what to build

[embotone]

Hi all,
I am new here. Recently decided I need a dumble like amp. I have several fender tweeds, , fender browns, and blackfaces, both big
and small. I have big and small Marshall types, vox types, and a
few assorted other types. Most, but not all, of my amps are clones. I
asked myself, what don't I have? Well, nothing Dumble like.
So, the question with a million answers: What do I build in the Dumble department?
Lately, I have been building smaller amps, more for studio use. Initially, I thought the D'lite would be nice. Well documented with good schematic and layout available. But, is the Dumble tone more about a big clean output stage and the overdrive preamp? Maybe I should build a 2x6L6 I found myself thinking.
I have never played any amps like this. Can I get "that" sound at lower volumes with a 40 watt amp? Is any power amp distortion "good"? If so, maybe 35 watts, with lower voltages on the output tubes?
My bigger 40-100 watt amps never get cranked anymore, should I bother building amps like that?
Help me, I can't decide, don't know where to begin.
Opinions, please.
Thanks

[Tonegeek]

Dumble tone is mostly in the preamp but you can find discussions on this forum that the output contributes to the tone as well. Regardless of the power section you choose, you will be able to get the tone to sound very consistent across the volume range of the amp, unlike other amps that you have to crank for the tone to come alive. However it is not the same sound as a cranked output section. Dumbles have their own distinct signature. I suggest you read the posts in this forum and listen to the clips that people like dogears, funkalicousgroove, ayan, heistl, matt, normster, odourboy, and others have posted to get an idea what these amps sound like. Also try Robben Ford, and Larry Carlton (I forget which recordings - search the forum). After a while you will be able to identify the Dumble tone when you hear it. If you like it then build one. There are many variations of this amp, but I would recommend starting with a non-HRM (more searching to learn about the HRM). Also you have to decide whether to build in the active loop or not. The purists say no, but I have to have verb and delay so I say yes. Otherwise you have to also have a standalone converter (Dumbleator) to use the loop. If you decide to build this amp, then search and read the posts about the parts to use (the cap and resistor types and brands are very important to the tone) and about the layout, etc. The speaker choice is very critical to the sound also. The 2 most suggested speakers for this amp are the Celestion G12-65 and the EV 12L, although there are testimonials for others as well. This is all documented here. Be prepared to spend lots of time tweaking it. Sounds like with all the other amps you have, that you have covered most of the bases for great guitar tone. The Dumble if done right, is in a class by itself.

[Bob-I]

Just browse though this forum. There's tons of information, clips and descriptions of the various Dumbles.