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Has anyone on the list built their own standalone
spring reverb unit? I've built a couple of tube amps
and I'm thinking about a reverb unit for a future
project. I haven't searched too hard yet but haven't
really found anything that looks like what I'm after.
Anybody have any helpful info?
Ric Flinn
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I'm currently making my own reverb. I figured it was best to go with classic
Fener 6G15 with a couple of mods ( 500 pf cap mod, and a couple others from
Gerald Weber's book). The parts are easy enough to find. I got everything except
the wood for the cabinet from two suppliers, Antique Electronics Supply
(www.tubesandmore.com) and Hoffman Amplifiers (www.hoffmanamps.com).
Since you've built a couple of tube amps it shouldn't be a problem put a
reverb together.
GT
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I have a Victoria Reverberato that has 3 knob spring reverb and tube "harmonic
tremolo" like Fender had on the brownface amps... I would try to find that
schematic, the unit will not disapoint.
Bryan
I found some schematics and layouts on Hoffman's
website, he has a schem/layout (even a parts list) for
not only a 6G15 reverb unit, but also a 6G15 paired
with the vibrato from a 5G13 Vibrasonic, which I
believe is the "harmonic tremolo." I was just planning
on making the reverb, but now I think I'll build the
reverb/trem combo (they call it the ReVibe, which
isn't as cool a name as Reverberato).
Ric
--- wrote:
> I have a Victoria Reverberato that has 3 knob spring
> reverb and tube "harmonic tremolo" like Fender had
> on the brownface amps... I would try to find that
> schematic, the unit will not disapoint.
>
> Bryan
>
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here's a link to the schematic for the stand alone Fender
Reverb Unit:
I am not an amp tech, so I am not sure how helpful this
will be...
good luck,
David P
--- Ric Flinn <> wrote:
> Has anyone on the list built their own standalone
> spring reverb unit? I've built a couple of tube amps
> and I'm thinking about a reverb unit for a future
> project. I haven't searched too hard yet but haven't
> really found anything that looks like what I'm after.
> Anybody have any helpful info?
>
> Ric Flinn
>
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Ric,
I keep waiting for Dick Messick to chime in, but he's probably on
business travel. He has built a reverb unit and has some interesting
stories about its construction that you will probably want to hear.
BN
--- In , Ric Flinn <zanshin09@y...>
wrote:
> Has anyone on the list built their own standalone
> spring reverb unit? I've built a couple of tube amps
> and I'm thinking about a reverb unit for a future
> project. I haven't searched too hard yet but haven't
> really found anything that looks like what I'm after.
> Anybody have any helpful info?
>
> Ric Flinn
Hi guys,
I'm not an expert on this subject, but I understood that its quite
difficult to build a reverb unit, esp because it's an unstable
circuit. So my advice would be in any case to stick as close to the
original layout.. a B+ in the wrong place can cause a lot of trouble.
both circuit and layout for fender reverb is available at
schematicheaven, ampwares probably has 'em too.
I once had this plan, and made a part list to see what it would cost.
I included the costs for a Fender style housing. It ended up being
almost as expensive as buying a unit. I ended up bying an italian
made cosmoverb for 430 euros (new, built after fender 60's specs).
dont know exactly how much DIY was, but the difference was way less
then 100 euro's, and thats assuming you get everything right the
first time. So just make sure beforehand that it's actually worth it.
good luck though, I'd love to see how it turns out!
wannes
--- In , "Brian Neal" <bneal@i...> wrote:
> Ric,
>
> I keep waiting for Dick Messick to chime in, but he's probably on
> business travel. He has built a reverb unit and has some
interesting
> stories about its construction that you will probably want to hear.
>
> BN
>
> --- In , Ric Flinn <zanshin09@y...>
> wrote:
> > Has anyone on the list built their own standalone
> > spring reverb unit? I've built a couple of tube amps
> > and I'm thinking about a reverb unit for a future
> > project. I haven't searched too hard yet but haven't
> > really found anything that looks like what I'm after.
