New Here! SSS Quest

[dstrats]

Hi all,

I'm new here and would like to ask some questions concerning the Dumble Steel String Singer.

My heros, SRV, Eric Johnson used this amp and I'd like to find a similar type of amp. I've read and heard that most boutique amp builders usually make replicas of the Dumble OD models but not so much the SSS.

I was wondering if any of you guys know of a decent amp that some what matches the SSS. I was thinking that the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star would come pretty close, would any of you guys agree? Since I've never got to play through a real one I wonder if you guys (if any of you own one) could give me some insight on what type of tone the SSS has. I know listening to SRV would be a good start but he used so many amps in his signal chain that I can't pin point it. I've also read that EJ would always run a Ibanez TS-808 through his so I can't get a sound sample from him.

Is the SSS primarily a clean amp? Does it ever distort? Is it used for that driven tone or more for it reported huge clean?

Any thoughts would help me. Thanks for you time and take care all and have a safe and fun New Years Eve.

[Metalhead]

Hi! SSS is clean amplifier, it distorts only with huge amounts of pressure (as HAD told when he talked about SRV´s amplifier ). Mesas lone star is good amplifier if you like mesa amps but in no way it resembles SSS sound. Currently! ! there is no amplifier on the market that could give you that sound. Many amplifiers provide good clean sounds but they lack the tonal charactristics and response of SSS. Nice to hear that in this forum there are some others who are interested of SSS.

[FUCHSAUDIO]

The Two-Rock Sterling ia/was reputedly a clone of a Steel String Singer, but costs about $ 10,000. Mystic amps made a clone (I believe), but not sure if they are still available or how many are around.

[Bob-I]

Wecome abord.

I was wondering if any of you guys know of a decent amp that some what matches the SSS. I was thinking that the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star would come pretty close, would any of you guys agree?

Not at all. The Boogie Lonestar is an EL-84 power section, the SSS is 6L6's, dramatically different tone. The Lonestar is engineered for a low power, creamy smooth overdrive, the SSS is tons of clean power with little or no distortion. Apples and oranges.

Since I've never got to play through a real one I wonder if you guys (if any of you own one) could give me some insight on what type of tone the SSS has. I know listening to SRV would be a good start but he used so many amps in his signal chain that I can't pin point it. I've also read that EJ would always run a Ibanez TS-808 through his so I can't get a sound sample from him.

SRV liked the clean of the SSS. 150 watts and you can run it on 10 without distortion. EJ seldom used his Dumble and when he had some trouble with it he sold it so he doesn't use it at all anymore. According to his instructional video he liked it for the crunch.

Is the SSS primarily a clean amp? Does it ever distort? Is it used for that driven tone or more for it reported huge clean?

I've never played through one, or even seen one so I can only quote what I've heard SRV and EJ say.

The SSS was basically a Fender Preamp and an Ampeg SVT type power amp if I understand it correctly. Peavey had an amp called the Roadmaster in the 70's that had a Marshall style preamp and Ampeg style power amp. I have a broken one but I've never heard it actually work so I can't say what it sounds like. It's 160 watts using 6-6L6's.

Good luck in the quest.
Bob

[Metalhead]

Hi! K&M Two-rock sterling signature was ! (as only ten was made) closest to the original (early model) currently available. Mystic SSS type amps were supposed to be similar in design.

[Hotrod Ford]

Metalhead,

Mystique amps model "Mystic blues" is not a SSS style amp, that one was a ODS style amp built in some different variations ,

However, the Mystique 150w "Kingtone consoul" with 6550s only 3 made was indeed the closest you will get to SRVs amps sound wise,
that one and the Mystique 70w model called "Mother" who was a stripped down very SRV sounding amp ,

BTW, SRV had 3 Big Dumbles (and he had a 4 on the way but that is now still owned by Dumble) his Dumbles all had 6550s and was more set up like a Bass amp than a regular SSS who had 6l6 tubes, and different driver section
the KM Sterling which is a 6l6 amp based on a very early version SSS,
really great sounding but different from SRVs amps that was bult later on in that respect,

according to Dumble himself (yes I talked to him ) he built about 25 SSS amps, all were very diffent from each other, stevies amps were also altered with new circuitry during a period of time so there are diffencies from early SRV era to later SRV era.

