Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Apologies for being a total thicko, but I've just moved to Vancouver and taken my UK-bought fender amp with me. The back of the amp seems pretty keen to explicitly state what UK voltage is etc so it's got me worried that it might not like having Canadian juice running through it.

Can I go for it or will I get some kind of "Back to the Future" explosive effect when I do??

Flux Capacitor

Somewhere near the power cord at the amp will be the voltage and current ratings, something like 120V AC 4.5A or 220V AC 2.25A. There could also be a switch to change from 120V to 220V. If it has a switching power supply it would probably say something like 90-250V AC. Just make sure you are matched to Canadian voltage.

Thanks John. I'm away on business at the moment so I can't check the back of my amp!

Ooh the frustration of a jet-set lifestyle...

Back of the amp. No switch....

The power supply would need to be converted. It's possible that the transformer in the power supply has a coil tap which would make conversion easier. If not, the transformer would have to be replaced. Best to seek out a good amp tech.

They make external adaptors also. Not the best solution -but a fine temporary countermeasure.

120V 60Hz

Probably not a viable solution. It might be better to look at getting another amp.
Years ago I worked in an electronics shop, we would see this problem all the time. People would ship all their household possessions with them when they moved from 120v countries to Oz 240v. This mostly proved fruitless as on top of transport and conversion it would turn out cheaper to buy new gear.

Going from 230V to 120V would be relatively easy - Having a tech wire to a different primary coil tap on the transformer (if Fender is using a general transformer for it's amps worldwide) and changing the fuse to a higher rating, at the very least. At the most, it would be swapping the transformer for one rated for 120V and changing the fuse. This would be less expensive than purchasing a new amp (in most cases). Contact Fender for information about the transformer in your amp, and/or inquire about a new transformer.

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to have to buy a smallish practice amp while I'm out here. No point getting my amp switched as I'm back in the UK in 6 months and I'd only have to get it un-switched.

Mind you, this way I'll be stuck with a Canadian voltage amp when I come to return to England...

Robert: I understand that Matchless makes amplifiers that are designed to work on both 120 and 240 services through an internal switching arrangement that it typically done by an amp tech. If you are going to move often, this may be something to consider.

You should be able to go to your local hardware or electrical supply store and get a 110V-220V stepup transformer, just make sure it's good for at least 360 watts @ 115-120 VAC, anything designed to run on 50 cycles will be OK on 60 which I assume Canada has, like here in the US. I would get something that's rated for at least 500 watts.
I used a step down transformer in Lima, Peru for American amps, 220V-110V @ 1200 watts in fact I used it with everything I brought there.

Thanks Bob.

I solved my requirements in the short term with the loan of a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe from a mate (Canadians are so friendly...). It's a great amp but it's somewhat overpowered for my current condo-based-practise sessions!