How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

HALENisking

HALENisking

New member
Let's try this again. I'm SURE I want to. I gig a lot. The amp is by no means ergonomic, and is heavy. It would be a lot more convenient in a head, and I love the amp.

The process seems straightforward in my head, but I have no actual experience and I'm sure there are some safety/logic tips you guys can contribute. A link to a general and reputable DIY tutorial would be awesome too if that's what can be contributed. Couldn't find anything that looks super good myself.

Also materials? Open to non traditional ideas for sure, just looking for strength/light weight/smaller size.

Thanks guys! :usa2:
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

it's not a good idea.

you should sell the combo and buy the head. or buy the head and keep the combo for when you want it.

A good, used-condition SuperSonic combo is worth anywhere from $700 to $1000. Good luck getting $300 for a hack-job re-housed combo in a home-made head shell.

Think of it as spending $400 plus the parts and labor of building the head shell when you're considering your options here, y'know? Think about all the cool things, including all-tube guitar amps, you can buy with $400 plus headshell parts and the time you're gona spend building it. You could get a vintage Bassman for $500. You could get a custom handmade Hovercraft for $600.

If you pull the combo's amp chassy out in one piece and re-house it in a custom head, you can at least reverse the mod and maintain your value... but if you do what I've seen other dudes do and actually saw the chassy out of the combo, you've ruined everything, wasted a ton of money, and created two separate pieces of junk out of one kick-ass tube combo amp. But y'know it's your life or whatever so do your thing bro.
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

No no no I wanted to put it in a completely new enclosure; I too have absolutely no idea why one would saw into the combo. Does the $400 represent money spent on the new head box? That seems an unlikely number. Unless somehow I could get the script logo 100w head for the money that I got from selling the amp I'm still interested in doing this. Like you said: A) It's reversible when making a new enclosure and B) Resale be damned anyway if it even was a problem. I've had this amp for years and it still is my favorite.


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Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

You think I could get the 100W script head for the original SuperSonic 60?


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EDIT: Nah, listened to the new one's burn channel, sounds like they tried to add too much extra gain. Like a fuzz pedal almost.
 
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Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

It's easy. You need, basically, four pieces of wood ... top, bottom and two sides. You take accurate measurements from the existing cab (obviously the height is not going to be the same, and you need to carefully consider the new height for cooling and being able to pull valves out with the chasis still in the new enclosure).

Stylistically you just emulate the shape of the original cab (esp. the shape around the control panel and the front-to-back depth). You will also need to create some kind of front and back panels and think about how they'll be mounted. You will need to accurately make holes for whatever chasis-mounting fixtures are used. Cosmetically, almost all options are open to you. Pretty much every kind of cabinet hardware (tolex, corners, handles, vent grilles, rubber feet) is easily available nowdays.

Basically it's all about measurements before you cut any materials. And always allow for the thickness of whatever tolex/vinyl you might plan to use. Measure carefully, many times, and draw up plans on paper. You can buy pine planks wide enough for head shells, it's light and easy to work with. It's cheap enough that if the first attempt doesn't work out, you can get it right on a second attempt. But if you take your time in the measuring and planning stages, you won't need a second attempt.

If you're really keen, you can put the completed shell, with the chasis installed, on a dowel rod and roll it along (dowel from front to back, roll from left to right) until the amp head balances perfectly (l to r). That gives you the centrepoint distance for the handle, which may end up being well off-centre, but it will make the head balance perfectly when being carried. (if both transformers are near one end of the chasis, the handle will be shifted noticeably in the same direction).
 
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Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

the $400 I was talking about would be the value immediately lost if you try and cut that combo in half.

if you're just rehousing the chassy it's way less destructive but still more trouble than it's worth in my opinion... but I'm the guy who's spent the past two years buying every cool amp head and speaker cabinet I've gotten my hands on so, y'know, i pretty much always think buying another amp is the best option :smokin:
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

Even though a Cab Head conversion is not listed here as standard, Peter Mather will make you one I'm sure. Superb quality and fit and priced reasonably. I highly recommend him.
http://www.mathercab.com/price_list_fender.htm
Once built, it is a simple task to relocate the chassis and reverb tank.
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

crusty philtrum said:
It's easy. You need, basically, four pieces of wood ... top, bottom and two sides. You take accurate measurements from the existing cab (obviously the height is not going to be the same, and you need to carefully consider the new height for cooling and being able to pull valves out with the chasis still in the new enclosure).

