New (rather ancient) VT-22 Questions

[flipper]

After 30 years of messing w/Fenders, Marshalls and a few Boogies, I'm back full circle to a VT-22. Couldn't be happier what a tone monster. I like the others, a lot, but I've had it with master volumes, and shabby builds...

Not sure about the year on mine. Still has a (inner) pair of GE 7027As and a (outer) pair of 7027As that are slightly "taller' and only say 7027A and Made in USA, up near the top end (not the socket "bottom"). Any ideas what the no-name brand might be?

I'm guessing the amp is in the '68 - '73 range, based on the graphics (black, square-cornered), the metal "A" logo plate, black rocker switches, and the 5-digit serial on the Ampeg sticker that just gives Model, Serial, Rating, and says Ampeg... Linden, NJ, (etc).

The speaker grille cloth was replaced, with a nice black one, so I might replace it with a silver/blue one from FlipTops. Is that a hard job requiring a lot of dismantling?

What else? let's see: the amber power light flickers a bit, and the reverb footswitch was lost in action somewhere along the way.

As for the year, or range of years, it's got a pair of square-back Eminences that start with the 67 on the serial, followed by 8438, so what's that, 1984 on the speakers? Just curious if they were dropped in later. The amp is set for 4 Ohms, looks like. is that correct?

Eleven tubes, and except for the one pair of 7027As, they all look original. The amp spent the last 15 or 20 years being rarely used, in a small acoustic (nylon, and some steel) luthier's shop. Never cranked up. I was worried it would die when I ramped it up at home, but nope, it sounds brand new, actually warmer than i remembered them being (tonewise). What a lovely monster!

[okcrum]

The most likely maker for those other 7027A is RCA. The power lamp is neon, so it's in middle age if it flickers. Very few grille cloth changes are hard, just go carefully and understand each step before doing.

It sounds like a great score.

Any date codes on the tubes or transformers? You might have to date the amp from the codes on the pots when you pull the chassis to do the new grille cloth.

[The Dude]

... The amp is set for 4 Ohms, looks like. is that correct?

If the 2 speakers are 8 ohms each and wired in parallel, yes.

Hopefully, it has wheels.

[Chuck H]

If the 2 speakers are 8 ohms each and wired in parallel, yes.

Hopefully, it has wheels.

One of those heads with correspondingly built cabinets!?! Yeah. Wheels. And maybe even someone else to push it around

[Rhodesplyr]

I heard a VT-22 played live a couple of years ago, and it stood out as one of the best-sounding amps I've ever heard.

[Chuck H]

I repaired one about a year ago. It's the only one I've ever had close contact with. I didn't expect to like it because they don't get raved about like the vintage Marshalls, Fenders, Vox, etc. I was super impressed. The only reason I can come up with for their lack of vintage acclaim would be that perhaps all the people that used them are on too much pain medication from moving them around or they're all deaf now!

[Rhodesplyr]

Agreed. This amp was played in a club with no PA support--and didn't need it. No matter how loud it got, the tone never suffered.

[Justin Thomas]

I think half the "problem" with the large Ampegs is people not realizing or refusing to face the fact: these are NOT bedroom/club amps. They were intended to be serious tools, jn your face and uncompromising. They only start to sound good when they're about halfway up. IOW, no whining! If it's deafening or too loud, go get a bigger room & a Bonzo-Moonie inspired drummer.

My first experience with a non-practice bass amp was a 72 SVT w. matching cab. My buddy asked me to check it out. It turned his cheap Hofner copy into the BattleBass from Hell. We both walked out thinking "Holy $#!+!!!" Sadly, he had to walk away because it wouldn't fit in his Jeep. I've never looked back at bass amps again. My 2nd experience with serious bass amps was a B-15N. I'm spoiled. Big-Ass tube amps forever. If I ever get a V-series to work on, I'm blasting it. I got me a nice Tele.

Oddly enough, my little GU12 NAILED the early 70s Stones sound; I think the Ampegs of the time are ballsy across the line. Dare to be different. Now if they just had left all the whacked-out tubes behind...

Justin

[Audiotexan]

Now if they just had left all the whacked-out tubes behind...

Justin

LOL

Funny how history is bitter-sweet sometimes.

Back then those tubes were available in nearly any hardware/drugstore back when it was made. Would've been nice if they could see the future...but then, if they had done like Leo and Jim, would they still have their special sound?!! ;P

[g1]

"whacked out" (oddball) tubes are usually one of my biggest considerations when contemplating buying rare amp finds, but I usually put Gibson at the top of that list.

[Audiotexan]

Not sure about the year on mine. Still has a (inner) pair of GE 7027As and a (outer) pair of 7027As that are slightly "taller' and only say 7027A and Made in USA, up near the top end (not the socket "bottom"). Any ideas what the no-name brand might be?

...

As for the year, or range of years, it's got a pair of square-back Eminences that start with the 67 on the serial, followed by 8438, so what's that, 1984 on the speakers? Just curious if they were dropped in later. The amp is set for 4 Ohms, looks like. is that correct?

Eleven tubes, and except for the one pair of 7027As, they all look original.

First off, CONGRATS! on the great score!

Second, this thread needs pics! Everything is just educated guessing without pics for proper ID.

Shots of the 7027 tubes (and others if you're trying to date those) and shots of the speakers (with additional closeups of any printed/stamped numbers)

Congrats again!