Sounds cool. If someone could post a facts sheet with what they
>know about the different Traynor models, it would be nice.
>
I've restored and/or modified a few Traynors, and they have all been well
constructed, easy to work on, and sounded good when I was finished. I've
had experience with the following models:
Bassmaster (April 66 model)
***********************
3 x 12AX7
2 x 7027A (changed to EL34's)
1 x 5AR4 rectifier
This is the only Traynor I've seen with a tube rectifier, although apparently some
other early models have this as well.
When I bought the amp, it had received some funky service to convert it to
a solid state rectifier and change the O/P tubes to EL34's.
Currently, I have it wired with a "plexi" like pre-amp design, and the solid
state rectifiers. This gives me about 464 Volts on the plates, which translates
to it being very loud.
I plan to rewire it soon to put back the tube rectifier and go with a more JTM45
like design.
Bassmaster (October 1966)
**********************
3 x 12AX7
2 x 7027A (changed to EL34's)
solid state rectifier
This was the model which eliminated the tube rectifier. Also the power supply
was beefed up a bit with an additional 2x40uf cap inside the chassis. Also,
this was the last Bassmaster to have a choke in the power supply.
I modified this into a plexi for a friend of mine, and he was very happy with
the result. This one has a sweeter tone than the older model, but is not
as loud (due to a plate voltage of ~436 volts).
Bassmaster (1973)
****************
3 x 12AX7
2 x EL34
solid state rectifier
I just picked this one up for $40 at a local junk shop. This was probably the last
tube Bassmaster model made. The transformers are very puny compared to the
earlier models, and circuit changes were made which distanced the design more from
the Plexi or tweed Bassman. I haven't had a chance to get this one going yet, so
I can't comment on the tone.
Custom Reverb (1972)
******************
6 x 12AX7
2 x EL34
solid state rectifier
This is a really nice amp for clean to medium dirty tones. It's sort of like a
cross between a Fender and Marshall, as it has a 4 input parallel gain front end
like an old Marshall or Tweed Bassman, but has reverb and tremelo as well. The
only mod I made on this one was to change the volume controls to 1Meg, add
a 25uf bypass cap to the channel 2 cathode resistor, and change the cap on the
volume control to 120pf.
Guitar Mate Reverb Mark III (1969)
*****************************
4 x 12AX7
2 x EL84
solid state rectifier
This one is sort of an oddball, as it has a transformer in the reverb circuit (a la
Fender). All of the other Traynors I have seen, have a transformerless design.
This one required a lot of service when I bought it, however, once this was done
it sounded great. I haven't changed the design at all, just upgraded the parts, re-routed
some of the wires, and added new tubes.
This amp sounds great when cranked to 10, and I'm sure it would sound even better
if I replaced the original speaker with something better.
Voicemaster (1969)
****************
4 x 12AX7
2 x EL34
solid state rectifier
I bought this to turn into a hot rodded Marshall (note the tube compliment). I'm
almost finished the conversion, so I can't comment on the sound yet.
One thing to mention, is that this amp uses a nice big chassis, and has a very
long eyelet board, so it is very easy to modify.
Thats it for the collection. I wish I could have said that I modified a bunch of
cool Fenders and Marshalls, but I would be lying.
Scott
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