> > Anybody have any helpful info?
> >
> > Ric Flinn
Wannes,
Good advice, and that's the reason I asked in the
first place. A schematic isn't nearly enough for an
inexperienced builder (like me), and even most layouts
are too vague to insure a smooth build. I was hoping
to find a more detailed project that listed the right
transformers to use, test data, etc. Hoffman's site
() has what I was looking
for.
As for cost, you're certainly right. I always get a
kick out of new amp builders who list their reason for
building an amp as "to save money." I've accumulated a
lot of parts, so I don't have to buy everything for
just one project. Plus I enjoy it, and learn a lot.
Thanks for the input.
Ric
--- mono_tones_1 <> wrote:
> Hi guys,
>
> I'm not an expert on this subject, but I understood
> that its quite
> difficult to build a reverb unit, esp because it's
> an unstable
> circuit. So my advice would be in any case to stick
> as close to the
> original layout.. a B+ in the wrong place can cause
> a lot of trouble.
> both circuit and layout for fender reverb is
> available at
> schematicheaven, ampwares probably has 'em too.
>
> I once had this plan, and made a part list to see
> what it would cost.
> I included the costs for a Fender style housing. It
> ended up being
> almost as expensive as buying a unit. I ended up
> bying an italian
> made cosmoverb for 430 euros (new, built after
> fender 60's specs).
> dont know exactly how much DIY was, but the
> difference was way less
> then 100 euro's, and thats assuming you get
> everything right the
> first time. So just make sure beforehand that it's
> actually worth it.
>
> good luck though, I'd love to see how it turns out!
>
> wannes
>
__________________________________
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Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears
The biggest problem on building your own tube reverb unit is to have it hum
free.
The reverb pan picks up the magnetic field from transformers and wires much
to easy.
I have been experimenting with a diy reverb and this is the point where I'm
stuck.
When I place the pan 1 meter away from the unit it sounds great but this is
far from being practical.
In the mean time I'm experimenting with a solid state reverb. This must be
easier to have it hum free because you can use a wall wart power supply and
keep it far away from the unit.
Roland Bettenville
-------Original Message-------
From:
Date: woensdag 29 oktober 2003 20:32:25
To:
Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] Re: DIY Reverb unit
Wannes,
Good advice, and that's the reason I asked in the
first place. A schematic isn't nearly enough for an
inexperienced builder (like me), and even most layouts
are too vague to insure a smooth build. I was hoping
to find a more detailed project that listed the right
transformers to use, test data, etc. Hoffman's site
() has what I was looking
for.
As for cost, you're certainly right. I always get a
kick out of new amp builders who list their reason for
building an amp as "to save money." I've accumulated a
lot of parts, so I don't have to buy everything for
just one project. Plus I enjoy it, and learn a lot.
Thanks for the input.
Ric
--- mono_tones_1 <> wrote:
> Hi guys,
>
> I'm not an expert on this subject, but I understood
> that its quite
> difficult to build a reverb unit, esp because it's
> an unstable
> circuit. So my advice would be in any case to stick
> as close to the
> original layout.. a B+ in the wrong place can cause
> a lot of trouble.
> both circuit and layout for fender reverb is
> available at
> schematicheaven, ampwares probably has 'em too.
>
> I once had this plan, and made a part list to see
> what it would cost.
> I included the costs for a Fender style housing. It
> ended up being
> almost as expensive as buying a unit. I ended up
> bying an italian
> made cosmoverb for 430 euros (new, built after
> fender 60's specs).
> dont know exactly how much DIY was, but the
> difference was way less
> then 100 euro's, and thats assuming you get
> everything right the
> first time. So just make sure beforehand that it's
> actually worth it.
>
> good luck though, I'd love to see how it turns out!
>
> wannes
>
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Oh yeah Roland, I forgot, you posted on that before, sorry i didn't
mention it.
Solid state? I'd rather buy that extra yard of chord!
