Look what folowed me home today.

Kurzman · April 5th, 2006, 04:52 PM

They say God takes care of children and drunks. Well, I'm 53 years old and I'm going for a six pack right now!

These are large pics so I'm just going to list the URLs. I think they shoud be "hot".

http://home.earthlink.net/~kurzman/champ.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~kurzman/champ2.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~kurzman/champ3.jpg

I posted these over at the Weber board but I thought you guys would get a kick of them. Basically new, unplayed since 1968.

bigericplatt · April 5th, 2006, 04:56 PM

Too bad you couldn't find a clean one. :D

That's a great score. With the original shipping box.

Congrats and enjoy it. I'm totally jealous.

Tremo · April 5th, 2006, 05:07 PM

Holy Cow!!! A 68/69 VC in *dead mint* condition, complete with original hang tags and shipping box. Has it ever been played?

That thing belongs in a museum. Get a cover for it so it doesn't get scratched or dirty.

One rub though, the electrolytics in there are old and need replacement, even though they are unused. Electrolytic caps have a finite shelf life, and when it's up, it's up. Basically, to be safe, I'd change the can cap and the 6V6 cathode bypass cap. Leave the ones on the preamps. For the 6V6 bypass, use one rated at 50 volts.

If you decide to play it, keep an eye on the 5Y3, if it starts to redplate or if you see fireworks, shut it down quick. Ditto on the 6V6, if the bypass shorts, the tube will redplate and die. You certainly don't want to prematurely kill an RCA 6V6GTA.

Kurzman · April 5th, 2006, 05:32 PM

Tremo,
I think this was bought as a hobby whim. Along with it was an old Harmony double cut semi-hollow with 4 slider tone controls so I guess the guy must have plugged it in a few times. I don't believe it's been turned on in 37-38 years.
I asked over on the Weber board about bringing it up on a Variac. I also considered sending it to Dave Allen and let him turn it on and check it out.
Now I'm leaning towards just putting it in the closet and letting it sleep for another ten years or so. It's obvious there's never even been a screw turned on the thing and I don't need it.
But, I don't know......I just got it about 6 hours ago.
It's soooo pretty. The grill cloth just sparkles.

3StringGuitar · April 5th, 2006, 05:34 PM

What about grounding that bad boy too. I can't believe how great of condition it's in, that's just plain awesome.

moparmutt · April 5th, 2006, 06:45 PM

wow!!!
Nice score

BradKM · April 5th, 2006, 07:14 PM

Wow.

I'm really more of a "it was made to be played" kind of guy...but that's a true collector's piece.

Frank Roberts · April 5th, 2006, 07:20 PM

That is a truly cool score. It must've been dead set on following you home. It did so without casters!

GatorBait · April 5th, 2006, 09:53 PM

That is a beauty!! Cleanest one I've ever seen ... congrats!

Raymond · April 5th, 2006, 11:08 PM

Kurzman, nice score! That thing is scary clean...

This could be a great opportunity to test some theories.

Some folks believe that these "ultra clean" amps actually wouldn't sound as good as "true" used one. The caps, the theory goes, need to be put to use regurarly to keep them "fresh." Also the speaker is almost new so it won't sound good.

The caps? I don't know... I think caps that are 10 years old or older need to be replaced anyway. The speaker theory makes more sense but that's nothing that time can't resolve.

I'm not expert so what do you guys think?

BTW, please don't put in the closet. That beaty was meant to be used to make music. JMHO

slack · April 5th, 2006, 11:38 PM

I NEVER say this. Seriously.

I always say play it. I don't care what the guitar is, so far, I've always said play it...

But this little amp?

I wouldn't use it. I wouldn't change the cord or do any maintenance. In this case, the amp appears straight-up mint. With original box and hang tags. Consider this one as a rare investment quality VC. Store it and it's box safely.

You can pick up another VC to be your player.

Kurzman · April 6th, 2006, 12:18 AM

"BTW, please don't put in the closet. That beauty was meant to be used to make music. JMHO"

I understand this fully. I feel this way myself BUT...

I've got an Allen modded PR, an Allen V-18, an Allen Old Flame 1 X15 and an Allen 5F1+.

I just sent $$ for a Clark Beaufort Special.

What on earth do I need a Vibro Champ for? I'm afraid this one is for the ages. I'm not even going to touch it.

I mean, how good could it sound? I had scads of perfect BF Fenders and the Allens blew them all out of my front door.

I use my amps (in the garage) and my amps are Allens. BTW..I asked Dave about flipping the switch on this and he said....

"The tube rectifier brings the voltage up slowly in about 30 seconds. I’d just go for it. The filter capacitors reform with use."

