Let's Explore and Repair a 1946 Electromuse Amp
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- Опубліковано 1 кві 2018
- In this video, we will explore the intricacies of a 1946 Electromuse amplifier and then go through a rather complicated repair procedure. Two methods for detection of leaky coupling capacitors (not previously covered in my videos) are fully explained. At the end, a sound check is performed to demonstrate its tone and volume. Also, there are acknowledgements of viewer generosity and a recommendation for DeOxit cleaning spray. Sorry, no time for trucks in this video......but I'll make it up to you next time :)
If you enjoy advertising-free videos like these, then please make a pledge of support (i.e. $1 to $25 per video) on Patreon.com, or make a donation via PayPal to dldcam@aol.com. Thanks !!
Hey Doug, just got my March Patreon bill, all your great new action-packed videos are milking me dry!! I'm so glad that I support the real workaholic over there, Jack. www.patreon.com/uncledougsvintageamps.
Hey, I've been using the brush bottle of Deoxit, CAIG Laboratories D100L-2DB, with a dental floss brush to clean tube sockets. It gives some scrubbing action and Deoxit spray doesn't go everywhere. Thanks for ending my late evening with a fine guitar lullaby.
Thanks so much, Craig, for the great comments......and the blood money :) I agree that the tiny little brush would be better than being blinded by ricocheting DeOxit :) Glad you enjoyed the "brief, but heartfelt" concert. It was in violation of several neighborhood restraining orders and petitions......one of which, I am sad to say, included my wife's signature :(
U.D., I hope you'll continue to violate those. unless you receive a formal court order to cease and desist, which won't happen, given that we are the thousands of witnesses for the defense :)
I appreciate your support, Stan. Hopefully, my attorney, Algonquin J. Calhoun, will not need to subpoena you for my trial :)
Subpoena ? Nah.....I won't !
@@UncleDoug Algonquin J. Calhoun - Oh my gawd! I thought I was the only one who remembered that classic TV show. Right along with Jet Jackson and Sky King! LOL!
Quality, brilliance, a 4-speaker array, underwear impact damage and Stalin's birthday cake! Thanks for another fine and entertaining video Doug.
This one touched on all the bases, Mark. I would call it a grand slam :)
:)
What a little gem of an amp! So glad there were no orphans injured in the making of the video. Thanks for the DeOxit tip!
You're welcome, George :)
Man those 5" really sing, what a cool old amp. I'm glad you didn't get zapped this time ;-) Your teaching and documenting these old amps like you do is such an asset to all of us!
Thanks, VA. I'm glad that so many viewers appreciate the really old amps. They have come to be my favorites.
I did not expect that kind of sound either... What a nice old amp and a great video. :)
Thanks, Joe. My jaw is still agape :)
Between a leaky Lusitania and Stalin's birthday cake,, I had to smile through this cool video of another fine old amp. Surprised about the no fuse holder. Been in a few old radios but I really enjoy seeing the old amps. Good tips on checking caps too. Thanks buddy.
You're welcome, Carl.....glad you enjoyed it :)
An audible "Whoa" came out of my mouth as soon as I heard the first strum !
One came out of mine too, SP. I can't recall a bigger surprise when it comes to something sounding about 10 times better than you expect :)
Revisiting this video. Man, that tone is fantastic.
Thanks, Jensen. It surprised me too :)
Another winner! UD you and Jack put the "TUBE" in UA-cam. What a fantastic little amp. Someone in the design department was thinking outside the box when it came to speaker selection, and with good success. The 4x5's provide a fullness that a single speaker doesn't have..
Thanks, Sluggo. Who would have dreamed that 4 x 5's could sound so good ?
I use internal quick disconnect fuse holders in cases like this. Great video!
I considered it, but removing the amp from the cabinet is a little tricky, and I didn't want the owner to have to do that simply to check a fuse.
Good to have you back Uncle Doug !
Thanks, Jason.
Sit and watch, kids! It’s Uncle Doug’s “amp knowledge for the masses” video! Thank you, Uncle Doug! ☺️
Thanks, Damian :)
Dude it's a pleasure to hear you explain stuff on your videos. They are a piece of genuine Americana! Please keep them coming! Peace.
