Rare & Wonderful Late-30's Recording King Amp.....with Tone to Die For !!!
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- Опубліковано 4 сер 2019
- This amp was hand-delivered to me from California, stone dead and in dire need of major surgery. It's a very early and rare model.....the first of its kind that I have ever personally seen. After a blinding flash from the Current Limiter, it became evident that previously-done circuit work was both inadequate and inept. Never fear, you will witness every step in the reincarnation of this fine old amp. As a bonus, in the audio test it became evident that this is one of the best sounding vintage amps I have ever heard. See if you agree.
In addition, we will have visits from Jack and KC, a follow-up on the Twin Reverb (with last-minute Tremolo failure) from a previous video, and finally we will re-do the interior of the newly acquired 1932/34 Ford truck.
If you enjoy advertising-free videos like this, then 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 watching :)
"Mata Hari's fainting couch". Oh my god, I nearly ruptured laughing so hard from that.
Glad you liked it, RPP :)
THAT'S A GOOD ONE-!!
This planet needs a lot more Uncle Doug's!!
I wholehearted agree!!
Thanks, guys :) My wife thinks one is sometimes too many :)
a man who likes animals hot rods amps and guitars is tops in my book thank you uncle doug
How about also liking beer and steaks, Doug? Thanks so much !!!
that goes without saying you can throw in pretty women for good measure lol stay frosty uncle doug
@@UncleDoug Absolutely. Even better, if you like vintage motorcycles.
For sure!
Bless you Uncle Doug, for sharing your wisdom with us! I feel such joy when I see your emails, you make our day. Your a leader in preserving our precious vintage tube amp history for the future. Your educating and converting the next generation of "Ampaholics". I became one quickly after watching your educational and very entertaining videos the very first time:)
Wow, thanks so much, F1. Your very kind words mean a lot. Likewise on the blessing :)
We should all be so lucky to have an uncle like Uncle Doug. Words of wisdom spoken in the language of Shop Talk that will make you chuckle every time. I pity those who fail to see the humor. Long live Uncle Doug!
Thanks so much, Aero :)
From Leo: "concern that they think this work was done by Uncle Doug" . I feel the same way,. I am proud of doing a superior job. Also, I would never do a partial house rewire, even when work was lean. If the place catches on fire a year later, you end up in court because you were the" last man there".
"Mata Hari's fainting-couch". :) I spit out some perfectly good wine just now :)
You can always do what I do, David......slurp it up :)
AW, CHEER UP- WILL YA?!...IT'S NOT AS BAD AS IT LOOKS!!!
Refinishing the exterior would have been the most satisfying video ever. Great video anyways!
I got it!!!! Good ole Trent and his nails!! Great video as usual and can’t wait until the next one! Stay cool.
Thanks, Jason :)
Sounds like Jack and Ollie have been tightening up their paw discipline. Does not go unnoticed. ;)
Thanks, PC. They are the coolest cats in town :)
Great Job. From one tube head to another. Learned this stuff over 50 years ago. Surprising how much i recall and Your technique is spot on. Used the "light bulb trick" in machine control panels in the 60's to get around high resistance shorts on water soaked limit switches because you couldn't shut the machine down long enough to fix it right. It was repaired on Sunday shutdown.You could open a panel on Friday and there would be 8 to 10 bulbs flashing. Got my first Variac in 1968 as filtered supply for my guitar amp. (Ampeg Gemini II) I heard Eddie Van Halen did that. Never thought of turning down the voltage. I was not the only Musician using them in the Detroit area. Our singer used one on his PA Amp and I had seen a number of Guitar Players using them throughout the Seventies.Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
You're welcome, Stuart. Thanks for sharing your recollections with us.
A few things...last time I saw her Matta Hari's couch was lighter than than that but rather grubby.
Nine Inch Screws. Top band.
And the cats nailed B52s rock lobster on that demo.
Another master class in valve amplification. Many thanks
You're welcome, OB. Thanks !!!
Fabulous tone Doug and another great resurrection. The "AC /DC" licks were especially cool !
