Way back in about 1973, I was the singer in a working bar band and our guitar player had this amp. I had always liked the look and sound of it, that is until it went up in smoke at a practice session. He quickly ran out and bought the 100 watt Marshall stack he always wanted. The Marshall sounded amazing... when you cranked it up. I had to listen to clean guitar after that as the Marshall would easily have drowned the band out. I really missed that Aims after that.
I owned one of the first models of that amp that was ever produced. I ran a music store in Yuma, Arizona and we were a dealer for Aims amps. The factory was located in Phoenix Arizona and the company was formed by Lee and Ruby Dominguez. Who also owned Arizona Music Center in Glendale, Arizona. They were a pretty well made amps for the time and I had mine for quite a few years. Never had a lick of problems with it ever. In fact the only problems I had were in my back from hauling it around because it weighed a ton.
@@Billkwando agree 100%. And as much as I like the lightweight and compact size of my class D heads, nothing beats the sound of the big iron in those old tube amps.
@@Billkwando, If this was mine, I'd build new cabinets and change it over into a head with separate speaker cab, but keeping the old cabinet intact for authenticity in case I ever sold it and somebody wanted it in its original form.
Great seeing you back! Another great, informative video. I enjoy watching you work as well as your explanations, Colleen. Please keep the great videos coming!
Great video Colleen. You are like the Queen of valve amp ASMR, whereas Uncle Doug is more like the grandfather with the great jokes. Love both of you for all that you share. Thanks and greetings from Australia
Happy New Year, Colleen! I am completely anxious to hear how this 50 year-old amplifier sounds. Resurrecting these vintage machines is part and parcel of the electronic tech's expertise. It is an affirmation that you possess the knowledge of circuit designs from the past. What impresses me most is how your aim with the reverb is to reconnect the return wire. Practically every other tech with an amp repair channel writes off the component as unrepairable. I await part 2 with great eagerness. Well done!
Very cool! I had an AIMS 2x12 (basically this same amp but in a 2x12 cabinet). The inside was TOTALLY different. It was a super cheap PCB construction that vibed more like a home stereo from that era. Extremely difficult to work on. This one, with the turret board, looks way more robust. I won't immediately dismiss these amps anymore. Cheers!
Gobs of clean power. Those power transformers are big scary monsters that go straight up to 560 volts, then settle down around 530 volts when the amp starts drawing current.
Wow, kind of an amp geek here, never heard of AIMS. Crazy layout inside and out, cool to see something that doesn't look like a clone of anything I've seen before, really looking forward to hearing this one (love me some 4x10 goodness)
What a cool old amp! I have never seen one like it before, we have a bit different supply of old amps over here in Europe I guess. Can't wait to hear the fixed amp :D
The valve tremolo. Tried to get my head around the ways to do that (bias swing?). I've been carting large black boxes from one domicile to another. (R'n'R is 95% carting black boxes from one side of town to the other, etc.). Will endeavour to do some vidwork on those! Ace run through this amp. Learning a lot from your talk through. Clear benefits to having a good teacher and lots of experience.
Thanks for sharing. Cool looking amp. Can't wait to hear it. Your narration style is perfect. You convey the information you want to share, but not in a "Niagara of Words". Many folks on RUclips struggle with that...;)
I had the 6x10 version of this several years ago. I recapped it, put on a bar and casters on the back, and then unfortunately had to sell it. Still regret that! They are handsome as hell! Shrill, but handsome and loud!
Love the old tube amps, each one has there own character, and each individual note played through have there own character also. You just can't get that with transistors.
I'm a small engine tech and for me i wear rings like you! But i don't wear them myself at work for being safe! And yes for you its a good idea for you play it safe! Good call
Really enjoy your videos. You are easy to listen to (easy on the eyes too), very informative. Hope you continue sharing with us your skills and knowledge.
I had an AIMS Dual Twelve combo. Well made amp with really high quality components but it was built/put together in a very strange way. I found it in dead mint condition, all it needed was a basic recap and I sent it on its way, although I kept the vintage Telefunken power amp tubes it had and put in new tubes and biased it. I basically sold the entire amp for what the Telefunkens are worth by themselves so I made out quite nicely. EDIT: I saw you trying to take the chassis out and was like “those damn front screws”😂 I struggled with it also.
Be careful with the rest of the jewelry too. I have a burn scar behind my ear, got to close to the chassis of a transmitter with metal frame glasses. Was trying to see where there was an arc, found it with my glasses, learned the hard way to wear plastic frames when working on high voltage.
