Convert to UK voltage or not?

Stuckfast

I picked up a Fender 68 Custom Princeton Reverb at a good price last week because (a) it keeps blowing fuses, and (b) it's a US voltage model. Obviously if the reason for (a) is that the power transformer is shot then it would make sense to replace it with a UK spec one. But if not, is it worth spending the extra, or would you just run it from a step-down transformer? If you were buying such an amp, would you be more put off by its being US voltage, or having a non-original power transformer?

ecc83

Ah, I see it is a '12W' amp that is likely used for small venue gigging or studio use? As such, having to lug a traff around with it would I think put punters off?

Gerittdone.

Dave.

ICBM

Stuckfast said:

I picked up a Fender 68 Custom Princeton Reverb at a good price last week because (a) it keeps blowing fuses, and (b) it's a US voltage model. Obviously if the reason for (a) is that the power transformer is shot then it would make sense to replace it with a UK spec one. But if not, is it worth spending the extra, or would you just run it from a step-down transformer? If you were buying such an amp, would you be more put off by its being US voltage, or having a non-original power transformer?

US voltage would put me off more, assuming the replacement transformer is the correct one and has been fitted properly. It's not a vintage amp, parts originality has no real impact on value.

Stuckfast

Turns out the power transformer is indeed dead, so it's moot...

ecc83

Stuckfast said:

Turns out the power transformer is indeed dead, so it's moot...

Probably because some t**t kept feeding it fuses before you got it!

Dave.

ICBM

Stuckfast said:

Turns out the power transformer is indeed dead, so it's moot...

In that case I would get the correct ‘export’ version PT, and connect it for 240V (not 230).

PAL

I agree with ICBM.

ecc83

Just a thought. I only ever had one Blackstar PT fail and that was an early Artisan 30 where the GZ34 was arcing over and the guy kept feeding it fuses till the primary O'C'ed.

Maybe just fit a new rectifier along with the transformer?

Dave.