Thanks !! Glad you enjoyed them, Dave :)
ALWAYS very interesting, very informative and VERY entertaining!!! Once again Uncle Doug, you did not disappoint, thank you for sharing your talent and time!!! Looking forward to many more!
Awesome video! Thank you so very much for your time and effort on these videos.
The pleasure is ours, DLO :)
I really enjoy your amp repair videos. I always learn something new. Great job!
That's good news, Wally. Thanks !!
Uncle Doug's very good common sense approach to amp and car repair and buildind
Makes for teaching and quality workmanship like a good classroom
Very funny humor to
Uncle Doug! Your
A Natural!!
Thanks, Dwight :)
2:07 Lol, "Mata Hari's fainting couch," good one, Uncle Doug !
I got a real chuckle out of that line. I really liked your common sense approach to re-wiring those capacitors to neater shorter leads on that very well made amp. Great work !
Thanks, Jay :)
Boy with the Indian rug pattern you were ready for a rainbow parade! Love your improvements on it! Much better! Love the sound of the amp also!
Thanks so much, 69 Merc.
I built a current limiter using your directions (plus adding a kill switch)before building ANY amp. It definitely saved me from suffering the results of some very novice mistakes on my first wiring adventures. Still does on occasion!
Glad to hear it, William.
The compression of this circuit is outstanding. Great tone.
Thanks, EM.
Super video. "Jail Break" ,what a great riff.
Glad you liked it, GE.
English is not my first language, so I can't find any words describing my joy watching your videos. I've never seen any uncle as calm as you are, I wonder if you swear when things go south.Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome, Sceptic. Yes, being only human, I do shriek profanity from time to time.....but once the frustration is vented, I quickly return to my peaceful self :)
@@UncleDoug I guessed so, we all have a dark side.
@@UncleDoug perhaps Jack hides under the rug when he suspects a stream of invective is forthcoming, using the carpet to protect his sensitive ears!
Fantastic job UD really diggin that sweet sounding amp! Good choice on the door cards too! Very entertaining thank you Sir!
You're welcome, James.
Uncle Doug, I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your videos. They are respite from a fast-paced world. I wait for your videos and savour them. Friday night as a way to relax. I watch and rewatch. I have learned a lot about tube amps- planning my first build now. Thank you. Al Haley
You're welcome, Allan. I'm glad you enjoy our work :)
Now this is a treat, two videos within a short span of time and good timing for my hangover.
There is no uncle like Uncle Doug 👍🏻
Glad to be of service, Erik :)
She sounds superb after your repair. Congratulations on getting her back in such fine voice. You have a real treasure now on your hands.
Thanks so much, Walter. It's a customer's amp and will be going back to him very soon.
thanks for making these video
It's our pleasure, Paul.
Great video Doug, what a truly awesome little old amp to bring back from the brink and boy those cats have taste ... AC/DC & Thin Lizzy ☺
Thanks, Chris. Their grasp of historical rock tunes is inspirational :)
Fantastic video, as always Doug..
Thanks, Tony.
Thank you Uncle Doug for each of your videos, I enjoy them all, I also learned the old electronics, but with you I never finish learning more. Greetings from San Luis-Argentina, Hug !!
You're welcome, Angel. That's great news :)
I can never thank you enough for your awesome videos. Well narrated and the way you take the time to explain things in detail is absolutely amazing. Ive researched and worked on tube amps for years as a hobby pouring over literature. But with your videos those books just gather dust. Thank you...you might actually be my uncle Doug after all
Thanks so much for your kind words, Aaron. We're glad to hear that the videos are helpful :)
Great video, Doug. Always a good time when you have a new one.
Thanks, GM :)
Thank you so much for your insight, knowledge, and experience. I feel like I am an appreciative apprentice in a awe of his master!
Btw - where’s Jack? I still can’t find him...🤔
You're quite welcome, Mark. The Master of Concealment is only visible during naps and while eating :)
From all the sounds I've heard here in this wonderfull channel this is the best one! Whish I have one of these amps. And the way it looks, the 30's design is fantastic!
