Ceriatone express toneslut upgrade

[mikethebike]

I'm considering upgrading my trannies to tonesluts on my ceriatone expression.
Anyone has done this?
Is it worth doing, what are the differences soundwise?
I can't find much info on the net, apart from comments that it is "better"...
Are the toneslut trannies heyboers?
Thans.

[stink]

All I can comment on is "if it sounds good, it is good" - Eddie Van Halen

WAY too many people here listen with their eyes ...

-Stink
________
Ford c-max history

[dartanion]

There are differences in tone between the 2, but it is truly preference. Some folks won't even be able to discern the differences. To me they are both very good, but the Heyboer unit being closer to the originals in tone. Nik's sound really good too, just not quite as close. Now if you can get a Pacific or a Stancor, then your really cookin' with gas.

[sliberty]

I haven't heard Nik's trannies, but some have said that they are more Marshall-like.

Also, there probably is not much point in changing the PT. I would guess that only the OT would have a noticeable impact on tone.

[UR12]

All I can comment on is "if sounds good, it is good" - Eddie Van Halen

WAY too many people here listen with their eyes ...

-Stink

Stink

Finally a statement I can whole heartedly agree with!!

+1

[dartanion]

Good description Steve. Nik's OTs have more of a Marshall-esque growl to them and the Heyboer (Toneslut) has more sing and sting to it. I agree on the PT too. Nik's PT is fine and I have used them without issues. The only weird thing is the square bell covers which can cause clearance issues with cabinet cleats as they extend outwards pretty far.

[Subjecttochange]

I just ordered a Express clone from Nik, and I am planning on putting in the TS trannies. I can let you know how it turns out if you want...

[mikethebike]

Thanx for the input guys, nice to hear from people who do know the difference in sound out of their experience and not from rumours and statements...
Thanx and if i do the change i'll post my findings here too!

[M Fowler]

I would rather build another express than undo all of Niks work to find out the difference with the trannies. When I get done with my liverpool I would like to build an express with the Heyboer trannies from toneslut and with a master volume. My ceriatone express i put into a Gabkit cab but my next builds are going to be in the traditional cherry cab. I know what I will be doing for the next few years.

[dartanion]

Skip the MV in any Wreck type build as it doesn't belong. If you want good grind at low volume use VVR or an attenuator. A Wreck gets it's tone by how the amp works. It is designed for the power amp to distort first, then the PI, then the preamp. This character is not maintained with using a MV and will not sound like a Wreck with the MV turned way down and the volume up. It may still sound good, so it's up to you, however I have never liked the tone of an MV in a Wreck. My own gigging rig is a variety of amps and a switcher, but I primarily use Wreck type builds and an attenuator right now. I have been meaning to install a VVR in my main gigging Wreck, but have been too busy.

Also, replacing an OT is really simple. You wouldn't be reworking much at all, just desolder the plate leads, CT, and speaker leads, then replace and rewire the leads on the new OT. Just make sure to put the plate leads back in the proper orientation or your NFB with become PFB and the amp will squeal or hum very loudly. Simply leave the plate leads long enough so they will reach either socket, then when you know you have it right, desolder, shorten the leads and resolder.

[sliberty]

+1 Pretty straightforward. The hardest part about replacing a trannie is if the mounting holes don't line up.

[Tubetwang]

fwiw i've built a Liverpool with Hammond 272JX PT and Nik's own Liverpool OT, boards and chassis. VVR was later installed. Telefunken Old stock tubes.

My Express was built with Allyn's chassis, Nik's boards, 272JX PT and a 35 watts Pacific OT that i lifted from an old PA tube amps. VVR will be installed when i have the time. RCA 6V6+V1-2-3.

I've built 2 8 ohm 1x12 cabs, one with Red White and Blues and one with Delta Pro.

They are both so GREAT that, it ended my amp building thing dead in it's track.

I just feel like...er...huh...playing the thing...

VVR is highly recommended!!!

Major Twang

[Moose]

Now if you can get a Pacific or a Stancor, then your really cookin' with gas.

Don't forget, I carry an express tranny that's the dead-nuts formula of the Pacific -- M19/26 steel, single tap 6600 ohm, crazy stancor-style interleaved laminates. I'd be surprised if you can hear the difference to the Pacifics on that one.

[dartanion]

I'm sure you're right Moose. I just haven't gotten a Pacific yet, so I'll need to track one down soon to compare.

[M Fowler]

Moose have you read that other tread about Rocket trannies in the Trainwreck discussion and which one to use. I thought for sure you would have replied to some of their questions about voltage and which tranny is used! Only asking because after the Liverpool I want to go with a Rocket build.

Mark