Iovino Classic Ambassadeur 4600C 2024

Big-Bass reply :

Over the past few weeks, I had made a custom Abu Ambassadeur 4600C made by "the godfather of finesse" fishing, Don Iovino. He was great to work with and was very communicable in every step of the reel build. Don did the following with this reel:

Chrome frame
CDL gold/chrome line guide
CDL gold screws
Green engraved palming side plate and matching green plate for right hand retrieve (from Abu CB from the 80s)
Chrome thumb nut screws (replacing the stock black ones)
Updated cast control knob
Five point star drag
Bearing in place of bushing in left (palming) side plate
Smoooooth Drag system (silicone with slight clicking feature when drag is loose)
CDL gold accent locking plate/screw for handle
Abu custom handle (chrome with opal/pearl knobs and chrome locking nut)
NOS Abu shallower spool (no brakes blocks needed as the spool has been balanced/shimmed according to Don)...but I may order a standard spool from him with brakes if I decide to fish it and not just display it.

It's a stunning piece of work and something that I am almost afraid to fish. I even talked to him the other day while he was at ICAST to let him know that I got the reel. A classic Ambassadeur for sure!

Goose52 reply :

So, where's the photo !

Big-Bass reply :

Pictures of the reel are now posted! Thanks!

Goose52 reply :

Lookin' good ! I like the color scheme.

I have a 2500 CDL in Teal / gold, similar in appearance to your reel...

Big-Bass reply :

Where did you get that? I would love to get a 2500, let alone a CDL. How well do the 2500's work for finesse stuff? Thanks!

Goose52 reply :

The Teal CDL was a limited edition released a few years ago of just 100 each RH and LH. So far, the original purchasers seem to be holding on to them as they aren't showing up in the second-hand market too often.

Lots of regular 2500Cs are always available on eBay, as well as fewer 1500Cs. Both handle lighter baits fairly well. The 2500 will hold enough 14/15 pound line for bass purposes so they are not just a "finesse" reel.

blckshirt98 reply :

Sweet looking real! This made me go check out Don Iovino's website and he mentions something about a "rippled sideplate" that's rare and hard to find - can anyone find a picture/link of what a rippled sideplate looks like?

Big-Bass reply :

Rippled side plates:

WRB reply :

Don started building custom reels using the 2500C. Next time you talk to Don drop my name (Tom Young) and he will increase the price 10%!

Sweet reel!

Tom

crypt reply :

Oh My God what a beautiful work of art. I'm gonna get one.

oldschoolbasser reply :

Here's a 70" style 4600C. Love the Classic Ambassadeurs.

Big-Bass reply :

Oldschoolbasser,

Is that an Iovino? Where is that from? That's a great looking reel!

oldschoolbasser reply :

No,I built it myself. I have a couple more CDL'S a 4500,4500C,2500C,and a Silver Record 5000. I build all my Ambassadeurs,and I have about 75 Customs.

Big-Bass reply :

Wow! Please post some pictures of these custom reels...I would love to see others...what does that 2500 cdl look like? Do you sell them? Thanks!

BTW: What's your personal favorite you have built? Thanks and good fishing!

oldschoolbasser reply :

The 2500CDL is the black reel on the left. I haven't sold any of my reels in a while,and I've built a few reels on request. I just mainly do it as a hobby,an expensive one at that. I'll post more pics soon.

oldschoolbasser reply :

46000,4500,4500C CDL's

Crestliner2008 reply :

Beautiful reels! I'm a big fan of the classic Ambassadeurs.

oldschoolbasser reply :

Thanks! We're dinosaurs of the reel world,but we're also the largest group in the world.

Big-Bass reply :

Those are very nice looking reels!

RafaelM reply :

Beautiful Reels

oldschoolbasser reply :

Thanks!

Big-Bass reply :

I think it's pretty cool that these older reels still have such a following. New stuff is nice but classic is classic for a reason!

oldschoolbasser reply :

These reels have stood the test of time,and continue to catch fish. The basics of these reels is over 50 years old,and are a proven design that has evolved over time.

bowhunter63 reply :

Love those old ABU,Thanks for posting

oldschoolbasser reply :

You're welcome.

