Question for you guru's about transformer on dual recto

[pataklp]

Ok, here is the thing. I bought brand new dual recto, and I am taking it to Europe (I live there, I am just here on a vacation). So, I have to change transformer (Europe standard is 220V, while yours is 110V).
(And one question on the side, what is the name of that transformer? The output transformer?)
I contacted Mesa boogie, and they can send me a transformer on my home address. So, I don't need this transformer for American standards. I want to take it out, and try to sell it. So if you could give me some tips, how to open the amp, and how to remove the transformer, it would be highly appreciated.

And also, I heard that on some models, you don't have to change the transformer, it is already made to work on both standards, you just have to rewire it, hook it up different, or something like that. How can I check out is mine one of those?

Thank you in advance.

 

[94Tremoverb]

The transformer you need is called the Power Transformer or Mains Transformer. It's *not* the Output Transformer, that's the wrong one.

It's unlikely Mesa will actually sell you a 220V power transformer. The reason for this is that they try to protect the excessive distributor profits made on new Mesa gear in Europe - they don't want people importing a US model for far less and changing the transformer.

Until about 2000 (I'm not sure of the exact date) many Mesa amps did indeed come with dual-winding transformers that could be internally re-connected to use either voltage. This was stopped on more recent models; see above for why! A new 3-channel Dual Recto will definitely not have the dual-winding transformer.

If Mesa will actually sell you the new transformer... to be honest, if you need instructions on how to do this you are not the best person to do it; it's much better to pay a good tech. It's a fairly simple job if you know what you're doing but you could get into major trouble if not, and you absolutely will void the warranty so you have no comeback if you make a mistake.

If you already have the US model, the simplest solution is to buy an external step-down transformer in Europe - this will convert the 220V down to 110V for the amp to use. You need at least a 500VA (500W) transformer, 1000 is better. These are fairly large and heavy, and not that cheap, but still cheaper than the difference between a US and European model. *Do not* try using a 'power converter' - the sort of thing you get at airports to run hairdryers etc - they don't work in the same way and will probably damage your amp.

 

[pataklp]

Yeah, thanks, but I just spoke to a mesa tech today. First, they are selling the transformers directly. They just don't wonna sell it it the US, they can just ship it to me, directly to my country. I already ordered it. Because as you sad, new ones doesn't have that option to work on both. I want to change transformer, because on my previous dual recto, I was carrying around that piece you were telling about, and that is a pain in the ass! Two guitars, + pedal board, + head, + cab....oh my god, that **** is just too much. And they are sending me brand new one, for 300 dollars, including shipment, so that is a pretty good deal.

And of course I don't want to install new one by my self, I just want to take the original (US) one out, that is in the amp right now, because I am selling it on ebay. So any instructions, how to open the chasis, and remove the transformer, would be highly appreciated. Then I am taking amp to europe, with the new one waiting me there, and then I am taking it to a tech to install that.

 

[94Tremoverb]

Sorry, but if you need instructions on how to open the chassis you aren't the right person to do this job. It's not too difficult if you're familiar with working on amps, and a good tech should be able to do it in under half an hour, but if you don't know what you're doing you could easily cause damage or at least make it more difficult to fit the new one. No offense intended.

There are many routine jobs anyone can easily learn to do on a tube amp, like changing tubes and fuses, basic troubleshooting once something has gone wrong, cleaning pots and jacks etc... but this isn't one of them.

 

[pataklp]

If you don't wonna help me, than its ok, I respect that...but I am gonna do it by myself anyway. So if anyone else would give me a few tips, I would be grateful. So I wouldn't have to figure out everything by myself...

 

[screamingdaisy]

If you don't wonna help me, than its ok, I respect that...but I am gonna do it by myself anyway. So if anyone else would give me a few tips, I would be grateful. So I wouldn't have to figure out everything by myself...

Make sure you discharge the caps first. They contain lethal charges and accidentally contacting them while removing the transformer can kill you.

 

[YellowJacket]

Is buying two Dual Rectos in America still cheaper than buying one in europe? :roll:

 

[pataklp]

Well I bought a brand new one in here for 1600 dollars. Over there in Europe that head is around 2600 euros, which is 3288 dollars.....so yeah, it's more than twice cheaper....But for example over here Engl amps are more expensive than in Europe, because they are made in Germany.....

 

[pataklp]

I am electrician, so I am not worried about those things, I just never done anything with the guitar amp and similar. So I just need tips to open the chassis.