Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

September 07, 2025, 02:25:58 pm
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question  (Read 3346 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline ebulakowski

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 40
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« on: September 15, 2020, 08:54:40 pm »
Hello forum world!
I recently picked up a 1952 champion 600. Leaky caps, a 2 prong extended with a twist and electrical tape... needless to say it was time for some love.
But here’s where I’m seeking some advice. It’s up and running and I left almost all components stock. But some of the resistors (specifically the bias resistor) have wandered. It’s at about 750ohm instead of 500. So my 6v6 is running at about 55-60%. I’m leaning towards replacing it. I just figured I’d ask the amp worlds opinion since aside from the electros and one cap, it was all stock. Do I run any risk getting that 6v6 to appropriate output? I know this early model has a pretty sMall OT.

I’ve attached a pic of the schematic with drifted values written in.  Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks!!!

Offline tubeswell

  • Level 4
  • *****
  • Posts: 4202
  • He who dies with the most tubes... wins
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2020, 09:48:54 pm »

If you put a 470R to 500R cathode resistor in for the 6V6, it will run nicely.
A bus stops at a bus station. A train stops at a train station. On my desk, I have a work station.

Offline PRR

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 17082
  • Maine USA
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« Reply #2 on: September 15, 2020, 10:37:23 pm »
> about 55-60%

I assume you did not buy a stock 1952 Champ to fill Wembley Stadium; even if you did, another watt or two won't make the stadium run over. And half power is not half loudness.

However, a composition resistor, rated 1/2W, running at 0.45W, drifted from 500 to 750, is liable to drift to infinity. Use at least a 1W part. I would go 2W. There's a similar resistor in the B+ which is also adrift.


Offline Latole

  • Level 4
  • *****
  • Posts: 2522
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2020, 02:51:29 am »
Replace all 3 filter caps by high quality one like F & T. 10 mfd will do the job
The one in the center leak
Keep all the old parts in a safe place for the nex owner or collector

Filter caps ; Twin 8 mfd cap
https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/capacitor-ft-450v-88-f-axial-lead-electrolytic


single 10mfd cap:
https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/capacitor-ft-500v-type-axial-lead
« Last Edit: September 16, 2020, 03:01:51 am by Latole »

Offline ebulakowski

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 40
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2020, 08:51:14 am »
Thanks for chiming in. Latole, yes all the cap work has been done already. That was a before pic.

PRR great point, I should save someone else the headache and address the drift issue before it keeps going... and going.... and awww crap!

Thanks guys

Offline Latole

  • Level 4
  • *****
  • Posts: 2522
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2020, 09:21:43 am »
What caps brand did you put ?

Offline ebulakowski

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 40
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2020, 12:19:53 pm »
I had some spragues on hand.

What caps brand did you put ?

Offline Latole

  • Level 4
  • *****
  • Posts: 2522
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 1952 fender champ 600 repair/resto question
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2020, 12:22:25 pm »
I had some spragues on hand.

What caps brand did you put ?

Great, Sprague or F & T are the caps I'ill put a good American made vintage amp !

 


Choose a link from the
Hoffman Amplifiers parts catalog
Mobile Device
Catalog Link
Yard Sale
Discontinued
Misc. Hardware
What's New Board Building
 Parts
Amp trim
Handles
Lamps
Diodes
Hoffman Turret
 Boards
Channel
Switching
Resistors Fender Eyelet
 Boards
Screws/Nuts
Washers
Jacks/Plugs
Connectors
Misc Eyelet
Boards
Tools
Capacitors Custom Boards
Tubes
Valves
Pots
Knobs
Fuses/Cords Chassis
Tube
Sockets
Switches Wire
Cable


Handy Links
Tube Amp Library
Tube Amp
Schematics library
Design a custom Eyelet or
Turret Board
DIY Layout Creator
File analyzer program
DIY Layout Creator
File library
Transformer Wiring
Diagrams
Hoffmanamps
Facebook page
Hoffman Amplifiers
Discount Program