GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: drogulus on April 27, 2017, 07:25:22 PM

Title: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on April 27, 2017, 07:25:22 PM

     I have 2 amps and 2 guitars and 2 basses, but it's not enough. I must, must have another amp, a different one.

     There is this builder, more famous than other builders I have dealt with, and I got up the nerve to email him about building me a certain kind of amp that he is not known for building. In fact no one is known for building this kind of amp.

     Most builders specialize in one or more of the classic vintage amps made by Fender, Marshall or Vox, with a different mix of features like "if only Fender had put a 40 watt power amp into a Princeton Reverb" or the very common mix of 5F6-A/JTM 45 FenderMarshall.

     So I email the guy and ask him could he possibly build me me an amp based on 7591a power tubes and a Baxandall tone stack and I get this chatty email back saying oh do you know so-and-so, he just asked me about something like that blah blah etc. and asked me for more details and I say it's kind of like an Ampeg Gemini and he goes wow that's really out there, I say should it be cathode biased or what and we can't use the old phase inverter. We go back and forth via emails for a couple of weeks ironing out the details and then I get "could you give me a call?" so I call him after 5 o'clock and "sorry, I didn't realize the time" and we are on the phone talking about ultralinear output transformers. This guy is totally into this project and not only that, what he is charging me is scandalously low. I know boutique prices, and I pay them when it's worth it.

     To make a short story less long, the amp will be ready soon. And if this goes well, I know exactly what Amp IV will be. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on April 29, 2017, 11:23:36 AM

     (http://i.imgur.com/u95Cqcn.jpg)

     Amp III ships on Monday. It has ended up being a bit of a mashup of Ampeg, Fisher and Dynaco.

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 01, 2017, 07:53:53 AM
     What about Amp IV, then? I'm glad I asked.

     The 2 greatest amps I ever owned were polar opposites. In the early '70s I bought a Hiwatt, inspired by Pete Townshend. I wasn't being very practical, I had no real use for such a monster. The amp was 100 watt fixed bias with huge transformers. The OTs were rated at full power from 10hz to 70khz. One sample tested by a Hiwatt guru was -3db from 5hz to 120khz.

     (http://www.ampaholics.org.uk/dr103%20nm.jpg)

     That's one pole, one I don't need to revisit since the amps I have and the one I'll get in a few days cover the hifi side pretty well at more useable power levels for a guy that plays in his apartment and doesn't want to disturb the neighbors.

     The other pole was my old Vox Cambridge Reverb, which produced about 12 watts, a combo with a single 10" speaker. The circuit was a cathode biased zero feedback type running 2 EL84s, pretty typical of the old Vox circuits. These amps are extremely harmonic, more than comparable Fenders and Ampegs of the day that used negative feedback around the output stage. The "Vox sound" is largely the relatively high harmonic distortion even at low power levels.

     (http://www.swingcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Front-Vox-Cambridge-Reverb-Good-Condition.jpg)

     All my amps so far are low distortion all purpose amps. You could use them with any instrument, even a 5 string bass provided you used the appropriate cab, which all of my cabs are.

    This little Voxoid clone, this possible Amp IV would be purely for guitar use. And it would have a very distinctive sound, one I can't approximate with the other ones.

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: snyprrr on May 01, 2017, 04:21:59 PM
mm mm mm :P

I'm gonna go ahead and change the valve stem on my flange gasket now :( :'(...


Now i can see why i never made it at GuitarCenter, lol :laugh:... but, that's very impressive talk there, buddy ;),  I must say, I "wante ;)" to be an Eric Johnson player+tech, but, aye, it just never happened. After the Marshall half-stack, I just couldn't lug that stuff around. I was happy to get this little Crate head from a friend... ahhh, to have glorious old fashioned tone beyond tone.


I have not yet figured out Vox. Is it that their "Presence" is in "reverse"? (takes away hi-end instead of giving it) And yea, lol, that IS all I've got (if you were asking, haha).

I can't believe all the tech I've turned my back on... I could just never afford to be a GearHead, even tho I loooooves it. But, I've had to be thankful,... I've been maaade to be thankful...


Do you not use any at all effects (haven't I asked you this already??)? With all this pure sound, it reminds me of Jerry Garcia... but, I DO LOVE THIS SIMPLICITY OF YOUR AMPiii
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 01, 2017, 07:34:35 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on May 01, 2017, 04:21:59 PM


I have not yet figured out Vox. Is it that their "Presence" is in "reverse"? (takes away hi-end instead of giving it) And yea, lol, that IS all I've got (if you were asking, haha).



    The legend is some of the tone controls were wired wrong so the bass was backwards. I played an AC30 like that. It's strange because you know it's backwards but still "turn up" the bass clockwise and it goes down and you despair and die.

    A presence control is a high boost in the output stage feedback loop. Vox don't got a feedback loop, it has a "tone cut" knob which is a pot connected between the power tubes which cancels some high frequencies.

    I use a reverb/tremolo pedal, nothing else for now. And yes, hifi ampage through a JBL is the recipe for Jerry tone.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 03, 2017, 05:51:28 AM

     (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/e0/96/d1e096466cce7609e45025f6750dd91b.jpg)

     I saw the Dead at Nassau Coliseum in '74, the Year of the Wall. That was around the time the Mahavishnu/Mothers of Invention Battle of the Bands was staged there. The following year the Islanders won the Stanley Cup. My mother was an Islanders fan, though inclined more to the Who and Pink Floyd on the music side.

     (http://i.imgur.com/jVoCile.jpg)

     Islander Fan acquires expertise from Droguloid offspring. That's my copy of Dune on the coffee table
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 04, 2017, 12:52:12 PM

     (http://i.imgur.com/yoAcN1N.jpg)

     It's heeeeere. First thing is the 5 string bass torture test, which it passed with flying colors, both in UL and pentode mode. It's no wonder with the OT twice the size of my little steampunker, which let's face it, struggles below 40hz.

     Tomorrow I'll do guitar testing.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 04, 2017, 03:13:40 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 03, 2017, 05:51:28 AM

     (http://i.imgur.com/jVoCile.jpg)

     Islander Fan acquires expertise from Droguloid offspring. That's my copy of Dune on the coffee table

Cool photo.  8)
And I hope you enjoy your new amp.  :)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 04, 2017, 04:52:10 PM
Quote from: NikF on May 04, 2017, 03:13:40 PM

And I hope you enjoy your new amp.  :)

     I enjoy! I enjoy!

     As wonderful as my tone rig cab with its archaeo-hifi speaker has sounded before, it's stunning now, an Ampegosaurus.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: snyprrr on May 04, 2017, 05:42:43 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 04, 2017, 04:52:10 PM
     I enjoy! I enjoy!

     As wonderful as my tone rig cab with its archaeo-hifi speaker has sounded before, it's stunning now, an Ampegosaurus.

DOWNLOAD SOME AUDIO SAMPLES, I CAN'T STAND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 04, 2017, 07:26:33 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on May 04, 2017, 05:42:43 PM
DOWNLOAD SOME AUDIO SAMPLES, I CAN'T STAND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

     I don't think it would be your cup of tea. I specialize in what at first seems to be random nonsense which gradually reveals itself to be profoundly random nonsense.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: snyprrr on May 06, 2017, 08:46:39 AM
Quote from: drogulus on May 04, 2017, 07:26:33 PM
     I don't think it would be your cup of tea. I specialize in what at first seems to be random nonsense which gradually reveals itself to be profoundly random nonsense.

I just want to hear these TONES you're gushing about... I don't care about the... the... music!! noodle away!! I love noodles!!
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 08, 2017, 07:53:58 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 04, 2017, 12:52:12 PM
     (http://i.imgur.com/yoAcN1N.jpg)

     It's heeeeere. First thing is the 5 string bass torture test, which it passed with flying colors, both in UL and pentode mode. It's no wonder with the OT twice the size of my little steampunker, which let's face it, struggles below 40hz.

