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Topic: Mercury Magnetics Transformers? |
Matt Sutton
From: New York, USA
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Posted 7 Feb 2022 10:41 am
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I was wondering if anyone had experience with them and their products.
I've got an early Musicman Sixty-five 210 that needs a new power transformer, and they make a direct drop in replacement. Expensive, but cheaper than getting the original rebuilt (it still works, but has its own physical hum that makes recording difficult).
FWIW, for me the amp is absolutely a keeper. Been playing through it for over 20 years and I can't imagine a better double duty amp.
best,
Matt Sutton |
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Donny Hinson
From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 7 Feb 2022 11:21 am
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Their products are very good; often even better than original parts. ![Very Happy](images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif) |
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Matt Sutton
From: New York, USA
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Posted 7 Feb 2022 11:32 am
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Thanks, Donny, good to hear. |
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Jon Light
From: Saugerties, NY
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Posted 7 Feb 2022 11:53 am
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No idea if he still uses them but they were OEM in the Milkman amps. |
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John Ducsai
From: New Hampshire, USA
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Posted 7 Feb 2022 12:03 pm
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I've had very good luck with them. I like that I can order a TX with multiple output taps that were not offered with the original. |
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Paul Arntson
From: Washington, USA
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Posted 7 Feb 2022 5:51 pm
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I've fixed that physical him by unbolting the bell ends of the transformer and putting some insulating fiber sheet("fish paper") where the bell bolts down. Might be worth a try - very cheap fix. _________________ Excel D10 8&4, Supro 8, Regal resonator, Peavey Powerslide, homemade lap 12(a work in progress) |
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David Ball
From: North Carolina High Country
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Posted 8 Feb 2022 3:00 am
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I've used a bunch of the Mercury Magnetics transformers, and they've been quite good, if somewhat expensive.
Dave |
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Bob Womack
From: Virginia, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2022 6:01 am
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I spec'd them into my custom 5E3 build. They are great.
Bob _________________ "It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' "
Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring
THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (My Little Website) |
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Matt Sutton
From: New York, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2022 6:21 am
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wow, thanks everybody! Paul, I'm gonna give your fix a shot in the short term. |
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Doug Earnest
From: Branson, MO USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2022 6:36 am
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Can I ask a question out of total ignorance of transformers?
What is it that makes these transformers better than others?
Is it a superior quality of material of the stacked plates, better fit and finish, quality control, other factors?
I do understand the part about multiple taps. |
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David Ball
From: North Carolina High Country
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Posted 8 Feb 2022 6:54 am
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Doug Earnest wrote: |
Can I ask a question out of total ignorance of transformers?
What is it that makes these transformers better than others?
Is it a superior quality of material of the stacked plates, better fit and finish, quality control, other factors?
I do understand the part about multiple taps. |
Same things as pickups--the materials, the design and the quality/technique of the windings.
If you want to see some really expensive transformers, look at some of the output transformers made for single ended Hi Fi amps (especially the Japanese "ultra fi" transformers). But there is an audible difference.
Dave |
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Cartwright Thompson
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Posted 8 Feb 2022 7:27 am
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Mercury Magnetics are very high quality, but about twice the price of other comparable transformers. I’ve tried their PT’s in a couple of vintage Fenders and there was a noticeable difference in sound from the originals. The only way I can describe the MMs is that they were much more stiff sounding. If you’re going for all out headroom and cleanliness then they may be the way to go but for a more vintage, loose or broken in sound, I’d try something else. Classic Tones were excellent, but they’re out of business now, I like Heyboer for both replacements and new builds. David Allen of Allen amps used to sell great trannies but isn’t for the time being due to supply chain issues. I think he had Heyboer make them to his specs. For many applications, Hammonds work well.
Sound is of course subjective.. |
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Bill A. Moore
From: Silver City, New Mexico, USA
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Posted 8 Feb 2022 10:34 am
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I had an amp tech friend who changed a lot of OE transformers for MM. I had them build one for an obsolete Fender, and it worked great. I generally buy Hammond for my builds, but do believe the MM are a great product. |
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Tim Marcus
From: San Francisco, CA
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Posted 9 Feb 2022 3:55 pm
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Jon Light wrote: |
No idea if he still uses them but they were OEM in the Milkman amps. |
yes I do! Standard OEM in every tube amplifier I build _________________ Milkmansound.com |
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