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Hi,
Dave Wronski posted a lengthy explanation of his amp on the Slacktone list.
He said it was alright if I post it here. Again...if you haven't checked
Slacktone out....do it now!!
BN
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Subject: Slacktone Amp
Let me answer those questions about the "Slacktone Amp"
It started as a '72 Super Reverb- a real good sounding one. I have
changed it so I have an amp that is half-way reasonable to fly as
luggage, and not pay the BIG Bucks required to fly anything other amp
I have. I just got tired of broken-down junk, and a slap on the back,
that was supposed to carry me through a tour.
First, I dis-connect the first channel in all{but my '63 super rev}
black/silver Fenders. This give, I think,3db of gain. Then,
disconnect the Vibrato. The 50K pot causes unwanted distortion in the
pre-amp, even when the effect is off.This also adds gain.I could have
just got an intensity pot with a built in switch, but didn't think of
it! Besides, I will eventually change them to the Vibrosonic style
vibrato.
I know that I have change how the tone controls are wired, but I
don't remember how,just now.
I use e34l power tubes,m made by JJ Electronics. I get them from
www.eurotubes.com Bob is a cool guy, and the price is right.
I had to change the output transformer because the Super Reverb is 2
Ohns. I chose the Mercury Magnetics, I guess vintage style, with a
2/4 Ohm switching capability. He recomended not having switchable
taps, but I needed that for touring. {adding another, or different
speaker combo}.
My amps have output transformer protection, so if a power tube
arcs,common with El34, and E34L, it won't take the Output trans. with
it.
Also, for all you techies, I use grid resister values like the 60's
Marshalls, but we have found a way to eliminate the cross-over
distortion that is a trade off with those. So, the amp run almost
pure class"A". The amp is not able to create cross-over
distortion.Then I get the "damping" factor that helps to make some
amps a little more "musical".
The reverb has been change to a "tube-driven" style that is the first
thing the guitar goes into,{after the tube Echo-Plex}. I have
tailored the treble response curve to control the harshness stand-
alone reverbs can have. I have also corrected my blonde reverb tank,
but left my brown one stock.
The cabinate is a '64 Vibroverb style, but with two 12" re-issue
Jensen P12Ns. The cab was made by Rodgers in Florida. I can beat
those speakers pretty hard and they will take it. Also, they are only
about 4lbs. each.
I'm not finished with the amp. Right now it has a pre-set "presence",
that will be cont by a knob. I will have two reverb mix controls, so
I can change on the fly how much.
I just joined this group [ Slacktone list -BN ] today, and hope to talk with
you all soon!
-dave wronski
