First post for me and I want to acknowledge the forum participant's, admin's and mod's. I've been poring through search results and trolling through multi page threads for the last 3 weeks. Its exciting to see and hear some of the amps that are featured., but you know that already.
Earlier this month I retrieved a 67 Bassman (165 circuit), that hadn't been touched for over 20 years easily. Cosmetically its pretty beat up, but it worked. I hastily changed the power cord (one of my last memories of using the amp was NOT a pleasant one). For my birthday, (60, thank-you, thank-you), I treated myself and the amp to a re-cap job,electrolytics on the boards, and a rewire to 864 bias and output specs. Thumbs up, played it @ rehearsal this past Tuesday and overall it was great, a bit loud, but not horribly loud. Straight in or with a pedal in front it responded nicely to my Parker Deluxe.
Working on the amp brought back old memories and skills my Dad showed me many years ago, but I'm not nearly an amp design engineer or tech. I so enjoyed the experience, I want to take another step and build out the Bassman.
Which way to go is my initial question (FINALLY) and I'm wondering if I can use the topside trannys (old) and filter caps (new), and rework the main board, front and rear panels as I've found in one of Normster's D'lite threads.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... 01&start=0
This amp is WAY beyond being a vintage collectible, and not in the running (yet) to be my go-to gigging amp, so I have the time, tools and skills to tackle something like this. ( I don't want to jump into relay circuits straight away though)
Thanks for reading through. As a neophyte I am in awe of whats being created on these and other boards. I wish I'd made the discovery earlier.
Thanks,
Dez
NYC
Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Yes, that is possible. It is a learning curve though. You are in nyc? I'm close to the city do if you get stuck I can possibly help. Please do ask questions and post your work for feedback. Have fun! 
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Welcome Dez,
You can build a 50 watt version of just about any of the different configuration or generation if you want a Dumble clone.
The layout you found is for 6V6 power tubes and while it will work fine I just want you to be sure about what you will end up with.
If you think you would like the later generation overdrive special type amp, which Normsters is sort of like, you could build any of the various serial numbered amps documented here.
I guess what I'm getting at is if you want to use 2 x 6L6 and use your Bassman iron, then you might like an amp like #124 which is the most thoroughly documented Dumble amp.
There is only a few minor differences between a 100w and 50w amp (besides the obvious).
But if you do want to go with 6V6 for around 20-22 watts, the D'lite type amps are good.
In fact the first amp I built was a 2 x 6L6 D'lite.
But I ended up building a full on clone later.
If you want more authentic Dumble tone then you may want to build a 100w amp.
I know that sounds like a lot of horsepower but these amps have a good master volume and you can play bedroom volume with them.
Of course they sound better when turned up a bit...
Also check out the Dumbleator which is a tube buffered effects loop that many consider mandatory equipment for these amps.
Good luck!
You can build a 50 watt version of just about any of the different configuration or generation if you want a Dumble clone.
The layout you found is for 6V6 power tubes and while it will work fine I just want you to be sure about what you will end up with.
If you think you would like the later generation overdrive special type amp, which Normsters is sort of like, you could build any of the various serial numbered amps documented here.
I guess what I'm getting at is if you want to use 2 x 6L6 and use your Bassman iron, then you might like an amp like #124 which is the most thoroughly documented Dumble amp.
There is only a few minor differences between a 100w and 50w amp (besides the obvious).
But if you do want to go with 6V6 for around 20-22 watts, the D'lite type amps are good.
In fact the first amp I built was a 2 x 6L6 D'lite.
But I ended up building a full on clone later.
If you want more authentic Dumble tone then you may want to build a 100w amp.
I know that sounds like a lot of horsepower but these amps have a good master volume and you can play bedroom volume with them.
Of course they sound better when turned up a bit...
Also check out the Dumbleator which is a tube buffered effects loop that many consider mandatory equipment for these amps.
Good luck!
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Jelle,
I'm in Queens, gig a fair amount in N.J. & CT., plus rehearse a blues/funk quartet out on the Island. I will keep you on the short list prior to pulling my hair out. Thank you for your offer.