Thanks, AB. We will :)
I bought one of these a decade ago. I worked for this guy that owned guitar shops, pawn shops, and other small businesses of the sort. Anywho, there was this kid that started at one of the pawn shops and he walks in with one of these minus the cab. I think i gave the guy 34 bucks and a joint. That was another lifetime almost. Ive sold all my gear since then except a LP Standard and a fulltone fulldrive. Figured id keep it for the kids. Tonight for the 1st time in 7+ years I actually craved jammin. Thought i had no amp to play through. So meh whatever...well i was cleaning out the basement and holy sh!t there's that damn Electromuse. No cab or guitar speaker in sight so i ran that sumb!tch through an old pioneer and if you're still reading this, that is absolutely amazing and you're a rare breed to tolerate a run on sentence that just never stops but instead travels onward through space and time with a determination that no other run-on sentence has every dared to do....FU€kIN RAWKIN BABY! Yall go grab a string and hot lick it now.
Great video man!
I can tell you were really getting back into your musician mind set, William. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Nice! Thanks Uncle Doug! Your deadpan humor is refreshing. I always enjoy your videos.... can't wait to see that Chevy
You're welcome, Scott. Thanks !!!
Wow! Beautiful sounding amp. Wish my modern amp had a setting to emulate this!
Thanks, Bob. They can model just about any tone nowadays, but I've never seen a setting for "Electromuse" :)
Not at all surprised, you were able to get another vintage amp working. You are a gifted troubleshooter. I am, however, amazed that four 5" speakers sound so nice!! Great video, Thanks Uncle Doug
You're welcome, Big Joe. Thanks !!
Loved the video as usual it was a pleasure to watch. A very neat old gem. just wanted to say that I too love deoxit I've used it for cleaning pots, contacts, tube sockets etc. I even turned my boss on to it as well for cleaning the contacts on tail lights, running lights, turn signals etc on our fleet vehicles. saved a lot of money on buying new pigtails, wiring harnesses, and bulb sockets. Its got that little extra oomph that most hexane based electronics cleaners just don't have. Glad to have you back Uncle Doug, it feels like all is right with the world again.
Thanks so much, CR. I'm glad to hear that Deoxit worked so well for you.
Thanks another classic video from a very classic Uncle ,and RIP to a very special missed classic partner.
You're welcome, Wesley. Thanks :)
Wesley Teal yes we are all going to miss Rusty and you know it ripped Uncle Doug's heart out losing him 😢
Another great video. Its amazing how you were able to limit the hum on that amp. Thanks for your posts.
You're welcome, Rohan :)
Strange thing is i'm listening to the amp through an iPad which i'm sure isn't doing justice to the true sound of the amp ! Excellent video , i'm slowly learning about how valves / tubes work and your videos have helped me a lot !
Thanks, Ian. That's good to hear. Keep up the good work !!
Wow that amplifier sure sounds wonderful, four 5” speakers who would of thunk it, going to have to definitely tell us about that wonderful Chevy truck you left us with..
Thanks, Jesse. The '36 Chevy was already featured in this video: ua-cam.com/video/8gRqJlFAZLY/v-deo.html
Glad you are back Uncle Doug! Missed your videos
Thanks, Brandon
By far one of the most fascinating amplifiers I've seen in a while. Thank you for sharing with us!
You're welcome. Glad you too like the old amps, TS :)
Doug, that amp sounds like new, what a great job, and Deoxit Rules Man
Thanks so much, Cuz :)
Listening to the tone of that amp, it actually reminds me of Lonnie Johnson's, King Records recordings, with his Kay, back in the late 40s. He had a song "Tomorrow Night" that sold over 3 million copies in 1949.(I'm a huge fan of his, discovered him, through Robert Johnson & Charlie Christian. The guy was amazing. The first real guitar hero. Started recording in 1925.)
Thanks for sharing, BiG. I'm headed to YT to check out the tune you mentioned.
