Music Man 65watt amp info

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

I have the opportunity to buy a 65 watt Music Man amp head with reverb and it is the non tube preamp model with two 6L6 power tubes I believe. It is being sold locally and I plan to check it out this week.

Any input is appreciated?

Lenny

Ken Morgan · From: Midland, Texas, USA

No early MM amps had tube preamps - some had tube inverters right before the power section. These are usually indicated with the model number being written out instead of numeric (SixtyFive Reverb instead of 65 Reverb). The script models usually have EL34 power tubes, so make sure you are getting the right stuff.

There is also a model, RD50, that does have a preamp tube and 6L6 (my favorite model, BTW)...cascading preamp section...

Beware that they are extremely high voltage on the tube plates, and appropriate power tubes are hard to find.
_________________
67 Shobud Blue Darling III, scads of pedals and such, more 6 strings than I got room for

Ken Morgan
Midland, TX

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Thanks Ken:

I made the assumption that the power tubes were 6l6 and did not realize that some MM amps had EL34 power tubes. I find EL34 tubes a bit harsh so maybe this is not such a good choice but I will look into it further this week and update this thread.

Much appreciated,

Lenny

Dave Hopping · From: Aurora, Colorado

Len,what you're describing sounds like the head-only version of the later 210/212-65.Solid state pre-amp,2 EL-34s,2 channels,a strange-sounding but very cool vibrato,good reverb,half-power switch.I bought a 210 combo version new(coulda been NOS from '78-'79)in February 1980 and played it hard for at least the next 10 years.I still have it;it's a great-sounding amp,sounds like a big tweed to me.It's needed very little maintenance over the years outside of 2-3 retubings.Can't say enough good about it. Very Happy

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Hi Dave:

I had a single 12 speaker MM many years ago but can not recall the model of the unit. Here is a link and picture of the amp I am going to look at. This fellow lives in the same town as me so I can try it out easily.

Lenny

8zffj-2883964004@sale.craigslist.org

Dave Hopping · From: Aurora, Colorado

Len-
I looked at the listing,and at comparables on Ebay.He might be a little high on the price,but otherwise it looks pretty good. Very Happy

Bill Moran · From: Virginia, USA

I have a Sixty Five Reverb with a 15" E130 JBL. EL34's. Killer amp with plenty of power.
_________________
Bill

Ken Morgan · From: Midland, Texas, USA

Yeah, man...I've got and use a SixtyFive Reverb head and a custom built to-match cab with a D130 that produces a to-die for guitar sound. I imagine it would give up some killer steel sounds as well, as it stays clean up to almost full power.
_________________
67 Shobud Blue Darling III, scads of pedals and such, more 6 strings than I got room for

Ken Morgan
Midland, TX

Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

There is also a model, RD50, that does have a preamp tube and 6L6 (my favorite model, BTW)...cascading preamp section...

My favorite as well. There is a head version of this for sale on the Forum. A very rare amp, I wish I had the extra for it myself!

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=222308

Robert Parent · From: Gillette, WY

Len,

MM are great amps I have owned a couple of them since 1981 and they are still going strong. One of mine is the RD50 that Ken mentioned (with a 12 inch JBL) and the other is a RD100 with an EV, 6l6's only.

Robert

Lefty · From: Grayson, Ga.

I have two of the HD-130 2-12 models; one script and one non-script. Both use EL-34 power tubes, and I believe the 65's did as well.
I have been using mine since the late 70's and they are great amps. I am a Fender guy, but these have tone to the bone. Used by Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Albert Lee, Waddy Wachtel at one time, and still used by Johnny Winter (HD-130 4-10). What can you say?
Lefty

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Thanks guys for the info. The unit I was originally looking at is pretty beat so I am going to pass on that one. I went into a second hand shop and there is a 4X10 One Hundred thirty watt on top of a baffled "looks like a small ported bass cab" but has 2-ten" inch speakers and the amp and cab are being sold as a set for $650.00

The amp looks in very good condition but the speaker ext cab is beat. 130 watts is too much for lap steel but an interesting unit none the less.

Lenny

Lefty · From: Grayson, Ga.

Len,
Remember that that model has a 1/2 power switch that cuts it down to 65 watts. Also the 4-10 is pretty easily converted to a 1-15. Great steel amp.
Lefty

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

Maybe that 4 10 One Thirty is worth looking at again?

Could also make an offer without the ext cab as I would not need that. The amp looks like it is in very decent shape.

Here we go again.... Smile

Lenny

LARRY COLE · From: LANCASTER, OHIO, USA

I have an RD-50 1-10 with 2x6L6s and 1 12AX7. The preamp is switchable from tube to SS. Great little amp. The only thing I don't like about it is it don't have a mid control.

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