Converting an organ amplifier into a guitar amplifier

[Travelrock]

Hello everyone! Maybe you can help me with this query.

I have a tube amplifier and a Celestion speaker (I think is 12”) taken from an Conn organ Made In U.S.A. from the 70s.

I would like to adapt this amplifier for use with my guitars, by adapting the electronics and making for it a wood cabinet.

I don’t know if this amp is suitable for guitar, if can produce a good tone, because was designed for an organ.

Other question is if adapt the electronics is too complicated to do myself.

I have skills in carpentry, making the cabinet would’t be a problem. In electronic I’ve limited skills, just for wirinrg an electric guitar.

Thank you very much for any advice on the subject.

[icr]

In electronic I’ve limited skills, just for wirinrg an electric guitar.

400V use caution!

[GuyBoden]

What's the Conn organ amp model?

Look here:
Conn organ conversion to amp | diyAudio

[Franz 1997]

I suggest not undertaking this project if you have limited electronic and diagnostic skills; it's too dangerous and difficult. One other factor to conisder is what tubes are used in the amp, and whether they are still available, and if so, at what price. 7027 tubes ( see reference above) are difficult to find, and extremely expensive if you can find them. In any event you may not be satisfied with the result, considering that some 60 years of amp development specifically for guitars has passed, with some success.

[Travelrock]

400V use caution!

I can bring the amp to a technic for the electronic part and do myself the cabinet. Thank you

[Travelrock]

What's the Conn organ amp model?

Look here:
Conn organ conversion to amp | diyAudio

Thank you very much for the link, is just what I was lookin for.

Unfortunatelly I don’t remember the organ model. I only remember that had a Leslie .

[Travelrock]

I suggest not undertaking this project if you have limited electronic and diagnostic skills; it's too dangerous and difficult. One other factor to conisder is what tubes are used in the amp, and whether they are still available, and if so, at what price. 7027 tubes ( see reference above) are difficult to find, and extremely expensive if you can find them. In any event you may not be satisfied with the result, considering that some 60 years of amp development specifically for guitars has passed, with some success.

Thank you for your opinion. I will check the type of tubes that the amp uses, but the amp was working when was unmounted.

If is dangerous I can bring it to a technical.

My only goal is give a new life to the amp and enjoy with the project.

[hotpepper01]

Since you have the skills to make your own cab, why not buy a small new guitar tube amp head and paring speaker, drop the exterior and make your own unique exterior around it. Better maintainable than the Conn, less troubleful but maybe a tad more money to invest.

[Travelrock]

Since you have the skills to make your own cab, why not buy a small new guitar tube amp head and paring speaker, drop the exterior and make your own unique exterior around it. Better maintainable than the Conn, less troubleful but maybe a tad more money to invest.

Thank you. The idea was to give that amplifier a new use, but I am seeing that it may be more complicated than I thought.

[icr]

As a poor student, I could not afford an amp. I got this for $5 in 1973. I just plugged my guitar and home-made fuzz box into the "MIC" jack. No modifications. I'd post an example of how it sounds, but all the recordings I made were on 8-track cartridges

[murphybridget837]

It's a fascinating project you have in mind, and it's definitely possible to repurpose an old tube amplifier and speaker for use with guitars. Remember that modifying an amplifier involves some technical knowledge, and it's okay to seek professional help if needed.

[Travelrock]

As a poor student, I could not afford an amp. I got this for $5 in 1973. I just plugged my guitar and home-made fuzz box into the "MIC" jack. No modifications. I'd post an example of how it sounds, but all the recordings I made were on 8-track cartridges

Nice amp!!!

[Travelrock]

It's a fascinating project you have in mind, and it's definitely possible to repurpose an old tube amplifier and speaker for use with guitars. Remember that modifying an amplifier involves some technical knowledge, and it's okay to seek professional help if needed.

Thank you for your comment.

I’ve watched some videos on Youtube abot Hammond organs amplifier conversions, similar to my amp. Definitely I’ll consult to a professional before attemp the project.

[stevo58]

Tube organ amps generally make excellent guitar amps. Hammond amps are particularly beloved, probably because there are so many available.

I want to repeat what has been said here already - if you don’t know what you are doing, don’t do the conversion yourself. There will be a bare minimum of 350VDC in that amp, and it can get you even if the amp is unplugged, because the filter capacitors store charge. The electrolytics may also be due for a change.

But it should be possible to turn it into a good sounding amp without too much effort - guessing only, with no schematic.

steven

[Travelrock]

Tube organ amps generally make excellent guitar amps. Hammond amps are particularly beloved, probably because there are so many available.

I want to repeat what has been said here already - if you don’t know what you are doing, don’t do the conversion yourself. There will be a bare minimum of 350VDC in that amp, and it can get you even if the amp is unplugged, because the filter capacitors store charge. The electrolytics may also be due for a change.

But it should be possible to turn it into a good sounding amp without too much effort - guessing only, with no schematic.

steven

Thank you very much for your reply!