I read somewhere (can't for the life remember where) that the tolex
bag in fenderamp isolates. can't figue out why or how, isn't it just
tolex? anyway, don't believe everything you read on the internet,
that's or sure.
but here's one for you.... I build a SF twin chasis into a bassman
100 style head (to be sure: similar to the dual showman reverb, but
not as high.) I figured i wasn't goin to need the onboard reverb
anyway. well anyway, I've played likethat for a while and then i
decided to put in the reverb pan, just to try it out. So i put it the
head, right under the huge OT and power tranny, they're about an inch
apart... guess what, no hum whatsoever!? I was stunned, couldn't
believe it, but will stick to the outboard nonetheless. just goes to
show...
I still don't understand, btw, how it possibly could go wrong if you
build it exactly after fender specs (that includes both lay out, box,
and positioning of the pan) .... but that's probably why I'm not an
engineer ;-)
--- In , "Roland Bettenville"
<roland.bettenville@p...> wrote:
> The biggest problem on building your own tube reverb unit is to
have it hum
> free.
> The reverb pan picks up the magnetic field from transformers and
wires much
> to easy.
> I have been experimenting with a diy reverb and this is the point
where I'm
> stuck.
> When I place the pan 1 meter away from the unit it sounds great but
this is
> far from being practical.
> In the mean time I'm experimenting with a solid state reverb. This
must be
> easier to have it hum free because you can use a wall wart power
supply and
> keep it far away from the unit.
>
> Roland Bettenville
>
> roland.bettenville@p...
>
>
>
>
>
> -------Original Message-------
>
> From:
> Date: woensdag 29 oktober 2003 20:32:25
> To:
> Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] Re: DIY Reverb unit
>
> Wannes,
>
> Good advice, and that's the reason I asked in the
> first place. A schematic isn't nearly enough for an
> inexperienced builder (like me), and even most layouts
> are too vague to insure a smooth build. I was hoping
> to find a more detailed project that listed the right
> transformers to use, test data, etc. Hoffman's site
> () has what I was looking
> for.
>
> As for cost, you're certainly right. I always get a
> kick out of new amp builders who list their reason for
> building an amp as "to save money." I've accumulated a
> lot of parts, so I don't have to buy everything for
> just one project. Plus I enjoy it, and learn a lot.
>
> Thanks for the input.
> Ric
>
> --- mono_tones_1 <rockverb@h...> wrote:
> > Hi guys,
> >
> > I'm not an expert on this subject, but I understood
> > that its quite
> > difficult to build a reverb unit, esp because it's
> > an unstable
> > circuit. So my advice would be in any case to stick
> > as close to the
> > original layout.. a B+ in the wrong place can cause
> > a lot of trouble.
> > both circuit and layout for fender reverb is
> > available at
> > schematicheaven, ampwares probably has 'em too.
> >
> > I once had this plan, and made a part list to see
> > what it would cost.
> > I included the costs for a Fender style housing. It
> > ended up being
> > almost as expensive as buying a unit. I ended up
> > bying an italian
> > made cosmoverb for 430 euros (new, built after
> > fender 60's specs).
> > dont know exactly how much DIY was, but the
> > difference was way less
> > then 100 euro's, and thats assuming you get
> > everything right the
> > first time. So just make sure beforehand that it's
> > actually worth it.
> >
> > good luck though, I'd love to see how it turns out!
> >
> > wannes
> >
>
>
> __________________________________
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> Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears
>
>
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~-->
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Canada.
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
> Visit for archived
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> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
>
>
> .
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi Ric,
should have mentioned this earlier: as said, I have a cosmoverb (you
can google it to check it out, it's italian).
anyway, it's built in a nice housing, with front mounted pots and
inputs. On the inside is a chasis, made out of a plate of aluminium,
bent twice. tubes and tranny's are on top, the rest of the
electronics are underneath.