Still...she's going in the closet.

endzone · April 6th, 2006, 12:42 AM

Please tell us more about the amp and the score!!!!Where and how did you find this?

Scott S · April 6th, 2006, 12:55 AM

Ah yes, this is why I build my own. So I don't have to worry about "collector's value."

Sidney Vicious · April 6th, 2006, 01:40 AM

I'm with you, Kurzman - stash it - but you got to play it once first!

And you gotta share the story and - I have to ask - how much?

Very cool.

AtomicMassUnit · April 6th, 2006, 01:54 AM

Just wanted to say, I really support your decision to keep that thing unplayed. That is an exceptionally rare thing to see and rest assured you will be rewarded financially down the line if you decide to sell it. Either way, it takes a big man to resist playing that and I applaud your decision.

simonc · April 6th, 2006, 06:52 AM

that amp is awesome, I am a very jealous SOB right now... :D

If I may, how much did you pay for it?

Kurzman · April 6th, 2006, 10:11 AM

I got it for $325. I thought that was a really good price.
I'm like most of you. I'm dying to to try it out but even if it sounded great it couldn't sound any better than other amps I own.
I'll just park it and sell it someday.
BTW...I didn't show it but the cardboard box has tears on the other small side caused by a poodle scratching at it. Maybe I should look up a cardboard box restorationist Hah!

BradKM · April 6th, 2006, 02:39 PM

That's an absolute steal. I'd view it as an investment as well.

Sidney Vicious · April 6th, 2006, 03:31 PM

Very much a steal - and on reflection I agree that not playing it the way to go - it should be maintained as the museum piece that it is.

The box reminded me of that picture in the Fender Amp Book of the collection for the upcoming "the Fender Amp Boxes" book joke.

GatorBait · April 6th, 2006, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurzman

I got it for $325. I thought that was a really good price.

WOW .. you did steal it! ;-)

I could see this amp going for over $1000 on eBait ..

Moonie · April 6th, 2006, 03:53 PM

Holy ****.. nice score for sure..

I am a "it was meant to be played kinda guy" but crap man.. I would put that amp behind Plexiglass and put it on the mantle then I would put the box in a sealed plastic bag and keep it somewhere... hidden for a long long time

the day I die, I would plug it in and play it. well hit one note... then die

tuneage · April 6th, 2006, 05:33 PM

Where did you find it? Ebay, pawn shop, vintage music store, friend? I'm in the market for an amp and many people recommend that exact amp so I'm just curious

simonc · April 7th, 2006, 04:37 AM

$325!?!?!? :o

<clutches chest>.....ok....wow....

That amp is the stuff my dreams are made of, & for that price its an amazing deal!Like I said, im one jealous SOB.
If It were 3 times that price, in that condition, Id be happy.

eddiewagner · April 7th, 2006, 06:37 AM

congratulations!
i think i would see it as an investment and an decorative item as well.

Nub · April 7th, 2006, 12:37 PM

Very cool score!

If it was me, I'd mod the heck out of it & then play it every day... :)

Oskar · April 7th, 2006, 09:05 PM

just WHEN do you sell it? In five years, 10, 15, 20? Every time you will get a twitch to sell you may hold back thinking it will be worth more in a few years and not sell. You could be taking this with you to the grave.
I say, unless you have specific plan to sell it in 3, 5, or 10 years, take your money and run, I'd plug it in a play it. It will still be worth a huge amoung of money regardless, and you'll certainly get your money back. No sense in getting too greedy over it.

Kurzman · April 7th, 2006, 10:48 PM

"Just WHEN do you sell it? In five years, 10, 15, 20? Every time you will get a twitch to sell you may hold back thinking it will be worth more in a few years and not sell. You could be taking this with you to the grave.
I say, unless you have specific plan to sell it in 3, 5, or 10 years, take your money and run, I'd plug it in a play it. It will still be worth a huge amoung of money regardless, and you'll certainly get your money back. No sense in getting too greedy over it."

Hello Oskar,
I think 5 years.
If I wanted to play a fine condition VC I'd just buy one for a couple of hundred bucks. It's a practice amp. Even if it's worth 5 times what I paid that's not a big deal.
One thing I've realized is that ANY amp can only sound so good. It's in the fingers.
My other amps are about as good as they get. I need to practise the guitar.
As far as being greedy goes, finances are personal.
I'll be removing the pics Sat. because I only have a certain amount of space and it depends on the size of the pics and the # of hits.

