SVT rigs should feel right at home with
Traynor’s pummeling powerhouse. The
amp was designed with those massive,
rumbling tones in mind and coupled with
considerations for modern reliability.
The YBA300’s circuit is entirely tube-
based, which is sadly a rarity in the world
of modern bass amps. Three 12AX7s
process the preamp signal, along with a
12AU7 acting as a driver between the
preamp and power amp. Speaking of
the power amp, the YBA300’s absolutely
ridiculous amount of volume is fueled
by 12 power-amp tubes, which can eas-
ily be switched between 6L6’s and EL34’s
via a panel on the back of the amp. With
a maximum wattage of 300 watts, the
YBA300 is sure to satisfy any bassist’s crav-
ings for more power, punch, and expansive
volume. Each pair of power-amp tubes has
its own dedicated bias adjustment control,
along with LED indicators to indicate
if the bias is too high or too low. If the
dreadful case occurs where one, or an
entire pair goes bad during a gig, the cir-
cuit is designed to knock out the offending
tubes safely, keeping the amp running
steadily for the time it takes to finish the
set and get them replaced.
She’s Got Balls
As I mentioned previously, the YBA300
yearns to please those who desire deep, rich
bass with an immense amount of volume
and heft behind it. This amp was made to
fill large venues and make sure the crowd in
back at an outdoor gig can hear you loud
and clear.
To help the YBA300 accomplish its mission, Traynor designed the TC810. A mammoth 8x10 cabinet made with solid, birch
plywood slabs and covered in thick Nubex
material, the TC810 boasts a metal grille
and handles, skid rails, and built-in wheels
to tilt the cab back for easy transport.
Moving the 1600-watt cabinet—which can
also be split into separate 800-watt, 4x10
configurations—was a real backbreaker due
to the density of the birch ply construction.
Birch plywood is considerably heavier than
the Straight Truth About Pickups by Jason Lollar
The “magic” found in some (but not all) classic vintage pickups
was created by accident. Don’t let anyone tell you different. And
over time, some pretty stellar accidents happened. The only way
to recreate that magic is to study more than a few exceptional
examples of all the classic pickup types, while acquiring a
thorough understanding of exactly what materials were used
and precisely how each pickup was constructed and wound. Only
then is the “magic” repeatable, if you are willing to spend the time
and money required to chase the dragon. I am.
I personally design and wind over 30 different pickup models,
including all the vintage classics, many obscure works of art
known only to lap and pedal steel players like Robert Randolph,
and even a few of my own designs that never existed in the past.
I invite you to visit our website for sound clips, videos and
current product information, or call us for a free product
highlight brochure.