Worked in TelCo central office for many years. I lost track of how many times 100VAC ringing current would arc to my sweaty forehead, let alone my hands. Lots of banged elbows too, damn reflexes! Every circuit was live, you would have to shutdown the entire central office to work cold, 24/7 uptime Never got in the jewelry habit after working there. Wouldn't think of working higher voltages with jewelry of any kind, including earrings. You also learned not to hold the loose wire in your mouth, insulated or not. Once was enough!
Glad to see you taking off the rings. A friends brother was wearing his gold wedding ring and got tangled up in a power supply feed and it literally melted the ring on his finger. Not a good thing.
Lovely video. I would be more worried about eye protection than the rings. I've broken my glasses twice now in the shop. One time just from leaning in to get a better look.
One is either preparing to ROCK, just got done ROCKING or is still ROCKING at this moment...one surefire way to maximize the shred without interruption is to have Colleen work on your amps.
0:50 I know you are not fond of "repair" plugs like that, but if it s "Hubbel" or "Leviton" brand, definitely save it for either a temp repair to get something working, or to make your own power cord, as those are high quality and very durable plugs. My job (Telephone Cable Splicing Technician) required me to either reach into bundles of telephone cable wiring, sometimes with missing insulation, and later, I graduated to DC power systems, sometimes fused, but also sometimes NOT fused with direct bus connections to battery banks, and I made it a point to not wear rings or a metal watch/band so, yes, its a good idea to de-ring yourself.
That PARALLEL speaker connection is interesting... also that COIL REVERB... that tremolo can kinda "emulate" a "chorus ISH" effect, can't it ? I'll be looking forward for seeing the PART 2
Just discovered your channel. Could have used a tech like you in my shop many years ago. I find it very interesting that there seems to be more tube techs now than there were when we could still get US tubes and caps. Keeping analog alive one tube at a time. Good job. Out of curiosity, do you have a tube checker?
That amp appears to be AIMS’ take on a 100-watt Fender Quad Reverb, and which runs a pair of 6550A tubes instead of four 6L6GCs. Turret board construction is cool.
Way back in about 1973, I was the singer in a working bar band and our guitar player had this amp. I had always liked the look and sound of it, that is until it went up in smoke at a practice session. He quickly ran out and bought the 100 watt Marshall stack he always wanted. The Marshall sounded amazing... when you cranked it up. I had to listen to clean guitar after that as the Marshall would easily have drowned the band out. I really missed that Aims after that.
I just picked up a VT-100A-71! Best amp I've ever played for the price.
I owned one of the first models of that amp that was ever produced. I ran a music store in Yuma, Arizona and we were a dealer for Aims amps. The factory was located in Phoenix Arizona and the company was formed by Lee and Ruby Dominguez. Who also owned Arizona Music Center in Glendale, Arizona.
They were a pretty well made amps for the time and I had mine for quite a few years. Never had a lick of problems with it ever. In fact the only problems I had were in my back from hauling it around because it weighed a ton.
It's almost like other companies made the amp and head separate for a reason. 😉😉😉
@@Billkwando agree 100%. And as much as I like the lightweight and compact size of my class D heads, nothing beats the sound of the big iron in those old tube amps.
@@Billkwando, If this was mine, I'd build new cabinets and change it over into a head with separate speaker cab, but keeping the old cabinet intact for authenticity in case I ever sold it and somebody wanted it in its original form.
Somewhere around here I have an Aims "Producer" bass head in need of a recapping.
@@goodun2974 those are great sounding heads. As are all the AIMS products.
Great seeing you back! Another great, informative video. I enjoy watching you work as well as your explanations, Colleen. Please keep the great videos coming!
I have an Australian built Maton valve amp and it's almost identical to this layout. It's amazing how clean your old amp is inside.
Collene- You do some fantastic work. I'm so impressed and I like your Fanny poster.
I wish these clips were 30 minutes long or if there was a photo book of the repairs. Amazing stuff.
+1 for long form content
That's a wild amp! Excited to see it come to life 🤘
Hey, my grandparents had that clock! Then again, maybe half the country did 60 years ago. Nice video.
Love your Repair Videos! I like the way you point out bad components and the way you explain why you replace parts! 👍🏽👍🏽😉
Great video Colleen. You are like the Queen of valve amp ASMR, whereas Uncle Doug is more like the grandfather with the great jokes. Love both of you for all that you share. Thanks and greetings from Australia
I just found your channel today and I love the way you take the time to explain things. You're a great teacher and I really hope to see more!
Happy New Year, Colleen! I am completely anxious to hear how this 50 year-old amplifier sounds. Resurrecting these vintage machines is part and parcel of the electronic tech's expertise. It is an affirmation that you possess the knowledge of circuit designs from the past. What impresses me most is how your aim with the reverb is to reconnect the return wire. Practically every other tech with an amp repair channel writes off the component as unrepairable. I await part 2 with great eagerness. Well done!