@@UncleDoug might I suggest the duets he did with Eddy Lang in the late 20s. Eddy recorded under the pseudonym "Blind Willie Dunn". They did about 12 tunes together, Lang died from complications from a tonsilectomy, if memory serves me. There are some recordings under the title "Blind Willie Dunn's Gin Bottle 4" (the Johnson/Lang recordings are on Discs 4 & 5 of Documents "Lonnie Johnson Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order"(Austrian label). There are 2 different CRWICO by Lonnie, the duets are on the first series starting in 1925. I thought Robert Johnson was the be all end all, until I bought "Stepping On The Blues" on the Legacy Label(Columbia). I was quite suprised when listening as I asked my late wife,"What's the date on that?" 1927, again 1925, etc. I started chasing him then. I shouldn't have started I could could go on all night. Needless to say I bought everything available.
Another excellent video, Uncle Doug. Rock on amigo and greetings from ABQ !
Thanks, PV. It's good to hear from a fellow Southwesterner. The '36 Chevy at the end of the video came from Albuquerque.
It's a pleasure to watch Doug's videos. He actually knows his stuff while many just don't. The trucks are simply icing on the cake. Silver backs rule!.
Thanks so much, John. Jack and I really appreciate it :)
Uncle Doug- Many other erstwhile tinkerers are apt to change out those original, seemingly funky speakers, but without testing them first, they might be junking some great stuff. Thankfully, in this episode, Jack was steadfast in his fundamental approach, while retaining a much needed amount of flexibility. Snaps!
Indeed, original is always best......as long as it works OK.
I'm glad that Jack has stepped up to try to fill Rusty's shoes. Have fun making him wear shoes. Cat's aren't known for their dog-like personalities ...
I miss Rusty and I'm sure that you do as well. It's hard to say goodbye to a life changing friend. I'm just glad that you're teaching again. This world needs more teachers like you. In case you didn't read it the first time, I want to remind you once again that our planet needs more teachers like you. I hope you have educated prodigies...
Thanks so much, Slog. I do keep up with my former math and science students, and am proud to say that the vast majority are quite successful. I am proud of them all.
That just may be the best sounding small, vintage amp I've ever heard.
Wow.....thanks, F3 :)
20:55 Though Pythagoras said something similar, the expression "Nothing new under the sun" is found in Ecclesiastes. Gracias for another groovacious video.
You're welcome, Collins :)
Great video! I started building and fixing in the 80s and was taught to use CRC 2-26 and always have since. You can pick it up in the electric section at most hardware stores. I can say it's a wonderful product for cleaning pots, sockets, etc as well. Thanks!
I'll check it out. Thanks, Sean.
Wishing you and Jack all the best and thanks for this video on the Electromuae amp. Love the tombstone look and rather angelic voicing!
You're welcome, KM :)
Ampthropology! I'm sure you or Brad already thought of that... God bless you, Brother...
That's a great one, Abe. To be honest, I never thought of it......until now :)
✔️ 😊
Your opening line is 100% accurate, I love the smell of old tube equipment!
So do I, but I don't generally admit it in mixed company :)
Hi Uncle Doug, Great video, great amp ! And thanks for saving the orphans.
Thanks, Francois. Someone has to do it :)
What a nice Amp. Unusual but great. Thank you very much!
You're welcome, Dennis. Glad you too like the oldies :)
Sounds great! Definitely a Valco sounding beast! I also agree, Deoxit is the stuff!!
Thanks, Thomas :)
Always a pleasure to watch a full Uncle Doug video! :) Thank you!
Thanks, Hadi. Lately some of these have been rather long videos too :) You're welcome.
I once had a Norwegian "Tandberg Solvsuper 4 " radio with the same kind of feedback from the speakers. Made about 1947.
Just saying the name of the radio makes me hear feedback, CC :)
Uncle Doug, always thinking of the orphans.
I've acquired an old speaker cabinet for an Ampro projector that has two oval speakers, about 6" by 9". Initially I felt misled, perhaps even betrayed by the large round speaker grill. (Foolishly I just assumed it to contain a 12" Magnavox, as was the custom.) But hearing some great tone from those little guys reminded me to not judge so quickly based on appearance!
