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Forums :: Ask Harp Mic Expert Greg Heumann

Kalamazoo Model 2

4 replies [Last post]
Thu, 05/02/2013 - 23:28
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture
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Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011

Hi Greg,

I know you're not the "amp guy" but you seem to be the Kalamazoo King. I just got a Model 2 off eBay in decent condition for $240. This will be my first vintage amp (I have a Bassman and Super Chamo XD). Anything I should know or be aware/careful of? Will I need to put different tubes in it like I did with my Bassman?

-Taylor

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Fri, 05/03/2013 - 15:08
#1
Greg Heumann
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Expert
Joined: 04/29/2010
Hi, WardCongrats on your

Hi, Ward

Congrats on your Kalamazoo. They are GREAT little harp amps.

The Kalamazoo Model 2 only has one preamp tube so it is not overly gainy. Plus, if you go to a lower gain preamp tube, the tremelo will no longer work - even if you switch the tremelo tube to one that matches the preamp. So I recommend leaving it just as it is.

HOWEVER if the amp still has its original multi-way power filter capacitors (a good sized brown cardboard tube with red, black, blue and green wires coming out of it), I guarantee that needs to be replaced. If it has ALREADY been replaced - make sure the builder didn't go overboard and increase the values, which should be one 20 (or 22) uFd and two 10 uFd caps. More capacitance is often good and it is safe - it adds more filtering capacity. But it also decreases the amp's break up when the power supply is taxed - that is on heavy cupped chords. I like the amp with its original values.

Cheers!

/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com

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Fri, 05/03/2013 - 19:44
#2
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture
Offline
Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011
Great! Thanks for the great

Great! Thanks for the great info. I might have to send it your way for the treatment one of these days when I can afford it.
-Taylor

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Sun, 09/29/2013 - 15:20
#3
JOHN TURI
JOHN TURI's picture
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Joined: 11/27/2011
kalamazoo 2

hi greg,i have sent you a couple emails about sending my zoo2 to get heumannized but have not heard back-do you still do the mods and where do i send it,john turi-email-irutnhoj@yahoo.com

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Sun, 09/29/2013 - 17:31
#4
Greg Heumann
Greg Heumann's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 04/29/2010
Hi, John I'm afraid I haven't

Hi, John

I'm afraid I haven't received any emails from you. Please check that you have the right address - it is greg@blowsmeaway.com

I just tried emailing you at the address above and it bounced:

"[Return Code 554] sid: XCVP1m00G0upHsC01 :: delivery error: dd This user doesn't have a yahoo.com account (turi-email-irutnhoj@yahoo.com) [-15] - mta1193.mail.gq1.yahoo.com"

I look forward to hearing from you.

/Greg

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