I have opened it up, and it looks pretty well built with an easy to
make yourself chasis. also, most components are solderd directly on
the tube-feet, hardly any wire there. ptp, of course.
If you decide to go ahead with the DIY plan, and if it's any help at
all, I could send you pictures of the inside. the schematics are
equal to the fender unit, they just used new components. with the
schematics, lay out, and pictures you should be able to work it out.
mail me off list if you want to take me up on the offer,
wannes
--- In , Ric Flinn <zanshin09@y...>
wrote:
> Wannes,
>
> Good advice, and that's the reason I asked in the
> first place. A schematic isn't nearly enough for an
> inexperienced builder (like me), and even most layouts
> are too vague to insure a smooth build. I was hoping
> to find a more detailed project that listed the right
> transformers to use, test data, etc. Hoffman's site
> () has what I was looking
> for.
>
> As for cost, you're certainly right. I always get a
> kick out of new amp builders who list their reason for
> building an amp as "to save money." I've accumulated a
> lot of parts, so I don't have to buy everything for
> just one project. Plus I enjoy it, and learn a lot.
>
> Thanks for the input.
> Ric
>
> --- mono_tones_1 <rockverb@h...> wrote:
> > Hi guys,
> >
> > I'm not an expert on this subject, but I understood
> > that its quite
> > difficult to build a reverb unit, esp because it's
> > an unstable
> > circuit. So my advice would be in any case to stick
> > as close to the
> > original layout.. a B+ in the wrong place can cause
> > a lot of trouble.
> > both circuit and layout for fender reverb is
> > available at
> > schematicheaven, ampwares probably has 'em too.
> >
> > I once had this plan, and made a part list to see
> > what it would cost.
> > I included the costs for a Fender style housing. It
> > ended up being
> > almost as expensive as buying a unit. I ended up
> > bying an italian
> > made cosmoverb for 430 euros (new, built after
> > fender 60's specs).
> > dont know exactly how much DIY was, but the
> > difference was way less
> > then 100 euro's, and thats assuming you get
> > everything right the
> > first time. So just make sure beforehand that it's
> > actually worth it.
> >
> > good luck though, I'd love to see how it turns out!
> >
> > wannes
> >
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears
>
Hey Wannes,
I suppose that if you copy exactly a Fender reverb, not only the schematic
but also layout, use the same parts, chassis and case you can't do much
wrong. But, hey there is no fun in just copying.
I altered the schematics (thought I could do better than Leo, hehe) Used
parts I had lying around.
But also decided to use an existing chassis I already had and I think this
is my problem.
Anyhow I let it rest a little bit but don't give up.
So people is you want to build one, don't try to be smarter than the man
himself stick to the plan.
BTW the tolex bag is isolating the pan from acoustic vibrations.
Roland Bettenville
-------Original Message-------
From:
Date: woensdag 29 oktober 2003 21:21:54
To:
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Re: DIY Reverb unit
Oh yeah Roland, I forgot, you posted on that before, sorry i didn't
mention it.
Solid state? I'd rather buy that extra yard of chord!
I read somewhere (can't for the life remember where) that the tolex
bag in fenderamp isolates. can't figue out why or how, isn't it just
tolex? anyway, don't believe everything you read on the internet,
that's or sure.
but here's one for you.... I build a SF twin chasis into a bassman
100 style head (to be sure: similar to the dual showman reverb, but
not as high.) I figured i wasn't goin to need the onboard reverb
anyway. well anyway, I've played likethat for a while and then i
decided to put in the reverb pan, just to try it out. So i put it the
head, right under the huge OT and power tranny, they're about an inch
apart... guess what, no hum whatsoever!? I was stunned, couldn't
believe it, but will stick to the outboard nonetheless. just goes to
show...
I still don't understand, btw, how it possibly could go wrong if you
build it exactly after fender specs (that includes both lay out, box,
and positioning of the pan) .... but that's probably why I'm not an
engineer ;-)
--- In , "Roland Bettenville"
<roland.bettenville@p...> wrote:
> The biggest problem on building your own tube reverb unit is to
have it hum
> free.
