Convince me to Rocket

[spiralstairs]

Hi all,

I caught this of the daab tupelo honey:
http://www.vintageamp.net/ampfest/daab.html

So it seems like an AC30 amp of sorts, similar to Rocket in terms of TopBoost channel, however perhaps with a more vintage power section - has anyone tried similar with a Rocket?

Thx for any help chasing this tone in my head

[RJ Guitars]

Spiral,

I have built several Rocket amps. They are famous for their clean tone but I have also found that if you want to tweak them you can get an early breakup and even push them to sing.

I built one derivation of the Rocket circuit with two KT-66's in the output section. I eventually tried a bunch of different output tubes and all of them really sounded good to my ears. I tweaked this amp for harmonic richness and found that it could really sustain... here is a link.

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... r&start=75

The Rocket was designed as the ultimate AC-30 without all the problems you might find with the original AC-30.

It might not be the amp for everybody but it is my personal favorite.

rj

[spiralstairs]

Hi RJ,

I certainly followed the kt-66 rocket build and the few other threads there are on them. Its in my definite plans, but first I was planning on building a regular rocket, trying out some tweaks, and then going kt-66. But, perhaps I'll go direct for it - we'll see.

After posting this thread, I decided 100% on going for a rocket (or rockster) and tweaking from there. I guess just writing out my thoughts helped sort them out.

The main thing is I have always ignored vox-based amps, and so all of a sudden I had to try and hound out all history and terminology and sounds, especially with all the new-ish boutique vox-ish amps to confuse what is what.
So I was mainly wondering about lightning vs rocket vs others as they both had qualities I liked, but wasn't sure which to go for and what the schem differences result in sound. I guess I'll have to do both, but I'll start with rocket

BTW, I think all little side projects like Kt-66 rockster, lil devil, etc etc deserve their own spot in the Files section (as long as creator is willing). "Files" shouldn't be limited to only 'official' trainwreck layouts. That, or a sticky locked thread with most recent docs in discussion forum.
Problem is, lots of the threads started out with an idea and grew while posting, so finding info involves wading through pages of posts and then doing it again anytime you want to re-find some info

[ontariomaximus]

I have built a number of Express amps, and recently completed a Rocket. I think it might be my choice over the Express. Use a boost in front and you can get wonderful hi gain modern tones. I used a Boss GE-10 EQ.
I used a 680pf coupling cap, and added a mid pot instead of just a resistor.
My B+ was higher also. I may also experiment with decreasing the PI cathode R from 1.2k.
Nonetheless, a Rocket is a tremendous amp and I'll always have one around.

[RJ Guitars]

Ontariomax... makes a good point. The Rocket is very pedal friendly. This opens up a lot of options. I use a full pedal board with mine when I gig because I just don't get much opportunity to play loud and I need some boost and sustain at various times.

rj

[rawnster]

Ontariomax... makes a good point. The Rocket is very pedal friendly. This opens up a lot of options. I use a full pedal board with mine when I gig because I just don't get much opportunity to play loud and I need some boost and sustain at various times.

rj

Yep! I hit mine with a Barber Small Fry for heavier drive/lead tones, and a TIM pedal for general crunch tones. The Rocket circuit eats pedals all day long. Add a reverb circuit, and you're into some very cool vibey tones. I use a fairly large pedal board in front of my Rocket all the time.