Ampeg Faceplate Lettering

[JWL]

I am in the process of restoring an Ampeg Dolphin from the late 1950's. Some of the control labels are partially worn off (i.e., missing some letters). Can anyone recommend how I can go about restoring the labels? Thanks!

[ee-lee]

Faceplate Lettering Resto

I too am looking for a source for restoration of lettering on an Ampeg amp (Gemini II). Haven't found much yet. Will post what I find. Is the Dolphin a chromed chassis with silk screened lettering?

[nashvillebill]

Fliptops.net has quite a few Ampeg faceplates but I don't know if they have those.

[ee-lee]

Ampeg Faceplate Lettering

Thank you for your reply. I was aware of the faceplates that Fliptops sells. The problem with many of the older Ampegs is that the faceplate lettering was silk screened directly onto the chassis. In the case of the Gemini II the chassis was chrome plated and then the faceplate lettering was silk screened onto the chrome. Over time the chrome starts to look pretty ratty. If you try to polish it the lettering comes off due to the abrasive in the polish. I was able to clean up the rest of the chassis and it looks great but the faceplate is just downright ugly. I have always wanted a nice Gemini II (I remember the amp from when my old man taught guitar in the sixties). It had a very cool sound. So when I found this one for very cheap I grabbed it up. The electrical stuff is easy but the cosmetics are a bit more difficult. I did however find an Internet post on silk screening an old radio faceplate that looks promising.

[JWL]

Dolphin

Yes. My Dolphin has silk-screen lettering on a chrome chassis.

I don't know whether somebody like Gregg Hopkins does this type of work. He seems to be the primary source for Ampeg restoration these days.

Please let me know, if you find out anything.

[ee-lee]

I haven't found anyone yet that will do it. I did find some info on this site: Screen Printing Radio Panel on how it can be done. I had my son take a look at it and he says he can probably do it (he is a graphic designer). He says he is going to make a blank to make sure it will come out and once he's worked out the bugs he'll do the face on the Gemini. I'll let you know how it comes out.

[nashvillebill]

Maybe make a whole new faceplate?

I've never tried them, but on another forum a member recommended these folks:

Amplates Faceplates

You'll have to give them the graphics.

[52 Bill]

Have your son check out EZScreenPrint.com. They have a simple system for one of a kind screen printing.