> The reverb pan picks up the magnetic field from transformers and
wires much
> to easy.
> I have been experimenting with a diy reverb and this is the point
where I'm
> stuck.
> When I place the pan 1 meter away from the unit it sounds great but
this is
> far from being practical.
> In the mean time I'm experimenting with a solid state reverb. This
must be
> easier to have it hum free because you can use a wall wart power
supply and
> keep it far away from the unit.
>
> Roland Bettenville
>
> roland.bettenville@p...
>
>
>
>
>
> -------Original Message-------
>
> From:
> Date: woensdag 29 oktober 2003 20:32:25
> To:
> Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] Re: DIY Reverb unit
>
> Wannes,
>
> Good advice, and that's the reason I asked in the
> first place. A schematic isn't nearly enough for an
> inexperienced builder (like me), and even most layouts
> are too vague to insure a smooth build. I was hoping
> to find a more detailed project that listed the right
> transformers to use, test data, etc. Hoffman's site
> () has what I was looking
> for.
>
> As for cost, you're certainly right. I always get a
> kick out of new amp builders who list their reason for
> building an amp as "to save money." I've accumulated a
> lot of parts, so I don't have to buy everything for
> just one project. Plus I enjoy it, and learn a lot.
>
> Thanks for the input.
> Ric
>
> --- mono_tones_1 <rockverb@h...> wrote:
> > Hi guys,
> >
> > I'm not an expert on this subject, but I understood
> > that its quite
> > difficult to build a reverb unit, esp because it's
> > an unstable
> > circuit. So my advice would be in any case to stick
> > as close to the
> > original layout.. a B+ in the wrong place can cause
> > a lot of trouble.
> > both circuit and layout for fender reverb is
> > available at
> > schematicheaven, ampwares probably has 'em too.
> >
> > I once had this plan, and made a part list to see
> > what it would cost.
> > I included the costs for a Fender style housing. It
> > ended up being
> > almost as expensive as buying a unit. I ended up
> > bying an italian
> > made cosmoverb for 430 euros (new, built after
> > fender 60's specs).
> > dont know exactly how much DIY was, but the
> > difference was way less
> > then 100 euro's, and thats assuming you get
> > everything right the
> > first time. So just make sure beforehand that it's
> > actually worth it.
> >
> > good luck though, I'd love to see how it turns out!
> >
> > wannes
> >
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------
~-->
> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or
Lexmark
> Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US &
Canada.
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
-~->
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
> Visit for archived
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> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
>
>
> .
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Wannes,
Thanks for the offer of sending pics, I was actually
thinking of asking the list if somebody could take
some detailed gut pics of their Fender RI (or
original!) reverb units (guess I'm doing that now),
and I'd be interested in seeing your Cosmoverb as
well. I'm mostly interested in transformer placement
relative to tank position, but wiring would be good
too. I may still decide that it's not economical to
build the thing anyway, but I'm still thinking about
it.
Ric
--- mono_tones_1 <> wrote:
> Hi Ric,
>
> should have mentioned this earlier: as said, I have
> a cosmoverb (you
> can google it to check it out, it's italian).
>
> anyway, it's built in a nice housing, with front
> mounted pots and
> inputs. On the inside is a chasis, made out of a
> plate of aluminium,
> bent twice. tubes and tranny's are on top, the rest
> of the
> electronics are underneath.
>
> I have opened it up, and it looks pretty well built
> with an easy to
> make yourself chasis. also, most components are
> solderd directly on
> the tube-feet, hardly any wire there. ptp, of
> course.
>
> If you decide to go ahead with the DIY plan, and if
> it's any help at
> all, I could send you pictures of the inside. the
> schematics are
> equal to the fender unit, they just used new
> components. with the
> schematics, lay out, and pictures you should be able
> to work it out.
>
> mail me off list if you want to take me up on the
> offer,
>
> wannes
>
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears
