National Newport 97

[newport97]

Hello,

I have this National Newport 97 amp and would like to know the date of it.  The only clue I can see is a small sticker on the inside of the cab
with the number 1-11422

As well, I just don't see much about this amp on the net.  Are there many out there?

The smaller of the two transformers (output?) is stamped FENDER.  It looks original, but is this normal to have a fender part on a National amp?

Thank you for any help here.

s1372.photobucket.com/user/balcaenmike/media/DSCF1209_zps6aa19ea5.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7
s1372.photobucket.com/user/balcaenmike/media/wiring_zps5daec181.jpeg.html?sort=3&o=5
s1372.photobucket.com/user/balcaenmike/media/DSCF1213_zps15431aa0.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6
s1372.photobucket.com/user/balcaenmike/media/IMG_4164_zps9501ddf8.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0
s1372.photobucket.com/user/balcaenmike/media/IMG_4157_zpscb489cb0.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3


Cheers,

Mike

[Deleted]

It looks rather like the one in Mark Makins book on p351 - dated at 1964.
TT

[newport97]

I am wondering if the reverse line swiitch was disconnected when the three prong power cord was installed as well. I have read a bit about the death cap associated
with older valco amps and would like to know a bit more about what has been done to my amp, and if I can be sure it is safe.

cheers

[pete1951]

Most US amps had (have?) a `Ground Switch`. This is not needed on a 3 wire (earth, neutral and live) main. If you have a 220/240 volt mains transformer, it will have been disconnected .

PT

[mitchfit]

Mar 9, 2014 16:58:43 GMT pete1951 said:

Most US amps had (have?) a `Ground Switch`. This is not needed on a 3 wire (earth, neutral and live) main. If you have a 220/240 volt mains transformer, it will have been disconnected .

PT

methinks the breaking point was near amp's DOB. [mid '60's]

us mfgrs starting feeling sorry for "pavlov's dog" guitar
players who would wince very time they grabbed a plugged
in guitar and went to "3 prong" plugs on guitar amps.

mitchfit

[mitchfit]

sure the fender transplant is an aftermarket mod.

contact Terry Dobbs--AKA--MR VALCO for first rate knowledge about any valco mfgd amp:

www.valcoamp.com/

mitchfit

[newport97]

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering from the pics if the three prong power cord has been installed properly, and if the line reverse switch actually has been disconnected. I will definitely try to contact Terry Dobbs. Not much out there about this amp. I just want to be sure the amp is 100 percent safe before I start really pushing it. I am surprised at the low volume for a 35 watt amp as well, which woukld indicate maybe the filter caps need replacing?