surfguy13 Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 After much deliberation I have decided to part with my last 50s princeton, I've had 3 and this is arguably the best which is why it's the last to go!! [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img152/1788/fenderprinceton1957039.jpg[/IMG] The amp is in perfect working order and is used every few days, it has not been sitting in the back of a cupboard for years! The amp has all it's original parts with the exception of the handle, which is over 30 years old, and the speaker which is a Weber Signature 8. The upper back panel was re-covered a looong time ago and it has been done [b]really [/b]well. The transformers are original as can be seen on my Image Shack page. [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img585/6247/57princeton2006.jpg[/IMG] I find the original Oxford speakers just too brittle and shrill and that's why the Weber is in there. If you want to return it to fully original spec the old Oxford 8", 4 ohm speakers can be bought online in the US for about £50. The Weber Sig 8 has to be the best option anywhere on the market for this amp - it handles anything you can throw at it with ease. [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img547/4278/fenderprinceton1957010.jpg[/IMG] The mains lead was replaced by John Chambers (Chambinio) in Nottingham about 3 years ago at which time he went through the whole amp. I still have the original mains lead so it can be returned to original spec very easily. A capacitor has to be removed when installing a modern mains lead but I have this as well, in perfect working order, so that can be re-installed too. [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img267/5033/fenderprinceton1957008.jpg[/IMG] The general condition of the amp is excellent - there is a small patch on the front where the tweed has worn into a hole but otherwise the whole amp is extremely sound. It still has the original feet. All the caps and resistors are working perfectly with no issues at all and although some techs say they [b]must[/b] be swapped out for safety reasons this is absolute rubbish. [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img834/931/fenderprinceton1957011.jpg[/IMG] I now have two 50s tweed amps left and both of them have worked faultlessly and I have never had any problems whereas I can't say the same of my 60s and 70s amps, let alone modern amps. The date of manufacture of this amp is conformed on the internal tube chart as cab be seen below. These are often missing or torn making identification more difficult. The chassis number can be seen on the 2nd photo. [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img404/393/fenderprinceton1957006.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img834/4816/fenderprinceton1957026.jpg[/IMG] I am selling the amp with a high quality step-down transformer which simply sits in the back of the cabinet. I often see people say they don't want an amp with a step-down transformer......why? It makes no difference whatsoever. I always store them inside the amp where they can't be seen or cause problems. For transit the mains disconnects from the transformer. Please see photo below. I have also made a small 'tray' on castors from pine - this comes with the amp if you want it!!!! [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img89/294/fenderprinceton1957043wc.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img6/7303/fenderprinceton1957037.jpg[/IMG] The amp has an old Sylvania rectifier, an early Brimar 6V6 power valve and an old Tung Sol 12AX7. I have tried numerous preamp and power amp valves in the amp and this is the best combo. I have an old CBS 6V6 which I am happy to include with the sale as a spare, this valve also sounds amazing. [IMG]http://imageshack.us/a/img35/6246/fenderprinceton1957009.jpg[/IMG] I have masses of photos of the chassis and side/top/bottom panels on my Image Shack page - please feel free to check it out: [url="http://imageshack.us/g/1/9962585/"]http://imageshack.us/g/1/9962585/[/url] I really want a straight sale on this but I could be tempted to trade a really old P or J bass (happy to add cash) or a CS Les Paul. I sold my other 1957 princeton last year for £1450 but that had it's original speaker. Therefore I think £1175 is a fair asking price. These old amps appreciate even when the market is depressed so it's not only a cracking and usable amp but you'll always be able to get your money back on it. Very happy to ship which should be about £12 on a UPS next day within the UK, however that doesn't include insurance. If the 'tray' that the amp sits in is included then shipping may be more as it's solid pine. Please PM me if you need any more details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 (edited) how long before rick turns up.... Edited January 14, 2013 by LukeFRC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick's Fine '52 Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1358185738' post='1934507'] how long before rick turns up.... [/quote] It's a lovely little amp, and good price too, not many good old tweed amps around on these shores either. It's just a little small for me. Now, if it was another Bassman, I'd be all over it!! Not far from where I'm working either. Mmmm..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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