Gibson is definitely milking their brand name with the Falcon amps. So you now know what one of them is really worth - e.g. the price of a Stage Right amp.
Again - an awesome video for those who want to know what's 'under the hood' of this Monoprice amp. It helps your viewers to understand that while there are some amps that have one or two glaring upgrade needs, it sounds like this one needs everything. And probably not worth it if someone thinks they want to make a few upgrades in order to get it where they want it to be. Agree - a used purchase might be the way to go for someone who has another amp to rely on.
I really appreciate this video. It's great to finally see the 'guts' of this low priced amp. I am sure that you discharged the capacitors before touching them with your fingers. It may be helpful to remind your viewers that this is a necessary step, in case someone out there does not know that they could be electrocuted by the energy stored in a capacitor.
When these came out you could score a far superior USED U.S. made CRATE V16 Palomino for about $50 more. Even worth the $300 people ask all day long. The V16 and V32 Crates were designed by the same guy that designed X? model Magnetone amps now. The V16 is a Class-A push/pull, 2-6BQ5/ EL84 , 3- 12AX7, 1-8-pin IC for the Spring Reverb, full size through hole component PC Board, good size transformers, 5-layer heavy plywood, steel gold anodized vent plate, corner guards, V16 badge, name plate. Dress screwed down Wicker Grill cover with gold piping. Beige tolex, heavy duty stitched beige leatherette handle, gold anodized steel (Telecaster) knurled knobs ( Although I swapped mine out with Marshall knobs, looks sweet). Celestion 12" 70/80 Speaker (under the Crate sticker...quality sticker you can peel off and put back, or even stick it on say a Green Back Celestion if you so desire. Since the V16 Palomino tends to break up too soon due to it's multiple gain stages, it's advantageous to simply remove one stage, See- *The definitive Crate V1512, Palomino V16 Cleanup Mod for less than a buck* Due to the amps high vibration, instead of a pair of EL84's use the ( actually great prices) NOS Russian 6P14P crossover tube that have the Vibration Proof code at the end. So 6P14P-V ( or K or R). If you are a clean or semi-clean blues player then non vibration tubes should be fine. And don't let the 6P14P's 8volt heater requirement bother you, the 6v is perfectly fine. Heck, EVH had his heaters at like 3v. Wampler channel had a great Crate V16 Palomino video recently - *Breathing new life into this old tube amp, the Palomino V16 from Crate* . Better grab one while you can. These popular guys always spike prices when they demo something. I'm just a nobody.
old silvertone and other sears tube amps of the 60s had similar chassis designs , the difference is in the circuit constructions and the way pots and sockets are mounted as well as the PCB and surface mount components...thats why it is cheap to buy...and even the newer amps with high price tags are built pretty cheap as well
Great to see some gut shots. I compared with my Laney Club 12R (which has the same or similar PCB). The 22uF 450V caps in the Laney are way larger (and a different brand). On the positive side, its good to see that most of the caps appear to be labelled as 105 degree C in the SR
Definitely an early version of this Model. I recently purchased a newer version of this model for $85 used. I purchased a set of JJ’s pre and power tubes. Was surprised when the set I pulled out were JJ’s as well. I read that’s what Monoprice/Harley Benton is installing them at the factory with now. I set the bias and heater voltage and was quite surprised how well this little amp performs. For around $250 retail for a tube amp you just cant beat it. Marshall, Fender…etc. all use PCB’s now. Yes components may be higher quality…..well….Not always.
I have the same amp, it's just amazing for the price. When it comes to surface mount soldering, it isn't as bad as it seems with the right equipment. You just need a heat gun and some solder paste.
I don't see any custom ICs in there, so it looks like the amp will be serviceable for many years. At least that's a positive, even if the amp is cheaply made.
Yeah other than the main signal components using surface mount components I agree. Not sure how durable the pcb is. Even with that I managed to work on mine and have had no issues.
@@KleyDeJong I have a Crate amp head that has digital reverb and delay features. I already have some trouble with these because they turn themselves on randomly. A serious musician's amp shouldn't have effects built into it.
