I’ve been thinking a nice Plexi would be a great addition to the quiver, and I spotted this one online at Guitar Center’s used listings (big surprise!). The Kruse mods listed was a volume control, and since I’d likely be adding a master volume anyway I figured that’d be one less thing I’d have to deal with.
It finally arrived and just… wow. This thing is trashed. First of all, the amp came with no tubes at all, and no power cable. I borrowed a spare power cable and tubes from my stash and powered it up. It sounds like a wet fart and any volume level - and that’s not an exaggeration. I’m not sure how else to even describe it, it sounds like a broken speaker flapping around, especially on the lower strings. The modifications include removing the standby switch for a rotary selector with different wattages indicated (a variac style volume?) as well as another master volume that replaces the presence knob.
It’s really a shame to see this modifications done to this amp. I didn’t know much about Blankenship before, but after some digging I’ve found them to be highly expensive, true to component Marshall 1959 clones with impeccable quality and top of the line components. Inside are Mercury and Classic Tone transformers/choke, high end Sozo caps, and a beautiful red point to point turret board. Sadly, the mods are pretty shoddily done and caked in some glue/epoxy making it difficult to even tell what is wrong with it.
Another screw up saved by Guitar Center’s return policy, though still sad such a special amp is essentially going into the trash/repair bin.
2021 Update: This one has a happy ending! The new owner contacted me, and Roy himself even chimed in and this amp has been fully restored to its former glory. My only regret is that it’s not mine anymore!