tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Sep 29 2013 09:38 PM
The guy asked if I wanted him to pull the tubes out for shipping, and pack them separately in the case. If he does that (which is safer for shipping), will I need to have a tech install them and bias them? Or do I just plug the things back in? And how safe is that (electrocution?). I don't want a tech bill $ for biasing them, or me getting shocked installing them. Thanks.
Last edited: Sep 30, 2013 11:30:23
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JObeast
Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
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Posted on Sep 29 2013 11:10 PM
I used to ship amps all over the world and would ALWaYS pull the tubes wrap them individually then wrap them all into a big padded masss, cover the speaker front, pack the interior of the amp with the tube wad and a lot of foam peanuts, double box the whole thing. All my customers were very impressed with the expert care I took to make sure the amp was not trashed by the monkeys tossing it off the truck.
I would affix labels to each tube and the chassis where they plugged in, so there would be no confusion reinstalling them. Thus after unwrapping everything the easy part was putting the tubes in.
I would NOT buy an amp from anyone who was not going to do the same for me. Make sure the shipper will do so before you pay him.
It'S not rocket science to put the tubes in for yourself. The seller can make it easy with color or # labels, as an expected courtesy.
— Squink Out!
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BJB
Joined: Jul 28, 2008
Posts: 413
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Posted on Sep 30 2013 12:58 AM
As long as you aren't sitting in a tub of water with the amp plugged in, you can reinstall tubes without getting shocked. Don't forget that back in the old days, it was an everyday occurrence for people to remove the tubes from their TV set, take them to the local drugstore to be tested, and buy new tubes to replace the bad ones. My dad used to make me do this when I was still in elementary school. Of course, if you were born after 1970 you probably have no idea what I'm talking about!
In general, you want the tubes to go back into the same sockets. Fortunately, the amp-in-case is a very simple design. Like other amps, the preamp tubes don't need to be biased and since the power tube uses a cathode bias resistor, the bias doesn't need to be adjusted. Just make sure the amp in unplugged when you put the tubes back in and everything will be fine.
— If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Sep 30 2013 02:20 AM
Ok thanks guys. I have always thought (and been told) to not even mess with tubes, but I guess replacing a tube is different than poking around inside the chassis. And yea the amp only has like 3 tubes, and they look pretty easy to access. Just wanted to make sure
Last edited: Sep 30, 2013 02:20:42
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palo
Joined: Apr 23, 2012
Posts: 421
fresno california u.s.a.
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Posted on Sep 30 2013 05:26 AM
WRAP EACH TUBE IN BUBBLE WRAP and number the tubes 1,2,3 etc. and then put the tubes that are wrapped in a small box with more bubble wrap and tape box closed.
then make a note on paper showing were the tubes go in as to the numbers.
put the note on the amp handle so they see it.
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Sep 30 2013 11:29 AM
palo wrote:
WRAP EACH TUBE IN BUBBLE WRAP and number the tubes 1,2,3 etc. and then put the tubes that are wrapped in a small box with more bubble wrap and tape box closed.
then make a note on paper showing were the tubes go in as to the numbers.
put the note on the amp handle so they see it.
Thanks, the seller said they will wrap them up nicely and loosen the strings on the guitar too.
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Ron-Rhoades
Joined: Aug 19, 2006
Posts: 958
Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii
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Posted on Sep 30 2013 03:20 PM

My Dano "Standard" #849
— The TakeOffs
"Kauai's Only All-Instrumental Surf Band"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-TakeOffs/312866840587
Last edited: Sep 30, 2013 15:24:25
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Noel
Joined: Mar 15, 2011
Posts: 8528
Back in Piitsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
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Posted on Sep 30 2013 03:35 PM
I will not get more GAS! I will not get more GAS! I will not get more GAS! I will not get more GAS! I hope.
— This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.
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CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4053
Nashville, TN.
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Posted on Sep 30 2013 03:50 PM
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 05:41 AM
Got the guitar and case yesterday. Guitar is near unplayable, just needs a good setup so I took it to the tech for some loving. Tuners look kinda sketchy, might need to replace those if they don't hold tune. Amp sounds crappy, not much louder than an acoustic when dimed, probably not even loud enough to practice with another guitarist. Could be the speaker, has the center circle thing missing, new tubes though. I dunno if it's worth putting the $$ into fixing the speaker, does anyone have experience with how the amp should sound? Don't wanna bother if it's nothing special, more focused on getting the guitar playing well. Tiny thing too, but very cool and has mojo.
Last edited: Oct 06, 2013 05:43:18
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CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4053
Nashville, TN.
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 08:13 AM
Those Dano/Silvertones usually setup real quick and real easy. Your tech should have no problem getting that little beauty playing great.
The skate key tuners have a bad rep but give them some time. They're nothing like a regular tuner but I find that after getting used to them they can work fine. I've left them on two of my amp in case guitars and my convertible guitar and I've used my 1457 with those tuners on tour, professional stages, no problem. Not the best but often workable.