Thanks, as always, for an informative and entertaining video, in which no orphans were harmed.
You're welcome, PS. Those were probably a pair of original Rola ellipticals, used in so many Valco amps. I really like them.....and they are as rare as hen's teeth. You came out way ahead, in my book.
That's a great tone from the mic input. Clean to a bit trashy with just a knob. Seriously cool old amp that should be a benchmark for how new "cheap" amps are made.
I agree, Brian.
Keep them coming! You have inspired me. I just finished the electronics of my first scratch build including the chassis of a Fender 5f2 Princeton. It sounds great.
That's great news, EB. Congratulations !!
Even our Chihuahua got excited when a new 30+ min Uncle Doug video popped up on the screen, as I had to make 2 bags of popcorn for the extended couch time... Neat old amplifier, it's amazing how many different configurations they came up with for the P-P 6V6's. Did I see that schematic correctly, 600k ohm plate resistors for the pre amp tubes? Great repair Doug, and thank Jack for the camera work, enabling us to view it all. Tom
Don't turn that Chihuahua loose on my street when I'm making a truck video, Tom:) Glad you enjoyed the video......and the popcorn. Yes, the schematic did show 600K plate resistors, which seems excessive, but the amp I repaired didn't have them, so I didn't mention it. You made Jack's day by recognizing his videography skills. He always felt a bit intimidated by Rusty in that department.
This is awesome!!! From the discovery of the 5” speakers to the overall logical explanation of the repair you never fail to deliver, Uncle Doug... what a sweet amp!!!!!!
Who in their right mind would dislike this??? Those 3 must have hit the wrong button!
Thanks so much, Tommy. I appreciate your kind words and condemnation of the clowns who seem to automatically hit the "thumbs down" on any video that doesn't feature a topic expressed in one-syllable words they can comprehend.
Flatter than an ants pancake and Leakier than the Lusitania...lol. Reminds me of my old Journeymen when I was a lad. So happy you are back. The amp sounded really good.
Thanks, Patrick. When dealing with unusual old amps, you have to use unusual metaphors :) Glad you enjoyed it.
"...they are leaking like the Lusitania..." - Made my day :)
I was going to say, like the Exxon Valdez......but when working on really old amps, you have to use really old analogies :)
Excellent video! Those speakers sound lovely, never would have thought of a 4 by 5. Sounds great
Thanks, Carter. I agree.....who would have expected it ???
Nice sounding amp Doug! Very unique to say the least, thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, PC. Glad you liked it.
That was cool. Love to see the old stuff saved for another performance. 👍
Thanks, John. I feel the same.
Doug, I have to tell you that your videos are as so good. We get not only a good education , we get a good laugh as well. Your sense of humor is brilliant. I really look forward to everyone of them.
Really miss Rusty's supervision, but it looks like you are able to do pretty well on your own. You must have quite a collection of vintage amps by now.
Re Tolex, the paper stag type is really hard to find I have found. Trying to re stag old Transoceanics and an old Martin 0016 case.
Thank you for your time and effort to post these videos.
Take care,
Jim
Thanks so much for your very nice comments, James. Yes, I am a bit clueless without Rusty's supervision, but am trying to carry on in honor of his memory. I have never heard the term "paper stag type" when referring to Tolex, but it does accurately evoke the thinness and fragility of the material. You're welcome :)
This little amp is just plain awesome! 4- 5" speakers sound really good. I have never even considered going that route before. As a novice tech, I really value all the tips and tricks you share in your videos. Especially tip #9,568. ;) Thank you again!
You're welcome, Richard. I'm glad the videos are helpful......and that you liked the amp.
Thank you, Uncle Doug. I appreciate you.
You're welcome, RS. I'm glad someone does. My wife thinks I am an eccentric old geezer who is obsessed with hobbies and totally lacking in attention to household chores. She knows me well :):)
Very nice sound, and costumes for the hand acting! Thanks for taking time to show us.
You're welcome, Andrew. Yes, it's not often that I get to model some new high-fashion attire :)
Another Awesome video. as always I enjoy the humor and the tips. Thanks Doug.
