Masco MA 25 project
Evening,
Having a respected Tech work over a Masco MA 25 I picked up for a good price. It's not pretty (and will need some work) but I'm crossing my fingers. Just looking for some recommendations on any harp friendly adjustments. Or maybe it kicks ass as is after a nice tune up? Any and all thoughts, stories, or warnings welcome.
Thanks in advance.
SJ
P.S. The amp appears like it's not modified in any way.
Picking up this Masco on Monday. Now to figure out a cabinet option. The amp is not modified at all besides a three prong cord and some 1/4" jacks (also some other standard restoration stuff). Any thoughts on speaker types and size?
Hello Stalwart. I'll answer for Skip, this is more my territory. Pretty much any speaker will sound great with a Masco amp. Weber makes some real nice speakers (check out the speaker I used for the Laney Cub build... that's a nice speaker).
Okay, my above blank message was supposed to be a pic that I copy/pasted. It was a pic of the 12" Jensen I'm playing with my newly restored MA 25. It sounds killer. I was hoping to figure out exactly what year/type it is. The codes are as follows:
220914 / AO 22760 0 / P12PS C6632
Thoughts?
Skip is of course right on. Paired with my hot black CR this thing is VERY touchy. I wouldn't mind taming it a bit. More thoughts?
Hello Stalwart.
Skip will answer your date code question.
One the MA 25...he doesn't share his customization methods on heads. Sorry...sometimes things take a lifetime of experimenting to dial in, and this is one of those that he doesn't share.
I recommend you not use as hot of a mic. Take what you feel to be your weakest mic and give it a try. Try the new Hohner HB52 with it... I use this with some of my more distorted amps and it sound real nice.
Thanks David. Any info Skip is comfortable divulging is much appreciated. Even just elaborating on Pre-Amp tubes (as he mentioned earlier in this thread) would be cool.
Sure, I understand. Give him a call during the work day at 530-771-7345, it will best to speak to him about this.
1959. It's basically a P-12P. Just like a P-12R but with a bigger magnet. The "AO" number means that it came from a Hammond organ. It should sound great!
Hope Im not stepping on toes answering on skips section, but heres a good site to check out lots of amp info and modding stuff. Its for guitar but it might help you understand how amps and gain work. Check out the trainwreak type 3 MV on there , very easy to install (2 wires) and you can use the phono pot since you dont use that anyway. I've used that and it'll help you with the feedback issue some and make the amp more playable. Also heres a site that explains preamp gain. https://robrobinette.com/Amp_Stuff.htm ... http://www.regiscoyne.com/tech/preamp_mods/
Hello SJ- Thanks for writing. The MA-25 will certainly work for harp if it is restored and running right. They actually sold a complete system with Jensen 12" speakers and a JT-30!
The problem with most amps of this type is gain and feedback. They can be VERY touchy. Remember, the manufacturer was thinking that you would be merely talking into that JT-30 from a foot away. I'd suggest experimenting with some lower-gain preamp tubes once you get it up and running.