     Tomorrow I'll do guitar testing
.

So, how was it with your guitar? Do tell.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 09, 2017, 09:59:13 AM
Quote from: NikF on May 08, 2017, 07:53:58 PM
So, how was it with your guitar? Do tell.

     It sounds great, but I'm running into problems. The James tone stack is almost nonfunctional and overall gain is too low and it hums too much when turned up. IMO it's likely that all of these are related to a single cause. When I was working with the builder on the design he suggested a different kind of driver/inverter scheme based on his research into what would work, but not having an old Gemini to compare it to (and never having made an amp like this) he must have thought he was giving me what I wanted. Since I'm a red blooded East Coast American of great age Ampegs are in my blood. The tones stacks work really well, and this is not that. I think it's the driver stage. I subbed out the preamp, driver and inverter tubes, one at a time, with known good replacements and there was no appreciable change.

     I emailed the builder to see what he recommends. I can't take it to a local tech yet, they won't want to touch it. So, now I wait for the reply.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 09, 2017, 10:03:39 AM
That's a pity. But I'm sure you'll track the cause down. :)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on July 05, 2017, 01:42:31 PM

     Sound check:

     https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7LwVxonh0Z8NnRFLTk4S3RMX2M/view

     This is my Starfire bass, which tends to overload recording devices. The amp stayed clean. I'll have to learn how to use the limiter.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on July 06, 2017, 12:11:43 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 05, 2017, 01:42:31 PM
     Sound check:

     https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7LwVxonh0Z8NnRFLTk4S3RMX2M/view

     This is my Starfire bass, which tends to overload recording devices. The amp stayed clean. I'll have to learn how to use the limiter.

That's a natural and almost earthy sounding bass you've got there. 8) At least, that's how it sounds via the little Cambridge system I keep in my office under my desk. ;D
Thanks for posting it.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on July 06, 2017, 09:22:57 AM

     Maybe I'll do some guitar later. First I think I'll try to understand more about how this little Tascam recorder works, or maybe get an external mike that can do justice to the bass, though I think it's not bad. Also I need to experiment with amp settings to reduce the boominess some.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on July 09, 2017, 12:22:18 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 06, 2017, 09:22:57 AM
     Maybe I'll do some guitar later. First I think I'll try to understand more about how this little Tascam recorder works, or maybe get an external mike that can do justice to the bass, though I think it's not bad. Also I need to experiment with amp settings to reduce the boominess some.

Well, if you do record and upload some of the amp with the guitar I'll be interested in hearing it.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: Kontrapunctus on July 09, 2017, 09:09:22 AM
Just buy a Bogner Uberschall and be done with it!   ;)
(http://static.weloveshopping.com/shop/music-boulevard/extra/9230457.jpg)

150 watts of pure tube terror.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on July 09, 2017, 11:39:35 AM
Quote from: Toccata&Fugue on July 09, 2017, 09:09:22 AM
Just buy a Bogner Uberschall and be done with it!   ;)
(http://static.weloveshopping.com/shop/music-boulevard/extra/9230457.jpg)

150 watts of pure tube terror.

     No, not that. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/shocked.gif) For high power I'd go for something traditional in the Fender/Marshall/Vox direction. I'm thinking a blonde Showman, or an AC-100 or JTM 45/100 would be about right. I think I'm covered for that with my AC50 clone, that's more power than I can use.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 18, 2018, 11:55:56 AM

     I decided on Amp IV, and it's going to be based on the little Vox amps like my old Cambridge Reverb. I emailed the builder and we'll talk soon to iron everything out. He did say I was correct in assuming it's very closely based on the original circuits.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--yFyV-3Me--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1479857808/edqaojdewmutfspb3kmh.jpg) (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--sCOs76iH--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1479857821/iwiaavvbsjf7v0d6lyai.jpg)

     Specs:

     15 watts

      ef86 (pentode channel)

      2-12ax7 (triode channel w/top boost)

      12ax7 driver/inverter

       2-el84 power amp (cathode biased, no negative feedback)

       ez81 rectifier

      When I saw the ez81 rectifier tube on the website I knew this guy was serious! Sooo many clone builders don't bother with this, but it's an essential feature of all the 15-18 watt amps made in the olden days by Vox and Marshall. My Cambridge Reverb had it.

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 19, 2018, 11:46:46 AM

     Between the idea and reality falls the TopHat Supreme 16. I always think my questions and observations will wear the guy out and I'm almost always wrong. Not once have I engaged with the stereotypical taciturn genius at home on the bench but uncomfortable facing the public. We discussed tubes and speakers mostly (I told him about my JBL-in-a-ring box and he was duly horrified at such an arrangement). Anyway, three weeks and it's mine.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on March 19, 2018, 01:18:17 PM
Quote from: drogulus on March 19, 2018, 11:46:46 AM
     Between the idea and reality falls the TopHat Supreme 16. I always think my questions and observations will wear the guy out and I'm almost always wrong. Not once have I engaged with the stereotypical taciturn geniuses at home on the bench but uncomfortable facing the public. We discussed tubes and speakers mostly (I told him about my JBL-in-a-ring box and he was duly horrified at such an arrangement). Anyway, three weeks and it's mine.

Looks cool indeed. Do update when it's in yer mitts to let us know how it sounds?
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 19, 2018, 01:59:11 PM
Quote from: NikF on March 19, 2018, 01:18:17 PM
Looks cool indeed. Do update when it's in yer mitts to let us know how it sounds?

     It would be just like me to do that. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: snyprrr on March 19, 2018, 07:00:33 PM
i wish!! :P
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 21, 2018, 10:43:03 AM
     I need a speaker that will be as close to ideal as possible for an amp like my new one. It was originally called the Rola G12.

     (https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/images/f/ff/Im19361218WW-Rola.jpg)

     This is an ad from 1936 for the G12, first of its kind. What I want is one of the family of speakers that descended from the original. With only minimal changes this speaker was used by Vox and Marshall in the early to mid '60s. It is still produced today. Vox still uses it, as do a number of boutique builders, like the guy I'm working with now.

     Here is a new one:

     (https://www.amplifiedparts.com/sites/default/files/uc_products/p-a-g12-8_2.png)

     It has a bell cover on the magnet, underneath it's like the original.

     (http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/19/19140/folders/180572/2085789WashingtonColiseum4311Feb641.jpg)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on April 13, 2018, 07:57:10 AM

     I ordered a new cabinet from a respected builder:

     (http://www.jdesigncabs.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/IMG_0224.219222615_large.JPG)

     Mine will be for a single 12" speaker, the above is a 2-12. It will have an oval port in the back so like my other cabs it can be used with a bass.

     My speaker search is coming down to the wire. It will be British voiced alnico, I have the American voiced alnico with my JBLs.

     One possibility was Tayden, but they are insanely difficult to find. The Alnico Blue I discussed above has a power limit I'm not comfortable with. The Celestion Cream alnico can handle power just fine but might be stiff with an AC15 circuit even after break in.

     Right now the best option appears to be the Fane A60 alnico:

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--m1IX0smV--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1487801379/ebgklhrfjewiqskrldah.jpg)

     The clips I've heard are fine but what really moves me towards this one is that gear fanatics of my general persuasion rate it very highly, even to the point of recommending it for the AC15 circuit my new amp is based on.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on April 13, 2018, 10:51:39 AM
Quote from: drogulus on April 13, 2018, 07:57:10 AM
     I ordered a new cabinet from a respected builder:

     (http://www.jdesigncabs.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/IMG_0224.219222615_large.JPG)

     Mine will be for a single 12" speaker, the above is a 2-12. It will have an oval port in the back so like my other cabs it can be used with a bass.

