Sweet, I should be in Fl next week. I'll be able to take a look at it then. If not I'll be on the prowl for another project amp like this and i'll keep yawl posted on what happens!

It is a fender Deluxe 85, and it needs to still be available when I arrive in FL. the guy says that one of the caps is blown and needs a new transformer. I did some reading on the issues with these amps and was planning on replacing all the caps, pots, and jacks, then seeing if it worked before replacing the transformer. i am aiming to get it work again, or course, but I also want to learn something from the experience as well as try to alleviate some of my anxiety on build/repairing solid state amps.

Oh wow. thanks for that. I didn't think about it that way, though now that I know it seems as if that should have been obvious... thanks again!

Hey all, thanks again for the replies. I think I got a handle on this particular subject. I really appreciate your time and patience!

So, as I understand the concept of changing the transformer to a tappable one more then messing with a "power rail", (not sure what that means) if I changed the transformer of say, a Fender Frontman 100 head, which has 100 watts at 4 ohms, to a 50 watt 2, 4, 8, and 16 ohm output transformer, what kind of issues might I suspect from changing the wattage?

BTW, I started reading the Solid State book posted in this forum. Really interesting read so far.

Sweet! Thanks a ton! That clears up a lot for me. But that brings me to another question. If most SS amps do not need an output transformer, is there cheaper way to Mod one to have multiple ohm outputs, such as 4, 8, and 16 outputs?

Hey guy's, came across a non-working fender ss amp for dirt cheap and was thining about rebuilding/modding the amp. So I just wanted to start looking at parts and came across several different types of transformers. I understand the basic idea of what a transformer is and what makes it tick. But, if its cool with you guys I just have a quick question on the different types of transformers, their uses, and when different transformers would be required. Also, I am not at all opposed to being referred to reading material either.

What are the differences between power transformers, output transformers, chokes and reverb drivers. When is it necessary for an amp to have more then one transformer? My assumptions on reverb drivers is that you need it to either power the reverb tank or the tank's output. let me know if I am off base. Thanks in advance guys!

I have a Fender Frontman 25R and I love it. I'm planning on eventually picking up a used one to tinker with. The reason I want to mod it is I want it to handle my pedals, distortions specifically, better on the clean channel. I've been told that tube amps handle pedals better than solid states. Is there a way that I can replace the transistors with tubes? I understand that to do this it could very well be labor intensive and I will also have to mod my filters and upgrade my power transformer, which i wanted to upgrade to a 60 or 80 watter anyhow to run through a 4x10 cab. anyway, just wanted to find out if this was even possible.