A 1970 hybrid amp

solspirit

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Apparently this Hofner KV 40 I have is a hybrid. I know nothing about tube amps or preamps. This should be interesting.
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

Does it have a nice 70s overdrive? I’ve never played a Hofner but I love the overdrive of older SS amps (Ross, Rickenbacker, etc) so with a tube pre I’d prob dig it
 
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Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

A hybrid amp has a pre amp and a tube amp? I guess I don’t know anything about hybrids. I’ve even avoided buying a Prius because I don’t want to drive anything that runs on both steam and diesel.
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

It can actually be two different styles. Some have a tube preamp and solid state power section. Others have a solid state preamp and a tube power section.

I'll have to look this one up.

Edit:

Is this amp the KV40, 2x12 vertical combo by chance?
 
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Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

It can actually be two different styles. Some have a tube preamp and solid state power section. Others have a solid state preamp and a tube power section.

I'll have to look this one up.

Edit:

Is this amp the KV40, 2x12 vertical combo by chance?

It's hard to find info, I'm pulling my hair out.
As far as I can tell, I haven't opened it yet. From web research I think it's either a Hofner made by Schaller or a Schaller. Shaller had forward facing controls and I think they stopped production of the KV line in 69 or 70. All the Hofners after 1970 have top mounted controls, so.. it may even be a 69 Schaller. It's been recovered so no badges on it and I can't find any other identifiers without opening it but I'm too busy right now.
I'm pretty sure it's a tube preamp from what little info I could find.


Please let me know if you find anything.
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

Does it have a nice 70s overdrive? I’ve never played a Hofner but I love the overdrive of older SS amps (Ross, Rickenbacker, etc) so with a tube pre I’d prob dig it

I haven't even really looked, it might. I haven't really had any time to check it out. It was in the pawn shop for $300. Ii plugged it in to make sure it powered up, it did so I offered him $200 and he hemmed and hawed until I was walking out the door and then said OK I'll take $200.
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

what makes you think its a hybrid? doesnt look like it from the schematic
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

When Schaller was selling them they were all tube, around 1969 is when they decided to stop I guess. The 69 Schaller and 70 Hofner look alike with forward facing controls. After 1970 Hofner sold itwith a different configuration and the controls in top as well as the speakers level and not staggered.
 
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Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

I might rip it open next weekend if I have time. I'm real curious. I'm searching for anything I can find on the web too but there isn't much.
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

what makes you think its a hybrid? doesnt look like it from the schematic

Some of the things I've read and the fact that it turns on quietly but pops loudly when turned off and takes 30 seconds to power down.
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

yes, a similar schematic was in the reverb listing and didnt show any tubes. its a ss amp, still worth opening it up and blowing the dust and debris out if nothing else
 
Re: A 1970 hybrid amp

Cool.. thanks a lot guys I'm gonna open it up and blow the dust out but I'm going to take it to a pro to do a once over. It sounds really good just the way it is but I have a feeling if it was tuned up it would sound a lot better.
 
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