Thanks for your input, Ed. It is a nice sounding amp.
cant believe a amp tech actually wired those caps in and left the cap can still in the circuit ,learning so much from you and that amp sounds very nice ,what a nice design giving gibson a run for the money for sure in the design
I agree, Joe. That's good to hear.
Hey Doug, just wanted to say thanks so much for making these videos. I'm 41 years old and have been playing guitar for about 30 of those years. Most of that time I was more interested/obsessed with music theory and establishing technique. About a year a ago I started my rapid decent into the rabbit hole of electronics. I always have played tube amps, but really wanted to understand how they worked in order to be able to manipulate them more efficiently. Your videos have been a crucial part in my quest for knowledge. Concepts that I had read about several times, things that I was having a hard time grasping are frequently explained through eloquent, and witty analogies that I can understand!! Amazing!! I really appreciate your contribution, and so do my fur buddies.
Jack ( I've got a Jack too, 16 yr old Aussie.. my pal ), Archer( 6 ) , and Remo ( 3-ish rescue pup).
You are quite welcome, Ryan. It's great to hear that the videos are helpful and appreciated :)
The sustain on the guitar trails well... would truly need an amp like this for my studio. Thanks Uncle Doug for a great informative video, been following you for quite a few years now. Blessings!
Thanks, Joao. We appreciate your continued support and interest. Our best to you.
@@UncleDoug You are welcome sir..
Fine work Uncle Doug, cute kitties.... and great classic tone!
Thanks, Clarence :)
Enjoy the discovery of your videos. I built a HP tweed twin from a kit, but have a few other amps I need to fix and wish to gain such knowledge. Stay well, and keep up the great work!
Thanks, RoR. We will :)
The amp sounds great after your careful attention! Really articulate in the top end.
Thanks, Lee.
Best sounding amp I've heard on your channel Doug.
Wow, thanks, Nine :)
Really great restoration of that classic amp. Yes on electrolytics the shorter the wires the better less chance of picking up unwanted rf or ac hum. Thanks for the Ohms Law discussion as well. Taking that Indian blanket upholstery out of the "32 Ford was a great call and that door panel covering looked infinitely better as well. Looks like you don't have to bump your knee getting in now with those bomber style seats back a bit more. When my cat Duke saw you petting Casey he started meowing at me to go brush him but, he is pretty smart he tries to brush himself if I leave the brush on my dining room table and eventually knocks it on the floor so I know its time to brush him. Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much, Larry. Regards from all of us to Duke :)
Thanks for keeping your channel and free.
It's our pleasure to do so, Big Jim.
Another great video
Thanks, P.o.B.
wow the tone really is amazing
Thanks, RVVG :)
Capacitors have a charge time. The higher the cap value, the longer it takes to charge, which for Uncle Doug's purposes serves to slow down the tremolo time.
So the cap is constantly discharging and recharging, which is the tremolo speed 😉
Well said, Eric. Thanks.
That's only part true, a small resistance allows the cap to charge faster than a large resistance, hence the RC time constant.
@@j-man72b72 That's literally exactly what I said 🤣
It's like arguing the glass is half empty, not half full.
Uncle Doug, that was a great repair. I love the sound. Thanks for a fun and informative channel. I used to work for Kustom Amplification in the engineering lab. It was my pleasure to stuff the prototype pcb’s, install them in the proto chassis. I handed that back to the design engineer for his test. That was fun.
Randy
Thanks so much, Randy. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
That RonCo decoupage finish is so hideous, I absolutely love it.
Agreed, Grant. 1970's chic :)
Uncle Doug, I have to say, I think you are Brilliant! Great job on this gem.
Wow....thanks, Scot.
@@UncleDoug your welcome, I love your videos and my wife loves your voice ha
@@TheSmleist Thanks twice, Scot :)
Nothing better than a triple-feature from Uncle Doug to brighten up the day!
I hope it exeeds your expectations, Greg.
Great amp and video. My favorite channel by far. Dont change a thing. Best humour too.thanks uncle Doug.
You're welcome, Alex. Thanks so much !!!
Great video uncle doug. I cant get enough old vintage tube amps. Old electronics fascinate me.
