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Electronics··1 min read

Restoration of an old tube amplifier (valve).

Restoring a 50-year-old Bogen J330 tube amplifier into a guitar amp: paint close to the original, new capacitors and valves, plus before-and-after photos.

Restoration of an old tube amplifier (valve).

Luckily, I have done well with the restore multiple amplifiers to empty tubes (or valves). Especially with the challenger CHA10 restoration and from Pathfinder PF-15, so I decided to do the same with him Bogen J330. This is the same amp that you I replaced a vacuum tube with solid state components in a previous article. It wasn't really that bad for more than 50 years of existence, but it could do with a cat's hand. The idea, like the previous project, is to use it as a guitar amp.

I did not want to make any modifications to the electronics, because for my taste, it sounds very good as it is. Well, actually I did have to replace some damaged capacitors, the rectifier valve (which was burned out) and the 6L6 power tubes (this just for maintenance as they weren't damaged)… but I didn't make any modifications to the original circuit.

The restoration work was mainly painting. I decided to use a color quite close to the original, just a little more metallic. I will post before and after photos.

Front panel of the Bogen J330 amplifier before restoration, with its worn blue paint
Top cover of the Bogen J330 before restoration, with scratched and peeling paint

Now some photos of the "after".

The restored Bogen J330 amplifier with fresh metallic blue paint, on a wooden table
Close-up of the restored Bogen J330 panel, with the Bogen Sound Systems logo and the treble knob

A beauty!

In the next few days I will test the sound and upload more photos.

What does a tube amp sound like?

I'll upload a video in the next few days.

PS Thanks to Chento for donating the 6L6 tubes for this noble cause 😉


Keep rescuing valve sound with this restoration of a vintage amplifier and learn to turn an old radio into a guitar amp. More in Electronics.

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