New Express build (warning lots of pics)

[Big Jim]

Hello folks,
I finished my Express build tonight and I thought I would post some pics for scrutiny by the pros. As I've said before, I'm a new Wreck builder and I appreciate the support from the good people at the Amp Garage. rj was awesome to deal with, a true gentleman. He always comes through with a positive attitude. I have to work all day tommorow so I plan to start testing on Mon. I hope that any issues can be spotted and corrected before then. Thanks again,
Jim

[WhopperPlate]

Hey Jim,

Nice amp, looks pretty clean!

It might be wise of you to check out my thread, Glen and others gave me some very helpful suggestions concerning lead dress.

From my research on this forum and the slight experience I have with this circuit it seems the wiring for the bright caps and switch are very sensitive to inducing instability. You should pay close attention to this area. In the general, the whole volume and tone section is essential to the amps voicing as well. Check out this link:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

From my perspective:

Seems like you could have brought the shielding on the input cable a little closer to the pin, no?

Glen told me to move the blue wire on v1 pin1 off the chassis and make it relatively short and direct. He also mentioned moving the white bias wire wire up above with the other leads away from the NFB wire. Also bring in the NFB wire closer to the tube socket.

Can't tell from the pics, but you should raise the white wire on v3 up and up and over the heater wire. Also hard to tell but it seems the white wire pin 2 v3 seems a bit close to the plate wire.

I've also read that some silicone sealant or hot glue will help stabilize the bright switch.

That's all I can think of right now.

You've got to let me know how yours sounds. I'm especially curious about the Mallory filter caps.

Charlie

[RJ Guitars]

Jim,

That is very cool. Looks like you are meticulous and precision. Can't wait for the report on it...

On my first once over I didn't see anything out of place, but just consider that I'm not the resident expert on these builds.

Nice work and very nice working with you...

rj

[M Fowler]

Nice work on that amp.

[Big Jim]

Thanks Guys,
I appreciate the nice words and advice, keep em comin'. I've been following your thread Charlie, I will be off of work Mon. and I will look everything over while considering Glens comments on your build. I am mostly concerned about the switches, and wiring that could cause damage during startup. Anyway, keep the comments coming.
Thanks, Jim

[Structo]

For the most part it looks like a good build.

You posted some great close ups and as such I did notice a couple things.
On the power switch, there is a questionable solder joint on the right bottom lug.

Most all of your turrets look good, but look over the solder on the tube sockets and other places where you soldered wires.
High voltage tube amps will find the weak link if anything is not top notch.

Please accept this as constructive criticism, overall your build looks great.
Just touch up those solder joints and it should work fine.

[Big Jim]

Thanks,
Tom I do see the solder joint in question, and your right looks like a bad one. Easy enough to fix. I'll go over everything with a fine tooth comb before fireup. I appreciate the comments and in no way am I offended. This is part of the learning curve. If anyone else spots anything, let me know.
Jim