Here are my findings..
1) Ther is a little prob with initial power up in the last tube EL84
socket, but thats another story.
2) OK, this darn this sounded like crap at first. I did make some errors
when I first powered up. I forgot to ground the cliffjack's
(Only on the speakers though. I am used to using switchcraft
but I didn't have any laying around. Also I had my PI pin 2
and 3 backwards. even when I fixed the problems it was
still boomy and sounded bad.
3) I used all NOS old 1watt CC resistors and most values are a little off
well, more than a little.
4) I put that switch like the Ceriatone on there so you can switch
from 260v to 300v (Like an old AC30) Here is the kicker. I thought
I was running at 260V when doing my first voltage check, but I
was really at 300v. What it was is that the on/on switch
works backwards, and I did not know that. When I checked the Volts
my plates are about 4 t0 6 volts over the chart, and my cathode
is about 5 to 6 under. So It does not break up that much.
Example: some of my 100k CC resistors only read 92k
B+ volts are exact.
In Summary:
Its a sloppy build. I basically desinged as I built. I new I would
run into problems with signal wires, plus my B+ wires are running
right under the components, ther eis no board to shield.
I plugged an IPOD into it to burn it in.
WOW, it was a 180 from the first time. You guys HAVE to try
these Sozo Blue caps in this amp. But also YOU HAVE TO GIVE
THEM LOTS OF TIME. These have more sparkle than I thought they would have.
At 260V this thing sounds like a hot rodded Fender from the old days.
I don;t know how. But the cleans are great even though it will not
break up with a strat or telecaster unless its volume is maxed.
But, the coolest thing is when you run it at 300v and use a Les Paul.
I have never heard anything like it. Its like a lower volume less gainy
express with no fizz. You can hold one note forever....... at low gain
king of crunch. I am pushing the hell out of the el84's. May not last long
but its cool while it does.
This sounds like no other Rocket I have ever heard, even though its a mess.
NOW IF I COULD JUST GET RID OFF THE BUZZ THIS THING WOULD
BE A KEEPER LOL.
With humbuckers this thing buzzes bad when your volume on the
guitar is turned all the way up and the amp is past 11:00.
You have to try this. Just don't make a buzz machine like me : )
The Mistakes made a totally unique amp which I love.
But its not going to be visiting the studio with the Buzz.
PS. I have no idea why I used red felt LOL
Mike