J Francho reply :

I built up a few Abus. They're a fun platform to work on, and man you can build some really smooth performers.

oldschoolbasser reply :

Some of my friends are pushing the performance envelope to it's limits,and even creating new reels by mixing different platforms. Fortunately there are companies,and individuals who have produced performance parts that make it easier to take these rwels to the extreme limits. The one thing I would like to see is a higher gear ratio for these reels. Avail has produced a set of 6:1 gears for the 15-2500 Series,but nobody has taken on this challenge for the larger reels.

J Francho reply :

Interesting. My favorite build was turning a modern whiffle spool reel into a cranking machine. I actually put slower gears in, a Toro Winch handle with cork bearing knobs, and the usual drag upgrades. I did a 1500 for another that was particularly challenging to find parts, but we got it running great. That was a really cool reel.

oldschoolbasser reply :

The Gold 2500C on the left is one of my favorite builds. I was able to get a dual bearing worm gear from Japan (almost impossible to get) an Avail spool,dual bearing cog wheel and 6:1 gears. ZPI SIC bearings,Carbontex drag washers,swept drag star,and handle.

Goose52 reply :

There are almost TOO many parts available for the small Ambassadeurs - you can really end up sinking some coin into these little guys.

This 2500 isn't much to look at but it has:

11 bearings - handle (4), spool (2), cog wheel (2), worm shaft (1), driveshaft (1), pinion (1)
Abec 7 ceramic spool bearings
Carbontex drag
Aluminum line guide
Ceramic pawl
CF handle

I passed on the 6.0:1 gears as they only give about 22 IPT so it's not that much of an improvement over the 4.7:1 gears.

I have the "fixins" on-hand to build-up two more reels to the same specs as above - maybe this winter. Fun stuff !

oldschoolbasser reply :

Sometimes I just build reels for show,but the other 2 reels are for fishing

Preytorien reply :

On 7/25/2016 at 8:36 PM, Big-Bass said:

I think it's pretty cool that these older reels still have such a following. New stuff is nice but classic is classic for a reason!

Not to mention my 5000's are built like a tank. They are heavier yes, but you can tell they're built to last and last

tholmes reply :

Y'all seriously need to stop posting pictures of those gorgeous Ambassadeur reels

I had just about convinced myself that I don't need to build another Ambassadeur, now the itch needs scratchin'.

Tom

J Francho reply :

I'll try to post some up tomorrow.

Big-Bass reply :

I received my Iovino Classic 2500C (his favorite reel) today in the mail. Beautiful reel with upgraded 5.3:1 gears and upgraded bearings. The reel is really nice and I will post pictures soon.

oldschoolbasser reply :

I like a little diversity in my collection. These are some of my direct-drive reels.

Goose52 reply :

On 7/28/2016 at 11:52 AM, oldschoolbasser said:

I like a little diversity in my collection. These are some of my direct-drive reels.

Am I seeing the direct drive mechanism from the 4000D/5000D type reels moved over to 4500 frames ???

On 7/28/2016 at 11:45 AM, Big-Bass said:

I received my Iovino Classic 2500C (his favorite reel) today in the mail. Beautiful reel with upgraded 5.3:1 gears and upgraded bearings. The reel is really nice and I will post pictures soon.

The 5.3:1 gears are scarce nowadays. Not much practical difference in IPT from the 4.7's but still nifty to have.

I think you're getting addicted...

Sam reply :

I met Don back in the 90's and he is a fantastic guy.

Hope he is still doing well and enjoying life.

All of the reels pictured in this thread are outstanding.

oldschoolbasser reply :

On 7/28/2016 at 6:22 PM, Goose52 said:

Am I seeing the direct drive mechanism from the 4000D/5000D type reels moved over to 4500 frames ???

The 5.3:1 gears are scarce nowadays. Not much practical difference in IPT from the 4.7's but still nifty to have.

I think you're getting addicted...

Goose52, yes these reels are 5500D's on 4500 frames. Abu Garcia actually made a couple of prototype 4500D reels,but never produced them. The Direct drive conversion only works with the high speed version because of the difference in the spools. All direct drive reels had bushings, but my reels were built with bearings instead. I only had to swap out the pinion gear,bushings,and spool to make the conversion to bearings.

