Robben Ford Discussion

Michael · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:02 am Post subject: Fender Concert 60 Watt Tube

There are several experts here ... so I thought I would ask ...

I have a Fender Concert 60 Watt Tube amp purchased new in 1987. The amplifier's tube complement consists of two Fender Special Design 6L6GC, five Fender Special Design 7025, and two Fender Special Design 12AT7.

Since the purchase date, I have not had the amp serviced and have not replaced any tubes. How do I know if I need to? And, if I do, what should I replace them with? Is this something a non-specialist can easily do? What's a good source for buying tubes? What is a ball park cost if done by me? Or by a shop?

The clean channel where I hang out most of the time still sounds warm and original. I've noticed some flatness on channel two - almost a bit dead sounding, if that makes any sense.

Thanks!

edpesco · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:08 am Post subject:

If it's starting to sound dead replace the preamp tubes for the OD channel. I made good experience with Electro Harmonix 12 AX7 EH, not too expensive

iamthewalrus · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:05 am Post subject: Tube Gurus

Michael,

Here are my continuing recommendations for tube gurus who are also great guys and often available on the phone.

Myles Rose, head honcho of Groove Tubes "Special Applications Group,"

http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com

Bob Pletka (EuroBob) of Eurotubes - importer of JJ tubes

http://www.eurotubes.com

Changing tubes can dramatically alter the performance/feel/tone of your amp. Experiment and have fun!

Cheers,
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juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

If you haven't replaced the power tubes since you bought it new in 87, you are probably overdue for new 6l6s, unless you play it only once a week or so. Rebiasing is required for the new 6l6s, which means you will have to have it done by a competent tech since the Concert is a fixed bias amp with no bias controls. The Concert is a fantastic amp (as is its brother, the Super Amp); so it's well worth the expense to maintain it well.

Same amp Garth Webber plays!

JackD · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 6:23 pm Post subject:

That is a great amp. I had one from '84 to '96 and it sounded fantastic. I sold it when I got my first Boutique amp. I regret having sold it.

Aeolian · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:38 pm Post subject:

I played a friends one of these a few times that had a Celestion/Mesa Black Shadow 90 in it. Really responsive and ungodly loud. Can't remember if Garth has a different speaker in his. Maybe he's checking the board and can chime in.
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Michael · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:40 pm Post subject:

Hello JustPassinby2003:

As a matter of fact ... I'll be seeing Garth (my friend) ... Saturday night. I'm very familiar with his great playing and sound. He'll be playing at a club called the Baltic in Pointe Richmond (Bay Area). Perhaps he can direct me to a competent tech.

Thanks for all the comments and help as I do want to preserve, maximize, and enjoy the fine qualities of this amp.

The best to you!

juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

Michael · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:50 pm Post subject:

Mine says: Fender Musical Instruments - Special Design Speaker.

It's a stock 12".

juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

Michael · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:55 pm Post subject:

Yup ... this may be the last time at the Baltic. Garth mentioned that the Baltic was changing hands ... too bad, as it's a great place to hear him play. If you are driving up, you might want to book a room at the Hotel Mac across the street. The rooms are fantastic and includes breakfast ... only trouble ... they just have 7. For my ear, it's worth the drive from anywhere.

I sent Garth a note to check on who he will be with ... John Lee Sanders is often with him, sometimes Ms. Dee, etc. If he's online, I'll let you know.

juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

Aeolian · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:50 pm Post subject:

Sound like the place to be, is this with ET and Peter too? If I don't completely collapse after my return flight from the far east, I'll be there too. Funny if we already knew each other.
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There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com

Michael · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 7:06 am Post subject:

More of Garth is a good thing.

"Its my band but without John Lee Sanders and without Mz Dee. I will be singing more than I usually do and my bassist and keyboard player will sing too. I think its gonna ba a rockin night. Hope you and Chris can make it,
G~"

By the way, I saw Robben on his last time through at Harlow's in Sac Town. He played with Hillary and DeWayne - just a three piece. They were missing the keyboard and the sax player at Yoshi's. I've seen Robben many times and for many years. This slightly stripped down version offered more of what I like. Robben shows his outstanding ability to create and carry. And for my ear, the guitar work is even better.

No doubt this applies to Saturday's show as well.