Rocket Reverb Combo

[telentubes]

Been picking away at a Rocket, with one tube reverb, and a mid control. This will be the 4th Rocket, second with reverb, and first with a mid control I've taken on. I've "headphoned" the transformers in a non-traditional layout and will go from there. I'm trying to keep the idle noise to a minimum and the layout pictured is pretty quiet.

I'm looking for opinions on a couple of choices. The first being the placement of the rectifier. One is "outboard", as seen in the first photo, and one "inboard" as seen in the 3rd photo. Is there anything I need to consider in terms of proximity to transformers, AC, or power tubes?
I'm leaning towards the "outboard" placement.

I'm leaving space between the 12A_7s and the EL84s for the speaker jack and selector.
(of course, when I look at EaNot's post, https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=29648, I should stop worrying about how much room I have)

[telentubes]

Next, do you seasoned Rocket builders have a preference for the filtering configuration? I have used these three variations in the last three builds, but can't tell if one is better than the other. The choices are A.) 3 x 20uf with 3 x 30uf. B.) 3 x 20 uf with 3 x 47uf, and C.) 3 x 20uf with 1 x 47uf and 1 x 80uf. Any insights would be welcomed.

[martin manning]

I vote "outboard" for the rectifier. Standard filtering is 80u (B+1), choke/40u (B+2), 18k2/22u (B+3), 9k1/22u (B+4), 9k1/22u (B+5). I suppose you would parallel the first two for either 64uF or 94uF, then either 32uF or 47uF for the screen node. A 94uF reservoir is pushing it, I think, so I vote 3x32uF and 3x20uF.

[dorrisant]

I dig the "Outboard" as well...

I've built several... a few of then are gigged regularly. All with an 80µF reservoir. No issues. I don't think I would want to use anything bigger though.

[telentubes]

The votes are in! I'm going "outboard" with 3 x 20uf and 3 x 30uf. Thanks guys!
As usual, progress will be slow, as free time is scarce.

[RJ Guitars]

When you add reverb I assume you'll have another tube that needs to feed off the power supply. In my builds I've added a parallel node and another filter cap off of the 2nd PS node to supply the reverb tube B+. This requires a little more real estate on the PS board or stack.

In the past I've always used a Fender type circuit but I've sorta decided to try a Belton reverb module for my next Rocket Reverb although I don't expect it to sound comparable to a spring Verb.

As far as location of the rectifier socket I haven't seen it placed in the same place twice on original Wrecks so I don't think it makes a lot of difference if you move it around to make things fit. FWIW I did see it placed really close to the PT on one original and apparently it caused no issues.

As far as a mid control, I like either a Marshall or Fender tonestack over just adding a mid pot to the AC-30 tonestack. If you use the Duncan amps tonestack calculator it will show you some pretty awful behavior in the Vox Tonestack as you run the bass control to max. At max bass, the mid frequency develops a huge trough that changing the mid resistance value does little to help.

[M Fowler]

I like having that tube rectifier out on the end somewhat away from the other tubes and components like your first photo.

I have built many Rockets probably over 20 all but a few in the non traditional layout.

The most recent I changed my Reverb Rocket tone stack to Fender Twin Reverb spec's (Normster design uses Matchless Lightning reverb)

Mark

[telentubes]

Thanks for the input everyone. It will give me something to chew on.

I drilled most of the chassis holes, and sprayed a few coats of lacquer on a piece of birdseye maple I will use for the faceplate.

I "Alumiwelded" the 4 corners of the chassis. Something I would recommend to those who want a welded corner. Alumiweld rod is cheap at Harbor Freight, and does not require flux. You can spot weld all corners in under 10 minutes for pennies. I could not break the joint on the test pieces I practiced on.

[telentubes]

Some progress.

[joeboo88]

I love your heater wiring!
I would like to do that in my next build and I will keep your pictures as a reference... Thanks Telentubes, nice job

[RJ Guitars]

Yeah, that is some real nice wiring work...

[dcribbs1412]

Nice looking build
Love the faceplate too
You going with a hardwood combo cabinet?

D

[telentubes]

Not sure what I'll do about the cab yet. Yesterday, I was rummaging through some stored gear and found a speaker cab I built years ago that would be a good fit for a tubes down Rocket head. So that possibility is in the mix as well. I'll probably cover a pine box (either head or combo cab) with something. Distressed tweed is something I like these days, so may go that route. Lotsa choices.

[Bob S]

Now that's some sexy heater wiring!
Well done - I hate wiring heaters & it shows in my efforts.

[telentubes]

Finished, with glitch free start up. Voltages look good with funky start up tubes. I'll post some details when I have a few minutes. Cab design/decision next.