kbp810 Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 Been taking my sweet time gathering parts and getting this build started... but thought I might as well kick off a build thread just the same I've been contemplating tackling a D-word style amp for a while now, and finally settled on the 4xEl34 #183 5th generation version. I'm essentially building it true to the original design; but that's in reference to component values only, not going as far as trying to match values and make/model/type tit for tat. So in other words, I'm pretty much using just whatever I have on hand that matches what I need; which as rumor has it is actually what Mr HAD did himself. Before I get too far along... credit for the knowledge of my being able to build this amp goes out to the great group over at the Amp Garage! Sure I've seen schematics here and there, but they have done a ton of work on corrected and revised schematics, as well as layouts and the occasional gut shot. So far I just about have everything I need... except having a tough time tracking down the 330uf (385v'ish) caps with axial leads (have found several sources that have them in radial... but doesn't quite work with the boards I'm using... on that note, I usually like to build my own boards as well, but I took the easy road this time and got a pre-fabbed board set from another Amp Garage member) Caps used are a mix of Orange Drops, Sozo's, Mallorys, sprauges, and nichicon's... Choke and PT are coming from Mercury Magnetics, the PT is their Fender Twin style with an 8A heater current rating to accomidate for the El34's. The OT I am using is coming from Magnetics Components, JCM800 100w plexi. Anyways, here's a few pics of progress so far: (and like I said, I haven't gotten very far yet)
212Mavguy Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 OOOOOOOOOH! Most folks have NO idea what kind of monster you are doing up! Nice shots! Dunno all the particulars about #183 originally, but if there is a NFB loop going back to the preamp, you will want to stick in a switch to lift it if you want! This chassis will have a very large number of parts when it is done...a very difficult, complex, exacting build and the results when finished will be simply...mind blowingly good. I predict a culture shift among at least a few Heritage guitar players as a result of this project when clips are posted. Boutique amp for boutique guitars!
DetroitBlues Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 Mr. KBP810 has made some incredible clone amps as well as some unique designs. He's made child's play out of Fender amps, so its no wonder he's skipping the Vox/Marshall clones and going for the ultra rare botique amp of legend. Make the most of it brother and be sure to let your humble HOC members you work with have a chance to help break it in for you!
big bob Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 Been taking my sweet time gathering parts and getting this build started... but thought I might as well kick off a build thread just the same I've been contemplating tackling a D-word style amp for a while now, and finally settled on the 4xEl34 #183 5th generation version. I'm essentially building it true to the original design; but that's in reference to component values only, not going as far as trying to match values and make/model/type tit for tat. So in other words, I'm pretty much using just whatever I have on hand that matches what I need; which as rumor has it is actually what Mr HAD did himself. Before I get too far along... credit for the knowledge of my being able to build this amp goes out to the great group over at the Amp Garage! Sure I've seen schematics here and there, but they have done a ton of work on corrected and revised schematics, as well as layouts and the occasional gut shot. So far I just about have everything I need... except having a tough time tracking down the 330uf (385v'ish) caps with axial leads (have found several sources that have them in radial... but doesn't quite work with the boards I'm using... on that note, I usually like to build my own boards as well, but I took the easy road this time and got a pre-fabbed board set from another Amp Garage member) Caps used are a mix of Orange Drops, Sozo's, Mallorys, sprauges, and nichicon's... Choke and PT are coming from Mercury Magnetics, the PT is their Fender Twin style with an 8A heater current rating to accomidate for the El34's. The OT I am using is coming from Magnetics Components, JCM800 100w plexi. Anyways, here's a few pics of progress so far: (and like I said, I haven't gotten very far yet) The sound city got you all hot and bothered, admit it.
Steiner Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 KBP810 - Have at thee! I can't wait to have you build my next Bogner XTC. I wish you tremendous success in your build.
kbp810 Posted February 15, 2011 Author Posted February 15, 2011 The sound city got you all hot and bothered, admit it. Indeed it did
DetroitBlues Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 I've heard of guitar porn, but amp builder porn?
