1946 Fender Princeton 'Woodie' Amp.....Rare, Valuable, and Really Nice !!

Talk about a historic amp......this 1946 Princeton represents the very first of Leo's masterpieces. Although quite simple in design, the excellent quality and tone that made Fender a legend are already evident. We thoroughly inspect the little guy inside and out, then repair what needs repairing, including a discussion of circuit variations and design, then proceed to an audio demo using both the 6V6 indicated by the schematic and a 6K6, which came in the amp from the owner. In addition, we will open a viewer gift that promises to provide a video of its own, see Jack in action, and have a brief historical review of the three different models of Fender "Woodie" amps.

[charlesreibold]

Thank you Uncle Doug for your thorough and humorous review and repair of my old Fender Princeton. When I proudly tell people that I have a "woodie" I get very mixed responses. What's up with that? The schematic that I sent to you was the earliest that I could find and was from Radiomuseum. They dated it from 1948 as the 5B2 circuit with a duo triode 6SL7 preamp tube and 6V6 output. The next iteration, the 5C2 from 1948, uses a 6SC7 and a 6v6. I have found several model 26 pictures that show the tube designations written in pencil on the chassis. This leads me to believe that this amp originally did have a 6SJ7, a 6K6 and a 5Y3 as the chassis markings suggest. Until other research proves it different, let's call this the "5A2" circuit. Some his later amps had Leo's name penciled on the bottom of the chassis which he probably would have only done unless he had other employees wiring amps as a method of QC. Since Lily and Lupe were not yet his employees, he likely hand soldered this thing himself. Simply amazing.

Radiomusiums.

[mahkyb]

I'm not an amp tech and I don't pretend to know about anything inside an amp. But these videos are addicting. It's a Saturday morning here in Boston and I'm watching this video with the excitement and attention of a 6 yr old watching cartoons. I love the pace and historical info provided in these vids. Thank you for doing these Uncle Doug!

[toddmcintosh]

Uncle Doug, you are the most talented and entertaining host on U-tube! Thanks for the sharp and creative wit and the detailed repairs you cover! Your understanding and historical information about each device you cover in your presentations! Your client this time surely was inspired by your sense of humor, and I thoroughly enjoyed this episode! This is a beautiful old amp! Thumbs up!👍😄

[marlobreding]

I love seeing the Heathkit capacitor tester. My dad bought a Heathkit tachometer dwell meter kit from Heathkit in early 1960s. I learned a bunch of really colorful words from my dad when he was putting it together. Mom didn't appreciate it much.

[kaosmediapresents]

Just subscribed after putting my infant to sleep with your voice. I know nothing about amps or electrical---but your manner of speaking is so engaging, I'd listen to you talk about anything. My husband is the guitar and amp guy in the family and has been watching your videos for months. Like it or not, you are a part of our family now, Uncle Doug!

[Nickoable]

I admit that after playing nearly 50 years, most of this shoots straight over my head...but your presentation and character are infectious....and I never miss an installment. Thank you for the effort it takes to put all this together. Much peace to you and your moggies!

[vintagetubeamplifiers]

When life gets me down I just watch the newest Uncle Doug video and everything's just a little better.

[tomstiel]

What could possibly be any better than the first day of spring, on a sunny sunday morning and new Uncle Doug ? makes my day complete

[RyanOfTheRocks]

I wish there were more creators sharing this kind of content. A simple and honest look into the garage of an analog circuit wizard. This made my day, doug. I cant thank you enough.

[andrewwilliams]

Went from watching videos of current world events to this one, the humor and knowledge drop is much appreciated.

[ima]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing, and putting smiles on our faces.

[sykoproduction]

Finally a demo with the amp cranked all the way up. ;) we need more of those

[davidshutt]

That's the coolest Fender amp I've ever seen. Keep up the great work, Uncle D

[stevenclarke]

I’ve never seen one of these amps before, it’s amazing to think that it was built a few months after the end of WW II .

[RajagopalaRaoS]

Been occupied with work and health the better part of 2022. Just remembered hadn't seen a new video of yours in a while and it made me smile to be back here. Wonderful to see the video as always :D Good health and luck to you :)

[tommyd.]

Wow, historics and hysterics combine again with Uncle Doug! Loved this one... great to see the humble beginnings of the Fender dynasty.

[zyadnob]

Uncle Doug, thanks loads for your contents..we enjoy your reviews a lot.. please post more..nice job (Y)

[nickolaspts-kzn]

I really enjoy your humor and sharp descriptions you make Uncle Doug 👌👍👋😊

[lauratanner]

Guitar history right there! Very cool! 😎 Great video as always Uncle!

[bertrodriguez]

Another absolutely wonderful video Doug. I was blown away by the difference in bass response between the 6V6 and 6K6. Learned something new. Thank you.