You're welcome, Jason :)
Another great video and another gem saved from the scrap heap!
Thanks, KW. A win....win :)
Love the job and fine explanation. What a cool old amp. Love your channel. Thanks Uncle Doug.
Thanks, Larry :)
That little amp sounds really nice. I also am a fan of DeoxIt, not sure about the new spray dispenser system but still a great product.
Thanks, MS. You have to be careful with it, or you'll end with an eye full of ricocheted Deoxit......but it cleared up my cataracts :)
Nice to have you back Uncle Doug. We missed you.
Thanks, Ken :)
What a fine vehicle you got going on for yourself there Doug!
Thanks, Fuga :)
Doug I love your amp and auto videos. Please keep them coming and thanks.
You're welcome, Tim. We will for as long as we're able :)
It's one of the best channel on You Tube!!! Best wishes Uncle Dough!
Thanks, Max. What would it take to be THE best......live pole dancers (better than dead ones).....free beer (for us)......lots of catnip (Jack insisted)......?????
Hi uncle Doug! I must say this is one of the best sounding amps I have heard (not that I am an expert by any means) but WOW. I have never heard of Electromuse amps before, so many amps so little time, lol. Great video!! Thank you!!
You're welcome, Jack. It was the first Electromuse I have encountered, and I too was favorably impressed.
Thanks Doug! I always enjoy your work because I always learn something new or have a concept reinforced. Jack was really slacking though on this project.
You're welcome, JC. Thanks !! Yes, since becoming a catnip junkie, he hasn't been much help with the videos.
Great job uncle D. !! That amp is awsome. It sounds great. I bet your voice would sound great with those tunes. Have a good one bud.
Thanks so much, Bryan. Be careful what you wish for :)
Uncle Doug ...haha. i think it would be great. The tone of your voice and your good speech, make me think it would be a entertaining video for the masses. Thanks
Fantastic! Thank you so much for your work, loving all the videos! (Not go through all of it just yet) Please keep it up!
You're welcome, KM :)
Roasted Orphan Fingers is the name of my new band; what a coincidence. Neat little amp. Great infotainment as always Unka Doug...Thanks so much!
You're welcome, Brian. Best of luck with your big orphanage tour :)
Popcorn at the ready for another Uncle Doug Drive-in movie! Wonderful stuff. I see (hear?) you seem to have the new editing software under control too... fewer and fewer missing words over the last few videos. Fantastic as always.
Thanks so much, Keith. I am trying, with some success, to work around the video-combination program.
Another great one Uncle Doug. Thank you!
You're welcome, Greg
Thanks Doug. Great video!
You're welcome, M&S :)
Definitely looks like undergarment grill damage to me. Another patient saved. Wow, it sounds great. Super neat to see the insides of this amp.
Thanks, T :) I too get a kick out of seeing the innards of these archaic beasties. It's like being an archaeologist looking at fossils :)
I'm droolin' my son !! Would love to try it with the harp mic.
I think it would be astounding, Mr. C. Many of the best harp amps I have heard have multiple rather small speakers.
Appreciate your videos Doug.What a cool amp .
Thanks, Stephen
I've found the same with those micamolds. They aren't mica like the normal domino style. Just paper caps in a fancy shell....and junk. Had better luck with the micamold resistors though. Thanks for your videos!! I always learn something new!
You're welcome, Josh. I always felt confident with mica caps.....but those impersonators were pure junk :(
Neat stuff. I swear that old amps like this almost never turn up in my town.
Thanks, DK. Not in my town either :( It's a customer's amp.
Sad, but all we ever get is vintage 59 Bassman's and non reverb Deluxe's . Excellante video Doug!
I have the same problem. I always thought that since i live within a hour of chicago there would be plenty around.
Our shop is a magnet for 80's Peavey stuff... which isn't a terrible thing.
Ya my town either an I look all the time
Ur the man uncle Doug love ur videos. U have taught me a lot
That's great to hear, Shaun :)
I used Deoxit and a toothbrush to clean the terminals on the TCI ignition module, and it's harness connectors, of my 1981 Yamaha XS1100. Good stuff. It took the oxidation right off of the terminals.