April 5th, 2006, 04:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kurzman TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 71	Look what folowed me home today. They say God takes care of children and drunks. Well, I'm 53 years old and I'm going for a six pack right now! These are large pics so I'm just going to list the URLs. I think they shoud be "hot". http://home.earthlink.net/~kurzman/champ.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~kurzman/champ2.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~kurzman/champ3.jpg I posted these over at the Weber board but I thought you guys would get a kick of them. Basically new, unplayed since 1968.

April 5th, 2006, 04:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
bigericplatt TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 63	Too bad you couldn't find a clean one. :D That's a great score. With the original shipping box. Congrats and enjoy it. I'm totally jealous. __________________ Am I supposed to say something important here?

April 5th, 2006, 05:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Kurzman TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 71	Vibro Champ Tremo, I think this was bought as a hobby whim. Along with it was an old Harmony double cut semi-hollow with 4 slider tone controls so I guess the guy must have plugged it in a few times. I don't believe it's been turned on in 37-38 years. I asked over on the Weber board about bringing it up on a Variac. I also considered sending it to Dave Allen and let him turn it on and check it out. Now I'm leaning towards just putting it in the closet and letting it sleep for another ten years or so. It's obvious there's never even been a screw turned on the thing and I don't need it. But, I don't know......I just got it about 6 hours ago. It's soooo pretty. The grill cloth just sparkles.

April 5th, 2006, 11:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
Raymond Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Herndon, VA Posts: 2,417 3 Photos	Kurzman, nice score! That thing is scary clean... This could be a great opportunity to test some theories. Some folks believe that these "ultra clean" amps actually wouldn't sound as good as "true" used one. The caps, the theory goes, need to be put to use regurarly to keep them "fresh." Also the speaker is almost new so it won't sound good. The caps? I don't know... I think caps that are 10 years old or older need to be replaced anyway. The speaker theory makes more sense but that's nothing that time can't resolve. I'm not expert so what do you guys think? BTW, please don't put in the closet. That beaty was meant to be used to make music. JMHO __________________ "That's a hard pill to swallow, buddy; when you find out what the blues is all about"

April 6th, 2006, 12:18 AM	#12 (permalink)
Kurzman TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 71	I knew this was coming. "BTW, please don't put in the closet. That beauty was meant to be used to make music. JMHO" I understand this fully. I feel this way myself BUT... I've got an Allen modded PR, an Allen V-18, an Allen Old Flame 1 X15 and an Allen 5F1+. I just sent $$ for a Clark Beaufort Special. What on earth do I need a Vibro Champ for? I'm afraid this one is for the ages. I'm not even going to touch it. I mean, how good could it sound? I had scads of perfect BF Fenders and the Allens blew them all out of my front door. I use my amps (in the garage) and my amps are Allens. BTW..I asked Dave about flipping the switch on this and he said.... "The tube rectifier brings the voltage up slowly in about 30 seconds. I’d just go for it. The filter capacitors reform with use." Still...she's going in the closet.

April 5th, 2006, 05:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tremo Banned Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA Posts: 3,803	Holy Cow!!! A 68/69 VC in dead mint condition, complete with original hang tags and shipping box. Has it ever been played? That thing belongs in a museum. Get a cover for it so it doesn't get scratched or dirty. One rub though, the electrolytics in there are old and need replacement, even though they are unused. Electrolytic caps have a finite shelf life, and when it's up, it's up. Basically, to be safe, I'd change the can cap and the 6V6 cathode bypass cap. Leave the ones on the preamps. For the 6V6 bypass, use one rated at 50 volts. If you decide to play it, keep an eye on the 5Y3, if it starts to redplate or if you see fireworks, shut it down quick. Ditto on the 6V6, if the bypass shorts, the tube will redplate and die. You certainly don't want to prematurely kill an RCA 6V6GTA.

April 5th, 2006, 05:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
3StringGuitar Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 623	What about grounding that bad boy too. I can't believe how great of condition it's in, that's just plain awesome.

April 5th, 2006, 06:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
moparmutt Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: honolulu Posts: 593	wow!!! Nice score

April 5th, 2006, 07:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
BradKM Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 428	Wow. I'm really more of a "it was made to be played" kind of guy...but that's a true collector's piece.

April 5th, 2006, 07:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
Frank Roberts Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 242	That is a truly cool score. It must've been dead set on following you home. It did so without casters!

April 5th, 2006, 09:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
GatorBait Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NorCal Posts: 142	That is a beauty!! Cleanest one I've ever seen ... congrats!

April 5th, 2006, 11:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
slack Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 1,938	I NEVER say this. Seriously. I always say play it. I don't care what the guitar is, so far, I've always said play it... But this little amp? I wouldn't use it. I wouldn't change the cord or do any maintenance. In this case, the amp appears straight-up mint. With original box and hang tags. Consider this one as a rare investment quality VC. Store it and it's box safely. You can pick up another VC to be your player.

