Many in the tube-amp building world love old Filmosound projector amps. As for me? I have mixed emotions, even after rebuilding one.
If you’re unfamiliar with these, they were made by Bell & Howell around World War II and were part of a projector outfit. They’ve become highly sought after, with just the chassis fetching $150 to $500 or so depending on condition. The components were very high quality for the day and it’s a testament to their build quality that so many survive.
This is a condensed walkthrough the process of converting the amp for guitar use, including its original configuration and condition, the old and new schematics, and of course, some playing by the owner, @profpinkerton. The tubes in it are a 5Y3, a 6J7, 6SL7, and a pair of 6V6s.
The good Professor seems pleased with the sound; I'm hoping he makes music with it for years to come.
👉 Read more about this amp adventure and get the schematic: https://muttaudio.wordpress.com/2025/02/01/giving-the-fender-treatment-to-a-filmosound-179-amp/
00:00 The Professor plays the intro
00:49 A little about Filmosound tube amps
01:52 About this Filmosound 179
02:29 Looking at the original and new schematics
04:38 Reconstructing the amp (w/images)
06:06 The Professor play tests the new amp
07:49 Wrapping up
➡️For more about my tube amp projects, vintage valves and how they are used, plus how-to info, visit https://muttaudio.wordpress.com/
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