Recent Posts

51

Q & A / Re: Another 200s Amp Question

« Last post by Soundmasterg on December 07, 2023, 11:44:42 pm »

Thank Ryan! And thank you so much for you answers. I had a feeling there weren't manuals haha. I did check out that catalog thread and while it was helpful, it certainly left me with plenty of questions. I will check the amp more thoroughly for dates.

One more question(s). I understand the purpose of a standby switch for warming up an amp for a minute or two, but I find it confusing on this amp as it has the same On/Off positions as the power. Which way should it be when warming up!? Haha. Up with the power or down? Should it be left in either position? I did a search on the forum, but it's odd how little I could find regarding this switch. I know there are strong opinions about these switches in general.

There used to be a whole bunch of Sunn catalogs and manuals and what not on the old Sunn forum, but they have been gone since the forum got picked up by Tboy/The MEF, probably about 20 years ago now. I'll post what I have saved for the 200S.

For tube amps that use receiving tubes (receiving tubes are what all tube guitar and bass amps use), a standby switch is not required. In some cases depending on how the standby is wired, (Korg-made Vox AC30 reissue for example) it can actually slowly damage the rectifier tube when the standby is used. One of the myths about standby is that it is necessary to stop cathode stripping, which is where the cathode is stripped of the electrons it emits faster than it can emit them, which damages the material the cathode is made of, hence shortening the life of the tube. This is not a concern though with amps that have less than 1500V in them, and even the vaunted Ampeg SVT is only at around 660V. Leo Fender was likely the first to add a standby switch to guitar/bass amps, and it was more of a servicing aid than anything else. In Denmark they actually removed the standby switch from new Fender amps before selling them there back in the day as it didn't meet their regulatory approval and was deemed unsafe.

That said, the way the standby switch functions is that when the amp is in the on mode with the power switch, the standby switch should be in the same orientation for the amp to play....so the top of the switch will be depressed in the on mode. If you want it in standby, then the standby switch should have the bottom depressed. Most people would use the standby this way > turn power on, with standby switch in the standby position, let it warm up for a few minutes, then move standby switch to play position and rock out. You can use it that way, but it is unnecessary.

Greg

52

Q & A / Re: Another 200s Amp Question

« Last post by emjfox on December 07, 2023, 07:28:31 pm »

June,
Congrats on your 200S!

1. I've never seen an instruction manual for a 200S. I don't know if they exist.
2. Dating: Early Sunn amps had a sparkly, diagonal weave grille cloth until around 1967 or 1968. Then a rectangular vertical pattern similar to Fender.
You'll sometimes find date stamps inside the chassis. You can also find date codes on the potentiometers.
3.Go to the Q & A line (where you posted) and look at the Sunn Catalog Thread. Not comprehensive, but the best available.

Hopefully LoudThud, EdBass and Soundmasterg will chime in!

Thanks Ryan! And thank you so much for you answers. I had a feeling there weren't manuals haha. I did check out that catalog thread and while it was helpful, it certainly left me with plenty of questions. I will check the amp more thoroughly for dates.

One more question(s). I understand the purpose of a standby switch for warming up an amp for a minute or two, but I find it confusing on this amp as it has the same On/Off positions as the power. Which way should it be when warming up!? Haha. Up with the power or down? Should it be left in either position? I did a search on the forum, but it's odd how little I could find regarding this switch. I know there are strong opinions about these switches in general.

53

Q & A / Re: Another 200s Amp Question

« Last post by Ryan Phelps on December 07, 2023, 07:17:13 pm »

June,
Congrats on your 200S!

1. I've never seen an instruction manual for a 200S. I don't know if they exist.
2. Dating: Early Sunn amps had a sparkly, diagonal weave grille cloth until around 1967 or 1968. Then a rectangular vertical pattern similar to Fender.
You'll sometimes find date stamps inside the chassis. You can also find date codes on the potentiometers.
3.Go to the Q & A line (where you posted) and look at the Sunn Catalog Thread. Not comprehensive, but the best available.

Hopefully LoudThud, EdBass and Soundmasterg will chime in!