😲Boy, that's a " HONKIN' " amp!! It's gonna be fun watching you bringing it back to life!! Love from Tennessee.
It looks like a well made amp. Looking forward to hearing it.
What a wonderful video. Colleen... you're simply amazing❤
Nice to see you back on YT! Looking forward to part 2.
Very cool! I had an AIMS 2x12 (basically this same amp but in a 2x12 cabinet). The inside was TOTALLY different. It was a super cheap PCB construction that vibed more like a home stereo from that era. Extremely difficult to work on. This one, with the turret board, looks way more robust. I won't immediately dismiss these amps anymore. Cheers!
Great start to the new year! I had an AIMS ECLIPSOR head with the 4-12 cabinet. Wish I never let it go... Great amp that ROCKS.
Gobs of clean power. Those power transformers are big scary monsters that go straight up to 560 volts, then settle down around 530 volts when the amp starts drawing current.
Love your vids, always learning the easy way. Now I can build my own Tube amp and your videos about safety are great!! Greetings From Argentina
Wow, kind of an amp geek here, never heard of AIMS. Crazy layout inside and out, cool to see something that doesn't look like a clone of anything I've seen before, really looking forward to hearing this one (love me some 4x10 goodness)
I’m waiting to see the next part of it! God bless you!
WOW!!!
Never seen one of those. Thank you Colleen.
Awesome, I'm waiting for part two patiently ☺️👍
never heard of this amp but it's got a lovely understated 70s look
I’ve not heard of this amp , it’s a a reel beast of an amplifier, nice job
Nicely built amp, looks pretty solid.
All the best Colleen!
Looking forward to part two. Cheers!
The most beautiful repair lady ever!
What a cool old amp! I have never seen one like it before, we have a bit different supply of old amps over here in Europe I guess. Can't wait to hear the fixed amp :D
The valve tremolo. Tried to get my head around the ways to do that (bias swing?). I've been carting large black boxes from one domicile to another. (R'n'R is 95% carting black boxes from one side of town to the other, etc.). Will endeavour to do some vidwork on those! Ace run through this amp. Learning a lot from your talk through. Clear benefits to having a good teacher and lots of experience.
Cool amp! I love these oddballs.
Thanks for sharing.
Cool looking amp. Can't wait to hear it.
Your narration style is perfect. You convey the information you want to share, but not in a "Niagara of Words". Many folks on RUclips struggle with that...;)
Well it looks killer. I hope it sounds as good. Can't wait for the next vid. Thanks for sharing.
This is one of my favorite channels and I don't really care about electronics all that much.
Really clean old amp, cool.
I really love those old school design philosophies, not only is it clearly laid out, but it looks like a prop from Space Odyssey or something.
I’ll be waiting for part 2…
Thank you…
Nice work!
Loud Amps Saves Lives
Wahoo a new Faz video 🤗🥰🫶
They appear to be well made amps. Everything seems very neat inside.
Yay! Colleen's posted another video!
I had the 6x10 version of this several years ago. I recapped it, put on a bar and casters on the back, and then unfortunately had to sell it. Still regret that! They are handsome as hell! Shrill, but handsome and loud!
Had the 6x10 back myself in the early 70's and our bass player had the 6x10 bass version. Liked that amp a lot but what a beast to lug around.
@@gpower yes! After having to get it down and up some basement stairs once, I opted to use a smaller amp the next time around. 😂
Super cleanly built and laid out. Ginormous also lol.
Sick amp, also thanks for inspiring me to work on my (Nace) amp...been lazy.
those holding knobs are beautiful.
Love the old tube amps, each one has there own character, and each individual note played through have there own character also.
You just can't get that with transistors.
Kool amp! 😎👍
I'm a small engine tech and for me i wear rings like you! But i don't wear them myself at work for being safe! And yes for you its a good idea for you play it safe! Good call
Very cool amp!
Awesome amp !!! Thank you so very much !!!
Great video.
Really enjoy your videos. You are easy to listen to (easy on the eyes too), very informative. Hope you continue sharing with us your skills and knowledge.
Ah- I love a new Fazio video. Just wish they came out more often-- still, always a treat
I have zero clue about the technical side of things, but that was interesting nonetheless. What a beautiful piece.
I had an AIMS Dual Twelve combo. Well made amp with really high quality components but it was built/put together in a very strange way. I found it in dead mint condition, all it needed was a basic recap and I sent it on its way, although I kept the vintage Telefunken power amp tubes it had and put in new tubes and biased it. I basically sold the entire amp for what the Telefunkens are worth by themselves so I made out quite nicely.
EDIT: I saw you trying to take the chassis out and was like “those damn front screws”😂 I struggled with it also.