Big-Bass reply :

Classic fishing 2500C...this is the style reel Don used to fish quite a bit for his doodling technique. This reel came out great. I may use this one on a Dobyns Champion 702 with 8lb. test. Classic, standard, and hand made. Classic reels remind me of my dad and growing up learning how to disassemble, oil and grease, and reassemble the reels. He was my idol in fishing and really the reason why I fish. He loved this forum (while not a member but always reading posts) and his favorite reel while I was growing up was the 4600C. Thanks everyone.

oldschoolbasser reply :

Got my 1st Iovino 2500C back in '79. Matched up with a Phenix Iovino Doodlin' rod that was "The" combo back in the day. Still have those rods with a 1500C,or a 2500C mounted on them. Congratulations on your reel,I know you'll enjoy fishing with it.

Goose52 reply :

A great looking reel ! I have to say that even though I have bought and installed most of the available "race" parts in some of my 1500/1600s and 2500/2600s, they tend to make the reel a bit "wild" and harder to control. I think I actually enjoy fishing these reels the most when they are basically stock, with the only alteration being to remove one centrifugal brake block.

Now, time for you to put some line on that 2500 and fish it !

Big-Bass reply :

Should i put that Abu 2500C on a Dobyns Champion 702C with 8lb. test? Might have to try it...any thoughts? Thanks!

Goose52 reply :

I've had line from 6 lb to 15 lb on my small Ambassadeurs. They are not just a finesse reel and can hold all the 15 lb line you would need for bass fishing. The only real limitation is the slow speed (regardless of what the "High Speed" sticker says...). The slow IPT sorta limits the presentations that you might want to use the reel for more than anything else.

So, it's up to you as to how you want to use it. If you want to go light - 8 lb and a 702 would be a fine combination! OTOH, if you want to change it up some time in the future, you could put some 14/15 lb line on it, saddle it on a medium-heavy rod, and use it to slow-roll spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

Enjoy !

This 1500C has 8 lb line on it right now and is used for lighter stuff - that's a 1/6oz Roostertail in the photo:

This 2600C has 15 lb line and is used for chatterbaits & spinnerbaits:

J Francho reply :

Goose, is that 1500 saddled to an old Garcia rod?

oldschoolbasser reply :

Big Bass,go for it. I use my reels for all my finesse applications. Ned rigs,flick shakes, drop-shotting, texas rigs,and splitshotting.

Goose52 reply :

On 8/1/2016 at 11:42 PM, J Francho said:

Goose, is that 1500 saddled to an old Garcia rod?

John - good eye. It's a late '60s / early '70s Garcia Conolon rod. It is a hollow-glass blank rated as "light" power. As such, it's a noodle rod but handles light treble hook applications nicely.

Classic reel - an even older classic rod...

Another view:

J Francho reply :

My dad has a 7' Conolon spinner.

Goose52 reply :

On 8/2/2016 at 1:08 AM, J Francho said:

My dad has a 7' Conolon spinner.

Probably like this one that I bought around 1966 or so...

(OP - sorry for drifting on your thread !)

J Francho reply :

Similar, probably a couple years later, early 70s, judging by his age. Graduated in 70, so I doubt he had such high end gear as a teen. His reel is a D.A.M. Quick 4000. A true worm drive spinning reel.

Big-Bass reply :

Also wanted to post the Iovino 4500C reel that I am currently keeping as a casting demo combo for nostalgia purposes but may actually offer it for sale. It's on an old school Fenwick Iron Hawk Graphite 5'6" pistol grip. This reel is black with all of Don's upgrades from his website, original stickers, and it's a great reel.

Big-Bass reply :

...

Big-Bass reply :

Got my green 4600C back from Don yesterday. He replaced an interior part for me that I wanted done and was super quick with the turnaround. The reel looks great and I will have to post a few more pictures of it. In the time being, he also sent me spare brake blocks for the reel (without charge) which was a really cool gesture. Also, when he built me my 2500C (just under two weeks ago), I was pleased to see in the package with the reel a pack of reapers, a few jigs, and some of his slugger style baits. That was an awesome surprise and I look forward to using them. I know there is a big following for Don's reels overseas but do any of you own any? Or do any of you have any other classic Abu builds out there aside from the one's already posted? Thanks and good fishing!