DISAGREE with you about the quality of construction of the cabinet. You need to take a closer look at it. The speaker mounting board is not even made of particle board: it is made of CARDBORAD, about 1/2". It will not hold the screws, either the screws fastening it to the cabinet or the speaker mounting screws, which will tear right out there with any amount of jostling. And that thin cabinet particle board will easily crack. Have seen several amps damaged in shipping. It doesn't sound bad, but it won't stand up to being moved around.
I would worry about the boards, how thick or thin they are, how much heat they have to soak up and how soon they would become conductive. Replace and raise all the appropriate resistors up off the board. Surface mount can be significantly quieter than thru hole so there's that.
@@KleyDeJong But a new Blues Junior, admittedly a much better amp but comparable in basic specs, is $800. The value is self evident but the philosophy of deliberately producing landfill is unfortunate, to say the least. Excellent review and analysis, thanks!
You remarked about how tiny the filter capacitors are. Well let me tell you something dude. While you’re holding the chassis with one hand and touching the components with the other, are you aware that these tiny capacitors (if not discharged) can actually cause injury or death even when it’s unplugged? I get the impression by listening to your analysis about the amplifier is that you’re an amateur…..!
Huh? First thing I did after removing the chassis was to test for voltage with my multimeter. I didn't film it because it's not relevant to the purpose of the video.
Had mine for 2 years now. Perfect for the home player. It’s not moving so the sturdiness or lack of is not an issue at all. Still sounds great !
I do find mine fun to play at home! 15w is a good power level and it has some nice tone shaping features.
“If I have to do any micro soldering, I might just quit” 😂😂 saaaame
Build quality close to the new Gibson Falcon 20/Mesa Boogie amps.
Lol you're not wrong...
Gibson is definitely milking their brand name with the Falcon amps. So you now know what one of them is really worth - e.g. the price of a Stage Right amp.
Looks better built than the new Marshall jcm 800 and plexi 20 watters.
No it doesn't, Marshall actually uses better quality components.... Only thing in common is the PCB boards.... 😂
Again - an awesome video for those who want to know what's 'under the hood' of this Monoprice amp. It helps your viewers to understand that while there are some amps that have one or two glaring upgrade needs, it sounds like this one needs everything. And probably not worth it if someone thinks they want to make a few upgrades in order to get it where they want it to be. Agree - a used purchase might be the way to go for someone who has another amp to rely on.
I really appreciate this video. It's great to finally see the 'guts' of this low priced amp. I am sure that you discharged the capacitors before touching them with your fingers. It may be helpful to remind your viewers that this is a necessary step, in case someone out there does not know that they could be electrocuted by the energy stored in a capacitor.
When these came out you could score a far superior USED U.S. made CRATE V16 Palomino for about $50 more. Even worth the $300 people ask all day long. The V16 and V32 Crates were designed by the same guy that designed X? model Magnetone amps now.
The V16 is a Class-A push/pull, 2-6BQ5/ EL84 , 3- 12AX7, 1-8-pin IC for the Spring Reverb, full size through hole component PC Board, good size transformers, 5-layer heavy plywood, steel gold anodized vent plate, corner guards, V16 badge, name plate. Dress screwed down Wicker Grill cover with gold piping. Beige tolex, heavy duty stitched beige leatherette handle, gold anodized steel (Telecaster) knurled knobs ( Although I swapped mine out with Marshall knobs, looks sweet). Celestion 12" 70/80 Speaker (under the Crate sticker...quality sticker you can peel off and put back, or even stick it on say a Green Back Celestion if you so desire.
Since the V16 Palomino tends to break up too soon due to it's multiple gain stages, it's advantageous to simply remove one stage, See- *The definitive Crate V1512, Palomino V16 Cleanup Mod for less than a buck*
Due to the amps high vibration, instead of a pair of EL84's use the ( actually great prices) NOS Russian 6P14P crossover tube that have the Vibration Proof code at the end. So 6P14P-V ( or K or R). If you are a clean or semi-clean blues player then non vibration tubes should be fine. And don't let the 6P14P's 8volt heater requirement bother you, the 6v is perfectly fine. Heck, EVH had his heaters at like 3v.
Wampler channel had a great Crate V16 Palomino video recently - *Breathing new life into this old tube amp, the Palomino V16 from Crate* . Better grab one while you can. These popular guys always spike prices when they demo something. I'm just a nobody.
