Mains Transformers for amps

GeorgeF

Hey, any of you guys know where to get mains transformers for amplifiers, in particular for Mesa Nomad 55s? Mine sort of, blew up... ☹

spaceghost

They can get expensive. Some people use Marshall as replacement ones.

http://www.mercurymagnetics.com/pages/mainframe.htm

http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/index.php? ... aa23949a71

Or contact Mesa directly.

"CAUTION! The voltages in your amplifier can be dangerous. Transformers and chokes are not user serviceable parts. Installation of these components should always be performed by an experienced technician. The simple ability to use a soldering iron is not enough to qualify a "do it yourself person." Those who are inexperienced in working with electronic circuits should never attempt to service their amplifier. Household line currents can be deadly!! Transformers, chokes and large filter capacitors can store a dangerous charge for several days or more after the amplifier has been unplugged. Never touch the terminals of such devices without being certain of their charge status. Risk of shock and damage to equipment may result from mishandling and/or improper use of these components. Please use common sense and always think safety first. After all, tone is most enjoyed when you are alive to hear it."

GeorgeF

Yeah, bit of a worry that 😆

At the moment it's with a technician who's told me that he can repair it for

Bob_the_godly_dude

I'm very much a do it myself and mybe die kinda guy, no way would I fork our

Pedro

I think there was a post about draining capacitors on shortscale.org a while ago - at least I think that's where I saw it. Worth doing a bit of research first eh! If you buy the part yourself it may well be cheaper, even if you get someone else to put it in for you. I did that when the clutch in my car went, saved me a fortune (not that we were talking about cars 😆 ).

GeorgeF

Yeah, I know what you mean, looks like I'm gonna save a tidy amount buying it myself (once I figure what model it is). I'd have to have a look at the thing up close before even attempting it, but I'd be prepared to do it if it was straightforward enough.

This doesn't look that difficult though does it? 😕

This is for a 45, not a 55. Infact, 55 transformers don't seem to exist! And get this, I called Mesa in California and they only work Monday to Thursday! That's the life!

spaceghost

someone said: or do it myself and maybe die

thats funny. seriously, though i would buy the part and find some local electrician to do it before i'd pay two hundred pounds!

also, whats the tube configuration of the nomad?

could you just use Marshall Bluesbreaker transformers?

GeorgeF

The Nomad 55 has a bias switch so you can use 6L6's or EL34's which is pretty cool, I haven't tried EL34's yet but once it's fixed I'm gonna try them and hopefully I'll get a better clean tone. It's got 1237x or something pre-amp tubes but i don't now what they are 'cos they haven't needed replacing.

I have found the proper transformer model I need to use aswell by the way! It was here (amazing site!):

http://www.schematicheaven.com

Basically, I need to order a 511655#, not a 511633# 🙄

Tbh, I don't know think I'll ever deal with Mesa Boogie again once I've sold this amp. They haven't helped me one ****ing bit... and P.S. YOUR AMPS HAVE NO CHARACTER!!!!!!111oneoneone

spaceghost

cool. good luck on fixing that. you should get a good price when you try to sell it.what are you thinking about getting?

i have a 1993 Fender Blues Deville that sounds so good i should sleep with it. 60W 4x10 Class A/B awesome.

GeorgeF

Definitely a Fender Twin Silverface or a modern Twin with the seperate OD channel. I've tried them both but don't know which to go for.

Doog

How did you cook the old transformer?

GeorgeF

In transit (I'm guessing) the fixings must have come loose and it was literally hanging down by its wires. I hadn't realised and when I was rehearsing with my band it just cut out.

So it didn't explode parsae, or maybe it did but we didn't hear it amidst the din of our practice. There was an exothermic reaction of sorts, however, as the tech guy who's currently trying to rip me off described the inside of the thing as melted in places.

New transformer should be with me soon. Don't suppose anyone knows how difficult installing one would be, or whether I should definitely seek help?