Goose52 reply :

I don't own any of Don's reels or any other "builds." All of my Ambassadeurs were originally assembled in Svangsta Sweden. Some of my reels have been modified with after-market parts...but all started out as complete reels from the factory. Although I have one 3-screw Ambassadeur 5000 that was my Dad's, and a direct-drive 5000D, my primary interest is in the Small Ambassadeurs - 1500C, 1600C, 2500C, 2600C. I also got on a kick of picking up some of the direct-drive and spool release Ambassadeurs - 1750A, 2000, 2050, 2600, 2650.

Combining all the model variations, I have (3) 1500C, (1) 1600C, (5) 2500C, and (2) 2600C. Then, there's 6 of the "knucklebuster" Ambassadeurs covering 5 different models.

I don't have a family photo of the whole menagerie, but here are some file photos I have on hand - most have been posted here before on other threads:

For "hopping-up" the Small Ambassadeures, here's an example of some of the goodies you can stuff inside:

....and then here's the stuff that you take out...

oldschoolbasser reply :

I have over 75 Ambassadeurs ranging from 1500C's all the way up to 6500C's. I still have 1 Iovino 2500C that I've had since the early 80's,but all the other reels(with the exception of a few originals)were reels that I have built over the last few years. I have reels in Pink,Red,Gold,Blue,Teal,Violet,Cherry blossom to name a few. I also have a couple of prototype colors,and 1 of a kind. I have both 70"s,and 80's style reels,from stock,to full "Custom" with every upgrade available. I also have reels with custom frames,both lightweight,and heavy duty,push button and thumb bar. And then there's the CDL's. What started as a hobby became an obsession lol!

Goose52 reply :

oldschoolbasser is "da man"....

Big-Bass reply :

Great reels! That's why I was so happy with the 4600C in green. All parts were factory but just put together so that that reel is unique to me and looks fantastic. My dad used 4600 reels when I was a kid (this is how I learned to take apart bait casting reels and to cast them at age 7) and since he has passed (May, 2015), having a truly custom built reel in his favorite model (and I use factory 4500/4600/3600 reels) means a lot to me. I would love to get a 2500CDL model like you have or even a 5500 or 5000CDL or Deluxe. Thanks!

Wow!...just wow! Great collection of reels oldschoolbasser! Do you still fish and have pics of that original Iovino reel. What a collection for both you and Goose52. Thanks for sharing!

oldschoolbasser reply :

Goose52 you have an Elite! I just picked up a Black Nostalgia 2500C. It's nice to have exclusive reels ! Bearing worm gears for 2500C's are hard to come by,but I have a couple of dual bearing worm gears from the Elite coming soon. Nice collection of reels you have there.

oldschoolbasser reply :

Big Bass,here's what I took fishing yesterday,so yeah I use my Ambassadeurs all the time. The Iovino 2500C is the Silver 2500C in the picture. The bearings,drag washers,and cog wheel have been upgraded,but back it the day,that reel was a hot rod!

Big-Bass reply :

Put the brake blocks that Don gave me on to the spool of the green Iovino 4600C today and the reel free spools nicely. Don told me he also replaced the bearings when I sent it in to Boca ABEC-7 bearings (do they make them without the orange shield since these are silver)? Also, if you re-engage the reel slowly after depressing the thumb bar, it is normal to hear 2-3 clicks as the handle revolves. It doesn't really do this when you engage the reel at normal or fast speed, only at slow. I figure it's normal but just thought I would ask. Thank you!

oldschoolbasser reply :

I don't know if Boca bearings have a removable shield,but I'm thinking they do. As for the clicking sound,my reels engage with only 1 click no matter the speed I turn the handle. Also the reel engages after a 1/4 turn of the handle. Does your reel engage after the 1st click,or the last one? The reel has a 2 pin drive shaft that will engage the reel after 1 complete revolution. Since the gear ratio is 4.7:1, no more than a 1/4 turn of the handle will be necessary to engage the spool.

Big-Bass reply :

If you reel my reel slowly it starts with a light click, then at about 1/4 it clicks louder and occasionally a third click will occur at about a full revolution. I think it engages on the second or third click but I am not sure. Are yours built differently and is this normal for my reel?Not sure how to describe it but I did take a video. Not sure if it's normal or what. If you engage the reel at a normal pace, it works fine so I am not sure if I am over analyzing. Thanks!

