18Watt.com

I have a an original 18W (1x12) from England and I've been running using a step up/down transformer for 25-30 years. It recently struck me UK voltage back then was rated at 240v not 220v.

I'm wondering what voltage a mid 60s amp was really rated at and should I be running my amp at a higher voltage.

If EVH was running his 110v at 90v to get "the brown sound", wouldnt running a 240v at 220v, kind of be the same thing?

My Watkins Scout from the same dates has three voltage positions to pick from 200, 225 and 250v. So there were probably issues with voltage then as well.
And yes lower input voltage will affect tone.

Dd

Just for interest. This is from a Selmer Truvoice PA amp used in schools and the like from the late fifties early sixties and is typical of similar electronics from that time.

Dd

This is a pic of my Scout when it arrived from the seller. The pick stuck in the PT is a nice "tortoiseshell" plectrum from the era.

Dd

Daviedawg wrote: ↑

Sun 05/29/22 2:38 am

My Watkins Scout from the same dates has three voltage positions to pick from 200, 225 and 250v. So there were probably issues with voltage then as well.
And yes lower input voltage will affect tone.

Dd

1st - thank you
2nd - what voltage are you running it at?

The 250v position with incoming mains at 225v or so gave me nice voltages at the EL84s. I have not checked again since the overhaul I did when I got it which was 2 years ago I think. Round about the start of lockdown. So it is still in the 250v position.
Now I have thought about it I may try swapping to see what effect it has on tone.

Dd

thanks

Back in those days, which I remember well, the standard UK mains voltage was officially 220V, but sometimes fluctuated up to 230V.