54

Q & A / Another 200s Amp Question

« Last post by emjfox on December 07, 2023, 05:56:10 pm »

Hi all,

New member here and this is my first post. So, go easy on me please.

I just purchased my first Sunn amplifier, a 200s. I have combed through this forum, searched YouTube high and low, and done countless Google searches and I still cannot find a manual or a free catalogue description of the 200s. I have seen schematics, but I do not possess the electrical engineering knowledge to use these.

1. I know the controls are very simple compared to many amplifiers, but I would love to read their intended purposes and any special instructions for all the amps features.
2. I know it is was very likely produced in the late sixties or early seventies, but I want to be able to identify as close to the year as possible.
3. A bonus question, but one I strongly desire to have an answer to, where the heck is there a comprehensive, chronological list or their amps from beginning to at least the 1980s? I was told this forum had one, but I could not locate it.

There is such limited information out there.

Thanks,

June

55

Q & A / Re: What's a 200S Cabinet Going For These Days?

« Last post by Ryan Phelps on December 02, 2023, 07:13:21 am »

In my area this cabinet would sell for $750 or so. I doubt anyone would pay mote than $1K.
The JBL's alone are worth $500. You could start at $500 - $600 and negotiate up. My 2 cents!

56

Q & A / What's a 200S Cabinet Going For These Days?

« Last post by Mosthigh on December 02, 2023, 03:29:47 am »

I have a chance to get a 200S 2x15 cab with original JBL D140's. The cab is a bit dusty and scuffed, one slight tear in the grill cloth, logo plate has a few scrapes on it but the speakers look immaculate.

Any idea what a reasonable offer would be? I've seen them anywhere from $600 to $2K.

57

Q & A / Re: Facing facts

« Last post by Soundmasterg on November 26, 2023, 07:56:56 pm »

I'm sure whenever and whatever you decide to sell, you'll be able to find buyers. The cabs are a little harder because they are large, and a lot of modern players aren't interested, but maybe with the reboot of Sunn, some interest will come from that.

Good luck finding space! I have a new house since I saw you last with much more room, but I don't have room for a piano, though it would be nice. Maybe someday.

Greg

58

Q & A / Re: Facing facts

« Last post by Isaac on November 26, 2023, 09:05:33 am »

Thanks, Greg.

My 200S and cab are the two pieces I'm sure I'm keeping, at least for now. I still use the cab regularly, though not for gigging. I do have a second cab that never gets used.

I have to do something, though. I have inherited the family piano, and need room for it. The second 200S cab and Sceptre upright 4x12 are taking up space where it needs to go.

59

Q & A / Re: Facing facts

« Last post by Soundmasterg on October 31, 2023, 08:03:54 pm »

I feel where you're at Isaac. I've downsized to my 2000S head and cab and the 1x15 that I built for myself and that is it for bass. I'd likely part with the 1x15 if someone offered my close to what it is worth. In my heart of hearts I'd like to get your 200S head and cab if you were going to let them go, but realistically I have no need for those either. The 2000S is more than enough power for me and the 200S is duplicating some of that range. That said, I think the 200S cabinet sounds better than the 2000S cabinet....a little more balanced.

Hope when you are trying to sell that you can get what you want for them all!

Greg

60

Q & A / Facing facts

« Last post by Isaac on October 20, 2023, 11:12:52 am »

Time for me to face some uncomfortable facts.

I'm not getting any younger. Big, heavy cabinets are getting to be too much to handle. Same with amps.

I'm not likely to be playing guitar in any bands again. (Bass is all I play these days.)

When I play bass, I usually go straight to the PA.

I need more space in my house.

What all this comes down to is that I expect to be getting rid of some of my larger and heavier Sunn gear. A 200S cabinet, a Sceptre cabinet, a Model 215, two 410S cabs. Probably a Model 410H and the open-backed 2x12 that came with the Solarus after they split the combo into a head and cab. A few heads, but I think I'll make sure they work first.

I plan on keeping my 200S amp and one cab. Maybe the Sentura II head.

I'll be sad to see them go, but they take up so much room, and I never gig with them anymore.