1st Express build - a few questions

[casey73]

I'm about half-way into my first Express build. It is not an identical clone, as I made some adjustments based on the PT I had on hand (Hammond 290LX) which is mounted in chassis. I'm also using multi-section caps instead of individual axials because I have a bunch of them and they save space inside the chassis.

First question. Is it essential to isolate the input jack from ground? Will a non-isolated input jack cause hum issues? I've seen a few clones that appear to use Switchcraft jacks that are non-isolated, i.e., mounted to the chassis metal to metal.

Second question. I'm fabricating a small turret board for the bias supply and the large 1K resistor in the main PS. In a few previous builds I've mounted a locking bias adjustment pot and 3 banana jack bias test points (right, left and ground) on the back panel of the amp for easy bias adjustment. I'm thinking about doing the same for this amp, since a dead on clone is not imperative for me. Is there any reason I should not do this? Since the bias supply doesn't carry much current and no signal, I can't think of any issues it may cause, but I don't know everything and I learn something new with each amp I build.

I appreciate any feedback.

[martin manning]

Shouldn't be any problem at all. A number of non-traditional Expresses that have both non-isolated input jacks and bias test points have been documented here.

[casey73]

Shouldn't be any problem at all. A number of non-traditional Expresses that have both non-isolated input jacks and bias test points have been documented here.

Thanks! I was hoping that was the case.