Another new Express build

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

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Big Jim
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Another new Express build

Post by Big Jim »

Hello,
I'm fairly new to the forum, so thanks to all who have welcomed me and offered help and advice. I felt like it might be prudent to have some more experienced builders look at my build before I start the boards. Any mistakes will be much easier to fix now than after I get further into the project. Any input or advice will be welcomed and appreciated :D
Jim
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Structo
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by Structo »

So far so good.

Be sure to trim your wire ends after you solder them.
They can act like antennas in the right location. :wink:
Tom

Don't let that smoke out!
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Big Jim
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by Big Jim »

Thanks Tom,
Man that was fast, I believe we have spoken over at Metro, Thanks for the reply, yes sir I actually trimmed those ends after the photos were done. Thanks, Jim
ampgeek
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by ampgeek »

Very nice!

Make sure to put a little dab of silicone between the bright caps before you go too much further. Much easier now than after the boards are all wired up like I did. :oops:

It did make a difference in the amps stability/tone much to my chagrin.

Good luck,
Dave O.
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Big Jim
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by Big Jim »

Thanks Dave,
I will do that asap. I'm glad you mentioned that. I had heard about that and completley forgot it. Keep 'em coming folks, I need all the help I can get! :wink:
Jim
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fishy
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by fishy »

Looks good.

My only comment regards the wires on the buss. If that is solid core you will need to be particularly careful not to stress it unnecessarily and cause issues later on.
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Structo
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by Structo »

So true.

The first amp I built I used some cheap PVC solid core.

Like any first prototype it had a lot of component changes and soldering.

I thought I had it sounding pretty good then after some tweak I powered it up and it sounded like arse.
Long story short, the wire from the phase inverter to the power tubes had developed a break just inside the insulation where the wire bent down and under the board.
It was making intermittent contact and caused a lot of noise.
I actually found it by chopsticking around but it still took me most of a day looking at it and walking away to gather my wits.
I had simply fractured from too many bends and moving around.

So on an amp that you could build in your sleep, solid core is fine.
But on a new amp or one that is going to have a lot of changes, stranded wire may be better since it can handle more flexing before breaking.

But I suppose as long as you are aware of the possibility and try not to abuse it too much you should be OK. :wink:

Just be careful of the Red wire, it can sound bad. :P :twisted:
Tom

Don't let that smoke out!
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Big Jim
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by Big Jim »

Thanks Guys,
Got it,
I'll get those wires to a home ASAP. In the mean time I'll be easy with them. Jim 8)
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KellyBass
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by KellyBass »

Looks good! Things can get real squirrely around the volume knob/bright cap area. Wire length, type and placement can be dead nuts critical here. But, lookin' good so far!
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Big Jim
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Re: Another new Express build

Post by Big Jim »

Thanks,
I will post again towards completion. Thanks for all the good advice! :D
Jim
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