Stylistically you just emulate the shape of the original cab (esp. the shape around the control panel and the front-to-back depth). You will also need to create some kind of front and back panels and think about how they'll be mounted. You will need to accurately make holes for whatever chasis-mounting fixtures are used. Cosmetically, almost all options are open to you. Pretty much every kind of cabinet hardware (tolex, corners, handles, vent grilles, rubber feet) is easily available nowdays.

Basically it's all about measurements before you cut any materials. And always allow for the thickness of whatever tolex/vinyl you might plan to use. Measure carefully, many times, and draw up plans on paper. You can buy pine planks wide enough for head shells, it's light and easy to work with. It's cheap enough that if the first attempt doesn't work out, you can get it right on a second attempt. But if you take your time in the measuring and planning stages, you won't need a second attempt.

If you're really keen, you can put the completed shell, with the chasis installed, on a dowel rod and roll it along (dowel from front to back, roll from left to right) until the amp head balances perfectly (l to r). That gives you the centrepoint distance for the handle, which may end up being well off-centre, but it will make the head balance perfectly when being carried. (if both transformers are near one end of the chasis, the handle will be shifted noticeably in the same direction).
Click to expand...

See this is the sort of gem I thought would show up! Great info, especially about balancing. Thank you!

Empty Pockets said:
the $400 I was talking about would be the value immediately lost if you try and cut that combo in half.

if you're just rehousing the chassy it's way less destructive but still more trouble than it's worth in my opinion... but I'm the guy who's spent the past two years buying every cool amp head and speaker cabinet I've gotten my hands on so, y'know, i pretty much always think buying another amp is the best option :smokin:
Click to expand...

That's a good mentality, but unfortunately not so realistic for me :laughing:

Now the only thing I'm worried about is actually removing the chassis. I would imagine I take the tubes out first... anything else along those lines?
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

To begin with, realize the size of the cabinet is adding negligible weight. Essentially you will be saving the weight of the speaker. (Transformers, tubes and sockets, reverb tank, etc. are all pretty heavy) that being said, if you are into woodworking, it's a fairly simple process, and it should be pretty cheap and fun. There are some good videos on YouTube showing how to build a finger jointed cabinet as well as how to cover with Tolex. You'll essentially be measuring the size of the current panels and making some adjustments for the new desired height. If you don't have woodworking tools and patience (or it doesn't sound like a fun process) I'd just buy one. Mojo has some head cabs, measure the dimensions you'll need.

http://www.mojotone.com/amp-parts/cabinets-amplifier-head

Removing the chassis is incredible simple. Remove the four screws holding on the back door, then (while supporting the chassis) remove the screws on the top straps holding the chassis in the cabinet.
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

I can't add to the fabrication part of the thread, but I did swap my Express 5:50+ out of its combo shell and converted it to a head using parts from Mesa.

It is a much more flexible rig now because I can use any cab with it, and in my opinion is much easier to pack and move around. It's not the weight so much as the combination of weight and bulk.

I saw a guy who converted a fender twin to a head. Man what a beast of an amp and without the spleen-crushing weight!

One other thing to mention is that if this amp has a separate reverb tank you'll want to take that into account in your plan.

Sounds like a cool project, good luck!
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

Cool guys. I'm trying to keep it cheap as possible, and I'm looking for a non traditional material to make the shell out of. Not sure what that would be yet. Some modern strong material... :33: I do need to fit a verb tank in there too.
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

If I were you I'd just buy a head cab for it but get ready to spend some money. Top of my head I'm thinking $300 for a nice head cab for that amp.

If you DIY that's fine too but I wouldn't go that route...its a lot more work than you think.

Keep in mind one thing...heads with built in reverb have lots of noise issued if the reverb pan is too close to the chassis. You need to do what Fender did with the Bandmaster Reverb heads of the late 60s and keep the pan far away from the chassis...it looks stupid having the head be that tall but the noise issue you'll create if you don't is a pretty bad.


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Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

Having done it twice, it's definitely more work than it seems, if you want it to look good. If you experience working with wood and other materials, it will go better.

I don't regret the learning experience, but looking back I don't think I'd do it again, given that there are more and more lunch box sized head choices out there. While I like the two amps I did it to and will keep them forever, they are no longer my go to amps and have been replaced by a vox night train G2 50, which has worked out really for me. Maybe not the last amp I ever use, but it will be awhile before I consider anything else.

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Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

I moved an Ampeg head out of a 4x10 combo into a head shell once, but you're seriously considering doing this with a 1x12? Dude, really?
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

Just buy a nice road case and haul it that way.