April 6th, 2006, 12:42 AM	#13 (permalink)
endzone Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Louisiana Age: 52 Posts: 1,688 32 Photos	please tell us the story Please tell us more about the amp and the score!!!!Where and how did you find this? __________________ *I'm Makin Progress*

April 6th, 2006, 12:55 AM	#14 (permalink)
Scott S Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW CR IA US NA PE Age: 28 Posts: 1,916	Ah yes, this is why I build my own. So I don't have to worry about "collector's value."

April 6th, 2006, 01:40 AM	#15 (permalink)
Sidney Vicious Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Posts: 1,246 13 Photos	I'm with you, Kurzman - stash it - but you got to play it once first! And you gotta share the story and - I have to ask - how much? Very cool.

April 6th, 2006, 01:54 AM	#16 (permalink)
AtomicMassUnit Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 153	Just wanted to say, I really support your decision to keep that thing unplayed. That is an exceptionally rare thing to see and rest assured you will be rewarded financially down the line if you decide to sell it. Either way, it takes a big man to resist playing that and I applaud your decision.

April 6th, 2006, 06:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
simonc Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Perth Western Australia Age: 29 Posts: 1,571 4 Photos	that amp is awesome, I am a very jealous SOB right now... :D If I may, how much did you pay for it? __________________ Never, EVER, stop in the middle of a hoe-down" -Homer Simpson

April 6th, 2006, 10:11 AM	#18 (permalink)
Kurzman TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 71	Amp price I got it for $325. I thought that was a really good price. I'm like most of you. I'm dying to to try it out but even if it sounded great it couldn't sound any better than other amps I own. I'll just park it and sell it someday. BTW...I didn't show it but the cardboard box has tears on the other small side caused by a poodle scratching at it. Maybe I should look up a cardboard box restorationist Hah!

April 6th, 2006, 02:39 PM	#19 (permalink)
BradKM Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 428	That's an absolute steal. I'd view it as an investment as well.

April 6th, 2006, 03:31 PM	#20 (permalink)
Sidney Vicious Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Posts: 1,246 13 Photos	Very much a steal - and on reflection I agree that not playing it the way to go - it should be maintained as the museum piece that it is. The box reminded me of that picture in the Fender Amp Book of the collection for the upcoming "the Fender Amp Boxes" book joke.

April 6th, 2006, 03:53 PM	#22 (permalink)
Moonie TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Detroit Posts: 36	Holy ****.. nice score for sure.. I am a "it was meant to be played kinda guy" but crap man.. I would put that amp behind Plexiglass and put it on the mantle then I would put the box in a sealed plastic bag and keep it somewhere... hidden for a long long time the day I die, I would plug it in and play it. well hit one note... then die

April 6th, 2006, 05:33 PM	#23 (permalink)
tuneage NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 5	Where did you find it? Ebay, pawn shop, vintage music store, friend? I'm in the market for an amp and many people recommend that exact amp so I'm just curious

April 7th, 2006, 04:37 AM	#24 (permalink)
simonc Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Perth Western Australia Age: 29 Posts: 1,571 4 Photos	$325!?!?!? :o <clutches chest>.....ok....wow.... That amp is the stuff my dreams are made of, & for that price its an amazing deal!Like I said, im one jealous SOB. If It were 3 times that price, in that condition, Id be happy. __________________ Never, EVER, stop in the middle of a hoe-down" -Homer Simpson

April 7th, 2006, 06:37 AM	#25 (permalink)
eddiewagner Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ROCK!linghausen/germany Age: 50 Posts: 4,125 27 Photos	congratulations! i think i would see it as an investment and an decorative item as well. __________________ My Drum/Guitar-Duo: www.myspace.com/captaintwangandhisrhythmcat

April 7th, 2006, 12:37 PM	#26 (permalink)
Nub Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2003 Location: SoCal Posts: 920	Very cool score! If it was me, I'd mod the heck out of it & then play it every day... :)

April 7th, 2006, 09:05 PM	#27 (permalink)
Oskar Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northampton, MA Posts: 3,191	Aha, but the rub is... just WHEN do you sell it? In five years, 10, 15, 20? Every time you will get a twitch to sell you may hold back thinking it will be worth more in a few years and not sell. You could be taking this with you to the grave. I say, unless you have specific plan to sell it in 3, 5, or 10 years, take your money and run, I'd plug it in a play it. It will still be worth a huge amoung of money regardless, and you'll certainly get your money back. No sense in getting too greedy over it.