Dumble clone builder od50 questions

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cap217
Posts: 182
Joined: Wed Mar 27, 2013 2:07 pm

Dumble clone builder od50 questions

Post by cap217 »

I recently found out about mike Whitney and his amps by looking for a Marshall but came across his d style heads. He doesn't use a rock/jazz and a slightly different layout. He uses blackface/tweed mid boost and overdrive switch. This amp sounds great but I'd like to know what it looks like to you guys?

Also what transformer is this? He back has 4-8-16 ohms but there are only 2 clicks on the switch. I assume this is a 4/8 or 8/16 and would like to know which one.

Here are pics.
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ToneMerc
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Re: Dumble clone builder od50 questions

Post by ToneMerc »

cap217 wrote:I recently found out about mike Whitney and his amps by looking for a Marshall but came across his d style heads. He doesn't use a rock/jazz and a slightly different layout. He uses blackface/tweed mid boost and overdrive switch. This amp sounds great but I'd like to know what it looks like to you guys?

Also what transformer is this? He back has 4-8-16 ohms but there are only 2 clicks on the switch. I assume this is a 4/8 or 8/16 and would like to know which one.

Here are pics.
Ok you asked; I think in order to be called a Dumble clone the amp should at least be in the true spirit of an actual Dumble amp in circuit type, component selection, appearance, layout and construction techniques. What you have shown here certainly does not fit that criteria.

If a person takes the basic Dumble circuit topology and put's their own spin on it, that's fine and this might be fine sounding amp, but it's not a 50W Dumble clone and should not be presented as such.

The output iron is Heyboer built in the 43rd week of 08' and looks like it could be 35-40W tweed type iron or even 36W 18 watt amp iron, just guessing here This type of iron was not used in an ODS amp, so why is it called a clone? However, this could be a great sounding amp. Nevertheless, these are questions you need to be asking the builder.

TM
Last edited by ToneMerc on Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
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martin manning
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Re: Dumble clone builder od50 questions

Post by martin manning »

I don't believe Whitney amps have been discussed here. The output transformer in the picture is a Heyboer, and it has two impedance taps on the secondary. I'd guess they are 4 and 8, and the back plate is one that was marked for another, but you could just ask M Whitney. Note the choke was manufactured by Heyboer for Mojo. The construction looks okay, but I don't like seeing the HV rectifier board attached to the chassis by a single fastener. You are buying this amp used, right? It might be a prototype build. Googling I see a lot of Whitney Amplification web pages in various states that are "live," looks like someone is still learning there.
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da Geezer
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Re: Dumble clone builder od50 questions

Post by da Geezer »

Are you sure he's still in business?

Most web search results are from around 2008-09, his website doesn't work....or maybe you're looking at a used amp?

Anyway, just be careful before shelling out the $$$$ (which it seems is just what you're doing).....there are plenty of known and excellent builders out there that you can be SURE of what you're getting.

G
cap217
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Joined: Wed Mar 27, 2013 2:07 pm

Re: Dumble clone builder od50 questions

Post by cap217 »

To be fair, I think od50 and the appearance makes me think it's sort of a d clone but mike said he doesn't clone but does his own twist. I bought it used but it's near impossible to find info on his amps. I have talked to him before but he wasn't sure what this amp really was since everything is made for a personal individually. I got this cheap and am happy with it but I just wanted feedback from you guys. I'll ask him more questions. Thanks guys.


How far from a d is this? I got it because the builder has a good reputation for quality and I got it cheap. I am not into a style amps (more train wrecks) but wanted to see what I was missing.
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rogb
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Re: Dumble clone builder od50 questions

Post by rogb »

I think Mr Whitney can be contacted at Spindrift Guitars, New London CT

http://www.spindriftguitars.com/
cap217
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Re: Dumble clone builder od50 questions

Post by cap217 »

I found that it is a MOJO OT for a vibrolux/tremolux. So smaller than what I assumed it would be.
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