So, yeah, i love Deoxit.
It's a good product, F3. Thanks !!
Thank you for your service ❤
It's our pleasure, James.
First class. Love the old amps.
👍
That's great to hear Paul :)
a tone of class" thnks uncle ! great work..
You're welcome, Orlando :)
Now the story of how I came to own this piece of amp history. A friend of my who was from PA originally move to NC. While roaming around his garage I saw a guitar case and this amp in a corner. I opened up the case and behold a Gretsch New Yorker acoustic guitar with several flat slides in the case. The strings were very high but in great condition. I then looked at the amp in such aww. I ask my pal where’d he get these, he said his grandpa won them in a card game while working the coal mines in the late 40’s in WVA. I ask him what he was doing with them, he said taking them to the dump. I almost passed out. I ask him if I could buy them, he said no but you can have them. So that how I came to own this amp. This was in 2000. Score. Yes.
I had no idea you were the owner, Sir B. What a great story !!! You're luckier than I am. In my case, he would have already taken it to the dump, along with a bunch of mint Elvis 45's on the Sun label.....or he would leave it out in the rain and refuse to ever fix it, use it, or part with it. Frustration is my way of life :):)
Great work, and cool amp. Nice video.
Thanks, GL
ud...that amp does sound great..i am sure the owner will be happy..summer time blues...yes.....will be waiting for truck vid....thanks
Thanks, David. We'll know soon, it's on its way back home.
I love your very dry humor!
Thanks, James.
That was a very enjoyable 30 minutes Uncle Doug. The only thing that could have made it better would be some cat scans with Jack :)
Thanks, Ryan. Jack was on sabbatical for Easter.
Once again a very nice video Uncle Doug!
Thanks, SV
I love vintage combo amps. I've went to different yard sales and the flea markets but no luck finding something like that. As of yet. But I'm still looking. Good video, certainly enjoyed it my friend.
Thanks, Charles. You have to keep at it. Good items are getting harder to find.....but they do exist.
Uncle Doug Yes sir. They're out there hiding from me.
They hide, Charles, but they are indeed out there. Persistence is the key :)
Those "Micamold" caps were made in Brooklyn, NY. Most of their stuff has "mold" in the name, such as "Goldmold", "Roldmold", etc, They were second-rate stuff when they were new.
They look pretty stout, but I guess their looks are deceiving. Thanks, ZS.
this is my favorite youtube channel
Thanks, Kevin :)
Flatter than an ant's pancake. Love it. Love it all.
A family member came up with that gem when she was quite young, JC. I found it to be pretty clever......and thought you might like it too :) Thanks !!
Hello Uncle Doug. I have an Electromuse lap steel pickup that uses the same caps as that amp. Great video thanks for posting. I'll be sending something along mid next week that maybe you can make heads or tales of.
Thanks so much, Tele. We look forward to receiving this mystery item.
love watching Uncle Doug videos :)
Thanks, Gary :)
Five inch speakers sound THAT good? Who knew !!
Yesterday a 40's -ish pickup truck pulled up next to me at a light in L.A., really beautiful and sounding great , with an attractive lady driver. I couldn't help but think of you, , ,
Keep on truckin," Doug :)
Richard
I hope it was the truck that inspired the thought, Richard, not the girl. Jack and I are male through and through......except for occasionally weeping over sad movies :)
What a gorgeous truck wow!
Thanks, Dennis :)
I'll bet you're right, it was panties and bras. And an occasional jock strap from, well, you know. Groupies also throw hotel room keys too. I've seen it happen at an Engelbert Humperdinck concert back in 67 at the Sands. LOL
No, those were depends!
At my age, any thrown undergarments are appreciated....except maybe when playing a gig in the dysentery ward.
I'm so glad you're looking out for all those orphans! not nearly enough orphan-mindedness in the amp tech world!
Somebody had to do it, Joe. They were at risk of becoming extinct :)
great detective work!
Thanks, Dave :)
Thank you, as always I really enjoyed.
You're welcome, Ian
Nice work unlce Doug!
Thanks, Damian.