The 1448 amps aren't much in the way of pleasing sound to be honest. The 1457 amp cases sound a bit better with their 6v6 power tube and tremolo.
I'll break my out later and warm it up. I can send you a sound clip if you'd like to compare. Mine's all original and hasn't been played in a bit so let's hope it powers up, LOL.
— http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic
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JObeast
Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 11:10 AM
What Aces says above – don't compromise the integrity of a vintage instrument out of an a priori assumption that original parts are faulty. I never had any problem keeping my Dano Amp-in-Case guitar in tune using original tuning machines. As for the amp, a replacement speaker shouldn't cost much more than $15. The amp might also be put into service as a preamp, or headphone amp, with a little modification. Its sound might be an acquired taste though.
— Squink Out!
Last edited: Oct 06, 2013 11:11:02
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BJB
Joined: Jul 28, 2008
Posts: 413
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 03:12 PM
Like any amp, this one would need to checked out by a competent amp tech. It is common to find capacitors and resistors that have been degraded over time. You really can't judge the amp until it has been properly restored. Of course, if you don't want to spend the money, just don't use the amp and let the next owner take the hit.
— If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 03:16 PM
JObeast wrote:
What Aces says above – don't compromise the integrity of a vintage instrument out of an a priori assumption that original parts are faulty. I never had any problem keeping my Dano Amp-in-Case guitar in tune using original tuning machines. As for the amp, a replacement speaker shouldn't cost much more than $15. The amp might also be put into service as a preamp, or headphone amp, with a little modification. Its sound might be an acquired taste though.
If the tuners end up working then I will keep it original, as they contribute to the iconic look of it, but they felt flimsy and loose at first sight, that's all. Do you know if a weber or Jensen will fit without being too deep? And I think the transformer is mounted to the speaker, so I guess I'd weld it back onto the new one correct? Or maybe just recone it if it's cheap.
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CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4053
Nashville, TN.
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 07:09 PM
Yeah, those tuners usually feel lousy but they can work just fine most of the time.
I think the Weber speaker could be too deep but the Jensen should fit. As you said, you'll have to remount that output tranny.
Check ebay for original 6" speakers. There's usually a few there.
Plugged in my 1448 amp case today and it's a little louder than you described but not much.
The 1457 amp case is almost as loud as a Champ, almost.
I may have to use that on our next record........it could be fun
— http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 08:25 PM
I have a champ 600, and if it doesn't get as loud as that I might not bother, but I'll see if there's a deal on a speaker. If yours isn't louder than a champ, then maybe mine is just the way they made em. I bought it for the guitar, and the way I see it is the case is a cool bonus, and if I ever resell, then it has more appeal to collectors as a set. Just thinking out loud. I cracked up when I realized the chassis is pressboard, talk about budgeting ha.
Thanks for the amp comparison crazy aces.
Last edited: Oct 06, 2013 20:28:29
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Oct 06 2013 08:36 PM
Also, does anyone happen to know what size the speaker is in the 1448? Mine's at the tech now, so can't measure, and I've heard mixed descriptions either 5" or 6".
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Oct 15 2013 10:26 PM
Got the 1448 back today from the tech for a setup. Plays great, a setup/fret level is highly recommended on these if you haven't had one done. It's small, but once you start playing it you hardly notice, unless you switch to a full scale. Has that distinct Danelectro sound that I missed from selling my 59 reissue shorthorn. Keeping the original tuners, they work good and are part of the vibe. The amp had a corroded socket and the tube wouldn't fit in all the way, so he cleaned it and now it's louder than before. Needs a new speaker since you can hear a slight rattle/distortion, but still a cool little thing, nothing great tone-wise but it's loud enough for practice. Don't know if I'm going to get a brand new speaker or another used one of the same kind, not in a big rush. It's a cool time capsule of rock and roll history, and is like a trip back to 1964 every time I pick it up.
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tubesNtweed
Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507
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Posted on Oct 15 2013 10:35 PM
Also, picked up a 1966 Silvertone 1477 for cheap, basically a 2 pickup Harmony Bobkat with a Silvertone logo. Needs the electronics gone through and a shim, but the bridge pickup sounds pretty cool. Nice chunky neck and intonated well for a wooden floating bridge. I'm on a Silvertone kick lately, with the 1482 amp, 1448 and this. GAS!
1482 is still in the shop, they can't find a capacitor for it, so they might try different values I guess. Once I get it back I'll post pics of the Silvertone collection.
Last edited: Oct 15, 2013 22:39:34
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CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4053
Nashville, TN.
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Posted on Oct 15 2013 10:51 PM
Some Teiscos were re-branded Silvertone and sold by sears.......just saying, while you're on a quest.........
Congrats on your new cool gear.
I'm a sucker for all the old Silvertone stuff. Looking forward to your pictures
— http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic
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