     My speaker search is coming down to the wire. It will be British voiced alnico, I have the American voiced alnico with my JBLs.

     One possibility was Tayden, but they are insanely difficult to find. The Alnico Blue I discussed above has a power limit I'm not comfortable with. The Celestion Cream alnico can handle power just fine but might be stiff with an AC15 circuit even after break in.

     Right now the best option appears to be the Fane A60 alnico:

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--m1IX0smV--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1487801379/ebgklhrfjewiqskrldah.jpg)

     The clips I've heard are fine but what really moves me towards this one is that gear fanatics of my general persuasion rate it very highly, even to the point of recommending it for the AC15 circuit my new amp is based on.

Nice update. I enjoy reading about your progress with your amps. Most of the considerations you have are way over my head, but I like how you pursue exactly what you require.
For what it's worth, I currently have two amps. One is a reissue of a Deluxe Reverb and the other - the one I use most - a humble Peavey Bandit with the original 12" 'Scorpion' speaker. The DRRI will be sold - the Peavey is enough amp for me.

I've been meaning to ask about the custom built guitar you previously posted (I misidentified the pickups of) and how you find it after living with it for a while.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on April 13, 2018, 11:19:44 AM
    Look, if you expected me to be outraged by a Peavey Bandit I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm way too tolerant YOU STUPID BITCH, HOW COULD YOU???

    (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)

    I think you mean my dark green Creston with the fat pickups on it. It's great, unlike any other guitar I've owned. The neck is quite Tele-like through the radius is 12" and the scale is Gibsoneque at 24.75". The pups were designed with the goal of low noise with the highish output of humbuckers but with single coil or even gold foil-ish brightness. It's a Holy Grail kind of thing.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/=VW07kW-DqQ8&list=PLi9nIo1mCPdEHVDSE1GHVq9JfmnXTtT_H&index=2

     Fane speakers were most notoriously used in Hiwatt amps (still are). Those were ceramic speakers that produced an aggressive snarling tone no Celestion could match. The A60 has an extra sweetness alnicos have but if you push them it can get very Live at Leeds.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/lgR4SDxBJAo
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on April 17, 2018, 07:05:28 AM
     Why would I go to the expense of choosing an alnico speaker over the more common ceramic variety? I'll try to do the short version. In the '50s all speakers had alnico magnets, in the '60s alnico became more expensive and the cheaper ceramics began to replace them in musical instrument amps. Alnico became a premium option in some brands and models. Marshall made the change in the mid '60s. Some great recordings were made just before the change, one of which was the Bluesbreakers album with Eric Clapton, the "Beano" album. Eric used a Marshall combo amp with a pair of Celestion alnico Blues (technically the T530).

     A great speaker builder who makes old school versions of the classic Celestions recorded these clips showing how the phased out alnicos compare sonically with the new ceramics coming in just after "Beano" was recorded:

Ceramic (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IC7p-eDIL1J9f7ic5hwBXXbWiPHydNJx)

Alnico (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Pf8GDiU3_NChXljBJFDQyM2hwAuL43Xx)

     I hear the alnico as having slightly more compression and not as sharp in the treble. I prefer it.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 02, 2018, 10:20:31 AM

     I got my new speaker cab today that should be ideal for Amp IV. Take a look:

     (https://i.imgur.com/fdVUbfu.jpg)

     (https://i.imgur.com/hHakRVf.jpg)

     It's pretty, and made of poplar so it's light. I still haven't resolved the question of what speaker to put in it. For now I might put a temporary speaker in for testing.

     (https://i.imgur.com/hVzWu9i.jpg)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 02, 2018, 06:13:10 PM
Very cool.  8) :)

e: yeah, testing with whatever speaker(s) you have at hand would be worthwhile. Also, I had the soldering iron out recently in order to put the original pickups back into some guitars I found new homes for. And now I need to put the removed pickups into my remaining guitars. In one case it'll mean cutting the pickguard, because the neck pickup isn't an especially common shape, but I'm having someone do that for me.

e2: come to think of it, I could and probably should do it myself with the Dremel.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 02, 2018, 07:12:40 PM
     My temp speaker is an old Utah. I tested the cab with my Starfire bass and to my unsurprise this cab/speaker combo produces great deep bass. It's not at all a bass cab, while my tone ring cab is at all one, but I had the idea that that oval back is a port, reminding me of the late great Ampeg Gemini.

     (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55b96660e4b002426329f9a7/55c92f84e4b055f9e3320df9/55c92fa7e4b0314942eb7331/1439248298719/Ampeg+Gemini.jpg)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 02, 2018, 09:17:22 PM
I haven't seen a Gemini II for years. :) In fact, I'm not sure I've ever heard one in person. I've certainly never played through one.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 03, 2018, 05:33:38 AM
Quote from: NikF on May 02, 2018, 09:17:22 PM
I haven't seen a Gemini II for years. :) In fact, I'm not sure I've ever heard one in person. I've certainly never played through one.

     Ampeg had this philosophy that their amps should be all purpose, and should handle bass because that was the company specialty. Though this model was ostensibly for guitar and accordion it's just as much a bass amp as the legendary B15 that's been in recording studios all over for 50 years.

     (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/51/35/3a/51353af1745932d8c72e62047f716dbf.jpg)

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 04, 2018, 07:36:37 AM
     Amp IV is here. I haven't plugged in yet.

     (https://i.imgur.com/Jf2gnln.jpg)

     Later: My preliminary test was with my 5 string bass. And it looks like my intuition about the oval port was correct as bass output is strong, though I expect there's not much fundamental on the low B.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 04, 2018, 01:58:23 PM
     This guy Curtis Novak made my Starfire bass pickups and also a split coil pickup for my Esquire clone.

     (http://www.tdpri.com/data/attachments/348/348643-49e8eecc48b9d8ea27c952b0d8bdaaf9.jpg)

     You get the Tele sound and no hum.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 04, 2018, 08:13:41 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 04, 2018, 07:36:37 AM
     Amp IV is here. I haven't plugged in yet.

     (https://i.imgur.com/Jf2gnln.jpg)

     Later: My preliminary test was with my 5 string bass. And it looks like my intuition about the oval port was correct as bass output is strong, though I expect there's not much fundamental on the low B.

Very cool. Congrats. Hope you enjoy it. :)
Any closer to a final decision about the speaker?


Quote from: drogulus on May 04, 2018, 01:58:23 PM
     This guy Curtis Novak made my Starfire bass pickups and also a split coil pickup for my Esquire clone.

     (http://curtisnovak.com/pickups/images/tel-hc2.jpg)

     You get the Tele sound and no hum.

That design looks interesting - and perhaps kind of familiar. Recently I reduced the number of guitars I own, but kept two of the Telecasters. I'm in the process of replacing the pickups. One of them already has a set of Barden pickups, but this is going into the bridge of my favourite Tele -

(https://i.imgur.com/t26wl72.jpg)


This is going back in the neck, where I had it for years -

(https://i.imgur.com/vhHw0My.jpg)


As you probably know, if that were more than just cosmetically a Charlie Christian then it would have the long magnets running parallel to the strings. But this version is (to my ears) still a cool sounding pickup.

