enjoy them.
That's one opinion I can strongly support, Rich. Thanks !!
Your work on those electrolytic caps is superb Uncle Doug. A Joy to behold.
Thanks so much, BN :)
...YOU BETCHER LIFESAVERS-(!)
Hey Doug! Welcome back again, and happy summer! Thanks for the long gift, of course!
Thanks, FW. I hope you enjoyed it :)
@@UncleDoug I do!
Love it. I have a home-build 6G15 and as a frequent user of excessive drippy surf reverb, these units are unbeatable.
Couldn't agree more, GL :)
I'm always impressed by the lengths Uncle Doug goes to to preserve at least the appearance of the originality of amps or in this case a reverb unit.
Thanks, Ernest. Regular capacitor replacement has gotten redundant and boring......now I enjoy the more "artistic" concealed re-capping :)
You are awesome
Love your work and vids
A TRUE Craftsman
Wow...thanks, Don :)
Love the Gibbs tank!
Thanks for sharing your opinion with us, PC.
@@UncleDoug Uncle Doug, I am so glad that your channel exists as it provides a wealth of knowledge on historical gear that so many value and cherish. More importantly, I get the opportunity to learn how you think and trouble shoot through the potential problems that exist which each project that you take on and share with this online community. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for teaching your perspective on this great subject matter! Your videos serve as a great example of pedagogy in terms of teaching both novice and experts how to appreciate great technology and how to logically work through issues.
@@piggycity What nice comments, PC. Thanks so much :)
awesome video
Thanks, Ron :)
hey uncle doug! i beileive csa test stands for canadian standards association test transformer...watching you for couple years now! you got me building my own amps!!
Thanks for the info, Ari. That's great to hear. Keep up the good work.
This is a thing of beauty 😍
Yes, indeed :)
Carry on wayward Uncle Doug! That reverb unit sounds great!
Thanks, Andrew :)
Ótimo vídeo congratulações mestre
Thanks so much, Jorge.
@@UncleDoug eu que agradeço por retornar mestre
@@jorgemellooliveira9611Agradeço o tempo que passa assistindo nossos vídeos, Jorge.
Absolutely unreal the condition of this machine.
Wow!
Agreed, CS. It was a gem.
thanks a lot, Uncle Doug!
Our pleasure, HV :)
Love the videos uncle Doug. Been hooked!
Welcome aboard, E :)
Wow, fascinating video. The mod tank sounds like every modern reissue fender reverb, that is not very springy or vintage sounding. The vintage tank sounds 100% better imo, exactly how the spring tank should sound. Bright, clangy.... surfy 🏄♂
Thanks for your input, YZG :)
Always a thumbs up for an Uncle Doug video
Thanks, Noel :)
Came for the kitty cat , stayed for the tunes demo Unckle Doug works magic 🎩 always...
Thanks for joining us, Don.
I came for the muskrat bile. :D
.....and stayed for the pancreatic enzyme souffle :)
Thanks Uncle Doug. Thoroughly enjoyable. In regards to the diodes, the best kill is sometimes overkill.
Glad you enjoyed it, Brian :)
I can't believe you don't have a set of dental picks in your toolbox, Uncle.They're great for things like those little springs in the tank. Another great video, thanks!
Also - the 6V6 output is too hot.
Thanks for your input, Art.
U.D. ,
I always have admired Your choice of songs and licks at test time .
It’s almost like “name that tune “
🤘🏼
Rock on & kruise on Brother Man
Thanks, U.D. (nice initials)....will do :)
The great content, adore man"s voice and edgy entertainment. Thanks a lot Greatest of Pa"s
Thanks so much, Енко :)
Once again Uncle Doug you done it.
What a nice restauration on that very nice original Fender.
Clever way to replace those magnets, shame the holders are made of plastic hopefully they will holdup as long as the original magnets. And I like the humor wich you make your videos so lovely to watch. Take care.
Thanks so much for your very nice comments, WW.
good stuff. best one yet
Thanks, JF :)
6G-15's just what I need , my variable AFU-69's never locked in place correctly . Looks like Mitzy has good timing , she might handle the percussion end of things . TVM UD , A joy as always .
You're welcome, RJ :)
The Gibbs sounded a lot more wild. Surf city
If you say so, LSD (ah, so THAT explains it ;)
Appreciate the note placement in the dog house. More than you might know. Thanks, Uncle Doug.
I'm glad you're happy, M :)
Smashing vid with great Canadian content !! I was recently given and repaired a Hot Cabs PA head that had been dropped. The reverb tank came free from the springs, and two of the input circuit boards disconnected. Now I just need some speakers.
Thanks Mr. CC. Good luck with your project.
Rebuilding the filter caps with a note included, gluing down the last nibble of the tube chart, cats are happy, everybody wins!
Fav sound 6K6 with all controls 12 o'clock. Very Nice.
Thanks for your input, Danny :)
All of us watching your videos are captive nuts! In a good way.
Thanks, Jeff. I hope no one bolted due to the length of the video ;)
@@UncleDoug If they did, screw 'em!
@@jeff901 I think Allenhead Phillips was one of them.
@@UncleDoug i hear he was quite a Craftsman.
I have one from about the same era and it's fantastic. I could have built my own, but it just wouldn't have been the same. I run it through a home built 59 Bassman clone by way of an FX loop and a Dumblelator, and it's the best sounding reverb unit you could hope to own.
Thanks for sharing, RDA :)
You are spoiling us, Doug :-)
What are old uncles for, BB?