BF Bassman amp transformer question

J.Rodney · June 5th, 2007, 09:19 PM

I need to know where I can buy a new transformer for a BF Bassman amp.I recently purchased this amp in a pawn shop and had it gone thru by an amp tech,he tells me that the transformer that is in it has been changed and is not the correct one, and this is the reason the amp hummmmms when at idle.He does not know if I can even buy a new one.He said that Fender was his only source for a part like this and dont know if they carry transformers for amps this old.I like my amps to be quiet and have the correct parts if at all possible.A name and no. would be appreciated.

GuitarJonz · June 5th, 2007, 10:34 PM

I've heard that These Guys make good stuff

Rick S · June 5th, 2007, 11:00 PM

Don't worry about locating a transformer. What you need to be shopping for now is a tech experienced in vintage amps.

Tim Swartz · June 5th, 2007, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick S

Don't worry about locating a transformer. What you need to be shopping for now is a tech experienced in vintage amps.

+1... The transformer would not make it hum, and there are a bzillion sources for transformers.

zook · June 6th, 2007, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Swartz

+1... The transformer would not make it hum, and there are a bzillion sources for transformers.

Not having heard the amp or seen the PT we can only speculate, but a PT CAN make an amp hum. The humming is a mechanical hum from the transformer itself. This is a design flaw in the PT, of loose internal parts. Sometime this can be solved by potting the transformer. I've even fixed PTs with shims between the windings and plates..

Winnie

jhundt · June 7th, 2007, 12:12 AM

If your amp tech does not know where to buy a power transformer for a Bassman he must be totally useless. A 10-year-old child could find one in less than a minute using the internet.

CancerLeoCam · June 7th, 2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zook

Not having heard the amp or seen the PT we can only speculate, but a PT CAN make an amp hum. The humming is a mechanical hum from the transformer itself. This is a design flaw in the PT, of loose internal parts. Sometime this can be solved by potting the transformer. I've even fixed PTs with shims between the windings and plates..

Winnie

Well said Winnie.

BTW, there are manufacturers out there that fabricate replacement Fender styled drop-in transformers. CE Distribution, Mojo Musical Supply, Weber, Mercury Magnetics and a few others.

J.Rodney · June 7th, 2007, 12:17 PM

Thanks very much for all the info.I appreciate it.

PhatTele · June 7th, 2007, 12:29 PM

Antique Electronic Supply, Hoffman Amplifiers, Allen Amplification

June 5th, 2007, 09:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
J.Rodney Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louisiana Age: 49 Posts: 147	BF Bassman amp transformer question I need to know where I can buy a new transformer for a BF Bassman amp.I recently purchased this amp in a pawn shop and had it gone thru by an amp tech,he tells me that the transformer that is in it has been changed and is not the correct one, and this is the reason the amp hummmmms when at idle.He does not know if I can even buy a new one.He said that Fender was his only source for a part like this and dont know if they carry transformers for amps this old.I like my amps to be quiet and have the correct parts if at all possible.A name and no. would be appreciated.

June 5th, 2007, 10:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
GuitarJonz Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Mass. Posts: 2,635 7 Photos	I've heard that These Guys make good stuff

June 5th, 2007, 11:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rick S Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 489	Don't worry about locating a transformer. What you need to be shopping for now is a tech experienced in vintage amps.

June 7th, 2007, 12:12 AM	#6 (permalink)
jhundt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Netherlands Age: 54 Posts: 2,736 9 Photos	If your amp tech does not know where to buy a power transformer for a Bassman he must be totally useless. A 10-year-old child could find one in less than a minute using the internet.

June 7th, 2007, 12:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
J.Rodney Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louisiana Age: 49 Posts: 147	Thanks very much for all the info.I appreciate it.

June 7th, 2007, 12:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
PhatTele Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 671	Antique Electronic Supply, Hoffman Amplifiers, Allen Amplification