The only other thing that's not stock about my Telecasters is the volume pots. I don't understand a lot about this stuff, but maybe you can figure out what I mean by the description; Usually the volume pot increases the volume relatively steadily from 0 to 10. But pots I have installed don't do much over the majority of the range and then suddenly jump with only the tiniest of turn. The reason I chose them is because sometimes I like to play pedal steel riffs and bends with some/all of the attack removed, so with those pots I can more easily pick the strings and use my fourth/pinky finger to turn the volume control at the same time.
That's about it. I'm a simple man with simple tastes and so prefer my guitars that way. ;D
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 05, 2018, 07:56:27 AM

     I see your bridge pup is like the Novak. I don't know anything about Charlie Christian pups, except the one you have doesn't look like a Lollar, which is authentic in design, they say.

     https://soundcloud.com/lollarpickups/charlie-christian-pickup-1 (https://soundcloud.com/lollarpickups/charlie-christian-pickup-1)
     
     I went ahead and ordered the Fane A60 for AMP IV.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 05, 2018, 08:35:15 AM
The one I have is a Lollar. He makes two or three versions, but none are authentic. Neither are the Pete Biltoft(?), TK Smith, or Duncan versions. As far as I know the only reproduction of that pickup that uses the correct long cobalt magnets is this one http://www.ccpickups.co.uk/about.html

But I'm happy with the Lollar because on my guitars it sounds the way it sounds, rather than the way a real Charlie Christian should sound. It's kind of a wide range P90 with scooped mids. I'd probably be just as happy with an underworld vintage style P90, but I'm too cheap to spend money. ;D
Unfortunately, there's a drawback to the Lollar in that it's noisy. So that's why my other Tele has Bardens. And my excuse for needing that other Tele is...and this is kind of a secret... since the start of this year I occasionally play in public in front of people. Some of the venues have wiring and lights or whatever that don't play nice with single coils.

Anyway, good to hear you reached a decision about speaker choice. I hope it's at least in the ballpark of how you expect it to be with your amp. :)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 07, 2018, 02:03:37 PM


     I may be on the verge of achieving the impossible, being an American who has figured out how to buy an alnico speaker from Tayden, who don't seem to want to sell speakers to anyone anywhere. They used to, but something went wrong between them and their distributor and now they are making speakers under different names and I somehow managed to trace one of their aliases back to the source. Do I buy one? I haven't decided yet.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 08, 2018, 01:02:45 AM
Quote from: drogulus on May 07, 2018, 02:03:37 PM

     I may be on the verge of achieving the impossible, being an American who has figured out how to buy an alnico speaker from Tayden, who don't seem to want to sell speakers to anyone anywhere. They used to, but something went wrong between them and their distributor and now they are making speakers under different names and I somehow managed to trace one of their aliases back to the source. Do I buy one? I haven't decided yet.

Cool.
If you ever do encounter any (or further) problems buying stuff from the UK for an amp or guitar, feel free to hit me up and if I can help I'll be glad to do so.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 14, 2018, 03:52:56 PM

     Once again I only have 3 amps. I gave my little Frenzel along with my small duct port cab to my brother.

     (https://i.imgur.com/cl51g5z.jpg)

     (http://www.trmguitarcabs.com/PO112TO_006.JPG)

     I gave him my second JBL! Why I do that? Now I'm going to have to convince him he doesn't like the sound of it (too hifi? yeah I'll insinuate the metal dome makes it ice picky).

     After testing a bit with one of my guitars I've decided that the new Fane speaker is terrific. It has a sparkle to it that's perfect for a Voxoid circuit like my new one.

     Next week I'm taking the Ampegosaurus to Maine where I'm giving it a major overhaul make it more faithful to the Geminis of old.

     So now I have Amp I (Beatles first trip to America), Amp II (the Ampegosaur) and Amp III, the new one.

     I've also been researching the various versions of the Peavey Bandit, and I see it gets lots of respect from tubesters.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF on May 23, 2018, 06:20:22 AM
Quote from: drogulus on May 14, 2018, 03:52:56 PM
     Once again I only have 3 amps. I gave my little Frenzel along with my small duct port cab to my brother.

     (https://i.imgur.com/cl51g5z.jpg)

     (http://www.trmguitarcabs.com/PO112TO_006.JPG)

     I gave him my second JBL! Why I do that? Now I'm going to have to convince him he doesn't like the sound of it (too hifi? yeah I'll insinuate the metal dome makes it ice picky).

     After testing a bit with one of my guitars I've decided that the new Fane speaker is terrific. It has a sparkle to it that's perfect for a Voxoid circuit like my new one.

     Next week I'm taking the Ampegosaurus to Maine where I'm giving it a major overhaul make it more faithful to the Geminis of old.

     So now I have Amp I (Beatles first trip to America), Amp II (the Ampegosaur) and Amp III, the new one.

     I've also been researching the various versions of the Peavey Bandit, and I see it gets lots of respect from tubesters.

You're clearly both generous and a gentleman - really, making that gift is a cool gesture.

Glad to hear the Fane is bustin' yer chops!

You know why I like the Bandit? - enough clean headroom. And that Lollar CC pickup (or as I pointed out, an underwound/vintage style P90) pushes it nicely. Jimmy Raney/Barney Kessell/early Kenny Burrell - only with me behind the signal, sans talent.  ;D
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 23, 2018, 01:57:27 PM
     Lollar makes a vintage style alnico staple pickup, a variant of the P-90 that was used in the '50s Les Paul "Black Beauty" in the neck position, with a regular P-90 in the bridge.

     (https://www.premierguitar.com/Stream/StreamImage.aspx?Image_ID=E19DD5A0-33CF-4871-ABE9-59F1769DCE83&Image_Type=image)

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--B7cfpK11--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1497031421/twuv7qfxqgzxyfcmbfri.jpg)

     The staple is considered the ultimate P-90 by some gearheads.

     I'm in Maine vacationing and amping, too. The Ampegosaur is going to be overhauled to make it more faithful to the original. Mr. Arkham is expert on Ampegs, and we've discussed what's necessary, a rebuilt preamp and a pretty special driver/inverter scheme we kind of arrived at separately. The research I had to do was quite intense and just as I was about to suggest we do something very Sunn/Dynaco like he emails me to say why don't we use a common pentode for the driver stage and keep the 12AU7 as a cathodyne inverter and I reply holy shit! I just saw a kit company that has a Sunn clone with exactly that! Well, that about wraps it up, now we've got to do it. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on May 31, 2018, 08:25:53 AM
     I don't know whether I should get into this or not, so I will. None of the speakers I have, some good, some great, sound as good for guitar and bass as my archaic JBL hifi speaker.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--fEq4JxnO--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_1600,q_80,w_1600/v1488915140/m2zxfdcxug1rjunwfpmy.jpg)

     Unfortunately when I play my 5 string bass and hit the low B (30hz fundamental) it makes a fluttery sound, an unmistakable sign that the cone is acting like it's in free air. The tone ring cab is tuned higher, suitable for almost all of the musical instrument speakers that existed when the cab was designed including JBL D120Fs, Jensens, Oxfords and Utahs. The 123, though, was not intended for musical instrument use. It's designed for a variety of pro audio and home hifi uses. In a reflex cab it needs a very low tuning to control the lowest frequencies.

     Either I need to put it in a different cab, or try something else. The something else is called a high pass filter. Here is one:

     (https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/img_1959-jpg.3065512/)

     This one can be adjusted to remove troublesome low frequencies while leaving bass frequencies above that untouched. I can set the frequency exactly where the fluttering appears while having full use of the bass tone control. I can turn the bass control all the way up, set volume at just above where I usually set it, then move the filter up to where the flutter at 30hz disappears. That should be it, the filter is a set and forget kind of thing, and now I can set the amp tone controls for best SQ while protecting the speaker from overexertion and sonic nasties.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on January 28, 2019, 09:26:59 AM
 

     I have decided to retire the JBL D123. It's going into my speaker museum, a shelf with a speaker on it. In its place I'm putting a Scumback J55, a guitar speaker that has a cone designed for guitar/bass dual use. It's based on a Celestion speaker that isn't famous though the sound it makes is.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/lSdBtoIIYT4

     Hendrix used these speakers, too, in his early Marshalls. My version has a slightly smaller ceramic magnet (J instead of H as in G12H30).

     With this J55 in my tone ring cab, a speaker that can handle more power, I can rest easy. For the little poplar cab I can install another Scumback, the Scumnico!