[dstrats]

Hi all,

Thanks so much for all the great replies. Man, it's a shame the SSS isn't more in the main stream for amp companies replicating the SSS sounds, besides the ones Two-Rock and Mystique made. Thanks for telling me of those amps, although so very expensive, I can still keep an eye out for one on eBay or music stores.

As for the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star, the one I was referring to being similar to the SSS was the one M/B are calling "Classic". That one has 6L6s' in it. 4 of them I think. I've read that the 6L6 loaded Lone Star has an amazing clean tone and not so great "crunch". Because of the rave reviews of the LS clean I thought it may be very, very slightly similar to the SSS. Of course I know there would be HUGE differences between the two, specially since Dumble isn't making the LS.

Thanks again for the posts. I'll just keep saving pennies and maybe before I die I will own a SSS. I'll keep dreaming at least. Take care all!

[Metalhead]

Hi! I like to add few things. Amplifier options: EL MOCAMBO amplifier,sheltons SUPERLATIVE OVERDRIVE (reverb section same as in SSS) , Gets you much closer to SRV than LONESTAR . Real DUMBLE SSS amps (25 000- 60 000 (latest sold example) Dollars or more) are priced for collectors not musicians. Hot Rod Man (EJ ????) thank you for your informative reply, dont hesitate to share if you have more firsthand information. .

[jelle]

Hi,

I'd be very interested in any information on the circuit. I joined this forum mainly for the SSS type amps and only little info has come up so far on this forum. Is there anything known about the high and low step filters for instance?


Thanks,
Jelle
jwelagen at hotmail.com
The Netherlands

[Tdale]

Does anyone have a schematic for the Two Rock Sterling?

Tommy

[groovtubin]

Hi,

I'd be very interested in any information on the circuit. I joined this forum mainly for the SSS type amps and only little info has come up so far on this forum. Is there anything known about the high and low step filters for instance?


Thanks,
Jelle
jwelagen at hotmail.com
The Netherlands

to simply STIR your thoughts and creativity, my thoughts are that is simply an ADJUSTABLE low pass frequency in OD entrance. IE.. the 220K/500pf to ground in 60`s amp... OD entrance..BOTH adjustable, the 500PF being adjusted like the hi-pass Scott does on HRM amp.. The 220K could be a 500K pot..adjustable..Sure wish i was right! lol!!

[groovtubin]

Hi all,

I'm new here and would like to ask some questions concerning the Dumble Steel String Singer.

My heros, SRV, Eric Johnson used this amp and I'd like to find a similar type of amp. I've read and heard that most boutique amp builders usually make replicas of the Dumble OD models but not so much the SSS.

I was wondering if any of you guys know of a decent amp that some what matches the SSS. I was thinking that the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star would come pretty close, would any of you guys agree? Since I've never got to play through a real one I wonder if you guys (if any of you own one) could give me some insight on what type of tone the SSS has. I know listening to SRV would be a good start but he used so many amps in his signal chain that I can't pin point it. I've also read that EJ would always run a Ibanez TS-808 through his so I can't get a sound sample from him.

Is the SSS primarily a clean amp? Does it ever distort? Is it used for that driven tone or more for it reported huge clean?

Any thoughts would help me. Thanks for you time and take care all and have a safe and fun New Years Eve.

Build a 60`s amp, and you`ll be DANG close!! OD entrance 220K/500P to ground, 2.2 meg in series w/56K to grid, and a 33K to ground right after the 2.2 meg. AB763 values PI on LTP, but 47K/51K plates 100K bias feeds

[Tdale]

Is there a 60's schematic anywhere? I have the 60Bass schematics, and the 70's... both are divided into preamp/powersupply/output parts.. but are there any complete schematics?

Tommy

[jelle]

Hi Groovetubin

Thanks for the idea. I'll test it!

What phase inverter tube (12at7/12ax7/5751/???) do I need with that values and is it a 470 or a 820 ohms resistor in the pi?

Thanks,
Jelle

[Metalhead]

Hi! As we know ; no OD section. It's basically CLEAN and (extremely) LOUD. Jelle,as for the tonefilter, you might want to check ORANGE amp (the F.A.C.S )/ Ampeg mid switch . On SSS there is two six step rotary switch hi- and low frequency shelving filter controll knobs. PI tube is 5751 .As for the feedback you have to decide what you want , that varied.