Product: Selmer Futurama Bassist Minor 112 Combo
Price Paid: 127 (pounds) used
Submitted
01/17/2005
at
04:35pm
by
Chris
Email: junkpile at tiscali<dot>co<dot>uk
Features
:
6
Made in 1963/64, 2 inputs with a volume for each and a single tone control. Single Brimar ECC83 pre amp driving a Mullard EL84. EZ 81 rectifier. Speaker is a 12" 20 watt Fane Heavy Duty, model 122/12. Output power is 6 watts.
Basic Vol and Tone controls do the job, switch on and go, that's all I need.
Sound Quality
:
9
Using this with a Fender Jazz bass it's loud enough to jam with friends at home. The speaker just about copes with the low frequencies before power tube distortion sets in. Plug in a Fender Strat and it becomes a different beast. Clean for the first 3rd or so of travel on the volume then gradual creamy distortion up to max. Think 'Alright Now'. The volume controls are placed at the input so there is some interaction between them. Turning the second vol part way gives a bit more, (and increases hum). Effective tone control although I keep it at max treble for guitar. I love the sound of this amp when used with a guitar. It may only be 6 watts but it can easily compete with a 30 watter.
Reliability
:
9
I can depend on it as I have serviced it myself. When I got it, it was very low in volume as well as unpleasantly distorted. The cathode bias resistor was out of spec and a coupling capacitor in the pre amp. I also replaced the supply filter caps and resistor for good measure. There was a nasty rattle from the EL84 on one particular note when using a bass guitar. I resorted to fitting rubber grommets and spacers to the chassis mounting points to cure it. I had to repair the wood where the cabinet screws had split it. Now it's completely rattle free.
I would take a spare set of valves and a fuse on a gig, (yes it is giggable), other than that I can't see any reason for it to break down.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I had one of these amps in 1969 (cost me #8 used). I dealt with Selmer then when I ordered a circuit diagram from their Braintree premises. Never had any other contact with them except when I used to visit their shop in London's West End.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
Been playing guitar and bass for 39 years.
If it was lost I would get another if the opportunity arose but it would also give me an excuse to build an AX84.