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--eGxWlDaJ--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1459098096/epjwzga5jmouoibjygee.jpg)

     So what's all this then about Lithuania? A shop is selling a very desirable speaker, a big alnico Fane, the AXA 12, new in the box, unobtanium for years.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--70KGfJXv--/t_card-square/v1540368371/ihav465ll4a30yhmy9n6.jpg)


     Too much information, I know...  (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on January 31, 2019, 08:30:01 AM
     Amp IV

     So far I have 3 amps with their own distinct personalities.

     Amp I, a clone of the Vox amp the Beatles brought to America. It's a clean machine with lots of power (~50 watts). The Vox badge came with the headshell.

     (https://i.imgur.com/ZJk2NNq.jpg)

     Amp II is based on the Ampeg designs of the early '60s (all of my amps are early '60s designs). What's special about Ampegs is they were designed for bass and big box jazz guitars, and the guy running the company hated rock n roll, so he wanted a kind of clean amp with equalization that was very neutral (very like the Baxandall EQ used in hifi and still used today in stereo equipment that has tone controls, just bass and treble, no mid control, flat response at noon, that kind.

     (https://i.imgur.com/gUiafLj.jpg)

     Amp III, not a clone but a design with features of small (~15 watts) Vox amps like the AC 15, extremely harmonic due to the absence of a feedback correction network, the particular small bottle power tubes and the tube rectifier. When you hear the sound you go "Oh yeah, that sound". Of course you can get any sound with any amp up to a point, but my choices are based on how specialized designs can help you get what you want.

     (https://i.imgur.com/puxz9j2.jpg)

     Now I'm starting the process of getting an amp (IV) very different from the others, that fills a hole that needs filling very badly. More, much more, too much more is to come. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: greg on February 01, 2019, 10:34:57 AM
I know this is an amp thread, but anyone into collecting pedals?
I've been really into Earthquaker Devices pedals lately- got 3 of them so far and have my eye on at least 5 more. Really unique pedals that have few that are like them.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 11:03:00 AM
Quote from: greg on February 01, 2019, 10:34:57 AM
I know this is an amp thread, but anyone into collecting pedals?
I've been really into Earthquaker Devices pedals lately- got 3 of them so far and have my eye on at least 5 more. Really unique pedals that have few that are like them.

     Go Away! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)

     I'm not a pedal kind of guy, though I do have a Strymon Flint Rev-Trem, a Spark booster and a Broughton High Pass Filter. All I really want most of the time is the reverb, which none of my amps have.

     I did think of getting a JTM 45 pedal, but it looks like I'm going to get a JTM 45 instead as Amp IV. I'm trying to contact the builder.

     What Earthquakes do you have, and what amp?
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: greg on February 01, 2019, 07:05:16 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 11:03:00 AM
     Go Away! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/cheesy.gif)

     I'm not a pedal kind of guy, though I do have a Strymon Flint Rev-Trem, a Spark booster and a Broughton High Pass Filter. All I really want most of the time is the reverb, which none of my amps have.

     I did think of getting a JTM 45 pedal, but it looks like I'm going to get a JTM 45 instead as Amp IV. I'm trying to contact the builder.

     What Earthquakes do you have, and what amp?
These two are for some really wild effects:
(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57cebe2c03596e075fca5f24/5989c6dbf5e231b64a56acd8/5993060be4fcb5cd657f12ab/1510765914068/Data-Corrupter.jpg)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2448/2239/products/f332520b-3262-44d7-84e3-f3794a5363f2_1aed7127-6e34-4367-8002-8bf41b556f39_1200x1200.jpg?v=1547053321)

The Rainbow Machine especially has some odd sounds that you won't find in other pedals.

My third is a sort of Reverb + Delay, often regarded as their "best" pedal.
(https://media.sweetwater.com/api/i/ha-c31cfb81db28c9d0__hmac-79fdb7d676f73e8490447cda92dd5d1f8970c28f/images/items/750/AvalancheV2-large.jpg)
Mostly for very atmospheric sounding stuff.


Avalanche Run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-edx1_Vn4g

My want to buy list from Earthquaker:  :P
Transmisser (Reverb)
Spatial Delivery (Autowah)
Hummingbird (Tremolo)
Grand Orbiter (Phase)
Aquaduct (vibrato)
Space Spiral (Modulated Delay)
Pitch Bay (Polyphonic Harmonizer)
Pyraminds (Stereo Flanger)
Arpanoid (Arpeggiator)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 07:49:38 PM
     I just realized you're a real greg.

     I like the sounds, very......quinky?? It kind of quinks.

     So, what amp, and what guitar do you have? You have immunity so you have to answer.

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: Mirror Image on February 01, 2019, 07:58:13 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 07:49:38 PM
     I just realized you're a real greg.

     I like the sounds, very......quinky?? It kind of quinks.

     So, what amp, and what guitar do you have? You have immunity so you have to answer.

     

You didn't ask me, but my setup is pretty simple these days: a PRS guitar (forget the model name), which goes into a Boss ME-50 multi-effects unit (only really use for distortion, delay, and a hall reverb setting), which then goes into a Boss Loopstation and then the signal is split between two small amps: a Jay Turser Classic 10 and a Fender Sidekick Reverb.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: greg on February 01, 2019, 08:44:20 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 07:49:38 PM
     I just realized you're a real greg.

     I like the sounds, very......quinky?? It kind of quinks.

     So, what amp, and what guitar do you have? You have immunity so you have to answer.

     
Oh, that's what I like to hear- all those other Gregs out there are fake! HA!  >:D

I think it sounds very... glacier-y? An ice field? Alaska, maybe?

For amps, I only have a Line 6 Spider II practice amp right now- but mostly likely my main setup will be this ampsim:
https://neuraldsp.com/products/fortin-nameless-plugin/

(we'll see, at least- I kind of have to stick with amp sims for the time being)

I've always stuck with Ibanez (my main guitar being an older RG, and my secondary guitar being the RG 9), but I recently got this guitar and yep, this will be my "main" for sure:

(http://www.schecterguitars.com/images/store/product/HELLRAISER%20C-8%20FR%20BCH%20TILT.png)

Schecter Hellraiser C8 w/Floyd Rose

My guitars:
(https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50236818_10156916536141240_7315637887133810688_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=1a2468d48cb67362aa0f79a977eaf94e&oe=5CF0FE4F)

Quote from: Mirror Image on February 01, 2019, 07:58:13 PM
a PRS guitar (forget the model name)
I've always been impressed by PRS every time I've played one, will have to get one one day.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: Mirror Image on February 01, 2019, 08:58:04 PM
Quote from: greg on February 01, 2019, 08:44:20 PM
Oh, that's what I like to hear- all those other Gregs out there are fake! HA!  >:D

I think it sounds very... glacier-y? An ice field? Alaska, maybe?

For amps, I only have a Line 6 Spider II practice amp right now- but mostly likely my main setup will be this ampsim:
https://neuraldsp.com/products/fortin-nameless-plugin/

(we'll see, at least- I kind of have to stick with amp sims for the time being)

I've always stuck with Ibanez (my main guitar being an older RG, and my secondary guitar being the RG 9), but I recently got this guitar and yep, this will be my "main" for sure:

(http://www.schecterguitars.com/images/store/product/HELLRAISER%20C-8%20FR%20BCH%20TILT.png)

Schecter Hellraiser C8 w/Floyd Rose

My guitars:
(https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50236818_10156916536141240_7315637887133810688_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=1a2468d48cb67362aa0f79a977eaf94e&oe=5CF0FE4F)
I've always been impressed by PRS every time I've played one, will have to get one one day.

Nice guitars, Greg! Yeah, PRS make great guitars, but I'm looking to upgrade mine to one of the custom models.

