VVT Lindy Fralin Model User manual
Lindy Fralin Model
Hand Crafted Tube Guitar Amplifier
Vintage Vacuum Tube Amps
2580 B Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20601
301-396-4100
www.vvtamps.com
When Lindy called us about an idea he had for an amplifier we jumped at the chance. Being avid
users of his pickups for many years, and the ear Lindy has for tone, it was just the challenge we
needed to design and build an amp he would put his name on.
After several conversations, Lindy wanted an amp voiced primarily for clean full bodied articulate
tone. It had to perform well at a low volume, be as light as possible and cool looking.
We made several visits to his shop in Richmond, VA to play and listen to many amps in Lindy's
impressive collection. Only then did we get a good sense of what it was he was wanted. We finally
agreed on an all tube, hand wired amp. After several prototypes, the design evolved into a single
channel cathode biased 6L6 powered amp with built in spring reverb and a bright switch for Lindy's
P90s. The cabinet size and tone was a big deal for Lindy, he insisted the amp be as portable and
light weight as possible, so a custom made 20X20 cabinet had to be designed along with an integral
diffuser to tame beamy highs. Lindy's speaker of choice was a 15" for big clean tone, at low volume
and a smooth breakup at higher volume and a nice compliment to his pickups. Lindy spared no
expense when it came to the kind of components used: hand wound Mercury Magnetics
transformers, low noise resistors, all wired together with vintage style cloth covered wire.
Important Information:
1. Please read all of the information contained in this document.
2. HUM - Some hum or amplified noise is normal. As the volume is increased
some amplified noise may be noticeable and will be more apparent in a small
quiet room. Additionally, tubes have inherent noise as do resistors. However,
excessive hum (noise) can be caused by electronic devices located near the amp
or on the same circuit such as neon signs, fridges, fluorescent lights, computers,
light dimmers, aquarium pumps, etc. Hum can vary with different outlets,
rooms or buildings.
3. Do not operate this amp without a speaker load
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
WARNING: This guitar amplifier contains lethal HIGH VOLTAGE. To avoid risk of
injury or death from electric shock, do not open the enclosure or remove the back cover
from the amplifier. Refer all service work to qualified personnel.
WARNING: This amplifier contains Vacuum Tubes. Vacuum tubes are heated to produce
electrical currents and they get HOT. Touching this surface could result in bodily injury.
To reduce the risk of injury from a hot component, allow the surface to cool before
touching. DO NOT touch or attempt to remove vacuum tubes until they have had time to
cool.
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: This amplifier should not be used near water (near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc).
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure
through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The amplifier should only be connected to a 120VAC household
power source.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or
polarization is not defeated. Do not remove the ground from the power cord.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
amplifier.
SERVICING: You should not attempt to service this amp beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FUSING: Your amplifier is equipped with two marked fuse receptacles, replace only with
the same type fuse.
MAINTAINING YOUR AMPLIFIER
1. Conductive foreign objects could produce a short circuit that could cause fire, electric
shock, or damage to your amplifier. Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign
matter inside the unit. The panel of your unit can be wiped from time to time with a dry or
slightly damp cloth in order to remove dust and bring back the new look. As with all
electronic equipment, avoid prolonged use in caustic environments (salt air). If used in such
an environment, be sure the amplifier is adequately protected.
2. Your amp was designed for an 8 Ohm speaker load. The speaker load is reflected back
to the primary of the output transformer and output tubes. DO NOT operate this amplifier
with any speaker load other than that specified. DO NOT operate this amp without a
speaker load. Failure to follow these instructions could seriously damage your amp and
may void any warranty.
3. The vacuum tubes in your amplifier are not solid state devices. They do, and will wear
out over time. The life expectancy of the tubes depends on the amount of time you use your
amplifier. If you replace your tubes they should be replaced with the same type as
originally installed. New Old Stock (NOS) 6V6 output tubes are NOT recommended
because they are not designed to handle the plate voltage in this amp. VVT amps only
guarantees tubes originally installed/delivered with the amplifier.
4. The tolex fabric covering the cabinet should be cleaned periodically with a soft damp
cloth. Make sure that the amp is turned off and unplugged before cleaning the cabinet. Do
NOT use spray cleaners as overspray may cause corrosion of the faceplate, chassis, or
electrical components. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Do not allow the amplifier to
get wet. Don’t set your drink on it either. Use care when moving or storing the amp; the
tolex could rip or tear. Accidental damage to the cabinet or tolex is not covered by your
warranty.
USING YOUR AMPLIFIER
1. POWER Switch: In the ON position Applies 120VAC to the power transformer. In
the OFF position removes 120VAC from the power transformer.
