New Rocket

[Big Jim]

Finally got around to building another amp. I've been wanting to do a Rocket for a good while. I have to say, I am really impressed with this circuit. Since everyone raves about the clean tones, (and they are stellar), I was suprised how much gain is on tap. Lots of even order harmonics and superb crunch. The controls are kind of interesting as well. My son said that the bass control should be labeled "mean" instead. It really seems to change the attitude of the amp. The voltages seemed to be a tad high across the board, but not a lot. We played the amp for about 2 hours and had a blast. By the way, I like that it is also DEAD QUIET. Even under flourescent lights. Even dimed. COOL. Kudo's to rj for the great iron and stuff. Jimmy Likey

[M Fowler]

Sounds great Big Jim and I agree the Rocket is a good amp to gig with.

[Reeltarded]

I don't have one! (but at least we both know what you are getting me for Christmas, now..!)

I need a figured maple avatar. I feel left out on all counts. awwww..

[stratpaulguy86]

I'm Big Jim's son, what a great amp pop! You are right, the rocket circuit has wayyy more gain than I expected! (It IS a Trainwreck after all ) With some single coils, you hear that wonderful headroom and chime...very Vox-meets-plexi Marshall. With a Les Paul I don't hear as much Vox but instead a thick, sustaining, aggressive Marshall overdrive. The amp cleans up wonderfully though so you can get both stellar clean/OD tones with a dual humbucking guitar, very nice. I typically don't bond with EL84 amps mainly because they seem to lack some ass in the low end but MAN O MAN what a great sounding EL84 amp. Perfectly silent, fantastic tone, and superb craftsmanship...well done! LOVE LOVE LOVE the tones with a Strat. Anyways, I cannot wait to hear a few of my favorites effects through her. If she passes the pedal test I have a very lovely lady in mind that you could name the next one after....



-Justin

[Big Jim]

Aren't you supposed to be working junior?

[stratpaulguy86]

Oh yeah....

[sliberty]

Rockets, well.....they Rock!

[ampmike]

Awesome Jim,That build went fast!!!!!Ill give you a call this afternoon,
Im glad it went so well and that you guys got another nice amp!!!!

[Big Jim]

I don't have one! (but at least we both know what you are getting me for Christmas, now..!)

I need a figured maple avatar. I feel left out on all counts. awwww..

You kidding me, I'm going to have to start selling some stuff to fund the next one. By the way, I like your avatar just fine sir. Honest abe looks a lot cooler with that doo.

[Reeltarded]

It's Lefty's fault. Emo Lincoln. (face palm) Hilarious!

I really do feel left out, sorta. Everyone has a pretty amp but me! Burn your eye sockets out!

[Zippy]

If she passes the pedal test I have a very lovely lady in mind that you could name the next one after....

This is one of the more pedal friendly amps around - you're done.

What cabinet/speakers are you running?

Congrats on having a most excellent amp.

(By the way, if you need to tweak at all, consider either adding a mid knob or subbing a trim pot for the mid resistor. OTOH, it sounds like you may already be riding in the sweet spot.)

[Big Jim]

If she passes the pedal test I have a very lovely lady in mind that you could name the next one after....

This is one of the more pedal friendly amps around - you're done.

What cabinet/speakers are you running?

Congrats on having a most excellent amp.

(By the way, if you need to tweak at all, consider either adding a mid knob or subbing a trim pot for the mid resistor. OTOH, it sounds like you may already be riding in the sweet spot.)

Thanks Zippy.
I have 2 different cabs, a Marshall 1960 with GT75s, and a 2x12 home made with Alnico Red Fangs. I haven't tried the 2x12 yet. I expect good things with that cab though.

[Big Jim]

Here's some pics....

[Zippy]

Definitely some mojo in that canted cathode bias pair! I like the dress of your ground bus too.

Caution: That cathode resistor can get pretty hot - allow some standoff for the bypass capacitor so it doesn't cook.

[Big Jim]

Thanks Zippy, I'll move 'er over a hair. Sometimes I get caught up in being neat, and forget the important stuff. The old forest and trees thing