next build - advice?

[markmalin]

Hi guys. It's been a while...

I've built a few D'Lite style amps and am thinking of going for it and building one of the 100W HAD ODS's. I wanted to ask for suggestions - Which would be a good one to build. #124 or #183? Others??

Thanks guys
Humbly,
Mark.

[Structo]

Hi Mark,
Can you describe what kind of music you like to play?

What type of guitar you primarily play? As in single coil or humbucker?

What kind of speakers and cabs you use?

Like you I started with a D'lite 44 and then modded the crap out of it.

I also built a Dumbleator and as far as I'm concerned it is essential to the Dumble formula.

Then I built a couple other little amps.

I decided I wanted to see if the hype about the 100w ODS amps was true and build one from scratch.
I wanted a ODS clone!

I started out with a Ford preamp and played around with that for awhile.
Since I am most familiar with 6L6 tubes, I chose those for the power amp.
Then I changed it to #183 values and I like it where it's at right now.

The 100w amp is a whole new ball game.
Much more clean head room, more meat to the tone, and can certainly get louder than my 6L6 D'lite.

Good luck, I think you will like a ODS.

Tom

[markmalin]

Thanks for your input, Tom.

As far as music I play a lot of different styles. On one end there's Blues and Jazz, and on the other end fusion and rock. I've sold the D'Lite 44's (they were modified from Brown Note's original design). Right now I'm down to one amp , a single channel AB763 style with a Dumble OD circuit. I use either 2 10" greenbacks in an open cab, or 2 10" Alnico Jensens. This amp works great with my Strats, and sounds descent with my Les Paul, but I'm yearning for that "Dumble tone" again.

What I'm looking for in a 100w ODS is to get more jazz fusion (ala Ford, Carlton) sort of tones. I plan to primarily use the LP with this amp, not so much the Strats. I'm thinking I'd build a single 12" cab with a Celestion G1265 in it, or possibly a pair of 10" Greenbacks. But I'd like to have a head rather than a combo because where I typically play lately they're using isolation cabinets off stage, so I have no say on what speakers are in there!

Mark.

[ChrisM]

I'd be checking out #102 and #183. Try one out and tweak from there...

[markmalin]

I'd be checking out #102 and #183. Try one out and tweak from there...

They're pretty close then, #102 and #183?

[Structo]

Well #183 uses EL34 tubes.
There are a few subtle differences in the preamp as well.

Both are high plate amps, so a little more gain.

[markmalin]

Well #183 uses EL34 tubes.
There are a few subtle differences in the preamp as well.

Both are high plate amps, so a little more gain.

I've never built anything with EL34 tubes. Sounds interesting. (my current map is using KT-66's)

I do see there is a parts list for the #183 version, which would really be helpful. Surprised it lists Sprague 715 caps in a couple spots instead of PS's, but whatever. The idea of building it and then tweaking it makes sense.... Not like I'd be locked in.

[Fischerman]

There's also the option of external D'lator vs. one integrated into the amp. IIRC, the consensus is that the external D'lator sounds/behaves a little better but then there is the simplicity (in use) of the built-in loop. For me, with an amp like an ODS a loop is absolutely essential but others might not miss it one bit.

[odourboy]

I've found the #183 circuit to be a particularly nice non-HRM implementation and I'd certainly recommend it. I haven't done a #102 yet though (that's next on the agenda), so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

[boldaslove6789]

FWI IMHO if you're going to build a 183/102 I highly suggest a D-lator and 68pF bright cap on the Master as well as high pF RG-400 cables (can be bought through Steve @ Apex Jr.). With the use of a good quality Delay & Verb it makes for a very musical rig IMO.

[ToneMerc]

FWI IMHO if you're going to build a 183/102 I highly suggest a D-lator and 68pF bright cap on the Master as well as high pF RG-400 cables

I concur


TM

[kevster]

FWI IMHO if you're going to build a 183/102 I highly suggest a D-lator and 68pF bright cap on the Master as well as high pF RG-400 cables (can be bought through Steve @ Apex Jr.). With the use of a good quality Delay & Verb it makes for a very musical rig IMO.

I'll only need the cap in about 2 weeks... The reverb and delay unit is coming within a month or two.

[Structo]

That bright cap is something to experiment with.
On my rig I have a 47pf and it sounds good.
So it is subjective.

I'll wager if you ask five people here what they use you may get five different answers.