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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 27 2018 01:51 PM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:43

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Redfeather

Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 854
3 Download Pins

Posted on Mar 27 2018 09:08 PM

Well I guess the early bird gets the tapped pots! What an unfortunate aspect of this circuit, that it uses this uncommon component. Makes me wonder how crucial it is to the sound. Not that I want to go and deviate.

Thanks for that board link. I found that recently but decided I'll probably just use a generic board and insert my own eyelets. I know your position is Build It Stock And Modify It Later but even if I don't add that gain stage initially, I'd like to at least ensure there's a nice tidy spot for it when I do. As I'm thinking there's a good chance I'll be building my own chassis from scratch, I don't necessarily need to worry about space. Of course, that decision may likely hinge on your success with the BF chassis...

Somewhere I read people discussing the fact that wall voltage is higher now that when these amps were designed and that it's wise to run them at the proper voltage somehow. Or--if you happen to be building one new--maybe account for it in the circuit. Do you have any thoughts on this matter? Maybe it's not even an issue in the UK? And, probably, a variac upstream is a way easier measure than redesigning an amp...

FWIW, Dick Dale uses Ruby tubes in his Showmen, I believe.

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tubeswell

Joined: Sep 24, 2011
Posts: 1424
Wellington, NZ
Antarctica

Posted on Mar 28 2018 03:06 AM

Get the big iron ASAP. The PT and OT are the single-most expensive bits. The choice of OT is critical for 'the' sound when building copies of classic amps. (And its fairly important to get a PT that will deliver the 'stock' voltages with enough current to spare). Once you have these items, your build will be assured of success , and you can take your time and enjoy buying everything else at leisure.

—

He who dies with the most tubes... wins

Surf Daddies

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 28 2018 03:12 AM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:48

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 28 2018 03:32 AM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:52

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crumble

Joined: Sep 09, 2008
Posts: 3158
Guildford England
United Kingdom

Posted on Mar 28 2018 08:00 AM

I once owned a very noisy PJ Pro which I had suspicions about the OT and looking around for an upgrade. This old thread although only short brought to light a few things about Mercury transformers.

https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/14079/?page=1#p190100

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 28 2018 11:31 AM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:56

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dragonsurfer

Joined: Apr 17, 2008
Posts: 128

Posted on Mar 28 2018 11:57 PM

Classic Tone makes some good trannies for Fender and in the 230 volt range. They use paper bobbins like the vintage instead of plastic, producing a richer tone.

The way the transformer was made is key over the brand if one is looking for a vintage tone.

I have a Dual Showman SF and a Bassman 50 with the international voltage orange selector knob on the back.

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 29 2018 03:32 AM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:00

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dragonsurfer

Joined: Apr 17, 2008
Posts: 128

Posted on Mar 29 2018 03:55 AM

Tqi wrote:

Finding filter capacitors has been a pain. Officially giving up and ordering a preselected recap kit.

http://www.amprepairparts.com/fendercapkits.htm

#FCK-37 is convenient.

Not sure of what you need.

Have you looked here?

https://www.angela.com/spraguetvatypeatomaxialelectrolyticcapacitors.aspx

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 29 2018 04:08 AM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:05

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Gilette

Joined: May 04, 2014
Posts: 734
Montserrat

Posted on Mar 29 2018 07:03 AM

Tqi wrote:

20uf/600V, times a handful. Unfortunately the only ones Sprague make are too long for the cap pan.

Have a look at the black JJ's with the red lettering. ANH 0205011

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 29 2018 06:08 PM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:10

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Redfeather

Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 854
3 Download Pins

Posted on Mar 29 2018 07:42 PM

I've been going through that kit seeing how well it will work for me and my 6G14-A plan and it's interesting seeing the differences between the two circuits. It appears the architecture is the same and it's just little component value swaps here and there.

UPDATE: I realized there is a kit for the 6G14-A as well...

I think at some point I'm going to recreate this schematic in autocad and try to make it a bit clearer, fontwise. That will be a nice opportunity to show all the component differences in red or something.

I also realized there's no layout for the cap can. Or is there? I'll need all the help I can get.

Finally, have you found a nice cheap source for your death cap yet? The cheaper the better!

Last edited: Mar 29, 2018 19:52:52

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 30 2018 03:26 AM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:15

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Redfeather

Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 854
3 Download Pins

Posted on Mar 30 2018 05:19 AM

Which text orientation should I go with? "Traditional" or "Neck Saver"?

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Mar 30 2018 12:25 PM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:22

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tubeswell

Joined: Sep 24, 2011
Posts: 1424
Wellington, NZ
Antarctica

Posted on Mar 30 2018 06:46 PM

Tqi wrote:

20uf/600V, times a handful. Unfortunately the only ones Sprague make are too long for the cap pan.

Weber do 600V e-caps which I've purchased in previously (ignore the pictures on the links - they don't resemble the caps)

20uF
https://www.tedweber.com/ec206-600

40uF
https://www.tedweber.com/ec406-600

—

He who dies with the most tubes... wins

Surf Daddies

Top

Redfeather

Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 854
3 Download Pins

Posted on Mar 31 2018 04:51 PM

I just played on a 1962 Bassman and my resolve to build one of these little beasties is solidified. I see (hear) that there is no substitute. No facsimile.

MUST HAVE.

Must incorporate 50% power cut switch to emulate Bassman breakup.

Must have.

