Looking at building a Rocket

Express, Liverpool, Rocket, Dirty Little Monster, etc.

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strat_addict
Posts: 72
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:55 am

Looking at building a Rocket

Post by strat_addict »

I'm looking for a complete part list for the Rocket and where a good place to get top notch parts (like a web site). I've never built any kind of amp before but I've built a BYOC tube screamer before (did have step by step instructions though, like solder this cap to this spot on the PCB and stuff of the sort) so I know a few things about circuits, caps, pots, etc. and it wasn't too bad overall. I know that you can kill yourself trying to build an amp so a good book or DVD explaining how to build, what each part does, safety tips, etc. would be most helpful. The cab I would be able to build myself but lengths and schematics would be cool to have (edit: nvm https://tubeamparchive.com/files/headcab.pdf). I am very clueless when it comes to starting a project this big so I'm open to all advice. If this kind of stuff has been discussed before (tried searching, no luck), links would suffice but I'll probably still have questions after looking over them.

Thanks in advance
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Richie
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Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2006 3:44 am
Location: Ky

Re: Looking at building a Rocket

Post by Richie »

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=5684

Start there, pics ,everything should be listed.[/quote]
rbryerton
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 3:54 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Looking at building a Rocket

Post by rbryerton »

Check the "For Sale/Trade" forum here for the chassis and transformers. https://tubeamparchive.com/viewforum.php?f=2

Both "RJ Guitars" and "Allynmey" sell them. I have purchased from RJ several times, and he sells top notch product and is a pleasure to deal with.

As for components, I use http://www.tubesandmore.com/

...and for the few things they don't carry for a Wreck style build, I use http://www.mouser.com/

As for safety, know how to discharge the filter caps before working on an amp (after it's been unplugged of course), and for the few times you need to take voltage readings while it is plugged in, try to use either clip on probes (to keep your hands out of the chassis and away from "live" components), or keep one hand in your back pocket and make sure you're not barefoot on a cement floor :)

Seriously, feel free to ask any questions, this place is an awesome resource and the people who post here are extremely knowledgeable and very polite; always eager to help. The rocket is the perfect choice IMO for your first Wreck-style build.

Good luck!
Rob
Bruciep07
Posts: 255
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 6:56 am
Location: Central NJ

Re: Looking at building a Rocket

Post by Bruciep07 »

rbryerton wrote:Check the "For Sale/Trade" forum here for the chassis and transformers. https://tubeamparchive.com/viewforum.php?f=2

Both "RJ Guitars" and "Allynmey" sell them. I have purchased from RJ several times, and he sells top notch product and is a pleasure to deal with.
Ditto, I've bought chassis and other stuff from both RJ and Allyn and they are both top notch sellers! Both have websites but Allyn doesnt have chassis and transformers listed on his, just have to pm him when he has them listed here in the classifieds section. RJ lists everything on his site...

www.rjguitars.net

www.ampbuildersparts.com

Also check out www.turretboards.com for parts, I've bought from him a few times and he seems like a pretty good guy, though for the most part a lot of the parts can be had through mouser...
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angelodp
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Location: L.A.

rj

Post by angelodp »

I built my Rocket with all the parts from rj and its a great amp. I have added the VVR as well and its all good. I might suggest looking into the Airbarake as well, its a nice additon for this amp. Tubes from the Tube Sargent, the EL-84's he has, Saratov's, are great.

[IMG:900:675]http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii9/ ... -pic-1.jpg[/img]
rbryerton
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 3:54 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: rj

Post by rbryerton »

Very nice, angelodp!
Bruciep07 wrote: Also check out www.turretboards.com for parts, I've bought from him a few times and he seems like a pretty good guy, though for the most part a lot of the parts can be had through mouser...
I second that. I bought an unpunched chassis for a JCM 800 projects from there, and got a great deal plus it was shipped out immediately. Seems like a real nice guy, too.
Rob
paulster
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Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 5:08 pm
Location: Los Angeles & London

Re: Looking at building a Rocket

Post by paulster »

I'll add a +1 for Ken at turretboards/Watts Tube Audio as well. He's a good guy to do business with.
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