Watkins Dominator V front Tremolo 1961-1962

This is a beautiful example of a early 60s Watkins Dominator. It has an original pale blue and cream cloth / paper covering, and most of the original piping is intact. The grille cloth was damaged, and has recently been repaired. There are some signs of wear and tear, especially around the edges, as you'd expect for this type of amp, with this age.

It has the later blue and white faceplate. All of the knobs are original. The knobs are in good shape, with faint cracks, but still solid and functional.

Some of the woodwork joins have been repaired, and some of the plywood has some delamination, which has been re-glued, where required.

The handle is well fixed and in good working order. One badge is intact, the other only retains the W of the Watkins logo.

It has all of its cabinet screws, though a few of the brass cups are replacements.

The baffles are in relatively good shape - one grille cloth is completely intact, the other has been repaired, with all the original cloth and has been reinforced from behind with interface cloth. The brass flashes are all straight.

Other than some discolouration, the back is in an excellent condition.

On the bottom, there is some delamination, and one foot has been replaced with a rubber replacement, but generally it is strong and sound.

The amp inside has been completely overhauled - all three preamp valves failed VCM test, and have been replaced with Sovtek 12AX7. The valves have been kept, along with all, other removed parts, and will remain with the amp. The rectifier has been upgraded from an EZ80 (underpowered) to a similar period EZ81, which is the correct device for this amp. The power valves tested good, and are the Tungsram ones that were fitted to the amp on arrival.

All of the Hunts caps have been replaced, some due to falling apart with age, which is normal for these amps. The main HT filter caps have been replaced with F&T and Nichicon modern equivalents - they are within spec of the design.

Most of the resistors are original, other than 2 that broke during overhaul. Those that are out of tolerance, still work well with the design. These can be adjusted should it be required (at an additional cost), but I don't think it needs it. The voltage droppers on the HT filter have been replaced with over-spec W21 3.5W vitrified wire-wound. Other than working the pots, no other remedial was needed on them. The lamp has been replaced.

The amplifier section works perfectly - both channels sound crisp, jacks, volume and tone controls work as designed. The tremolo is one of the best I have heard, with no thumping.

The plug top has been replaced, and the earthing has been brought up to regulations. The original plug top is included.

The speakers are in a good state - one has been turned to prevent coil rub, which can happen when the amps have been standing for decades. The leads have been extended to accommodate. The speakers are in phase.

The foot pedal is pressed steel, and is in a good condition. It remains mainly painted, with some rust underneath, which has been brushed back. One of the sides is slightly dented, but the pedal works perfectly well.

The repairs have been carried out by myself, Jon Elliott (aka Jonny Brelliott) and I have over 30 years experience of carrying out these kind of vintage repairs. I work for several international tours, along with many local artist and shops. Please feel free to look up TLC Amplifiers, we are on Instagram, Facebook, and have our own web page, and Google reviews.

I would consider this to be high player grade amplifier, and would be suitable for home and studio used. For a more rugged version, suitable for gigging and touring, consider the Branston Mistress amplifier, e.g.: https://reverb.com/uk/item/74073703-brelliott-branston-mistress-2014-varnished-cloth

The amp is being sold on behalf of a 3rd party.

The video was recorded before the grille cloth was repaired - please refer to the photographs for the state of the cloths.