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Post new topic Dickerson Amp needs a speaker
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Author Topic:  Dickerson Amp needs a speaker
Kirk Larson

 

From:
Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2018 9:32 am    
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Hello, I just bought a Dickerson/Fators Amp and the speaker is missing. I need help finding out what speaker will work and where I can find one. It powers up and the tubes light up too. Love to get it up and running. As you can see by the pictures it's in great shape.




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Michael Butler


From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2018 11:11 am    
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the cab and grill cloth look great!

i believe these used a permanent magnet speaker so you may want to look for one of those, or, i'm sure, someone will chime in on how to adapt it to use a more modern speaker.

also, you'll want to replace those caps prior to turning it on. 3 prong plug should be added and the tubes tested.

here is a link to the one i repaired for a friend of mine. blake hawkins, who is a member here, gave me valuable information on the repair.
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=287513&highlight=dickerson

play music!
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Bill Sinclair


From:
Waynesboro, PA, USA
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2018 1:16 pm    
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Michael's linked thread is an excellent place to start. I think he meant to say field coil speaker and not permanent magnet though. Unfortunately, it appears that the output transformer was mounted on the original speaker so you're missing that as well.
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Michael Brebes

 

From:
Northridge CA
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2018 1:56 pm    
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If yours is indeed like the one in the restoration link, it follows the Magnatone schematic close enough that you should be able to get it running with a minimum of modification. In place of the two wires that feed the field coil I would install a choke that would be similar to what is on a Champ or Princeton amp. I would opt for a single-ended transformer that is similar to what would be used on a Champ. I believe the Champ uses a similar size speaker as well. Those two items could be mounted on the chassis which would get rid of the four wires coming out of the amp that originally went to the speaker/transformer combo, especially since they have the high DC voltage on most of them.
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Michael Brebes
Instrument/amp/ pickup repair
MSA D10 Classic/Rickenbacher B6/
Dickerson MOTS/Dobro D32 Hawaiian/
Goldtone Paul Beard Reso

Mesa Boogie Studio Pre/Hafler 3000
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Michael Butler


From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2018 3:40 pm    
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Bill Sinclair wrote:
Michael's linked thread is an excellent place to start. I think he meant to say field coil speaker and not permanent magnet though. Unfortunately, it appears that the output transformer was mounted on the original speaker so you're missing that as well.

yes, thank you for the correction.
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Jim Sliff


From:
Lawndale California, USA
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2018 5:18 pm    
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DON'T POWER IT UP AGAIN UNTIL IT'S SERVICED!

You can permanently damage a tube amp running it with no speaker!

As previously noted the electrolytic caps must be replaced. Do it before turning it on or you could permanently damage the power transformer. Changing to a 3-prong plug (the correct way - I see far too many installed in reverse)
A lso need to be done.

It's apparent that you are not an amp tech - and this amp needs one.

It needs a complete checkup. "Great physical shape" is meaningless when it comes to the electronics. If you don't know how to calculated the required speaker impedance (and didn't know about the capacitors - or nor to turn it on with no speaker) I strongly advise taking it to a qualified tech for service,
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional
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Kirk Larson

 

From:
Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 13 Jun 2018 11:44 am    
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You caught me. I guess I didn't fool anyone about being an amp tech. Thanks for all the advice. I was hoping someone would have knowledge of what speaker I needed and where I might find one. And the I'd replace the caps and install the speaker and all would be good. Call me naive. I may just sell it as is.
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Michael Brebes

 

From:
Northridge CA
Post  Posted 13 Jun 2018 4:41 pm    
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Missing output transformer - $35 plus shipping.
Choke - $13 plus shipping
Speaker - $25-50 plus shipping.

Plus the cost of replacing all the electrolytic capacitors.
_________________
Michael Brebes
Instrument/amp/ pickup repair
MSA D10 Classic/Rickenbacher B6/
Dickerson MOTS/Dobro D32 Hawaiian/
Goldtone Paul Beard Reso

Mesa Boogie Studio Pre/Hafler 3000
RP1/MPX100
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Steven Paris

 

From:
Los Angeles
Post  Posted 13 Jun 2018 5:57 pm    
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Might cost some $$$ to get 'er back to snuff; but that amp has a LOOK that's absolutely precious!!!!!
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Bill Sinclair


From:
Waynesboro, PA, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2018 6:52 am    
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Steven Paris wrote:
Might cost some $$$ to get 'er back to snuff; but that amp has a LOOK that's absolutely precious!!!!!


Agreed. Do you know how much you'd need to get for it if you do sell it as is?
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Kirk Larson

 

From:
Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2018 10:40 am    
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I got a hold of Larry my friend and amp guy. He's coming over to check it out and see about getting it working again. So I'm putting off selling it. Just curious about what it is worth in present condition?
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Bill Sinclair


From:
Waynesboro, PA, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2018 12:23 pm    
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With the exception of a Fender Champ, 5 Watt vintage amps don't seem to bring a lot, usually around $250 for a nice working one. I would say that because of the really nice MOTS and grill on yours it should be worth about $100-$150 non-working with missing parts and somewhere between $300-$400 once it's properly repaired. I'd be interested in what others and your amp guy think.
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Jim Sliff


From:
Lawndale California, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2018 1:14 pm    
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Regarding value, I agree with Bill - although I'd lower the restored value a bit due to the installation of critical non-original parts (speaker & transformers). I've seen originals sell for $250-300, so with non-original parts I'm figuring $200-275 if you find the right buyer.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional
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