Sunn Concert PA

[Addam]

Is this infact a PA or is it a guitar head?  I'm unsure because well, when I think of PAs, I think of mics and what not, but I've read some stuff on the internet and some people I know have told me that it's a guitar head.  Just trying to get clarity on this question by some people who know what they're actually talking about.  Thanks for your help.

[Zulubilly]

In the early 70's I had 2 Sunn Concert P A Heads.  They were in fact P A heads with 6 inputs with EQ for each channel.  I  think they had 1/4' inputs and no XLR inputs.

Zulu

[Isaac]

Is this the old tube Concert PA? If so, it was intended as a PA, never as a guitar amp. however, if you want to use it as a guitar amp, and like the sound of it, who's to stop you? Jimi Hendrix and Leslie West are said to have done the same, so you'd be in good company.

[Addam]

It's actually the solid state one.

[Isaac]

I'm not familiar with it, then. I remember the Concert Controller, which was definitely a PA. I tried my bass through it once, and it sounded terrible.

[mckinnon audio]

  Hi there,I had a Sunn Concert Controller I at one time,don't know if it's the same one you have,but it was 6 channels with 2 hi z inputs/ch.,had reverb,a cut only eq.section,and was 150 wrms @ 4 ohms.Layed out in a small mixer format with a lid that clipped on over all the ch.controls.Definetely for P.A.,like Issac said,my bass didn't sound that great through it either.Got any pics? Mel.

[Addam]

It's getting fixed right now so no pictures at the moment.  I will definatly take some, first thing, when I get it back though.

[Addam]

Just got this back from being fixed.  Super excited.  I can take and post pictures if anyone is interested.  They will just be the outside of it though because I don't feel like taking it apart to show inside.  Like I said, if anyone is interested in seeing this.... 

[loudthud]

There was a Concert PA that came out in 1969. The head had 5 inputs, treble and bass on each channel and reverb. 90 watts IIRC. Quarter inch Hi Z inputs only. It came with two column speakers that had the Orion type vertical striped grill cloth. The head used the Orion metal work and was probably slightly wider than 24 inches. I think it only lasted one year. In the early 70's there was a Concert PA that was totally different. More of a mixing desk type thing.

[Addam]

I think I have the 5 channel one, but I'm only saying that because mine has 5 channels.  Sounds really good though(I've been using it as a guitar head).  I've been to shows where bands have played the same one I have as guitar heads and it sounded really good.  Will take pictures tomorrow and upload.  It'll be easier to clear up the year it was made then too.

I got this with a Sunn 6x10S for $250.  Sucks only three of the Transducer work- the other three are blown.     Still satisfied with my buy though.

[Isaac]

Just got this back from being fixed.  Super excited.  I can take and post pictures if anyone is interested.  They will just be the outside of it though because I don't feel like taking it apart to show inside.  Like I said, if anyone is interested in seeing this.... 

We're always interested in seeing pictures of old Sunn gear. I think it's like porn for some of us...

[MusicFox]

Gear Porn always gives me G.A.S. I can't look..... no don't make me look........

[Addam]

Hope this gets you guys off.   

Front view, with a bit of my 6x10S.


Closer up view of front.


Knobs(L-R):
-Level
-Treble
-Bass
-Master Volume
-Master Reverb

Then there are a few switches which you can see.

Back view.


Close up back left.


Close up back center/right.


Back center.


Labels and jacks on back are(L-R):
-Preamp out above jack.  1 Volt below jack.
-Orange label is blank above the two vertical jacks.  Any idea what these are for?
-The white large warning label is just a warning and then gives the Sunn address in Oregon.
-Three jacks with Output Extension Speakers, Aux. Input from Control Unit, and Output below it.
-Below the fuse it says Fuse 3 Amp.
-Small black tag says 400 watts.
-These is one more label on the right that can't be seen that says 117 Volts, 60 Cycles, 400 Watts Max.

Can anyone tell me the ohms of the outputs?  Also any idea what the two vertical jacks are on the left side?

Sorry for the long post and huge pictures.  Hope this helps someone identify this because I have no idea(but I'm not complaining either).  I'm loving this thing.

[Johnny Guitar]

When I was in High School we used to drool at the thought of having the Sunn Concert PA that was at the local music store.  I even tried to rent it for an afternoon talent show at my High School that my band was playing in.  But the store owner loaned me a Gibson PA that was tiny, but worked ok.  The oldest guy in the band talked a lady he worked with into cosigning for our dream PA, but she lived in another town and would only drive to the local music store in her town.  We ended up with a 100 Watt Kasino PA that was fine but NOT our dream - those shiny dustcaps on all those 12" speakers in the Sunn were Hypnotizing!

I have been putting together a couple of Systems but haven't had time to start restoring yet.

Concert PA with Concert Accessory Horns
Coliseum PA and 200S Bass bins with Concert Radial Horns & Studio PA Cabs with JBL 15s & LE100 Horns


Johnny G.