I have a bad back (as in a surgery, MANY epidural injections, sciatica, seeing a physical therapist, etc). I picked-up a sweet Supersonic Twin a few months ago. I love it. But it's a PIG. I had a gig on New Year's, so I ordered a nice road case from SafeCase for it. It's got 4 inch blue rubber wheels and just rolls over everything. Two of the casters are locking. It's also got two handles on the side and one on the top. Yes, I still have to have someone help me lift it in and out of my rig. But everything in between that is cake with the amp in this case. I simply could NOT have any hope of gigging this beast without that case. Plus... between the case and the wheels it gets my amp at least 6 inches up off the floor where I like it.

I used to be all about heads and hated combos. Honestly, this Supersonic Twin is the first combo that I've ever had in 30+ years of playing that I really liked. But this rig THUMPS and keeps right up with my stereo rig consisting of two Ceriatone plexi heads into two V30-loaded 4x12s. I may very well pick up the Supersonic 60 combo like yours down the road to run with the Twin.
 
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Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

Red_Label said:
Just buy a nice road case and haul it that way.

I have a bad back (as in a surgery, MANY epidural injections, sciatica, seeing a physical therapist, etc). I picked-up a sweet Supersonic Twin a few months ago. I love it. But it's a PIG. I had a gig on New Year's, so I ordered a nice road case from SafeCase for it. It's got 4 inch blue rubber wheels and just rolls over everything. Two of the casters are locking. It's also got two handles on the side and one on the top. Yes, I still have to have someone help me lift it in and out of my rig. But everything in between that is cake with the amp in this case. I simply could NOT have any hope of gigging this beast without that case. Plus... between the case and the wheels it gets my amp at least 6 inches up off the floor where I like it.

I used to be all about heads and hated combos. Honestly, this Supersonic Twin is the first combo that I've ever had in 30+ years of playing that I really liked. But this rig THUMPS and keeps right up with my stereo rig consisting of two Ceriatone plexi heads into two V30-loaded 4x12s. I may very well pick up the Supersonic 60 combo like yours down the road to run with the Twin.
Click to expand...
All good points, but I don't have the money. I was considering adding casters, but putting into a head is actually even more reversible. And mine's a total pig too, even though it's a 1x12.

I like to run a 2x12 with it too. The V30 is kind of brutal in the Supersonic (in a good way), pretty biting, so I use more neutral speakers in the cab.



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Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

I was able to change my Marshall DSL 401 into a head for absolutely no money. I had everything I needed laying around the house, old amp parts like corner guards, handles, rubber feet and wood. After I built the head from pine, I turned the combo cab into a 1 x 12. I had a good speaker laying around that I used. I did have to buy some Tolex for the 1 x 12 cab though. I paid a total of $14.00 for the whole project.

It is doable but if you need to buy most of the parts then it could run you a $100 or so. You will also need some tools.

Since buying a finished head cab will be a minimum of $250.00, it might be worth it for you.
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

I moved my Mesa Lonestar from a 2x12 combo to a head shell enclosure. I was tired of lugging 84lbs of amp in and out of rehearsal and was getting muscle aches the following day. I called Mesa and they walked me through ordering a head shell with a reverb tank added, and swapping it over literally took unscrewing the amp, sliding it out of the old chassis, into the new one, re-screwing it and plugging in the reverb cable. The price of the head shell was less than the money lost on trade-in and there's no way I could afford a new lonestar head. I kept the old 2x12 combo chassis so I can return it to original anytime. I got exactly what I wanted, my amp was now portable and much lighter. I use it all the time now. I can also pair it with closed cabs and British flavor speakers to get an awesome classic rock tone, or pair it with an open back cab with american voiced speakers for blues and country. You may want to call Fender and price a head shell and see it the combo amp can just be transferred over. You can then evaluate if it if worth the price vs trading or selling for the head version or building your own. Best of luck.
 
Re: How to move my Fender Supersonic 60 Combo into a head

the guy who invented fire said:
If I were you I'd just buy a head cab for it but get ready to spend some money. Top of my head I'm thinking $300 for a nice head cab for that amp.

If you DIY that's fine too but I wouldn't go that route...its a lot more work than you think.

Keep in mind one thing...heads with built in reverb have lots of noise issued if the reverb pan is too close to the chassis. You need to do what Fender did with the Bandmaster Reverb heads of the late 60s and keep the pan far away from the chassis...it looks stupid having the head be that tall but the noise issue you'll create if you don't is a pretty bad.


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Click to expand...

Good to know man
 
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