Amp porn - safe for work!

[gui_tarzan]

Some of you may need a bib though, I did!

It's a JTM45, supposed to be a 1965 model and it's cool as hell. It seems to be almost 100% original (not sure about the power tubes), has Mullard pre- and rectifier tubes, KT66s that say "Marconi" and nothing inside looks to me like it has been touched. The chassis cutouts look like they were done by hand, possibly by JM himself? It's got the 220v transformer with a separate transformer with an outlet on the side for a power cord that plugs into the amp.

What a cool piece of history.

The shop that sent it to me apparently doesn't know what's wrong with it, I think they just didn't have anyone experienced enough in the shop now since their amp tech retired. My plan is to test all the tubes, check all the resistors and replace all the electrolytics. I don't see anything else that looks like it needs attention at this point but obviously I won't know until I fire it up.

[tedmich]

Amp looks to be pretty rare as red on silver is much less common that black on gold, imagine it would sell for way north of 30 large given that a stripped chassis sold for $28k
Bonhams : A circa 1965 Marshall JTM-45, Serial No. 1178,2

[gui_tarzan]

Well it's been verified as a 1964. Given the condition I will be saving the bad parts (not replacing anything that doesn't need it!) and give them back to the owner in case someone offers him a mint for it. I found a guy on a Marshall forum that was one of the original builders and there is already a request from another guy to buy it. I told him I'd ask the owner but I have a feeling he's not going to want to part with it.

[Audiotexan]

*must...stop.......drooling*

If I might, is there a chance you can get some HD pics?
The poor little DROID RAZR isn't doing it justice (even though it still induces drool!) That's just too cool a piece of history NOT to document in HD IMO!

Which btw, brings me to another little note which I'll share in PM

[The Dude]

I thought you said it was safe for work!

[gui_tarzan]

[Tom Phillips]

+1 on the HD photo documentation request

[gui_tarzan]

I'll see what I can do.

[tedmich]

maybe a pay per view WEB cam as you run your hands over it, plug a cable into it over and over...smack drool...

[gui_tarzan]

LOL!!! $1.99 per minute, ten minute minimum.

I got the go-ahead from the shop (who called the owner) to replace whatever is needed. The owner knows what it's worth, but he wants to use it as long as he has the original parts back.

My knowledge of KT66 tubes is limited, I'm leaning toward the Tung-Sol replacements but I'll take advice in this area.

I did finally get more information, he said it was popping and crackling when he tried to play it. Could be jacks, caps, tubes or connections but it'll be a fun journey finding out.

[tedmich]

people seem to really like the Genalex Gold Lion KT66 ($40) and they are less than 1/2 the price of the $$ Shuguang Treasure KT66-Z's which is cool cause normally you'd figure a $40K amp MUST have $100 tubes...

probably want these in the pre...
https://www.tubedepot.com/products/mullard-ecc83-12ax7

[Audiotexan]

...people seem to really like the Genalex Gold Lion KT66 ($40)...

You know it's sooooooo wrong to put that "bait" out there without the disclaimer "new production Genalex Gold Lion tubes are assembled by hand in the Reflektor factory in Saratov, Russia"
=P

Huge gap in real Gen's vs reissues IMO. Same for the 'new' Mullards.

If they can afford an amp of this caliber...they can afford the real deal in tubes IMO. No point skimpin' when you're working with legendary equipment.

PS: or perhaps my joke meter needs tweaking again. lol As I agree with you completely on the NOS Mullards!

[gui_tarzan]

I'm not sure price is no object, the owner bought it new so it's not like he paid thousands for it. It has the original Mullard ECC83s in the pre- section.

[Audiotexan]

I'm not sure price is no object, the owner bought it new so it's not like he paid thousands for it. It has the original Mullard ECC83s in the pre- section.

Wait? All this AND original owner????
*wipes screen off*

Talk about knowing what to buy and when!! wow
Bet he wishes now he could've bought 4 more just like it. lol

[Leo_Gnardo]

Wait? All this AND original owner?

Talk about knowing what to buy and when!! wow
Bet he wishes now he could've bought 4 more just like it.

There was no telling where the amp market was going, 1964. Those revolutionaries at Fender just brought out their black series, some of 'em even had built in reverb - golly gosh! Who ever heard of some upstart Brits with their Marshall amps in '64. "Vox is what you get, when you buy English amps, '64, a company with a long history, making reliable amps." OK, joke hat's off now. I'll have to hand it to the owner, he WAS taking a big leap of faith to buy that amp. Would be nice to know where he got it, did he audition it, what was he thinking when he got it?