Nad:::::1960 AMPEG RRROCKET

[TheHeavy]

So i picked up this beauty this eve..
its got the original footswitch and the schematics on the back panel.
Needs some help tho, when i hit the strings hard the bass notes sound buzzy, hissy and honkyish as if the speakers blown, but it isnt (i tried a different cab).. when i soften up its alot less. Also the trem makes a crackle pop noise when it peaks and valleys and when im not playing you hear this bop bop bop as it swells. Can anyone offer any clues?.. I know im doing a terrible job of describing whats going on. Anyways, it was cheap and I can tell its got potential, a very warm tone. Not loud tho, like 5watts, anyone know the wattage of these?

[FFTT]

The original speakers were very low efficiency, O.K. for recording
but you can double the amp's volume output going to a modern
high efficiency speaker.

The amp should deliver a healthy 15-18 watts RMS clean.

The Fane Medusa 100 would be wonderful.
These amps love tight, crisp, detailed speakers.

Very cool amp!

I'm sure everything needs cleaning including tube sockets pots, jacks etc.

[TheHeavy]

how much you figure a cleanup and cap job would/should cost, ballpark?

[socalscott]

$200 isn't hard to hit, but wonderful tone to be had.

I installed a Altec 417b, sweet but oh so heavy. A Neo of some sort would be an option.

[mcknigs]

I had a bunch of speakers in a '66 Reverberocket 2 before a Weber P12N clone that I love.

[stratsnboogies]

cool... enjoy

[Luecack]

Nice find, I love my ampeg

[LowWatt]

Was that the one off of Toronto Craigslist?

[TheHeavy]

nope

[FFTT]

There's a good chance most of the original tubes are good, so don't think about
changing them unless they are already current production.
NOS replacement power tubes will run $120.00-180.00 depending on batch availability
and they must be matched.
Original pre amps tubes in good condition can be worth $100s
I would have caps, filters etc tested to see if they need replacement.
They may be fine.
Dirty, pitted or worn out pots are generally more the issue
with these amps. Tube sockets get corroded and cause issues as well.

You'll want to have the power chord replaced with a three prong grounded
chord.

Hopefully you have a tech who does all he can to preserve the original
circuit integrity where ever possible.

If you see what looks like melted wax across the circuit board components
that's there to reduce vibration of board components.

[erksin]

Low output and farty bass usually equals bad filter and coupling caps.

A healthy '60 RR should put out about 12 watts.

[GrungeMan]

Originally Posted by FFTT

There's a good chance most of the original tubes are good, so don't think about
changing them unless they are already current production.
NOS replacement power tubes will run $120.00-180.00 depending on batch availability
and they must be matched.

They're 6V6's not 7591's price won't be that high.

Grungy

[Leonc]

First try playing it through a different cab and speaker. Make sure it's nothing in the cab rattling or an anemic old speaker. Chances are, it does need some minor maintenance as others have suggested, but never underestimate the impact of the speaker and cab on the overall sound.

[FFTT]

The first time I fired up my '64 R12R-M, it sounded great tonally,
but greatly under powered as if I was playing through a 10 watter dimed.

After installing the Emi C-Rex the amp was so loud in a 200 set club
that the FOH had us turn the amp facing rearward into the stage curtains.

The difference in volume was that dramatic.

Going from about 94-96 dB SPL up to 102 dB SPL in efficiency will do that.