212Mavguy Posted February 16, 2011 Posted February 16, 2011 I've heard of guitar porn, but amp builder porn? Yup, your looking right at the foreplay of a Dumble-style orgy!
DetroitBlues Posted February 17, 2011 Posted February 17, 2011 Back to the amp build, hope the parts show up soon! I'd love to see this amp progress!
wdelaney72 Posted February 19, 2011 Posted February 19, 2011 I've heard of guitar porn, but amp builder porn? AHEM! I love me some amp building porn
kbp810 Posted February 19, 2011 Author Posted February 19, 2011 AHEM! I love me some amp building porn And so do I! So here's a little more:
kbp810 Posted February 23, 2011 Author Posted February 23, 2011 Hey Brian. How is the build coming along? I've got the wood chopped up for the head cab - but thats about as far as that's gotten on it, lol The amp itself I've taken a little break on as I'm waiting for the PT to arrive, as well as the whole dilemma of trying to find the big ol' 330uf filter caps. The 330uf's (w/axial leads)are actually sort of overkill (as in 100-220uf should have done the job, and are much more readily available)... but I had the notion stuck in my head that I really wanted to use them... so as a last ditch effort I emailed a few other builders; and Nik from Ceriatone was the only one to reply. He sent me a pair of their 330uf's (Nik is a great guy by the way!), and they just arrived last night. I know the quality of their caps have been the topic of some debate... so perhaps I'll take a quick concensus here on which route I should take: The pair of 330uf "Holy Grail" caps from Ceriatone, or a pair of 220uf F&T's.
smurph1 Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 I'm jealous of you amp building types..The only thing I can do with an amp is turn it on..(And WAY UP!!)
Tim Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 I've got the wood chopped up for the head cab - but thats about as far as that's gotten on it, lol The amp itself I've taken a little break on as I'm waiting for the PT to arrive, as well as the whole dilemma of trying to find the big ol' 330uf filter caps. The 330uf's (w/axial leads)are actually sort of overkill (as in 100-220uf should have done the job, and are much more readily available)... but I had the notion stuck in my head that I really wanted to use them... so as a last ditch effort I emailed a few other builders; and Nik from Ceriatone was the only one to reply. He sent me a pair of their 330uf's (Nik is a great guy by the way!), and they just arrived last night. I know the quality of their caps have been the topic of some debate... so perhaps I'll take a quick concensus here on which route I should take: The pair of 330uf "Holy Grail" caps from Ceriatone, or a pair of 220uf F&T's. Thanks for the update. You know more about capacitors than I do, so I'm sure you'll make the right decision. I'm very interested to see how this turns out (still interested in the "Reverb Deluxe", but a good D clone would be very cool also)...
Steiner Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 I say stay on track with the original design! THEN mod it
kbp810 Posted February 24, 2011 Author Posted February 24, 2011 I say stay on track with the original design! THEN mod it Well said! Used the 330uf "Holy Grails" - it's the value I really wanted to use... plus Nik took the time to send them, I think the least I can do is use 'em! Pretty much just have the tone stack and PT left to wire up!
DetroitBlues Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Holy crap, that looks incredibly complicated. You do an amazing job on those amp projects. Can't wait to see this one finished!
Steiner Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Lookin' GOOD KBP810! Do you have an ETA on the Power Transformer?
kbp810 Posted February 24, 2011 Author Posted February 24, 2011 Just received a tracking number for it today; I'm hoping for Friday so I have the weekend to wrap up the wiring... but it's looking like it will most likely be Monday. (though either way, it will only take about 15 minutes, give or take, to solder those last few wires from the PT when it comes time)
Steiner Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Is that the scent of new amp I catch in the air? Pleasant; isn't it?
H Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Beautiful wiring job! Got anything special planned for the cab?
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