Komet Express

[tsl602000]

I was never completely happy with my Ceriatone Express. The sustain was there, the harmonics too, but the low end sounded like crap and in the end, the overdrive just wasn't my cup 'a tea.

Anyway, I always loved those Komet/Concorde soundfiles so I decided to rip out the preamp section and implement the Komet/Concorde preamp (Asteroid layout). I also used a choke.

Holy ****!!!! This amp smokes! It's by far the best amp I've ever played.
It doesn't clean up as good as the Express, but I can live with that. The harmonics are still there and this puppy screams and sustains like nothing else.
It's very close to that EVH Brownsound I love so much. It's like a plexi, but better. really.....

[rhubarb9999]

I believe a new layout and some sound clips are in order

[tsl602000]

Well, mp3's have to wait. I have too much fun playing this amp, but will setup a mic somewhere soon.
As far as layouts, here's a photo. I know it doesn't look like the nicest build in the world, but it works....

[Buschman]

I had been curious how the Komet would work at Express voltages. I have really been wanting an el34 amp but have put off building the Express in case it would not be versatile or too bright. The Liverpool sounds like it would be more my speed I have just been wanting an el34 amp. GAS

[bluefireamps]

How well does it work with the Master Volume? Do you lose much tone or overdrive at lower volume settings?
Dave

[Fischerman]

Do both Gradual and Fast modes sound great? Do you find yourself 'almost never' using either setting?

[tsl602000]

@Bluefireamps...
The amp doesn't sound great on very low volume settings, not too bad either, but then again, I've never heard an amp that sounds really great on low volume settings.
I'm thinking of making the MV push/pull so I can take it out of the circuit.

Fischerman, I like both modes. Fast is flat out kick @ss rock 'n roll, while the gradual mode has this completely different sonic texture that I really like. It's hard to pick a favourite...

Coen

[RJ Guitars]

tsl602000 - I might want to replicate what you've done... so simply if I take an Express only use the Komet Asteroid preamp, I'll have what you've got?

Appreciate any help you can offer,

thanks,

rj

[tsl602000]

tsl602000 - I might want to replicate what you've done... so simply if I take an Express only use the Komet Asteroid preamp, I'll have what you've got?

Appreciate any help you can offer,

thanks,

rj

RJ, that's right....
Basically, change a few parts in the pre-amp section and you're there. I guess the lay out isn't as critical as an express as I wired some resistors and caps up in the air and the amp is dead silent.

Coen

[Custom 100]

I did the Asteriod preamp with an Express power supply in an old Bassman chassis. I used the original Bassman power xformer/choke and a Hammond 1650H for the output.

1650H 40W, 6600 ct, Ultralinear taps 40%, 4/8/16 ohm, max. DC 200mA, 6L6GC, 807, 5881, EL34.

Not sure if it sounds like a TW, an Astroid, or something else...

It really does kick butt though!

Pretty reasonable to build as far as cost/parts. All the hard stuff was done.
Just a matter of gutting the preamp and changing the power supply board really.

The fast/gradual switch is very nice to have on this amp.

[hairyandy]

I did the Asteriod preamp with an Express power supply in an old Bassman chassis. I used the original Bassman power xformer/choke and a Hammond 1650H for the output.

1650H 40W, 6600 ct, Ultralinear taps 40%, 4/8/16 ohm, max. DC 200mA, 6L6GC, 807, 5881, EL34.

Not sure if it sounds like a TW, an Astroid, or something else...

It really does kick butt though!

Pretty reasonable to build as far as cost/parts. All the hard stuff was done.
Just a matter of gutting the preamp and changing the power supply board really.

The fast/gradual switch is very nice to have on this amp.

Hmmmm, now to find a donor Bassman head. Any extras Custom 100? That sure would make a great 2x10 combo...

Andy

[moj067]

Could you offer a schematic of what you did to make these changes.
Just curious.