If you were going to build two Dumble clones at once...

[LeftyStrat]

Which two would you build to compare and contrast?

#124 pre-1988 changes and #183?

I'm thinking a low plate pre-skyliner and high plate skyliner.

Has anyone had had the opportunity to have these two side-by-side. How would you compare them?

Or would you do HRM vs non-HRM, and if so, high plate or low plate for the non-hrm?

I have the funds and opportunity to do this. Thought it might be fun to do and record a side-by-side comparison.

[dreric]

I haven't updated this thread since the summer, both amps are nearly done.

Here's my take on the tandem build:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... ht=dumbler

Eric

[LeftyStrat]

Many, many thanks. I'd love to hear an update.

Have you found a favorite?

[passfan]

I haven't updated this thread since the summer, both amps are nearly done.

Here's my take on the tandem build:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... ht=dumbler

Eric

I don't know how I missed this one. Really cool. Love the woodbench. I have one as well and it made me think about the #124 build I'm about to embark on. Thanks for the pics.

[Luthierwnc]

If the power sections aren't very different (i.e. same tubes, filtering), put both preamps in the head or build an auxiliary preamp in a 1U chassis to match the loop. This way you also don't have to bother much with tweaking the clean channel you won't use. Attached are my switching ideas for the pre's.

Even if you have two pristine heads, do you really need to carry them both?

Skip

[LeftyStrat]

If the power sections aren't very different (i.e. same tubes, filtering), put both preamps in the head or build an auxiliary preamp in a 1U chassis to match the loop. This way you also don't have to bother much with tweaking the clean channel you won't use. Attached are my switching ideas for the pre's.

Even if you have two pristine heads, do you really need to carry them both?

Skip

Actually, I'm building one for a friend and one for me. I thought it would be nice to A/B. If my friend liked one and I liked the other, I'd be done. If we both like one over the other I could convert the less desired one to the specs of the winner.

[Luthierwnc]

The big difference on the 183 would be using EL34 family tubes and iron. I just got the trannies for my next build -- a 100w non-HRM with lower V1 plates and high V2 plates. The idea for the preamp could be a more modern version -- all high-plates and maybe an HRM.

The power amp is the expensive part and it is set up so clean that it really just pulls the wagon. May as well make matching preamps for the different iterations and get a bunch of different noises by stepping on a button. sh

[LeftyStrat]

For output transformers, I have a couple of Dynaco A470's (4.3k) I was planning on using, and built a couple of fifty watt variants.

Most of the PT's I have lying around or either too high or too low in voltage. The closest I have is 375-0-375, though the thought of doing a dual KT88 has crossed my mind.

[LeftyStrat]

The idea of a separate preamp is intriguing. I played a stereo rig for many years. Maybe a preamp with two dumbleator sends into my digital fx, and two power amps with the return of the dumbleator as the input stage.

[LeftyStrat]

I think a couple of vids has convinced me what I want to build. This first clip is actually Brandon's work. A Bludotone modeled after a 70's Dumble (I love Lindley tone). Lance Keltner is a great player also:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuVfyQv ... ure=relmfu

The second clip is of QuinAmps TKT 183.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddOkFHXo_mI

The cleans and clean-to-mean with the volume sound really nice to me.

Funny that two clones would be what convinced me. Hats off to Brandon and Shad. Very nice tones.

[LeftyStrat]

So #40 would be closest to the first clip? I think I am in love with the earlier Dumbles. Less refined, more raw and loose.

[Luthierwnc]

My latest is the 2nd gen hybrid which is mostly #40 but with some switchable items that bring it into the 80's (PAB, MID). Very nice amp. The cleans aren't as pristine as later generations but there is a lot to like. This is the first of these amps (my 7th or 8th) that I thought the FET was useful. I don't know if it is just mine but the OD controls need to be a couple clicks higher to get the same kick. I posted a pic here:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=16500

If I were going to do this again (and I suppose I could), I'd go with a 2X12. I've got two Thieles and could add one but with the side ports, they can't sit side-by-side with the head on top. No big deal.

I've had the chance to play this some since I did the post above. This amp can't replace either the Classis or Skyliner but they don't do with it does either. If you plan to keep making these things, you need this flavor. PS it likes the Dumbleator but I need to reduce the bright cap on the send.

Skip

[ToneMerc]

I agree with Skip, you have to do at least one of these. Here's my hybrid version.

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=13878

TM

[LeftyStrat]

Thanks guys for the links. That will definitely help me out. I've always been a fan of "on-the-edge" cleans, where you get a little spank when you dig in.

So far I've been doing things in parallel, I've got my main boards drilled and staked.

But I think I might just concentrate on build #40 for here on out. After I've had some time to play with it, then I will decide where to go from there.

I like the hybrid idea of PAB and mid. I'll probably dump the rock/jazz, doesn't sound like any uses it.

[azatplayer]

Glad i read this post, ive been looking for a rawer D build for ages. I really liked what i heard in that second clip.
I got a chassis couple weeks ago, and am sourcing parts now, looking forward to my first D build.
I really liked Bob Reinhardts Sonoma tones too, bit closer to where i wanna be.
Kinda Marshall top to it.