Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

[hareek]

So pumped to restore this thing and use it! He hasn't used it much in the last 15 years or so, and the tubes were changed at least 20 years ago. I plan to clean up the exterior and replace all of the tubes. Despite a few nicks in some of the vinyl, overall it's in great condition. Unfortunately my digital camera is broken so I can't take a picture of the exact amp, but here's a picture I found on the web of the same thing.

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Sweet congrats!

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Post #3 on this page seems very helpful ....

http://www.marshallforum.com/marshall-amps/3387-marshall-4140-a.html

 

[DankStar]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Wow, right onto your lap! Nice

 

[hareek]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Post #3 on this page seems very helpful ....

http://www.marshallforum.com/marshall-amps/3387-marshall-4140-a.html

Thanks for posting this, yeah there's definitely good info on the tubes in that post. I probably won't take his suggestion of changing the speakers though. As long as they work, I want to try to keep at as original as possible. I have a marshall half stack with a 1960A cab if I want the Celestion sound.


Does anyone have recommendations on how best to clean the cabinet? I've never really cleaned cabs on any amps other than dusting with like a Swiffer cloth or something.

 

[hareek]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Sweet congrats!

Thanks!

Wow, right onto your lap! Nice

Yeah my dad and I always shared equipment, and I used to use this thing a lot in high school when I was playing. But lately it has just been sitting in a closet at his house doing nothing, and I’ve recently gotten the bug again to really devote as much free time as possible to playing guitar and stop letting “life” get in the way. So today when I was over there I was just like “Hey dad, I’m taking your Marshall to my house.” He just said “Ok, have fun!” Maybe I’ll let him borrow it sometimes

 

[RealtyViking]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Does anyone have recommendations on how best to clean the cabinet? I've never really cleaned cabs on any amps other than dusting with like a Swiffer cloth or something.

I assume you are talking about the black tolex covering. A good mild detergent works best with a dry terry cloth. Either 50/50 Simple Green and water or, my favorite 409, will get the surface clean. Pretty much any cleaner around the house will work. I stay away from Windex since it has Ammonia and any bleach products as they could discolor the Tolex or the grill cloth. I have even used saddle soap, but it is more work with no real benefit since this is not leather. Just watch the edges, scuffs or tears in the tolex as you can lift them if you get too much liquid under the covering. When everything is clean and dry I follow up with a wipe down of lemon oil. Just make sure you wipe away any residual oil. This gives it a nice dull shine and smells good too.

 

[hareek]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

I assume you are talking about the black tolex covering. A good mild detergent works best with a dry terry cloth. Either 50/50 Simple Green and water or, my favorite 409, will get the surface clean. Pretty much any cleaner around the house will work. I stay away from Windex since it has Ammonia and any bleach products as they could discolor the Tolex or the grill cloth. I have even used saddle soap, but it is more work with no real benefit since this is not leather. Just watch the edges, scuffs or tears in the tolex as you can lift them if you get too much liquid under the covering. When everything is clean and dry I follow up with a wipe down of lemon oil. Just make sure you wipe away any residual oil. This gives it a nice dull shine and smells good too.

Yes the tolex covering. Thanks!

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

That's badass!

 

[Markk]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Post #3 on this page seems very helpful ....

http://www.marshallforum.com/marshall-amps/3387-marshall-4140-a.html

For a second there, I though you were referring to your own post in this thread...


Congrats on the amp!

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Marshall's 'clean amp'. Very cool man! I'd love one of those one day!

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Nice score, one of my favorite Marshall.

As for cleaning, do NOT use Formula 409, as it will eat some plastics. Windex actually works pretty well on tolex. A mild dish detergent usually works well--just dont let water run on speakers, grillcloth or electronics.

Enjoy!

Bill

 

[RealtyViking]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

As for cleaning, do NOT use Formula 409, as it will eat some plastics.

I have seen that 409 will discolor lucite, but I have never heard that it "eats plastic." Do you have any source material for this?

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

ive used armor-all to make black tolex look fresh. works a treat.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Kam doing the narration..



so it looks like gorgeous cleans and really REALLY terrible grainy and compressed Marshall style Crunch?

BTW..that early 80's Nippon Squire is outstanding..I'd love one of those!

 

[hareek]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

ive used armor-all to make black tolex look fresh. works a treat.

Yeah I thought about armor all. I've heard the mild dish detergent works well too.

 

[hareek]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

Kam doing the narration..



so it looks like gorgeous cleans and really REALLY terrible grainy and compressed Marshall style Crunch?

BTW..that early 80's Nippon Squire is outstanding..I'd love one of those!

Yeah the cleans are really great. I've never tried over driving it though. Back in the day I used to use stomp box distortion pedals through it. My dad always played clean too so I know he never tried. Once I get the tubes changed, I'll play around with it and see. I'm hoping my SD's sound better than those single coils do through it!

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Just got my dad's Marshall 4140!

I use armor all or pledge furniture polish. Whichever I have at the time or is closest. Both work really well. I've noticed that Pledge works a little longer in between cleanings though.