Just for kicks, here's the PRS in action:

https://www.youtube.com/v/wNmIPzsXpOQ

Sorry for the video/audio quality. I recorded this late many nights ago with my Samsung Galaxy S8+.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 09:01:40 PM
     
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 01, 2019, 07:58:13 PM
You didn't ask me, but my setup is pretty simple these days: a PRS guitar (forget the model name), which goes into a Boss ME-50 multi-effects unit (only really us for distortion, delay, and hall reverb setting), which then goes into a Boss Loopstation and then the signal is split between two small amps: a Jay Turser Classic 10 and a Fender Sidekick Reverb.

     The PRS that really appealed to me was the McCarty with P90s.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--q9sFtBZ9--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_1600,q_80,w_1600/v1527879104/wpd2nepthg0u0vasara8.jpg)

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: Mirror Image on February 01, 2019, 09:06:43 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 09:01:40 PM
     
     The PRS that really appealed to me was the McCarty with P90s.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--q9sFtBZ9--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_1600,q_80,w_1600/v1527879104/wpd2nepthg0u0vasara8.jpg)

   

Those are really nice! I haven't really played on too many PRS models, but I'm heading down to a Guitar Center next weekend (not this weekend as we all know it'd be a madhouse down in Atlanta). I'll probably be looking for a new volume pedal, too (preferably a Morley).
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 01, 2019, 09:07:52 PM
     If I get a JTM 45 clone built it will be like this one.

     (http://www.modernsoundamps.com/s/cc_images/cache_18236959.jpg)

     This was the first amp Marshall made in 1962, and the builder has several early ones and tunes his builds so they are as authentic as they can be.

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 02, 2019, 07:03:50 AM
     Merren...... Merren!!.....

         
     Just kidding, I think, we're not going to do an exorcism if I can help it.

     (http://www.modernsoundamps.com/s/cc_images/cache_18236959.jpg)

     In the picture above the upright output transformer is a genuine vintage Radiospares Deluxe used in early JTM 45 amps. I saw one of these for sale for $900. That's for a single transformer. Fortunately there are new ones being built to the old specs, such as the Merren Audio ones below.

     (http://merrenaudio.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/62-RS_e.146162626.jpg)

     I think I might be willing to settle for the new one. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: greg on February 03, 2019, 05:18:04 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 01, 2019, 08:58:04 PM
Sorry for the video/audio quality. I recorded this late many nights ago with my Samsung Galaxy S8+.
Awesome stuff, John.
Any reason you are looking for the Morley volume pedal specifically?
I have the Ernie Ball VP Jr, seems to be fine.

One odd thing I'm also considering doing is buying a second noise gate... the reason being that the first noise gate is being put at the beginning of the chain (as always for me) to reduce amp noises (and all noise to an extent), but then the second one would be put at the end and when I want extreme staccato, I will crank it up to a high setting to reduce all noises that aren't loud. Tbh I'm not a huge fan of the extremely staccato riffing that some guitarists do nowadays, but I at least want the capability to use something like that. 
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: Mirror Image on February 03, 2019, 05:30:08 PM
Quote from: greg on February 03, 2019, 05:18:04 PM
Awesome stuff, John.
Any reason you are looking for the Morley volume pedal specifically?
I have the Ernie Ball VP Jr, seems to be fine.

One odd thing I'm also considering doing is buying a second noise gate... the reason being that the first noise gate is being put at the beginning of the chain (as always for me) to reduce amp noises (and all noise to an extent), but then the second one would be put at the end and when I want extreme staccato, I will crank it up to a high setting to reduce all noises that aren't loud. Tbh I'm not a huge fan of the extremely staccato riffing that some guitarists do nowadays, but I at least want the capability to use something like that.

Thanks, Greg. 8) Well, it doesn't have to be a Morley per se, but they seem like they don't give out as easily as the Ernie Ball ones as I had one many years ago which I loved. The Ernie Ball volume pedals have some kind of spring in the mechanics (I could be wrong about that of course) that give away after much use.

I know next to nothing about using noise gates as I usually play with a clean sound and I don't really have to worry about excess feedback or anything. Even when I'm using distortion, I tend to favor a more precise sound and one that's somewhat concentrated for single note lines (since this is really all I use distortion for). Since you play metal, the noise gate is a very good idea indeed as you want less noise and more clarity from the amplifier/effects you're using.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 04, 2019, 06:41:31 AM
     Old people got no reason to live unless they collect stuff from their youth. The amps I have built are like that, either clones of a specific amp or frankenamps with a mix of features. Occasionally a modern feature creeps in, like an amp I gave away had an effects loop. I didn't give it away for that, though I'm finding my amps don't need that feature.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 04, 2019, 06:48:20 AM

     I was in a Guitar Center (!) a couple of years ago and this guy was playing a Ric 12 string through an organ pedal. I almost wanted to buy both of those just to get that sound.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 06, 2019, 04:42:01 PM

     I don't have an amp that overdrives in a really mean way. A JTM45 will do that, with some clean boost in front it will sing like Michael Cohen.
     
     I thought I'd throw this in for no reason. How did Ron Wood end up playing guitar? Why, why, why......

     https://www.youtube.com/v/z0AIRganLXE
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 10, 2019, 08:34:44 AM
     No JTM 45 for me, at least I won't get one any time soon. Yesterday I called a builder, Fred, who makes a variety of offbeat amps. At first I thought he was one of those grouches you hear about, but it was just his nephew who works for him part time that was distracting him. We talked about the amp I was interested in, a head with 2 sets of power tubes and a switch to choose which set. It also has 2 preamps that are linked so you can use one or blend them to taste. One goes one way, the other goes the other way. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--yRYbQ-NA--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_1600,q_80,w_1600/v1455563075/gay7miugkeexkbsx1gt8.jpg)

     The switch is between a pair of EL-84s cathode biased to 15 watts, and a pair of 6V6s biased to true Class A producing 9 watts. The demos I've heard indicate the amps sound quite different, the 84s Vox/Marshall, the 6V6s more Fendery.

     The preamps are really special, with roots in 1950s designs from Gibson and Valco.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 10, 2019, 10:37:34 AM
Interesting description. All I know of Gibson amps is that I like hearing Charlie Christian playing through a Eh150(?)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 10, 2019, 07:03:42 PM
Quote from: NikF4 on February 10, 2019, 10:37:34 AM
Interesting description. All I know of Gibson amps is that I like hearing Charlie Christian playing through a Eh150(?)

     There's a company that makes a replica of the Charlie Christian amp.

     Vintage 47 VA-185G

     (http://www.vintage47amps.com/gallery_gen/8b13fac9184b5b315123d24e4802af28_370x280.jpg)(http://www.vintage47amps.com/gallery_gen/0302a98f29e27c8e7660a820f4e4f93c_370x280.jpg)

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 11, 2019, 01:53:45 AM
Quote from: drogulus on February 10, 2019, 07:03:42 PM
     There's a company that makes a replica of the Charlie Christian amp.

     Vintage 47 VA-185G

     (http://www.vintage47amps.com/gallery_gen/8b13fac9184b5b315123d24e4802af28_370x280.jpg)(http://www.vintage47amps.com/gallery_gen/0302a98f29e27c8e7660a820f4e4f93c_370x280.jpg)

   

That looks cool. And I'm sure it's well made and sounds great.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 12, 2019, 03:44:20 PM

     https://www.youtube.com/v/0CZ86zc3r9Q
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 12, 2019, 04:10:01 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 12, 2019, 03:44:20 PM
     https://www.youtube.com/v/0CZ86zc3r9Q

That's interesting. I've heard that guy before when he was comparing the Lollar Charlie Christian with some kind of Fender neck pickup. Anyway, in this video it's another single coil - a vintage P90 - and I think it sounds good with both channels. I'd have liked to hear the second one with the guitar volume down and the amp up.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 12, 2019, 07:19:59 PM

     That's not the kind of sound I use but I think the amp would sound good with the tone at noon and the volume a little higher. For overdrive the microphone input would be best.