Structo,
I'd really like to stay as close as I can to what I have on hand. I feel that if I can make this alteration/mod to the amp, have it work( for better or worse), the experience I pickup along the way will help me determine if I go further.
This D-clone might be more appropriate then.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... sc&start=0
I guess what I'm trying to achieve is an enhanced preamp drive section that I can marry up to this 2-6L6 chassis. I am beginning to come to grips with schematics, and while I can ID components,values, and pins, translating that to a layout is a leap too far just now.
Dez
I'm in Queens, gig a fair amount in N.J. & CT., plus rehearse a blues/funk quartet out on the Island. I will keep you on the short list prior to pulling my hair out. Thank you for your offer.
Structo,
I'd really like to stay as close as I can to what I have on hand. I feel that if I can make this alteration/mod to the amp, have it work( for better or worse), the experience I pickup along the way will help me determine if I go further.
This D-clone might be more appropriate then.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... sc&start=0
I guess what I'm trying to achieve is an enhanced preamp drive section that I can marry up to this 2-6L6 chassis. I am beginning to come to grips with schematics, and while I can ID components,values, and pins, translating that to a layout is a leap too far just now.
Dez
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
I'm giving this year old thread a bump tonight because I just ordered parts for a 2 x 6L6 D'lite as a birthday present to myself.
I'm going to put it into a Bassman style chassis with a dog house. PT is a Hammond 290CX (Vibrolux style) w 5V/3A tap, although I'm not installing the relays yet. OT is a Classictone 4/8/16 ohm. (the less expensive route.)
McMaster is going to send me 1/8" Garolite which I'll cut and drill for eyelets.
Lesson #1, Sourcing and ordering is tedious. I hope I got it close to right. I'm feeling optimistic if not confident.
I'll have a build thread later as needed. Now I want to thank all those
who's opinions and experience I've been bookmarking and sifting through.
Regards from NYC,
Gary
I'm going to put it into a Bassman style chassis with a dog house. PT is a Hammond 290CX (Vibrolux style) w 5V/3A tap, although I'm not installing the relays yet. OT is a Classictone 4/8/16 ohm. (the less expensive route.)
McMaster is going to send me 1/8" Garolite which I'll cut and drill for eyelets.
Lesson #1, Sourcing and ordering is tedious. I hope I got it close to right. I'm feeling optimistic if not confident.
I'll have a build thread later as needed. Now I want to thank all those
who's opinions and experience I've been bookmarking and sifting through.
Regards from NYC,
Gary
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Its great coming home to meet the UPS lady, or get a package dropped off from Fed-ex and USPS.
I ordered surplus on small items but without question the parts bill adds up quickly. Just waiting on the Mouser shipment now.
I'm going to try some control layouts for the Bassman chassis. Its 20.5" wide. A lot of space to cover.
I've measured, marked and bagged all the components. Is there a convenient storage/indexing method that has worked for you? The bags are find but they just lay there in a lump and I have to rummage through them to locate the values I want.
If you'd care to share.
Gary
I ordered surplus on small items but without question the parts bill adds up quickly. Just waiting on the Mouser shipment now.
I'm going to try some control layouts for the Bassman chassis. Its 20.5" wide. A lot of space to cover.
I've measured, marked and bagged all the components. Is there a convenient storage/indexing method that has worked for you? The bags are find but they just lay there in a lump and I have to rummage through them to locate the values I want.
If you'd care to share.
Gary
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Glad you have started your build.
What I do is take some heavier stock paper, like greeting card thickness and measure each resistor and mark the actual metered resistance on the paper then tape the resistor below that.
It's good practice to measure everything as you go because it is not unheard of to make a mistake when reading the color code or having a part with the wrong code on it.
I do this with the resistors and orange drops.
Everybody have their own method for building but I find that installing the sockets, pots, switches and jacks a good first step.
Save the transformers for last as they are heavy and unbalanced.
If you are crafty you can use the 5v winding to power your relays.
What I do is take some heavier stock paper, like greeting card thickness and measure each resistor and mark the actual metered resistance on the paper then tape the resistor below that.
It's good practice to measure everything as you go because it is not unheard of to make a mistake when reading the color code or having a part with the wrong code on it.
