Help indentify a Baldwin 6L6 vacuum tube organ amp...

[Guest]

Greetings, all.[:)]</P>


I'm a newbiehere, so I hope I'm posting this thread to the correct forum. </P>


I just received a newly modified mid-'50s Baldwin 6L6 vacuum tube 2-channel organ amplifier from a friend, and I'm hoping to have this amp identified from the electronic organ experts here.My friendhad this particular amp converted overto stereo-only use for my audio systemby aWill Vincent of Autospec fame (he modifies many old consumer audio tube amps and sells them on www.audiogon.com; some of you may be familiar with him and his work). The amp uses a quad of 6L6s in push-pull for the output, a pair of 12AX7 triodes as drivers, and dual 5U4 rectifiers, and is rated at about 28 watts per channel.</P>


I've Google searched the web for info on this amplifier and so far have come up empty handed on its original design and schematics. What I do know is that it's either called a Model 40 or Model 45 amp, unless that's the actual model of the Baldwin organ or tone cabinet it came from. It was originally a 2-channel mono amp in that it controlled both a high frequency driver and a low frequency woofer, and for stereo use had to have its original output transformers replaced with two new trannies to drive a left - right stereo pair of loudspeakers. It also had to have RCA output jacks and speaker binding posts added for it to be used for a stereo system, along with a power switch, an in-line fuse, and an IEC power cord outlet. After receiving the amplifier, I spoke to Will on the phoneand he knows nothing of the history of this Baldwin amp since he's not an organ "buff"...he just knows electronics andbasic tube circuitry and can rebuild/modify them, no matter if they're hi-fi amps, guitar amps, or from vintage radios or organs.</P>


I'd just like to verify its model number and year of manufacture, and whether it came from the organ console itself or from a tone cabinet, and where to find its original schematic diagram (not that it would matter muchanymore since it's no longer in its original condition)...anything at all about this particular Baldwin organ amplifier would be greatly appreciated! I often wonder what became of the original instrument it used to power...how long did it survive providing music by various organistsbefore being ripped out of its host, blah, blah, blah...obviously no one can answer those questions for me but the amplifier, and it's not sharing its secrets with me. It does provide beautiful music once more...it's constantly driving my loudspeakers with my favorite pipe organ recordings, and it sounds absolutely fantastic!</P>


Thanks in advance for any assistance I receiveconcerning this old Baldwin organ amp.</P>


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[OrgansR4Me]

Re: Help indentify a Baldwin 6L6 vacuum tube organ amp...

You are correct in assuming that Baldwin 45 was an organ model number. It was the 25 pedal full console home model of the period. And yes there was a circuit for the bass and treble. I'm sorry I don't have any information on the schematics for that amp. Thanks for sharing the impressive picture of the amp rebuild. It is an example of outstanding craftsmanship. You are lucky to have such a friend!

[Guest]

Re: Help indentify a Baldwin 6L6 vacuum tube organ amp...



Thank youfor the reply, and the compliments! I am lucky to have a friend like this...the Baldwin was a shock; it wasn't planned for or even expected by me, and I certainly didn't ask for it! But I am happy to have it and enjoy its sonics. I kindafeel sorry for the organ it was yanked out of, though,but like old Magnavox, Fisher, and Motorolastereophonic consoles of the late '50s early '60s, they, too get trashed after their amps and tubeshave beenconfiscated, leaving the wooden carcasses to rot at some landfill. Sad.</P>


So, the amplifier is a Model 45 from a full size consumer/home model organ with only a 25 notepedalboard...that's a start, and certainly good to know. The amplifier weighs in atalmost 40 lbs. due to that massive power supply trannie! Good old American craftsmanship; they just don't build 'em like that anymore, that's for sure. It may not be aesthetically pleasing (who cared how it would look sitting inside an organ console), but any shortcomings in cosmetics are totally outdone by its performance as a stereo amp with modern day equipment.[Y]</P>