H Posted January 16, 2013 Posted January 16, 2013 So, as I mentioned in a thread late last year, I'm about to start building a new amp. It's a blackface Vibrolux Reverb in a brownface-style cab.I'm cheating a bit as I'm not making the cab myself this time but it is a custom-built item, courtesy of my friend Jeff McMurray at BandMate USA in WI. Here's a shot of it almost finished:I sourced the chassis, fibreboards and faceplates from a guy in Thailand. They're excellent quality.I've sourced all the resistors, caps, pots, switches, jacks already. They're in a box ready for when the transformers arrive. These will be coming from ClassicTone in Chicago in a month or so, the export version of the PT (230v) having only just been released to production. They'll be followed by the reverb tank. Last things to arrive will be the tubes and speakers as I'm still undecided on these.As ever, I'll be providing a blow-by-blow, illustrated account of my progress, complete with the H mug on the nice tablecloth Keep an eye on the thread for details.Wish me luck!
pegleg32 Posted January 16, 2013 Posted January 16, 2013 Hey Howard, good luck!! but knowing your attention to details, I doubt you will need it. Looks like a great project.
Guest HRB853370 Posted January 16, 2013 Posted January 16, 2013 So, as I mentioned in a thread late last year, I'm about to start building a new amp. It's a blackface Vibrolux Reverb in a brownface-style cab. I'm cheating a bit as I'm not making the cab myself this time but it is a custom-built item, courtesy of my friend Jeff McMurray at BandMate USA in WI. Here's a shot of it almost finished: I sourced the chassis, fibreboards and faceplates from a guy in Thailand. They're excellent quality. I've sourced all the resistors, caps, pots, switches, jacks already. They're in a box ready for when the transformers arrive. These will be coming from ClassicTone in Chicago in a month or so, the export version of the PT (230v) having only just been released to production. They'll be followed by the reverb tank. Last things to arrive will be the tubes and speakers as I'm still undecided on these. As ever, I'll be providing a blow-by-blow, illustrated account of my progress, complete with the H mug on the nice tablecloth Keep an eye on the thread for details. Wish me luck! Good luck! You have the Wisconsin connection going. Can you provide a website for the amp components or amp kit?
H Posted January 16, 2013 Author Posted January 16, 2013 Marsh amps, Mojotone, Torres, TAD, Weber, Allen. All of these do kits that are either replicas or very close approximations of the Vibrolux Reverb. Thinking of building an amp, Slammer?
Steiner Posted January 16, 2013 Posted January 16, 2013 Go H, Go! It's a good looking cab. I'll be watching and looking for inspiration.
Guest HRB853370 Posted January 17, 2013 Posted January 17, 2013 Marsh amps, Mojotone, Torres, TAD, Weber, Allen. All of these do kits that are either replicas or very close approximations of the Vibrolux Reverb. Thinking of building an amp, Slammer? Maybe Howard. My technical prowess is not too good but I do know how to solder. Should I take the plunge?
212Mavguy Posted January 17, 2013 Posted January 17, 2013 ...a great leader and teacher steps forth from us...again. H Kudos!
schundog Posted January 17, 2013 Posted January 17, 2013 C'mon, Howard, last time you did this I ended up commissioning a 5E3 build from KBP810! haha. This looks great. I look forward to seeing the progress (and challenges) you face as you soldier on. Good luck!
H Posted January 17, 2013 Author Posted January 17, 2013 Thanks for the well wishes everyone @Slammer, by all means go for it - it's a great way to spend some time and you get a great amp at the end of it all! I'd suggest starting with a simpler circuit first to get a feel for how it's done, perhaps a Champ or 5E3.
Genericmusic Posted January 17, 2013 Posted January 17, 2013 Looking forward to reading about it and your results.
yoslate Posted January 17, 2013 Posted January 17, 2013 You've got all of us...again...Howard! Cab's lovely! Have fun!
H Posted January 23, 2013 Author Posted January 23, 2013 The most important part of the H-O-Lux arrived today: the amber jewel light!
H Posted February 9, 2013 Author Posted February 9, 2013 A couple of major things in the post today: the cab and the transformers/reverb driver/choke. Cab from my friend Jeff McMurray at BandMate USA in WI. Peerless workmanship - this is simply superb! And the transformers from ClassicTone in Chicago. The PT is HEAVY!!! Just one more big thing left to acquire: time
Steiner Posted February 9, 2013 Posted February 9, 2013 This is going to be a pricey amp by the time you pay shipping and VAT. I applaud your fortitude. Cool looking cab & tranies too.
Steiner Posted February 9, 2013 Posted February 9, 2013 And worth every shmice, no doubt. I don't doubt that it will be a one of a kind. I look forward to a vicarious build.
Guest HRB853370 Posted February 9, 2013 Posted February 9, 2013 I like the brown tolex and wheat grille, resembles my Vibroverb RI very much! Two 10's Howard?
Gitfiddler Posted February 9, 2013 Posted February 9, 2013 Looking forward to reading about it and your results. Ditto that!
H Posted February 9, 2013 Author Posted February 9, 2013 I like the brown tolex and wheat grille, resembles my Vibroverb RI very much! Two 10's Howard? Yes Slammer, two tens: most probably a Jensen Jet Tornado and a Celestion Greenback. I've got a pair of Celestion G10Ks laying around that I'll put in at first though.
knopfler74 Posted February 10, 2013 Posted February 10, 2013 This looks like it will be awesome! I can't wait to see the finished amp! Rock on!
H Posted March 3, 2013 Author Posted March 3, 2013 It's all been quiet for a while, hasn't it? I ran into a little issue with the layout/schematic for the AA964 - the docs available on the web all seem to be blurry and indistinct in various places. I work better from the layout, so I went looking for something clearer and more modern. I eventually found the layout for the Weber 6A40, a Super Reverb-style amp. There are a few differences - an additional Middle pot on the vibrato channel being one - but it was pretty easy to mark these out and apply the correct component values where necessary. I ticked off my component list against the 6A40 layout and all looked good First things first, getting a fully-loaded chassis into the amp is be very difficult if the holes for the chassis bolts haven't already been drilled! Drill the holes while the chassis is empty and easy to handle.
H Posted March 3, 2013 Author Posted March 3, 2013 Lines up nicely I loaded up the transformers, choke and reverb driver (all from ClassicTone) loosely as I knew I'd have to drill a couple of extra holes. The choke and the OT pre-drilled holes were slightly off so I popped in a couple of new holes.
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