Thanks, Chris :)
The title of this video is so "spot on"!! This vintage amp has absolutely killer tone!! Would be nice to see what it's wiring diagram is close to & re-create it... Nice work as always!!!!
Thanks, Abe. No schematics could be found. Maybe a viewer will turn one up. There is something special about medium combo amps with 6L6's.
Incredible video, Thank You Uncle Doug ! I recently purchased a vintage Recording King amplifier. It's functioning, and has the most incredible tone.....just a few small problems to address ! It seemed that no one knew a thing about them.....so good to find you out here !!!!!!!
I wasn't aware of them myself, Dave, until this one came along and blew my socks off :)
@@UncleDoug ..... I was quite unaware of them myself, 50+ years of loving all things guitar related, and I had never come across one. I was blown away when I was entrusted with the one I now have (model unknown).
When powered up it has a well pronounced hum, which becomes incredibly loud when I insert the guitar cable
into either of the two instrument input's. If I insert the cable into the mic input, the hum calms down after a bit, and voila ! The most beautiful tone I've ever heard from any amp.....sadly, along with an intermittent hum :( Sure wish you were here in Northern CA. my friend. I LOVE your video's, thank you for sharing you wisdom and great sense of humor !!!!!
@@MrRockinguitar I'm sorry to hear of the issues with your RK, Dave. If the hum responds to the VC its source is before the VC in the circuit. If the hum is 120 Hz its source is within the power supply.....probably filter caps.
Great sounding amp ! Thanks again UD.
You're welcome, PG.
I really like that amp & this was a great video. Thank you sir .
You're welcome, Nebo. Thanks !!
You got my abo. Thank you for sharing your moments with us. Nice greetings from Vienna.
You're welcome, G. Welcome to our channel :)
WOW! Sounds fantastic.
Thanks, Alan.
Thank God you’re OK and still with us!
Thanks for caring, Jeff :)
That really does sound sweet Doug! Actually would be great for recording. And I hope Jack shows up soon.
Thanks, Han. So do we :)
Another good job Uncle. And that current limitor is definitely a life saver!
Thanks, LS. It really "saved the bacon" in this video. I haven't seen a dead short like that in a long time.
The Master of Grids... Thanks Uncle Doug..!!
The grid is where the magic begins, Mr. G :)
Amp sounds amazing!
Of all the vintage amps I've seen here and elsewhere, this Recording King amp would be one of the top 2 or 3 vintage amps I would covet. As you covered it seems to be well designed plus sounds great. Thanks for the video Uncle Doug.
I agree, John. After it is returned to its owner, I am going to start hunting for one to keep......also old Utah speakers.
Excellent job
Thanks, John :)
Nice old ford always good to see yer videos
.
Thanks, Lorenzo.
Excellent choice on the door panels UB. Good to see pride in workmanship on cap relocation as well.
Thanks, Dan :)
Great work (Brave!)Young Uncle Doug!
Thanks, FDM
I have had a recurring dream that I find myself in an old mansion and in closets I find vintage amps and guitars. Through these wonderful videos of vintage amps, I am seeing my dreams! No nightmare, more of dream come true! This amp must have been like the lasted electronic marvel for its time. Was the metal cased tubes before or after WWII? In so many movies an such, from the 1930s, you see old electronics with massive knobs and bare wires and.....large glass vacuum tubes. What no criticism of your work? You get it right almost all the time! I greatly admire your knowledge and experience and only hope that some day I will acquire the level you have for all you do! The pickup is so much nicer with your changes you made(no offense to who ever put in the blanket motif) That power amp might be good in the winter as an extra heater! Ha Ha. 3 in1 video, not bad! Thanxz
You're welcome, ATL. Thanks so much for your very nice comments and input.
UD....another awesome video. Thank you and keep it up. Interestingly, I'm taking a correspondence course in amplifier design and building. My homework this week dealt with Kirchoff's law(s), voltage drops, resistances and wattage calculations. Your videos have helped me a great deal in clarifying a great deal of my course work.
That's great to hear, JG. Best wishes for great success in your amp design course.
