ODS Clone Help!

[wdiggs]

Hey all, I've recently been researching amp kits and types of amps to build off of for my very own first build, and in the process, I stumbled upon this website!

Anyways, I've decided to do an ODS clone (or attempt to clone ) and have run into a few development questions. Firstly, I was wondering if there really is a huge difference between an extremely well made clone using ultra-high quality parts, and an actual Dumble amp, or even a Two-Rock ODS or other Two-Rock amp. That said, if it's worth the time and effort to clone this fabled amp, is it intelligent to try and modify the circuit (I'm going off of the 124 schematic floating around here) to add some more tone stacks, like 3-knob reverb for example.

I have a Bruno UG30 which has similar tone stacks in it, and was wondering if it's worth the trouble to try and apply what I know from that, into my possible ODS clone.

When thinking of my build, think Dumble amp meets Two-Rock/CowTipper tone shaping. Is it possible? Has it been done before? Please let me know!

Wes

[wdiggs]

66 Views? C'mon people! There must be someone out there who can help!

[benoit]

The short answer is yes, it's worth doing, and people have gotten some bangin' ODS tones out of their amps. I forget who it was, but a pro builder on this forum built an ODS style amp that replaced a pretty well known players real Dumble in his live rig.

You may not nail it on your first try, but it's doable as a first build if you've got the determination and have read up on how not to electrocute yourself.

That said, you owe it to yourself to start on the oldest page of dumble forum posts and read your way through everything. It sounds tedious, and it kind of is, but there's so much valuable information there, especially if you compile a library of useful info as you read through. It'll answer pretty much any question you could possibly have.

A lot of people will probably tell you you should not attempt an ODS as your first build and there's definitely some wisdom there, so if it rings true to you, heed their warning. If it has to be an ODS, start reading and don't give up.

[Bob-I]

First off, welcome to the thing.

I'm sure it's not that folks don't want to help, it's more that lots of this has been covered. I know it takes time, but search and read, you'll learn a ton.

As for a clone sounding as good as an original, yes, I think they do and in some cases they sound better. I'm personally not into cloning as much as using the technology to build great sounding amps.

I think you'll find what you need here, especally in the files section, layouts and schems.

Good luck.

[Structo]

There are several topologies in the files section.

I guess the first thing to decide is whether to build a 50 watt or 100 watt amp?
Many here agree that the 100 watter has a richer tonal pallet and girth even when turned down due to the two extra power tubes.

Then you have to decide how authentic to the circuit you want to be.
Do you want the rock/jazz switch, do you want the mid boost switch, etc.?

Do you want the amp to have the HRM (Hot Rubber Monkey) boards which is a board inside the amp with trimmers for the TMB.

Do you want to include the FET input?

Maybe your benchmark is Robben Ford or Larry Carlton.
Maybe it's David Lindsey.

All things to help decide which Dumble amp or period of his amps to build.

[Funkalicousgroove]

Hey all, I've recently been researching amp kits and types of amps to build off of for my very own first build, and in the process, I stumbled upon this website!

Anyways, I've decided to do an ODS clone (or attempt to clone ) and have run into a few development questions. Firstly, I was wondering if there really is a huge difference between an extremely well made clone using ultra-high quality parts, and an actual Dumble amp, or even a Two-Rock ODS or other Two-Rock amp. That said, if it's worth the time and effort to clone this fabled amp, is it intelligent to try and modify the circuit (I'm going off of the 124 schematic floating around here) to add some more tone stacks, like 3-knob reverb for example.

I have a Bruno UG30 which has similar tone stacks in it, and was wondering if it's worth the trouble to try and apply what I know from that, into my possible ODS clone.

When thinking of my build, think Dumble amp meets Two-Rock/CowTipper tone shaping. Is it possible? Has it been done before? Please let me know!

Wes

First off, no 2 dumbles are alike, and not all are created equal by any means, I have played some that are downright AWFUL, and I have played a few that are wonderful.

Is there a particular sound you are after?

It is totally possible to build an amp that sounds as good or better than a Dumble, Larry carlton now plays an amp that I built, and has basically parked his Dumble.

[wdiggs]

Thanks for the replies guys.

As far as the sound I'm going for, it's really the whole John Mayerish, and SRVish sounds.

Also, has anyone had any experience with a successful reverb circuit put into an ODS? Is it far-fetched or will it ruin the tone?

What kind of tubes (assuming money is no object) would you all recommend for the ODS? I'm using Austin Speaker Works 65 and 70's in a 2x12 cab.

Thanks,
Wes

[Bob-I]

Thanks for the replies guys.

As far as the sound I'm going for, it's really the whole John Mayerish, and SRVish sounds.

I don't know about Mayer, but SRV used a Six String Singer, not an ODS. There's not much info out there about the SSS.

Also, has anyone had any experience with a successful reverb circuit put into an ODS? Is it far-fetched or will it ruin the tone?

Yes, I have several ODS reverb amps. Again do a search there's tons of info here on reverb ckts.

What kind of tubes (assuming money is no object) would you all recommend for the ODS? I'm using Austin Speaker Works 65 and 70's in a 2x12 cab.

Thanks,
Wes

Again search is your friend. There's been so much talk about tubes that my head spins thinking about it.

I don't know that Austin speakers, but again search, lots of info on speakers.

Lots of this stuff is subjective. You have to use your ears and decide for yourself.

[wdiggs]

Thanks again for the help, but I'm starting to order parts to build the amp (caps/resistors/etc), and I see I'm going to need to get a transformer. I know that transformers can have just as significant an impact on the amp sound as anything, so all you people who have ODS 124's, what would you suggest?

[mlp-mx6]

If this is your first build I would suggest NOT sourcing everything yourself. Get a D'Lite kit from Brown Note.

This is not a good "first build" amp.

[wdiggs]

To be frank, this is my first guitar amp build. I have built tube TV's, Hi-Fi stereo tube amps, and various tube radios, so I have a decent amount of experience putting them together. Due to this being somewhat more dear to my heart (guitar amplifiers are much more personal I think, than a radio), I just want to make sure that I have the best possible parts from the get go.

Any suggestions?

[BobW]

To be frank, this is my first guitar amp build. I have built tube TV's, Hi-Fi stereo tube amps, and various tube radios, so I have a decent amount of experience putting them together.

Welcome to the forum.
You may have the knowledge to fabricate an amp and make it look nice, based on kit instructions, but unless you understand how amplifier circuits interact with each other, in particular a complex build such as an ODS, HRM, etc., you would be better off building an easier first project.

However if you really want to dive into the deep end first, then be prepared to sift through the info on this forum, then be prepared to spend many many hours at your bench.

[wdiggs]

They were built from scratch mainly (the TV had very particular frequencies so I did have to get that one part pre-ordered.) Other than that, they've all been mostly from scratch.

Any info on transformers which have been particularly successful in 124 builds?

[angelodp]

Do yourself a big favor and get a Brown Note kit. ODS 22/33 is what I built and it was a great experience.

Ange

[dave g]

They were built from scratch mainly (the TV had very particular frequencies so I did have to get that one part pre-ordered.) Other than that, they've all been mostly from scratch.

Any info on transformers which have been particularly successful in 124 builds?

Heyboer Twin iron for 100w and Bassman iron for 50w is pretty much the standard around here if you're planning on using a 6L6 power section.

If I were you, I would probably build an ODS-101 non-HRM first rather than a 124-style amp as it is easier to dial in, and you can easily convert it later if you so choose. YMMV.