daz
1 post
Nov 01, 2009
6:53 AM
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I was wondering if anyone had used an Alamo Dart as a harp amp. I have a chance to buy a 1960's Dart in excellent shape but the amp is located about 1 hour from where I live. Is it worth the trip in anyone's experience? Thanks for the input and great forum!
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Kingley
490 posts
Nov 01, 2009
7:05 AM
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I had never heard of one until your post. But on paper it looks ok. 5 Watts,10" Speaker, Tremolo circuit. Seems a similar set up to a Kalamazoo (great harp amp). Looks wise it's quite similar to the Harmony amps which again are great harp amps. It may have even been made by the same company and just rebadged for Alamo.
I would say it's worth the trip to check it out. Be sure to take your mics, harps.
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daz
2 posts
Nov 01, 2009
8:00 AM
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Thanks Kingley. You're right, they do look alot like those Harmony amps. Taking a mic and harp are a must do!
Last Edited by on Nov 01, 2009 9:18 AM
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MJ
56 posts
Nov 01, 2009
9:32 AM
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Here is a youtube link for an Alamo dart amp. This amp does not have a power transformer, so it could be a danger as far as grounding is concerned.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54825104
You would most likely want to install an isilation transformer.
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daz
3 posts
Nov 01, 2009
11:58 AM
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MJ thanks for the response. If it's true it will need an isolation transformer, according to google that could be quite expensive for the hardware alone. This makes me have second thoughts on whether I should purchase it. Am I correct in thinking it may not be worth it?
Last Edited by on Nov 01, 2009 4:36 PM
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MJ
57 posts
Nov 01, 2009
6:05 PM
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Daz, I don't want to tell anyone what to do, however it it were me looking to buy a tube amp of that vintage, I would get one with a tube compliment of either 12ax7,6V6, 5Y3, or el84, 12ax7, 6x4. Amps with those tubes will always have a power transformer. Alamo did make some amps that fall in that lineup. The Challenger is one that comes to mind. I owned a Challenger once andit is a good harp amp. Ther is also the Kalamazoo, either model 1 or 2 which is a sure bet as a great harp amp that will not break the bank. Good luck in your search. The byword when looking for something you desire is...Patience.
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daz
5 posts
Nov 02, 2009
5:44 AM
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Thanks again MJ. That's good advice. I've got nothin' but time :)
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