Green Slime In My 1967 Dual Showman Amp! WTF???
🕑 Added 2020-07-12 16:14:15 +0000 UTCThis was a very messy and smelly mystery for weeks until I put up a blog post and got some people commenting on this issue, which it seems is sadly getting more common. It appears that the PVC jacketed wiring from the 50's and 60's is now disintegrating due to a reaction between the plasticizer and the copper. I'll make a second video about installing the new cord and the conversion to 3-wire power. Stay tuned if you want for a little bonus after the credit roll...
Comments
David Johnson
I don't know how I hadn't seen this video of yours but I feel your pain. I run into this problem all the time as a vintage Barbie collector. The dolls from 1959 into the late sixties have metal earring posts that react with the plasticizer in her soft vinyl head and cause something called "green ear" -- it's very difficult to treat and has completely ruined so many beautiful and hard to find dolls. A shame!
Just in case you are curious, I have a master's degree in organ performance - I used to play an organ with 5 keyboards! The practice schedule on top of working full time was just frightening, so I had to leave that music job (and I loved it), but you can only do so much in 24 hours! At least I get to work in audio engineering as an EE! Long live Heathkit!!!
I would suggest adding a 3-prong fused socket - and yes, you might have to modify the hole a little, but it would add both convenience and safety (I'm an engineer and I go for safety - I'm also a musician and I go for great sound - so I'm glad you are able to save the audio caps!). I have a tube amp at home I need to fire up.
Jan Snyder-Ellerman
Thank you. I've had lots of crud in the old radios & other electronics I've restored but nothing exactly like your GGoD. Yeah, I agree that those crimpy plastic electric cord strain reliefs are a pain in the b-hind. Major kicks on the ending, F-ing A.
LOVE the after credit roll bonus ....
MrMobodies
Lab/home looks so organized.
Interesting the whole chassis including tubes is upside down.
Rocco Rizzo
If you like that sound, you might think of checking out Bill Frisell's "Gutiar in the Space Age!" album.
KF5TQN
I've recently bought a project, an 80s vintage Sunn 200w power mixer, & moving it I hear noises from inside. Open it up, & the mounting grommets on the reverb tank have turned to goo & the tank's been rattling around in there. I've got replacement grommets on the way, but does anyone know where I can get a replacement Fender/Sunn 50K slider pot aside from trolling Digikey and making measurements & CAD of the old one?
Chuck Kirchner
For proper care and feeding (maintenance) of your beautiful amp, could I direct you to "Uncle Doug and Rusty" Youtube channel. This chap is a proper expert and can fix not only the amp, but has tips and tricks for the case, also. He is another one of my Patreon supportees.
nj Phil
I was hoping it was just be the plug, but you had it right! I would think that isopropanol would be safe to use to clean up both the case and the socket (trying the alcohol on a hidden part of the case first.). If not, Deoxit has mineral spirits and could really clean the socket.
Jason Olshefsky
1. This is very interesting to know. I'll have to keep an eye out for the Green Goo of Death. 2. I must be in the minority, but I always appreciated those cable strain reliefs. They can be installed onto existing cable without damage, and the design is very simple but (as far as I've seen) unfailingly effective. 3. I have a plug you might want ... it fits a round hole and has 3 prongs. The mounting hole diameter is 4.00 inches and it has screw mounts that are just about 1.75" center-to-center. I took a picture but don't see how to add it to this comment yet ... [edit: put it on Imgur https://imgur.com/6EEwulH ]
David Peaker
Great to see the Mysterons, I wish I could have seen them live.
Circuitmike
I was already a Patreon supporter before I knew you used to be into surf guitar, but knowing that makes me even happier that I decided to become a patron!
William Alsing
This was an unknown condition to me. Now I know to watch for it. Thanks!
Dr Andy Hill
So glad that the inside of the chassis wasn't too badly gooed. I think you're right to remove that old socket as it will inevitably become conductive. Hope you can get the outside of the head cleaned satisfactorily. The matched amp and cab sounded great and you looked good and played good in the oldendy days.
I watched "The Andromeda Strain" last night. :P
William Nimmo
Nice Video at the end sorry forgot to mention Thank you
William Nimmo
You dont have the Heyco tool for them dang strain reliefs me either, Ground down the jaws of a cheap china made pair o pliers. worked pretty good till my house burned 12 years ago! anyhoo Keep the Green Slime in Check Capn Nemo Out