     This company offers a Bronson, too, a little monster Valco. I played an original once and was amazed by it.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/c3D1ATaF7dc

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 12, 2019, 07:27:29 PM
Yeah, I didn't think the sound would be your bag, but I knew you would still understand the amp.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 13, 2019, 10:26:46 AM
     At some point I'll get a Quilter to have a tiny SS amp that does what tube amps do very well. Maybe I'll get the one demonstrated here (the 3rd one):

     https://www.youtube.com/v/n3GYyQizG9o

     

     

Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 13, 2019, 11:26:39 AM
Quote from: drogulus on February 13, 2019, 10:26:46 AM
     At some point I'll get a Quilter to have a tiny SS amp that does what tube amps do very well. Maybe I'll get the one demonstrated here (the 3rd one):

     https://www.youtube.com/v/n3GYyQizG9o

     

   

That's an interesting comparison. They all sound acceptable to me and I've tried a DV Mark Little Jazz in person, but the Quilter does seem to have something extra. I'd been aware of Quilter for some time but had always thought there was no UK distributor - until right this moment when on rechecking I've found one. I'll seriously be considering it.

Do you ever have only one of your guitars (or type of guitar) in mind when thinking of an amp purchase?
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 13, 2019, 11:58:05 AM
Quote from: NikF4 on February 13, 2019, 11:26:39 AM


Do you ever have only one of your guitars (or type of guitar) in mind when thinking of an amp purchase?

     In the case of the big AC 50 clone and the Ampegosaur, no, I treat them as universal amps, which they were designed to be. The TopHat 16 is guitar only because it can't handle very low bass, probably because the design uses a smallish output transformer to get a particular sound. The new amp might be able to handle the low B string, I don't know.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 13, 2019, 12:35:59 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 13, 2019, 11:58:05 AM
     In the case of the big AC 50 clone and the Ampegosaur, no, I treat them as universal amps, which they were designed to be. The TopHat 16 is guitar only because it can't handle very low bass, probably because the design uses a smallish output transformer to get a particular sound. The new amp might be able to handle the low B string, I don't know.

Ah, of course, I can see that now.
My main concern is how a telecaster neck pickup from the old school - chrome plated brass cover - will sound.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 16, 2019, 12:56:14 PM
Quote from: NikF4 on February 13, 2019, 12:35:59 PM
Ah, of course, I can see that now.
My main concern is how a telecaster neck pickup from the old school - chrome plated brass cover - will sound.

     Are you still interested in getting a combo amp, and if so what's your budget?
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 16, 2019, 06:49:10 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 16, 2019, 12:56:14 PM
     Are you still interested in getting a combo amp, and if so what's your budget?

Yes, but I'll wait until I'm living in a house again instead of an apartment, because I don't want to disturb my neighbours.
The budget - any spending limit would only be imposed by thinking it's too much amp for me and that I wouldn't be able to appreciate it.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 17, 2019, 05:52:05 AM
     You could get the Quilter 101 Reverb with the cab it fits into.

     I've been looking at what's available where you are and came up with this:

     (https://andertons-productimages.imgix.net/310325-VIBRO35-BRN-%282%29.jpg?w=900&h=900&fit=fill&bg=FFFFFF&auto=format&ixlib=imgixjs-3.3.2)

     Rift Amps Vibro 35 Brownface Circuit (https://www.andertons.co.uk/rift-amplification-vibro-35-2x10-combo-brownface-circuit-w-reverb-tremolo-vibro35-brn)

     You can get this model with a choice of tweed, brownface or blackface preamp. I'd go for the brownface, you might want the blackface.

     Most Brit amp builders do versions of Vox and Marshall, Rift does a number of '50s and '60s Fender types.

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 17, 2019, 06:36:56 AM
That looks interesting. I notice it has bass and treble but no mid. In recent years I've taken to turning the former two down and the latter up, regardless of the amp.
It's good that they have them in stock and I'd be able to try it - I wouldn't have thought such amps were carried as a matter of course.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 17, 2019, 06:59:24 AM
Quote from: NikF4 on February 17, 2019, 06:36:56 AM
That looks interesting. I notice it has bass and treble but no mid. In recent years I've taken to turning the former two down and the latter up, regardless of the amp.
It's good that they have them in stock and I'd be able to try it - I wouldn't have thought such amps were carried as a matter of course.

     Here's what you could do, get one brownface channel (more mids) and one blackface. I think that's what I'd do.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 25, 2019, 02:16:45 AM
Quote from: drogulus on February 17, 2019, 06:59:24 AM
     Here's what you could do, get one brownface channel (more mids) and one blackface. I think that's what I'd do.

I'd never have thought of it that way, which is one of the reasons for consulting you about it.
Anyway, fwiw, I've been thinking it over and almost decided on the Quilter 101 Reverb/cab until my living accommodation changes. I'm not wanting to appear blasé or flippant about it, but the fact is it's not a financial issue for me to buy that first and then a (for want of a much better term) real amp later.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 25, 2019, 06:05:58 AM
Quote from: NikF4 on February 25, 2019, 02:16:45 AM
I'd never have thought of it that way, which is one of the reasons for consulting you about it.
Anyway, fwiw, I've been thinking it over and almost decided on the Quilter 101 Reverb/cab until my living accommodation changes. I'm not wanting to appear blasé or flippant about it, but the fact is it's not a financial issue for me to buy that first and then a (for want of a much better term) real amp later.

     That sounds like a good plan, and it may turn out that the Quilter is all the amp you need. You'd also have the option of going on a speaker hunt for the Quilter cab, though the Celestion speaker they use is well regarded by jazzophiles.

     THE BLOCKDOCK 12HD (https://www.quilterlabs.com/index.php/productpage/blockdock-12hd)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 25, 2019, 02:16:13 PM

     Of course, if money is no object.......

     (https://www.coda-music.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/a/bartel-roseland-02_2048x2048.jpg)

     Bartel Amplifiers Roseland 1x12 Combo

     £4,699.00
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 25, 2019, 11:20:15 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 25, 2019, 06:05:58 AM
     That sounds like a good plan, and it may turn out that the Quilter is all the amp you need. You'd also have the option of going on a speaker hunt for the Quilter cab, though the Celestion speaker they use is well regarded by jazzophiles.

     THE BLOCKDOCK 12HD (https://www.quilterlabs.com/index.php/productpage/blockdock-12hd)

Maybe it will, yes. Thanks for your help. I'll keep you updated. And I'll keep looking for updates about your own next amp.


Quote from: drogulus on February 25, 2019, 02:16:13 PM
     Of course, if money is no object.......

     (https://www.coda-music.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/a/bartel-roseland-02_2048x2048.jpg)

     Bartel Amplifiers Roseland 1x12 Combo

     £4,699.00

Oh my.   8)
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 27, 2019, 09:28:55 AM
     The Brilliant Uncertainty of the Grateful Dead's 'Dark Star' (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/opinion/grateful-dead-dark-star-anniversary.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage)

     This is what it's all about for me, all the guitar and bass noodling, my equipment fetishes, searching for the sound, that sound.

     Dark Star 2/27/1969 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xic-CHInek)

     To get the Phil Lesh sound I bought a Guild Starfire II bass and strung it up with Pyramid flats. The Jerry Tone can be approximated on either single or dual coil pickup guitars.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on February 27, 2019, 03:52:06 PM

     Here's a demo of Amp IV, the Divided By 13 JRT 9/15:

     https://www.youtube.com/v/Tmsi041yrD8

     This guy does great demos.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on February 27, 2019, 11:41:45 PM
Quote from: drogulus on February 27, 2019, 03:52:06 PM
     Here's a demo of Amp IV, the Divided By 13 JRT 9/15:

     https://www.youtube.com/v/Tmsi041yrD8

     This guy does great demos.

