Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a TR35B that I would like some information about. Does anyone have an instruction manual or a service manual for this amp? Can anyone tell me how to date the amp by serial number etc? What is the original speaker for this amp?

David: The TR35B certainly came with small instruction manual, however, I have never seen one of these. The "35" refers to an RMS output of 35 watts, however, this rating is on the conservative side. The serial number, to which you referred in another post, is lacking the prefix that provides the year and month of manufacture. It should be to the left of the number you provided. Often it was on a decal stuck to the chasis and as such it may have fallen off over the years. You are probably looking for a W or X prefix in the case of this amplifier. I realize that this is not much of a response. Perhaps the amp gurus will boom in.

Here is the schematic for the TR35B from the Official Rickenbacker Site.

Let me see if I got the amplifier letter code right. Serial number letters on my TR35B are TM. Does that date to January 1980? Serial number letters on David Irvine's TR35B are UN. February 1981?

The Rickenbacker website serial decoder works for amps too, at least those since the mid 1970's.

Thanks to all of you for the help. I have found a link that has dating of Rick guitars and amps. I just picked up a 1991 4001V63 in Mapleglo. I love the contour body. The sound is wonderfrul through the TR35B. Does anyone have a good link to learn how to play a bass guitar. I love the groove with the drummer. I have been playing six string guitar since 1966 and seriously since 1973. I really want to pick up the bass now.
Cheers

Gotta Love those TR35B's.

This one should be here on Tuesday fresh off the Bay:

I just picked one of these off the 'bay about a week ago and it is a wonderful sounding light little bass amp!!! This is only rated 35 watts?? Since I am a rookie with these, can someone explain to me why you can turn this on with a left OR right toggle?? And....why are there two inputs?? I didn't get a manuel with it so I am kind of in the dark ......According to the serial #, this is an '83

It is one terrific amp, Chris - total Rickenbacker tone. I believe the second input is there simply to enable you to simultaneously plug in an additional instrument: a keyboard, another bass or even a 6/12 string guitar (!). As for the power switch, though it says "On-On" on the panel(at least on my TR35B it does), this is an on/off switch.

Thanks Sergio!

On the on/off switch, I was playing around with it and thought maybe left was one channel and right was another channel.....but alas, it is as you say....

Sounds great, but I find that the sound sometimes fades out and then comes back in once in a while....gotta get THAT fixed, eh??

The on-off-on switch is useful if you are in a situation where there is hum occuring as a result of a ground loop. Using a ground 'lift' adapter, the switch then allows you to decide which 'on' position will provide the best 'earthing' of the amplifier. Ground looping usually occurs when an instrument is plugged into more than one amplifier, or when using a direct box to the 'mains'. Actually, this is a very versatile feature. Never permanently remove the ground lug on your power cord; it can save your life. Adapters are cheap, and should only be used when necessary.

"Never permanently remove the ground lug on your power cord; it can save your life. Adapters are cheap, and should only be used when necessary."

Tracy, funny you should say that.....

My cord DOES have the ground broken off!!(it was like that when I got it off the 'bay).
I guess I'll go to Lowe's tonight and get a new adapter!! Thanks for the info!!

That's excellent Chris! Let's all remember 'safety first'! Heavy duty replacement 'plugs' are inexpensive and last for years. It's the best option outside of replacing the entire power cord. You won't need an adapter unless you have 'two-prong' outlets or intend to use a direct box or two amplifiers in a (for instance) 'Rick-O-Sound' connection.

I just got back from playing out with my TR35B and it sounded amazing!! I was playing the V63 through it and cranked it up to 10 and there came forth this wonderful distortion.....

Our guitarist was looking at me kinda funny though....

Guitarists have a tendency to do that! Go figure.