I agree with you 100%..!
Bought one used, loved it, sold it it for custom 5e3 head. And built a homemade cab with the red white and blues/ wgs veteran
old silvertone and other sears tube amps of the 60s had similar chassis designs , the difference is in the circuit constructions and the way pots and sockets are mounted as well as the PCB and surface mount components...thats why it is cheap to buy...and even the newer amps with high price tags are built pretty cheap as well
Great to see some gut shots. I compared with my Laney Club 12R (which has the same or similar PCB). The 22uF 450V caps in the Laney are way larger (and a different brand). On the positive side, its good to see that most of the caps appear to be labelled as 105 degree C in the SR
Definitely an early version of this Model.
I recently purchased a newer version of this model for $85 used.
I purchased a set of JJ’s pre and power tubes. Was surprised when the set I pulled out were JJ’s as well. I read that’s what Monoprice/Harley Benton is installing them at the factory with now.
I set the bias and heater voltage and was quite surprised how well this little amp performs.
For around $250 retail for a tube amp you just cant beat it.
Marshall, Fender…etc. all use PCB’s now.
Yes components may be higher quality…..well….Not always.
I have the same amp, it's just amazing for the price. When it comes to surface mount soldering, it isn't as bad as it seems with the right equipment. You just need a heat gun and some solder paste.
A miracle of modern global economics; minimum viability. Oh well, it could be something to monkey around with anyway maybe.
Does it chug?!!!!!😅
Wait for the mods in the next episode!
With a Metal Zone for sure.
My Stage Right SB20 50w head I got in 2021is still going strong... just wish I could find the schematic for it.
Dryer sheets are used to deter mice.
Lol I guess it worked!
I don't see any custom ICs in there, so it looks like the amp will be serviceable for many years. At least that's a positive, even if the amp is cheaply made.
Yeah other than the main signal components using surface mount components I agree. Not sure how durable the pcb is. Even with that I managed to work on mine and have had no issues.
@@KleyDeJong I have a Crate amp head that has digital reverb and delay features. I already have some trouble with these because they turn themselves on randomly. A serious musician's amp shouldn't have effects built into it.
You haven't seen alot of 1950's/60's tube amplifiers have you??
I have rebuilt three Hammond organ amplifiers into guitar amps. What does that have to do with the stage right?
DISAGREE with you about the quality of construction of the cabinet. You need to take a closer look at it. The speaker mounting board is not even made of particle board: it is made of CARDBORAD, about 1/2". It will not hold the screws, either the screws fastening it to the cabinet or the speaker mounting screws, which will tear right out there with any amount of jostling. And that thin cabinet particle board will easily crack. Have seen several amps damaged in shipping. It doesn't sound bad, but it won't stand up to being moved around.
I would worry about the boards, how thick or thin they are, how much heat they have to soak up and how soon they would become conductive.
Replace and raise all the appropriate resistors up off the board. Surface mount can be significantly quieter than thru hole so there's that.
They're quite cheap and meh. I wouldn't have high hopes.
Also it's worth considering that even new it's cheaper than a new middle tier price Wampler pedal. So...
It' be fun to get one of these and mod it into a fire breathing world ender dragon of an amp.
Video coming soon!
They're not even remotely that cheap anymore. New one are $279 now.
I see. Mine is a v 1 that I bought used.
@@KleyDeJong But a new Blues Junior, admittedly a much better amp but comparable in basic specs, is $800. The value is self evident but the philosophy of deliberately producing landfill is unfortunate, to say the least. Excellent review and analysis, thanks!
You remarked about how tiny the filter capacitors are. Well let me tell you something dude. While you’re holding the chassis with one hand and touching the components with the other, are you aware that these tiny capacitors (if not discharged) can actually cause injury or death even when it’s unplugged? I get the impression by listening to your analysis about the amplifier is that you’re an amateur…..!
Huh? First thing I did after removing the chassis was to test for voltage with my multimeter. I didn't film it because it's not relevant to the purpose of the video.
The microphone you are using is probably worst than the Amplifier.....
You bought a really cheap amp and found it has low cost construction, really dumb review
What were you hoping for?
yeah i wasted 200 bucks. its not a good sounding amp. by any means. pos
How can these filter caps be discharged? I don’t see much access