CHAMP ELECTRONICS -" THE VALVE AMP HOSPITAL"

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND

 

LINEAR RSC BASS MAJOR  AMPLIFIER




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I distinctively remember the RSC Bass Major…..particularly the fact that it uses an EZ81 as the rectifier to supply a pair of EL34’s, which at the time (in my teens) I thought was not a very good idea! In getting older and wiser, I have since of course realized that this was only supposed to be a 20 watt amp, and that in-fact the EZ81 would have been able to supply enough current to do this…..just!

I can’t be sure that the un-shrouded pair of transformers are original, but I suspect they could be. Note the four front-mounted inputs and power fuse too. As a bass amplifier…..well…..do I really need to say it!




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Note yet again that no tag (group) boards were used in these, even though this was a factory assembled unit. Also the fact that the chassis is identical to all the other various branded models. This one uses the pair of EL34’s for the output but 2 x ECC83’s for the pre-amp & splitter (as opposed to 2 x EF86 & 1 x ECC83….used in most of the other models) You can clearly see the un-used, pre-cut EF86 socket hole. As for the EZ81 rectifier…..well……just take a look at the adaptor plate made to convert it from the pre-cut octal GZ34 base hole! Why the hell didn’t they just use a GZ34? Surely the cost difference between a GZ34 & an octal base couldn’t have outweighed the cost of an EZ81, a B9A base & the adaptor plate? Interesting stuff!



.........AND AN E-MAIL ON THE SUBJECT OF THE RSC BASS MAJOR FROM A VISITOR TO THE WEBSITE CALLED RICHARD:

 

"Hi John. 

I have been looking at your website for quite a while, but whilst looking last night I came across your feature on the RSC Bass Major amp. I remember these amps well, as my father ordered one for me from a "Practical Wireless" magazine at Xmas 1971 as a present. I think I was about 19 at the time and I wanted to start-up my own mobile disco.

When it arrived we found that we had been sent a "modified" version! The RSC GP30, the valve line-up still being the same; 1 x EZ81, 2 x ECC83 & 2 x EL34. It seemed to do the job OK but I can remember it use to get very hot as it was housed in a wooden box with a mesh grille on the front!

I still own it to this day but have not used it for years. Could you please have a look at it sometime for me and if possible return it with better than its former performance?

I have attached a photo of the same model, although It is not mine. This one looks in mint condition! Please let me know if you are able to help & your preferred method of me getting it to you. I am based in Shropshire. Thanks for a very interesting site.

Cheers, Richard."

 






 


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