Buongiorno signora. Complimenti. Altro bel video. Un saluto dall' Italia
Just stumbled into your channel! Very cool!!!!
Pure beauty!
Clean layout
Be careful with the rest of the jewelry too. I have a burn scar behind my ear, got to close to the chassis of a transmitter with metal frame glasses. Was trying to see where there was an arc, found it with my glasses, learned the hard way to wear plastic frames when working on high voltage.
OUCH! That sounds awful. I've been zapped a number of times, always my own fault, but never quite like that!
@@goodun2974 was 15kv beam supply, micro amps of current though, not enough to hurt you but really got my attention.
Worked in TelCo central office for many years. I lost track of how many times 100VAC ringing current would arc to my sweaty forehead, let alone my hands. Lots of banged elbows too, damn reflexes! Every circuit was live, you would have to shutdown the entire central office to work cold, 24/7 uptime Never got in the jewelry habit after working there. Wouldn't think of working higher voltages with jewelry of any kind, including earrings. You also learned not to hold the loose wire in your mouth, insulated or not. Once was enough!
Thank you for sharing! ☘️
Also, those silver eminence speakers sound great, especially in a fender style circuit.
That amp is a beast. Hubbell style attachable plugs are dependable, they can hog a power strip though.
Most techs are always complaining and bitter at life. Refreshing to watch a tech that chill and knowledgeable
Thats Amp is cool as hell!!!
Can't wait!
Glad to see you taking off the rings. A friends brother was wearing his gold wedding ring and got tangled up in a power supply feed and it literally melted the ring on his finger. Not a good thing.
Reminds me of an old Traynor. Awesome
Cool sweater! Semiconductors reminding
Lovely video. I would be more worried about eye protection than the rings. I've broken my glasses twice now in the shop. One time just from leaning in to get a better look.
OMG I used t own an AIMS 6 x 10 in the early 80's it was a beast to haul around. I wish I still had it.
Same here. I had a 6X10 combo in the late 70s through early 80s.
I hadn’t thought about it in forever.
I wish I had kept it.
SWEET SHIRT!!
My dad has an Aims tele from the seventies. It was the first electric that I started playing on with a Randal 6 speaker cab stack.
I was taught to not handle tubes bare hand as well.
Tubes are love, tubes are life
That's a beast of a guitar sund system.
100 watt tube nice & vintage.
I have a vintage Vox Berkeley II that'd be fun to look at! I wish I had the roller cart it came with way back, but I never had it.
That shirt rules!
One is either preparing to ROCK, just got done ROCKING or is still ROCKING at this moment...one surefire way to maximize the shred without interruption is to have Colleen work on your amps.
As I recall, these tended to stay very clean, not much crunch so maybe you're right: a more general purpose amp.
0:50 I know you are not fond of "repair" plugs like that, but if it s "Hubbel" or "Leviton" brand, definitely save it for either a temp repair to get something working, or to make your own power cord, as those are high quality and very durable plugs. My job (Telephone Cable Splicing Technician) required me to either reach into bundles of telephone cable wiring, sometimes with missing insulation, and later, I graduated to DC power systems, sometimes fused, but also sometimes NOT fused with direct bus connections to battery banks, and I made it a point to not wear rings or a metal watch/band so, yes, its a good idea to de-ring yourself.
Cool looking amp! Really want to know what was on the velco spot.
0:31 that's what she said! No, just kiddin! Nice amp!
That PARALLEL speaker connection is interesting... also that COIL REVERB... that tremolo can kinda "emulate" a "chorus ISH" effect, can't it ?
I'll be looking forward for seeing the PART 2
I was wearing my Fazio red & white baseball hat when your vid popped up ... Is that Karma or what 🤣😅😂 Good vid Coleen and awaiting Part 2 ... Thx ...
thats a crazy amp
Just discovered your channel. Could have used a tech like you in my shop many years ago. I find it very interesting that there seems to be more tube techs now than there were when we could still get US tubes and caps. Keeping analog alive one tube at a time. Good job. Out of curiosity, do you have a tube checker?
the blue speakers are Eminence Alnico from the'90's..used in Bassman RI,vibro king etc...20 watts each. 7 oz magnet.
Good times!
I was curious to know if you have ever worked with large effects like a spring reverb or tape delay.
Love the videos and cheers!
That amp appears to be AIMS’ take on a 100-watt Fender Quad Reverb, and which runs a pair of 6550A tubes instead of four 6L6GCs. Turret board construction is cool.
🔥🔥🔥
Shes so beautiful oml
LOL that's a half stack combo right there!
Thank you for not being TOO chaotic ~ 7:00 :)
PS: get/make a magnetic screw dish. Thank me later.
Faziolous!
A beauty and beautiful Love Love.