Vox Super Beatle amp (Head only)

[Bob M.]

I've got this (broken) Vox Super Beatle amp head that is not working - I got it this way. I thought it would be a fun restoration project for me sometime when things slowed down but I now see things may never slow down so I'm thinking of selling it as is.

It's a Sepulveda, CA solid state amp, built-in tuner, MRB circuit and original chrome knobs. All the parts are there except for the lens for the on/off pilot light. The amp head cab is clean.

What's this amp worth? what should I ask for it?

Thanks for your opinions,
Bob M.

[J M Fahey]

As is itīs worth as much as you paid for it, essentially zero.

Why do you think somebody gave it to you for free?

Just for kicks, publish it at the usual places and ask, say, $50 "as-is", "project amp", etc.

Somebody might bite.

Just donīt hold your breath.

[g1]

I'm not being sarcastic, it may be better money to sell the knobs. Not sure about the Vox, but the Ampeg metal knobs are stupid expensive. Any other bits of special hardware also may command good prices.
Otherwise, as a broken unit, it may be tough to move like Juan said.

[Mick Bailey]

How old is the amp? Interesting that it has a built-in tuner. A photo would be nice.

[Bob M.]

Well, it looks like any other Vox Beatle amp - model V1142 from the late 60s.I didn't say I got it for free. I just said it's in a non-working condition. And I was wondering about how much it might be worth in it's present state. I thought there might be a guy who appreciates Vox amps and has the technical skills to fix up this amp.

I don't really want to part it out as that idea isn't so appealing to me. I'd rather fix it up, get it working and then sell it some guy who is really into Vox stuff, in a perfect world. It may be wishful thinking on my part. I've been playing my own amps, plus a couple of Fenders I have for a long time now and I'm not so plugged into the Vox world.
Bob M.

[Tom Phillips]

...I'd rather fix it up, get it working and then sell it some guy who is really into Vox stuff, in a perfect world...

I understand the feeling Bob. Sometime I find myself fixing something before I donate it to a thrift store. It's something that I NEED to get past because I have more projects in the queue than I'll ever get around to completing. You have my best wishes that you will get the Beatle working and sell it to a good home.
Cheers,
Tom

[Mick Bailey]

My own view is that these amps will never be made again and should be preserved. The problem is a non- functional amp is only worth a fraction of one in fuly working condition. Most of the players who would perhaps like to own one wouldn't have the skills themselves to fix it and paying someone else to do it may be too expensive overall, unless it's had for almost nothing.

Over here this would be quite a desirable model and they dont come up for sale too often, so my inclination is probably skewed.

I've just had a non-working Vox Supreme and really didn't want another project, but the main fault turned out to be a single coupling cap that had gone very high ESR. I almost turned the amp down, having visions of spending too much time on it, though I have found a few aspects quite absorbing.

Maybe you could do a quick triage if not already undertaken, at least to be able to pass on what you find to the next owner and maybe improve the price. Perhaps check the DC voltages, output transistors and my go-to No.1 check of running through all the electrolyytics to check for ESR. It takes just a few minutes to go through the entire amp and often turns up one or more (or many!) failed or failing caps.

[g1]

As far as $ go, in working order maybe in the 800 US range in average condition?
I worked on one a while back that was in excellent condition with the tubular rack and cab, it ended up being sold to a collector for around 3200 US. I think it was the 1143 version.

[DrGonz78]

Personally if I had one of those amps I would contact RG Keen and see if I could get a replacement board. The number one reason is how he has all the transistors in place working. The gain staging on these amps is difficult to understand. The transistors are difficult to replace as the circuit is not forgiving of new parts. I am talking about the preamp stages but the power amp presents more problems. One is switching to silicon outputs, I think, and then tuning the bias.

The other most problematic is the board itself is difficult to work on and the connection between board and chassis is complicated. I think RG’s solution for these amps is the way to go and the amp will be serviceable!! Lots of great documentation with the new circuit board replacements.

[DrGonz78]

http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/Th...umentation.pdf

[glebert]

I tried to look up values but it was pretty hard to get a sense of what they go for in working condition, but I think the $800 number given above is about right. I would think you could realistically get $300 for it in non-working condition if you put it up on reverb or ebay. I would list it for $350 and be open to offers. I personally dislike working on these amps but others may be more open minded.

[g1]

I personally dislike working on these amps but others may be more open minded.

Agreed. I found it fairly difficult to access the boards for parts replacement. Lots of opportunity to break wires during the repair process.

[DrGonz78]

Yeah but I would fix it and get it working. I love pain and suffering and being cold. Put a Caution sticker on it that reads “No serviceable parts inside. Please refer repairs to a qualified repair person so they can have the stroke for you.”

[Bob M.]

I like that 'quick triage' idea. It might be fun and I might learn some stuff along the way. I didn't say it wouldn't be difficult but I love a challenge and the sense of accomplishment one gets after breaking the code and curing the patient. Thanks guys, you've convinced me to take this repair on.
Bob M.

[R.G.]

I did a PCB for replacing the entire electronics inside the Beatle head. Original circuits, new PCB, but optimized to bring out the wires near the controls they connect to, not yards of spaghetti. It's specifically intended for a situation like this.