2. STANDBY Switch: In the OFF position, the STANDBY Switch allows voltage to
the tube filaments but stops high DC voltages to the tubes. When you turn the amp
on, allow the tubes to warm up 10 or 15 seconds before placing the STANDBY
switch in the ON position. The amp will not operate unless the STANDBY switch is
in the ON position.
3. INPUT Jack: Guitar/Instrument input.
4. BRIGHT Switch: Down – Normal; Up - Bright
5. VOLUME Control: Controls the loudness of the guitar or instruments plugged
into the INPUT Jack..
6. TONE Controls: Treble, Bass.
7. REVERB Control: Adjusts the reverb level.
IF YOUR AMPLIFIER WILL NOT TURN ON
Check the power to the unit. Check for tripped household circuit breakers, unplugged
extension cords or power-strip switches that may be turned off. Check the fuse(s); a spare
2A Slo-Blo fuse is supplied with the amp. If a dark brownish color or no wire can be seen
within the glass fuse, then replace the fuse with the same rating as originally installed. Over
fusing the amplifier with a fuse of a higher current rating, or shorting the fuse with
aluminum foil etc. could be disastrous and will void your warranty. The unit may be
perfectly fine but occasionally the fuse may blow because of high AC voltage surges. After
the fuse has been replaced with the proper value and, if the fuse fails again, the amplifier
will require serviceing . Also, check your input and speaker output cables.
VVT Amps wants you to be happy with your amp so, if there are certain tonal
characteristics that you desire, we will assist you in those endeavors and make every effort
to help you get your mojo. There are many options for capacitors, transformers, and
speakers available at prices ranging from modest to outrageous. All of these components
affect the tone of your amplifier. Let us know if we can help.
About Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
Vintage Vacuum Tube (VVT) Amplifiers wants to make vintage style tube guitar amplifiers
available to those musicians who know great guitar tone . The VVT Amps workshop is
located at:
Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
2580B Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20601
(301) 396-4100
All VVT amps are built by hand using either hand made eyelet or turret boards. We also
make cabinets and chassis for our custom amps. We use various sources for vintage
reproduction cabinets and chassis that we believe offer the best durability, value, and style.
VVT Amps does not service solid state equipment of any brand
L
indy Fralin Model
LIMITED WARRANTY
This amp is guaranteed against failure. Vacuum tubes are guaranteed for 90
DAYS from the date of purchase. If a tube fails within the 90 day period,
VVT Amps will replace the tube at no charge. The speaker is guaranteed for
ONE YEAR. All other electronic components are guaranteed for TEN
YEARS. VVT Amps will service your amplifier and supply all parts at no
charge providing the unit is under warranty. Any shipping costs associated
with repairs are your responsibility. VVT Amps DOES NOT PAY FOR
PARTS OR SERVICE OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE
ORIGINAL SALES RECEIPT IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR
WARRANTY. VVT Amps assumes no responsibility for external speakers
or other equipment damaged by this guitar amplifier. This warranty does not
cover, and no liability is assumed, for damage due to: natural disasters,
accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of reasonable care, incorrect use, or
failure to follow instructions. Accidental damage to the amplifier, cabinet, or
Tolex is not covered. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied. No representative or person is authorized to represent
or assume for VVT Amps any liability in connection with the sale or
servicing of VVT Amp products. VVT Amps SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. If service is
required you may contact VVT Amps at 301-396-4100 or
arrangements to repair your amplifier. If your unit is out of warranty, VVT
Amps will repair your amplifier but you will be charged the current RATE for
p
arts and labor.
Specifications:
Model Name Lindy Fralin Model – Guitar Amplifier
Product Number 909991019
Model Number 122721-0000
Series Signature Series
Type All Tube Amp
Audio Output 38 Watts into 8 ohms
Output Impedance 8 ohms
Speakers 1-15" Special Design (p/n Fralin15A)
Channels Single Channel with Reverb
Features 100% Handmade Amplifier
Solid Dovetailed Pine Cabinet,
Heavy Duty Handle,
Tube Driven Spring Reverb,
Standby Switch,
Extension Speaker Jack,
Tube Rectifier
Controls Front Panel:
Power Switch
Standby Swicth
Input, Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb
Back Panel:
8 Ohm Speaker Jack
Reverb Output and Input RCA Jacks
Covering Ivory Textured Vinyl with Oxblood Grille Cloth
Weight 42 lbs.
Dimensions Height: 20"
Width: 20”
Depth: 10"
Tube Complement 1 X EH 5U4GB Rectifier Tube,
2 X TAD 6L6WGC-STR (Small Bottle) Output Tubes
2 X JJ ECC83S/12AX7 Preamp/Reverb Recovery
2 X JJ ECC81/12AT7 Reverb Driver/Phase Inverter
Accessories Canvas Cover - p/n FRALIN001
Options N/A
Introduced 4/2006
Notice Product Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change
Without Notice
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