Mata Hari's fainting couch!?!!? I don't think I'll ever forget that one. All very good stuff in here. As per usual of course.
Thank you so much Uncle Doug. These videos really make my day. This one was the triple dip of UD videos so I'm three times as happy. (8^)
That's great to hear, DE. You're quite welcome :)
Uncle Doug , you have great taste in music & truly are a Master .
Thank you kindly, Mark :)
I'm with you , don't like to leave someone elses mess behind when I work on something.
If you do, future techs will attribute it to you :)
great tone
Well designed. Louvers in the chassis to facilitate convection cooling. Interesting tube compliment as well.
Glad you liked it, Daniel.
A neat old amp! Beautiful work putting it back in working condition, thank you for showing the detail work. The seat belts shown are typical WWII era aircraft belts used in everything from basic trainers up to fighters and bombers. They had an enduring presence on the surplus market. The new interior looks great (no ribbed for comfort jokes).
Thanks so much, Andrew. I wonder if the interior will "prevent disease" ? :)
What an insanely good sounding amp!
Your repairs on the ancient oddball stuff are always my favorites, and most or them sound good, but this one is exceptional.
I've been watching your videos for about 10 years now, and I've learned more than I can name in a UA-cam comment. I'm very appreciative of all the knowledge and wisdom you have shared over the years, not to mention all the tricks and tips that aren't in any of the books. All of your posts have proven to be useful, informative and entertaining, and now I'd like to possibly reciprocate by putting you on to a little idea I came up with, that I think is gonna work pretty well.
You've heard of Crate amps? Well I found an old solid wood Chester drawers that was pretty beat, but the drawers were solid. They had finger joints, thin solid wood bottoms, and nice metal handles. When you say "hello" into them they sound great! Just like an acoustic guitar or Leslie cabinet. The bottom of the drawer makes a fine resonant ballfle and the finger joints are good and sturdy. The faces of the drawers themselves are 3/4" thick, so they become the bottom, and the handles can be moved to the other end, which is now the top of the box. An 8 in. Jensen sounds phenomenal in such a cabinet. Plans are to duplicate the 5F1 champ circuit you built with the negative feedback switch for an unusual looking and great sounding little combo.
I even have a marketing slogan:
"You're gonna love what you find in our drawers"
If you run across any old desks or dressers you can salvage the drawers from, you might give this a try. They sound great.
(Particle board is not recommended. It has to be real wood.)
Thanks again for everything, my friend.
Much love, honor, and respect to you and all your critters. M
Wow....thanks for all the wonderful comments, JP. We love your slogan and wish you the very best with your speaker cabinet design. I'll keep a lookout for somebody with droopy drawers ;)
@@UncleDoug yeah thanks, Doug. I've got lots of ideas for circuits, mostly variatoins on Fender Marshall, Vox, and all those little oddballs we both love so much, but my woodworking skills are somewhat less than stellar. The drawer idea is just what I needed to get moving on some original designs. Thanks again for everything!
Very good sound ,like tube amp. You take good work.
Thanks, Jouni :)
Mighty fine pickin and amp thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, Ted.
Just great stuff Doug. you are just a really good person for doing this type of post. The fix on the Amps is logical and fully understandable. I am still freaked out on the AC and DC ciruit flow on the same wire do NOT mix. I never knew and it makes a lot of things fall into place as to how they can up with these designs, its just amazing. All you rules you explain need to be collected into a poster we can but from you, signed and put up in our labs. Think about it. D
Thanks so much, Dennis.....glad the videos are helpful. The poster idea is very interesting ;)
I can make it and send to you as a file you get printed our I would make two printed if you send mine back. ??? No catch, just like your stuff. D
@@DennisMurphey Give me some time on this, Dennis. I'm currently buried in customer repair work, but will keep your offer in mind.
That is a very cool little amp
I agree, VCF. Thanks !!
That recording king sounds rock solid!
Thanks, YR. I thought so too.
OMG, this thing sounds great! Thanks Uncle Doug
You're welcome, Ideal. Thanks !!!