I do this with the resistors and orange drops.
Everybody have their own method for building but I find that installing the sockets, pots, switches and jacks a good first step.
Save the transformers for last as they are heavy and unbalanced.
If you are crafty you can use the 5v winding to power your relays.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
is the way I feel. Everything has been delivered. I've got components measured, taped and carded. I had to get grommets for the OT wires and I forgot to order the 3 DPDT mini toggles. Overall that doesn't seem too bad.I have a new disdain for metal shavings and filings and a new relationship with the vacuum cleaner. A D'Lite chassis would make things so much easier but part of me feels that layout shifts, assembly and reassembly, drilling, deburring, and the rest of it will make this 1st build more memorable, if that's possible.
Unibits for the sockets. Dremel for sundry grinds and cuts. I know I had run across a technique for cutting the openings with straight sides for fuse holders and bias sockets etc. If you have one that's a favorite and like to share, please do.
I've got 5 or 6 pictures:
http://s294.beta.photobucket.com/user/d ... 0.jpg.html
Gary
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Great start! Chassis's looking good. Your first build will definitely be memorable, and in all likelihood not your last. It gets in your blood. Good luck with this.
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Good luck with your build, it's fun, exciting and frustrating all at the same time!
As Tom said you can use the 5v tap to power the relay supply board and footswitch LEDs.
I just did the same on my 50w build and it works fine. I didn't use a separate voltage regulator. I also powered the LEDs from the relay . I played the amp out on Sunday for the first time. It was running for nearly 4 hours with no problems.
As Tom said you can use the 5v tap to power the relay supply board and footswitch LEDs.
I just did the same on my 50w build and it works fine. I didn't use a separate voltage regulator. I also powered the LEDs from the relay . I played the amp out on Sunday for the first time. It was running for nearly 4 hours with no problems.
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Enjoy and welcome!
I have modded and repaired amps for many years, and built a couple of kits.
Finding this site kicked my butt into doing a scratch build, which was by far the best building experience so far. It was a 2/4X6V6 DLite, by the way, with some tweaks.
Next project shaping up.
Have fun!
I have modded and repaired amps for many years, and built a couple of kits.
Finding this site kicked my butt into doing a scratch build, which was by far the best building experience so far. It was a 2/4X6V6 DLite, by the way, with some tweaks.
Next project shaping up.
Have fun!
-
groovtubin
- Posts: 1114
- Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2006 4:52 am
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
Are you Gary@ New Sensor??dezmoduo wrote:Jelle,
I'm in Queens, gig a fair amount in N.J. & CT., plus rehearse a blues/funk quartet out on the Island. I will keep you on the short list prior to pulling my hair out. Thank you for your offer.
Structo,
I'd really like to stay as close as I can to what I have on hand. I feel that if I can make this alteration/mod to the amp, have it work( for better or worse), the experience I pickup along the way will help me determine if I go further.
This D-clone might be more appropriate then.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... sc&start=0
I guess what I'm trying to achieve is an enhanced preamp drive section that I can marry up to this 2-6L6 chassis. I am beginning to come to grips with schematics, and while I can ID components,values, and pins, translating that to a layout is a leap too far just now.
Dez
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
dezmoduo,
I think you will be pleased with the 6L6 D'lite.
Nice cleans and great overdrive.
What impedance was the stock Bassman output transformer?
Reason I ask is because many feel that the vintage transformers have a lot of mojo.
Attached is the Brown Note D'lite Assembly Guide
I think you will be pleased with the 6L6 D'lite.
Nice cleans and great overdrive.
What impedance was the stock Bassman output transformer?
Reason I ask is because many feel that the vintage transformers have a lot of mojo.
Attached is the Brown Note D'lite Assembly Guide
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Bassman Build-up (a bit long)
If you are using that layout from that other link, be aware there are some out there showing wrong connections for the center tap of the output transformers.
Here is a layout showing the grounds and the heater wiring.
Note the red center tap of the OT at the left side of the 10W 500 ohm resistor on the power supply.
Here is a layout showing the grounds and the heater wiring.
Note the red center tap of the OT at the left side of the 10W 500 ohm resistor on the power supply.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!