Why Evatco Chooses Hammond Transformers

If you build, restore or upgrade guitar amps or valve Hi-Fi, you've almost certainly come across Hammond. Here's why Hammond transformers are the gold standard for amp builders and audio lovers alike, why we've made them the heart of our transformer range, and how to find the right one for your project.

A century of transformer know-how

Hammond started in 1917 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. After building radios in the early 1920s, the company turned to transformers and filter chokes in the late 1920s, and has been refining them ever since. That's nearly a hundred years of designing the parts that power valve equipment.

The result is a range that's reliable, well documented and consistent from one unit to the next. For an amp builder, that means you know exactly what you're getting.

What each transformer does in a valve amp

Transformers have a huge influence on how a valve amp sounds and feels. There are four main types:

  • Power transformer: converts mains voltage into the high voltage for the valves, plus the heater voltages. It sets the amp's operating voltages, which shape headroom and feel.
  • Output transformer: matches the high-impedance power valves to your low-impedance speaker. It's often called the most tone-critical part in the amp, shaping bass response, clarity and how the amp breaks up.
  • Choke: works with the filter capacitors to smooth the DC supply and cut hum. Its rating affects how tight or saggy the power supply feels.
  • Audio and interstage transformers: couple one stage to the next in some Hi-Fi and specialist designs.

For guitarists: it's all about the tone

You can have the best guitar and pedals in the world, but if your transformers aren't up to the job, your amp won't sound its best. Hammond transformers deliver a full, tight low end, smooth mids and clear highs, whether you play clean or push the amp into overdrive. They're also well built to keep hum and noise down.

Best of all, Hammond makes drop-in replacements for the classic amps: power transformers, output transformers and chokes designed to match the originals in fit and function.

Fender replacement transformers

Marshall replacement transformers

Vox replacement transformers

Orange, Gibson and more

We also stock replacements such as the Orange Rocker 35 watt output transformer and a Gibson 15 watt output transformer, plus chokes for Yorkville amps.

Not sure which one you need?

Use our Guitar Amp Transformer Finder to search by amp, or look up your original part number in our Guitar Amp Transformers Cross Reference.

Reading Hammond part numbers

Hammond's classic replacement series follow a pattern that's handy to know:

  • 290 series: power transformers for classic guitar amps
  • 1750 series: output transformers that replace the original, usually with the original speaker tap
  • 1760 series: upgraded versions with extra speaker taps. For example, the 1750C has a single 3.2 Î© secondary, while the 1760C adds 8 and 16 Î© taps.
  • "P" suffix: classic paper-wound versions for a vintage-correct build, such as the 1760CP
  • 194 series: chokes for classic guitar amps

For builders: universal transformers

Designing your own amp, or building something that isn't a direct clone? Hammond's universal ranges give you flexibility:

Mount it all in a Hammond steel chassis, or one of our guitar amp chassis.

For audiophiles: hear every detail

If you're into valve Hi-Fi, clarity is everything: the faint brush of a snare, the breath before a vocal line. Hammond's Hi-Fi transformers are designed for low distortion and wide frequency response, so you hear the music as it was recorded:

Why Evatco loves Hammond (and you will too)

We stock Hammond because we believe in them. If we didn't trust the quality, we wouldn't carry them. Here's why they're the right choice for your next project:

  1. Built to last: Hammond transformers are the workhorses of the valve world. Once they're in your amp or Hi-Fi, they just keep going.
  2. Great sound: whether you're after warm vintage tone or crystal-clear Hi-Fi, Hammond delivers.
  3. The right part, first time: drop-in replacements for the classics, with clear specifications, our Transformer Finder and Cross Reference to help you choose.
  4. We've got your back: not sure which transformer you need? Contact us and we'll help you work it out.

Putting it all together

See Hammond transformers in real builds in our 5F1 Champ, 5E3 Tweed Deluxe and 5F6-A Tweed Bassman parts lists.

Whether you're mid-build on a custom amp, restoring a vintage classic or fine-tuning your Hi-Fi, browse our full range of Hammond transformers. We ship from Australian stock, with same-day dispatch on weekday orders placed before 1:00pm. Trust us: you'll hear the difference.

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