This amp has an amazing tonal quality. The 6J7's are really high gain RF Pentodes which were used as a biased detector in radios. Yet, they're great for first gain stages in audio amplifiers. The metal 6L6's sound pretty good. Just be sure pin 1 isn't used as a tie point for anything, or Zap! when you touch the tube :) The design looks like it could've been made by Masco. It has the cage of a PA amplifier. Another solid video as always.
Thanks so much, Frank :)
that sounds gorgeous Uncle Doug! what a gem!
Thanks, D :)
Excellent sounding amplifier! The first amp that I built used one of those grid cap 6J7 tubes along with a 6V6 in the output .
Thanks, Henry.
Doug, I’ve got to thank you! You’re amazing sir! Not to mention funny as all get up. Ha ha ha lol. I’ve also learned so much about electronics and automotive fabrications. I wish I could tell you how happy it makes me to see you with your amazing pets! They play a swinging electric guitar! Thank you again!
It's our pleasure, Mike Thanks so much for the very nice comments.
I must admit I kinda liked the Serape Blanket interior, I must say though that the new improved version is definitely a step in the right direction!! Can't wait to see the finished truck!
Thanks, Jack.
Your guitar was in tune this time. You play like it plays it self
Very well.
Nice job on the very old amp.
Ollie & Jack always do a good job, Dwight :) Thanks !!
Tone to die for is right!!! What a cool little amp.
Thanks, Jim :)
Oh man! That thing sounds sweet!
Thanks, Maurice. That was our goal.
Jack and ollie have been practicing. Thin Lizzy... sweet!
Yes, they are very dedicated musicians.
Great vid across the board. Jack & Ollie are a hit. 👍👍🍹🤾🏻♂️
Thanks, RH.
Great job unraveling that mess Doug!
Thanks, Amo :)
Uncle Doug is truly a UA-cam treasure...Thank you Uncle doug
You're welcome, EM. Thanks !!
Hi Uncle Doug meister. My name is Eddie. Good morning. Can you mention or have you mentioned dis chargeing the Power Supply capacitors for job safety? You probably did but its always a good idea to do so you don t accidently get zapped. I think its a good safety tip for those students who are new to Amp tube bench work. Love all your videos and I think of my buddies and partners when ever I see your videos. I am retired now and its great to see other Uncle Doug guys around. You are a great source of knowledge to the the young people and all who would like to recall the good times and fun. Wish you well Captin Kirk , have a good day , good work said Mel . Eddie
Greetings, Eddie, and thanks for your nice comments. Yes, I emphasize electronic safety, including the discharging of electrolytic caps. I have even demonstrated how to make a tool to facilitate the task.
Rockin' with Uncle Doug and the Cats...It does sound deadly. :-)
Yes, indeed :)
Another great video. Thanks for sharing. I know what you mean about the capacitor wiring, my journeyman used to say go me, "do you want someone to open this up and say, who the hell worked on this, and left this bowl of spaghetti." That's stuck with me all these years.
Thanks once again for superb content.
You're welcome, Ima. Amen :)
1:30 - My mother used to use that decoupage stuff on old furniture back in the 70s. It was ghastly.
Amen, DFW. I even used it to ruin some bedroom furniture for my daughter. Hopefully, she has forgiven me by now.
Uncle Doug. Are you sure that the finish of this amp isn't a factory applied "limed oak" (or commonly called "blond") finish; a popular furniture finish mid century?
A "blond" finish was sometimes applied over very high quality veneer.
I have a dresser that was originally finished in blond/limed oak. And as a bonus had a decoupage finish over that. I decided to sand it down and apply a coat of paint. First the decoupage faux grain came off, then the base coat. After that the original limed oak color coat came off to reveal a factory applied white base coat. As I started sanding off the white base coat, I realized that the wood underneath was a beautiful mahogany veneer. I stopped sanding and got out the stripper instead. A couple coats of tung oil made a gorgeous finish.
@@scottbc31h22 Having seen several radios and amps with a very similar wood covering......and unpainted......it appears to be a golden-yellow maple veneer, without a lot of grain.