Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: PharmRock on March 20, 2022, 01:34:58 pm

Title: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: PharmRock on March 20, 2022, 01:34:58 pm

Ran across an early 90s made in USA VT-60, seller asking $300.  Amp is in good working order.  All-tube, 2x6L6, 3-channels.  thought of gutting this and building a Dumble clone.  I figure for the price just the transformers and tubes its worth it, throw in a cab and generic Ampeg speaker it makes it an even better deal. but wasn't sure if there's any issues with transformers I might need to be aware of.  Any info/opinion you all can share would be appreciated.  Should I pull the trigger?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: uki on March 20, 2022, 04:45:09 pm

Probably the first thing is to ask the guy if it works, maybe some video sample.

Title: Re: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: PharmRock on March 23, 2022, 03:17:43 pm

I've confirmed the amp is in good working condition.  I haven't played it myself, but its for sale by a person in my organization and I can take his word for it.  I'll play it before I buy, but the general idea is to gut the amp anyways.
Thanks!

Title: Re: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: dwinstonwood on March 23, 2022, 05:46:47 pm

Here's something I just thought of. If you want to use the existing chassis, it might be useful to measure the chassis hole diameters for the tubes if they're PCB mounted. The holes might not be the right size for using standard chassis-mount tube sockets. Or, you can just make/buy a new chassis.  :icon_biggrin:

Title: Re: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: PharmRock on March 23, 2022, 08:37:41 pm

That's a great point...gutting the chassis vs just getting a new one and starting with a fresh layout.  That's probably the direction I would go.  Keep the transformers, tubes, anything else worth salvaging, build up a new chassis and mount in the cab. 

Title: Re: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: tubeswell on March 23, 2022, 08:48:37 pm

Quote from: dwinstonwood on March 23, 2022, 05:46:47 pm

... chassis hole diameters for the tubes ... for using standard chassis-mount tube sockets. Or, you can just make/buy a new chassis.  :icon_biggrin:

Or reem out the existing holes a little


Or punch some new holes in a piece of sheetmetal and rivet/bolt that to the existing chassis.

Title: Re: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: dwinstonwood on March 24, 2022, 01:27:46 am

Or, do what Hoffman did with the Blues Jr. He made a new socket board.
https://el34world.com/Hoffman/Blues_Junior_Build.htm

Title: Re: Ampeg VT-60 112 combo - good amp for conversion?
Post by: PharmRock on March 24, 2022, 09:53:46 am

That's the first time I've seen that Blues Junior conversion stuff.  Very cool!

Both the sheet metal and G10 tube-socket board could be the way to go.
As far as drilling a G10 tube socket board like that...would a chassis punch work on Doug's board material, or is a step-bit the way to go here?