Fanon-Masco FMA-20
Mon, 04/01/2013 - 09:51
Hi, Skip.
I recently acquired a Fanon-Masco FMA-20 PA head. It looks like it would have potential for harp.
Assuming it isn't totally trashed, would it be worth modifying for harp use? Does it have any outstanding characteristics/flaws/attributes that might help me decide whether to pursue it (as in, to send it to you?).
A couple of 12AX7s and a 7189A (and a C6A4 rectifier).
I figured that if anyone has had experience with these, it must be you!
Thanks.
Mark H.
Thu, 04/11/2013 - 16:53
#2
Thanks, Skip
Maybe I'll save my money and effort for a different project....I've got a couple of tube tape recorders...........
Hello Mark- Thanks for writing. That amp certainly has potential, but it would require some serious modifying for harp use. In general, I'm not a big fan of 7189s (actually heavy-duty EL-84s) for harp. As the prices for older Masco amps go up, I bet we see more people hoping to fix up the later Fanon-Masco amps like yours, but I think you would be better off with an amp with 6L6s or 6V6s. Also consider that anytime you see a 20-watt amp with EL-84s, those tubes must be running very hard and at very high voltages. You would be replacing power tubes more often than I'd like! Price those 7189s......$$$$!
Skip Simmons