By the way, I think Don turned this reel into a 5.3:1.

I also saw that boca does offer a silver ABEC-7 bearing for a 4600.

Big-Bass reply :

How does one achieve a free spool like this:

Or this:

oldschoolbasser reply :

Bearing upgrades,and polishing the friction points. Also removing the brake blocks as they will slow the reel down,and having line on the spool. I do this to my reels. Adding a dual bearing worm gear,and cog wheel helps quite a bit to the speed. It's impossible to fish a reel this way,but fun to watch.

Big-Bass reply :

Oh ok. I thought that casting a reel like that would be almost too fast to prevent a backlash. Did you check my edited post about the thumb bar on my reel? Not sure of line I the reel would make a difference or what but I thought I would ask. Thanks!

oldschoolbasser reply :

On 8/8/2016 at 11:02 AM, Big-Bass said:

Oh ok. I thought that casting a reel like that would be almost too fast to prevent a backlash. Did you check my edited post about the thumb bar on my reel? Thanks!

About the Boca Bearings?

Big-Bass reply :

No about the clicks to engage the spool. Sometimes there is a slight click after a few revolutions if I start off engaging the spool slowly instead of normal speed. If I engage it normally it doesn't seem to do it.

Big-Bass reply :

Put some line on the 4600C today and casted it around for a bit. Now the clicks to engage the reel all seem to be working fluidly. I added some oil to the bearings, spooled it up, and it casts well. I don't know if I can fish it though...I don't want to risk scratching it up. I have too many other reels that I use that can do that.

Goose52 reply :

That's the dilemma with these kinds of things - keep them pristine as a collectible, or slime them up a bit. Some of my Ambassadeurs are rare, considered collectible, and would be devalued somewhat if they are actually fished. My 2500CDL is 1 of 100, but it has already reeled in a couple bass. For all the others, I intend to catch at LEAST one bass with each and every one of them, and just take the valuation hit. Some will still end up spending most of their time as "shelf queens"...but by golly each one will have scored a bass...

Big-Bass reply :

Goose,

Good point. Maybe just one bass won't be a concern ! I started yard casting the 2500C today and want to get more distance from it. Not sure if the cast control is too tight because the casting plug is falling on a slow but steady rate. Should I oil the bearings? I did put 12lb. test on it but probably should have put 8lb. Any advice would be helpful as I want to get out on the water with the reel(s) soon!

oldschoolbasser reply :

Don't oil the bearings,and loosen the tension control cap so the casting plug drops a little faster.

Goose52 reply :

When running two stock brake blocks, you can actually have the spool tension fairly loose as oldschoolbasser said. If you still don't have the casting distance you want, you can try removing one stock brake block, add back a little spool tension, and see what you get. If you're not close to a backlash with one brake block, then start loosening up the spool tension again.

Nothing wrong with 12 lb line for now. You can always go to 8 lb after you play with the reel for a while...

Big-Bass reply :

I did add a drop of Abu Garcia oil to the bearing when I first got the reel (as I did to my 4600C). Hopefully, this is okay since I always thought the Abu reel oil was for the bearings. Any way to remove it if I have to? I will try removing a brake block on the 2500C and readjust the cast control if I can't get it to cast a little further.

oldschoolbasser reply :

Soak them in lighter fluid,and blow them dry with compressed air. I love Abus,but hate their oil as it's too thick. I use the smallest brake block,and cut it in half with a razor blade so there's barely any brakes. You can chuck those reels pretty good without backlashing. Also,since I use ceramic bearings,I don't oil my bearings.

Big-Bass reply :

So Don sent me an engraved side plate for my black 4500C that he built for another customer (that I bought from them a little while back) at no cost included with an update that he did for my 4600C (Green reel) and an order of his honeycomb color 3" reaper baits. He really is a good guy and I like the fact that he is old fashioned in his business practices and was nice enough to include a nicer side plate than the standard one that was built with the original reel at no cost. Just passing this along...

4600C (Green), 4500C (Black), 2500C (Silver)...all made by Don within the last year (the green and silver were made specifically for me as noted in the original post in July).

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Iovino Classic Ambassadeur 4600C 2024

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