Yeah, a good demo with just enough chat to augment the playing.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 07, 2019, 11:30:11 AM

     I bought a speaker from Lithuania today. It's no longer made, hasn't been for a number years, yet it's brand new in a box, a Fane AXA 12. A Fane guru I trust looked at it and gave the OK, it's legit.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--MzixZi-D--/f_auto,t_large/v1535446533/c8ybqgedd2icko106zpy.jpg)

     

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on March 08, 2019, 05:19:54 AM
Cool. Hooked it up to anything yet?
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 08, 2019, 06:48:25 AM

     It will take time for the speaker to arrive, at least a few days.

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on March 08, 2019, 06:52:57 AM
Ah, right. Well, it'll give you time to think about it. And I suppose it'll need a period to break in correctly or something?
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 08, 2019, 08:31:49 AM

     I don't really have a way to break speakers in quickly, I guess it will happen naturally.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 08, 2019, 08:56:34 AM
The theory of "breaking in" eludes me.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 08, 2019, 09:36:46 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 08, 2019, 08:56:34 AM
The theory of "breaking in" eludes me.

     It's a real thing with paper cone musical instrument speakers. Think of the cone as consisting of fibers that adhere to each other like scar tissue. You need to break up the adhesions for the cone to be properly flexible. This gives rise to a very common misunderstanding about new versus old speakers, with new ones deemed not as good. Sometimes they are near identical and the difference fades, sometimes they really are different. Sometimes people like the sound of an old worn out speaker and think that's what a 1965 Jensen C12N sounded like in 1965. I think it's quite likely that the 1965 Jensen actually sounded close to how a 2019 Italian Jensen sounds today, either brand new or broken in new.

     A couple of my speakers were broken in by the builder, a world renowned authority on Celestion vintage speakers. He has a huge collection of originals and his own speakers are designed to be more faithful to them than what Celestion builds today. He breaks them in so you don't have to wait for them to loosen up.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 08, 2019, 09:54:59 AM
Quote from: drogulus on March 08, 2019, 09:36:46 AM
     It's a real thing with paper cone musical instrument speakers. Think of the cone as consisting of fibers that adhere to each other like scar tissue. You need to break up the adhesions for the cone to be properly flexible. This gives rise to a very common misunderstanding about new versus old speakers, with new ones deemed not as good. Sometimes they are near identical and the difference fades, sometimes they really are different. Sometimes people like the sound of an old worn out speaker and think that's what a 1965 Jensen C12N sounded like in 1965. I think it's quite likely that the 1965 Jensen actually sounded close to how a 2019 Italian Jensen sounds today, either brand new or broken in new.

     A couple of my speakers were broken in by the builder, a world renowned authority on Celestion vintage speakers. He has a huge collection of originals and his own speakers are designed to be more faithful to them than what Celestion builds today. He breaks them in so you don't have to wait for them to loosen up.

Oh, I understand material fatigue, I don't understand why it would be good. I guess the answer is that for a musical instrument speaker you don't want a pure sound, you want sound that is distorted in a pleasant way, or the way it sounds on an old Muddy Waters album. I guess it is the people who think they have to break in a solid state amp that really mystify me.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 08, 2019, 10:42:26 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 08, 2019, 09:54:59 AM
Oh, I understand material fatigue, I don't understand why it would be good. I guess the answer is that for a musical instrument speaker you don't want a pure sound, you want sound that is distorted in a pleasant way, or the way it sounds on an old Muddy Waters album.

     I wouldn't call a few hours of break in material fatigue. While it might be seen as ideal for a speaker to sound optimal right away the manufacturing process might not allow that. Once a speaker is broken in it will continue to sound the way it's meant to for many years and even decades, until it succumbs to actual fatigue. Another complicating factor is that not all speakers are prone to produce the strident, brittle sound others do before they are used for awhile. Some are notorious for how long they take to settle in.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 17, 2019, 09:09:54 AM

    My new speaker made its way from Lithuania to Riga, Latvia and as of today NYC, so it should get here soon.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on March 28, 2019, 06:09:40 AM

     Here is my tale of semi-woe. Evgeny in Vilnius sent me the wrong speaker. It's a Fane A60, and I have one of those. I contacted him and we worked out a deal where I buy the A60 at cost (I'll sell it) and he'll send the AXA 12. I just got an email with the tracking #, so it's going to be all right.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on April 04, 2019, 08:24:41 AM
Quote from: drogulus on March 28, 2019, 06:09:40 AM
     Here is my tale of semi-woe. Evgeny in Vilnius sent me the wrong speaker. It's a Fane A60, and I have one of those. I contacted him and we worked out a deal where I buy the A60 at cost (I'll sell it) and he'll send the AXA 12. I just got an email with the tracking #, so it's going to be all right.

Yeah, I'm sure it'll work out fine - time and patience etc. But do continue with the updates.

An aside: In London, played a cool used custom shop Les Paul. Returned and played it again - the combo of P90 pickups and baseball bat neck profile were tempting. But (if anything) I'm a tele player and relatively recently sold a nocaster. Still, LP scale length/P90s/satin neck is a formula that's appealing.
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: drogulus on April 04, 2019, 11:15:14 AM
Quote from: NikF4 on April 04, 2019, 08:24:41 AM


Yeah, I'm sure it'll work out fine - time and patience etc. But do continue with the updates.

An aside: In London, played a cool used custom shop Les Paul. Returned and played it again - the combo of P90 pickups and baseball bat neck profile were tempting. But (if anything) I'm a tele player and relatively recently sold a nocaster. Still, LP scale length/P90s/satin neck is a formula that's appealing.


     My speaker is here. My screwdriver is here. Everything is good, and I'll probably install it in a cab this weekend.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--H-NtAKoH--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_1600,q_80,w_1600/v1517881350/dw5sfbzfl5oxizjxccpu.jpg)

     I grabbed the picture off the web.

     Now about the Les Paul, maybe you should consider an Epiphone with real Gibson P90s and a fat neck.

     (http://images.epiphone.com/Products/Les-Paul/1955-Les-Paul-Custom/POP_55LPCUST.jpg)

     If I got one I'd put a couple of staple pups in it. They are kind of like the "P90 of the gods". The original 1955 Black Beauty Gibson Les Paul, the one this Epiphone is based on, had a regular P90 in the bridge and a staple in the neck position.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/L7-MVzCtFPA

     
Title: Re: Amp III
Post by: NikF4 on April 04, 2019, 12:08:28 PM
Quote from: drogulus on April 04, 2019, 11:15:14 AM
     My speaker is here. My screwdriver is here. Everything is good, and I'll probably install it in a cab this weekend.

     (https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--H-NtAKoH--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_1600,q_80,w_1600/v1517881350/dw5sfbzfl5oxizjxccpu.jpg)

     I grabbed the picture off the web.

     Now about the Les Paul, maybe you should consider an Epiphone with real Gibson P90s and a fat neck.

     (http://images.epiphone.com/Products/Les-Paul/1955-Les-Paul-Custom/POP_55LPCUST.jpg)

     If I got one I'd put a couple of staple pups in it. They are kind of like the "P90 of the gods". The original 1955 Black Beauty Gibson Les Paul, the one this Epiphone is based on, had a regular P90 in the bridge and a staple in the neck position.

     https://www.youtube.com/v/L7-MVzCtFPA

   

That's one rabbit hole I never went down - the Gibson staple pickup in the neck. Out of all the names, Franny Beecher comes to mind. Anyway, don't tempt me like that again. ;D
Enjoy your speaker over the weekend and beyond. :)

An aside: Rodney Gene is great. My Tele bridge pickup of choice is a Duncan QP - and his demo of it is cool. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hs4GryqXf0