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Apr 02 2018 01:12 PM

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Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:26

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Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 27 2018 01:51 PM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:43 Top
Redfeather Joined: Jul 30, 2016 Posts: 854	Posted on Mar 27 2018 09:08 PM Well I guess the early bird gets the tapped pots! What an unfortunate aspect of this circuit, that it uses this uncommon component. Makes me wonder how crucial it is to the sound. Not that I want to go and deviate. Thanks for that board link. I found that recently but decided I'll probably just use a generic board and insert my own eyelets. I know your position is Build It Stock And Modify It Later but even if I don't add that gain stage initially, I'd like to at least ensure there's a nice tidy spot for it when I do. As I'm thinking there's a good chance I'll be building my own chassis from scratch, I don't necessarily need to worry about space. Of course, that decision may likely hinge on your success with the BF chassis... Somewhere I read people discussing the fact that wall voltage is higher now that when these amps were designed and that it's wise to run them at the proper voltage somehow. Or--if you happen to be building one new--maybe account for it in the circuit. Do you have any thoughts on this matter? Maybe it's not even an issue in the UK? And, probably, a variac upstream is a way easier measure than redesigning an amp... FWIW, Dick Dale uses Ruby tubes in his Showmen, I believe. Top
tubeswell Joined: Sep 24, 2011 Posts: 1424 Wellington, NZ	Posted on Mar 28 2018 03:06 AM Get the big iron ASAP. The PT and OT are the single-most expensive bits. The choice of OT is critical for 'the' sound when building copies of classic amps. (And its fairly important to get a PT that will deliver the 'stock' voltages with enough current to spare). Once you have these items, your build will be assured of success , and you can take your time and enjoy buying everything else at leisure. — He who dies with the most tubes... wins Surf Daddies Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 28 2018 03:12 AM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:48 Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 28 2018 03:32 AM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:52 Top
crumble Joined: Sep 09, 2008 Posts: 3158 Guildford England	Posted on Mar 28 2018 08:00 AM I once owned a very noisy PJ Pro which I had suspicions about the OT and looking around for an upgrade. This old thread although only short brought to light a few things about Mercury transformers. https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/14079/?page=1#p190100 Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 28 2018 11:31 AM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:46:56 Top
dragonsurfer Joined: Apr 17, 2008 Posts: 128	Posted on Mar 28 2018 11:57 PM Classic Tone makes some good trannies for Fender and in the 230 volt range. They use paper bobbins like the vintage instead of plastic, producing a richer tone. The way the transformer was made is key over the brand if one is looking for a vintage tone. I have a Dual Showman SF and a Bassman 50 with the international voltage orange selector knob on the back. Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 29 2018 03:32 AM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:00 Top
dragonsurfer Joined: Apr 17, 2008 Posts: 128	Posted on Mar 29 2018 03:55 AM Tqi wrote: Finding filter capacitors has been a pain. Officially giving up and ordering a preselected recap kit. http://www.amprepairparts.com/fendercapkits.htm #FCK-37 is convenient. Not sure of what you need. Have you looked here? https://www.angela.com/spraguetvatypeatomaxialelectrolyticcapacitors.aspx Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 29 2018 04:08 AM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:05 Top
Gilette Joined: May 04, 2014 Posts: 734	Posted on Mar 29 2018 07:03 AM Tqi wrote: 20uf/600V, times a handful. Unfortunately the only ones Sprague make are too long for the cap pan. Have a look at the black JJ's with the red lettering. ANH 0205011 Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 29 2018 06:08 PM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:10 Top
Redfeather Joined: Jul 30, 2016 Posts: 854	Posted on Mar 29 2018 07:42 PM I've been going through that kit seeing how well it will work for me and my 6G14-A plan and it's interesting seeing the differences between the two circuits. It appears the architecture is the same and it's just little component value swaps here and there. UPDATE: I realized there is a kit for the 6G14-A as well... I think at some point I'm going to recreate this schematic in autocad and try to make it a bit clearer, fontwise. That will be a nice opportunity to show all the component differences in red or something. I also realized there's no layout for the cap can. Or is there? I'll need all the help I can get. Finally, have you found a nice cheap source for your death cap yet? The cheaper the better! Last edited: Mar 29, 2018 19:52:52 Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 30 2018 03:26 AM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:15 Top
Redfeather Joined: Jul 30, 2016 Posts: 854	Posted on Mar 30 2018 05:19 AM Which text orientation should I go with? "Traditional" or "Neck Saver"? Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Mar 30 2018 12:25 PM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:22 Top
tubeswell Joined: Sep 24, 2011 Posts: 1424 Wellington, NZ	Posted on Mar 30 2018 06:46 PM Tqi wrote: 20uf/600V, times a handful. Unfortunately the only ones Sprague make are too long for the cap pan. Weber do 600V e-caps which I've purchased in previously (ignore the pictures on the links - they don't resemble the caps) 20uF https://www.tedweber.com/ec206-600 40uF https://www.tedweber.com/ec406-600 — He who dies with the most tubes... wins Surf Daddies Top
Redfeather Joined: Jul 30, 2016 Posts: 854	Posted on Mar 31 2018 04:51 PM I just played on a 1962 Bassman and my resolve to build one of these little beasties is solidified. I see (hear) that there is no substitute. No facsimile. MUST HAVE. Must incorporate 50% power cut switch to emulate Bassman breakup. Must have. Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Apr 02 2018 01:12 PM - Last edited: Jan 31, 2024 15:47:26 Top

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