Lets Talk Clean Tone
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
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resophonic1
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2006 2:19 am
Lets Talk Clean Tone
When I first started my Dumble Tone quest it was for the killer overdrive tones. After building my D'lite, I'm starting to really dig the clean tone that Moss and Normster have incorporated into the circuit. It really has me wanting an old proreverb I used to own. I only have one build under my belt and I'm tinkering with an idea I have for an amplifier. I would like to develop something along the lines of the Dumble clean channel with the addition of a high cut circuit. This is going to be a long process for me to develop a working circut. Which dumble clean circuit do you like and why? Also if I'm going for clean headroom only do you think I should build it around a 100 watt output section or will 50 watts do the trick? I appreciate any input you guys may have.
Re: Lets Talk Clean Tone
Well this was a search I was also after.....
One thing you have too ask yourself is how clean do you want to go. I have learned while the first response may be as clean as possible, then there are other considerations that come into the design.
I've built 2 dlites (one from kit), 1 clean king (dual ef86 with dumbleator) with extensive mods, 1 clean only ODS (12ax7 pre), and 1 ods 101 HRM. I actually just spent most of this week voicing the dual ef86 monster. It has been a really tough one to get a nice set of harmonics out of, more so than any other amp I have built.
The moded clean king was built 'somewhat' based on schematics on this site. It does cleans very well, with lots of gain, but not a lot else. Very glad I added the dumbleator, else this would be a 1 trick monkey, with little ability for multiple sounds. In the end I think having an amp so clean tends to affect the harmonics, in a way thats difficult to get each string on the guitar to sound right. In retrospect a little dirt is highly desirable just for the additional harmonic content that is brought to the table.
That being said, with all the tweaks, I am getting close to a very good, very clean, very loud amp. I have gotten a similar harmonic sound to the dlite through this constant tweaking, but it definitely is not the same. Its hard to describe the differences, but perhaps the best way is to say it has less harmonic overtone content.
I have not built the any 4 tube versions, all 2 power tubes, though the ODS 101 and clean king run 6550, the others 6l6 or 6v6. I tend to prefer the clean channel on my dlite & dlite clones, as the harmonics are just richer than the clean king. also I just finished the ods 101 HRM, so it probably has another round of adjustments coming its way. I definetly prefer the 6l6, with the 6550 being a close second in this style of circuit.
One thing you have too ask yourself is how clean do you want to go. I have learned while the first response may be as clean as possible, then there are other considerations that come into the design.
I've built 2 dlites (one from kit), 1 clean king (dual ef86 with dumbleator) with extensive mods, 1 clean only ODS (12ax7 pre), and 1 ods 101 HRM. I actually just spent most of this week voicing the dual ef86 monster. It has been a really tough one to get a nice set of harmonics out of, more so than any other amp I have built.
The moded clean king was built 'somewhat' based on schematics on this site. It does cleans very well, with lots of gain, but not a lot else. Very glad I added the dumbleator, else this would be a 1 trick monkey, with little ability for multiple sounds. In the end I think having an amp so clean tends to affect the harmonics, in a way thats difficult to get each string on the guitar to sound right. In retrospect a little dirt is highly desirable just for the additional harmonic content that is brought to the table.
That being said, with all the tweaks, I am getting close to a very good, very clean, very loud amp. I have gotten a similar harmonic sound to the dlite through this constant tweaking, but it definitely is not the same. Its hard to describe the differences, but perhaps the best way is to say it has less harmonic overtone content.
I have not built the any 4 tube versions, all 2 power tubes, though the ODS 101 and clean king run 6550, the others 6l6 or 6v6. I tend to prefer the clean channel on my dlite & dlite clones, as the harmonics are just richer than the clean king. also I just finished the ods 101 HRM, so it probably has another round of adjustments coming its way. I definetly prefer the 6l6, with the 6550 being a close second in this style of circuit.
it really is a journey, and you just cant farm out the battle wounds
Re: Lets Talk Clean Tone
You can help out the overtones by lowering the first main filter cap (40 - 60 uf is what I like) and getting the PI plates 5volts apart then adjust them for the sweet spot. I can't tell you why lowering the first filter value helps, I just know it does.
Former owner of Music Mechanix
www.RedPlateAmps.com
www.RedPlateAmps.com
Re: Lets Talk Clean Tone
Hey reso, word on the street is that the cleans on the Bluesmaster circuit are exceptional. Personally, I think the cleans on my non-HRM (high-valued Rps) with the full BM PI and Presence are nothing to scoff at, especially with a 120pF bright cap. As a matter of fact, that amp into my 2x12 with G12-65s is the best clean tone I've ever had.
As far as wattage, if you're going for sheer cleans you might want to look into 4x6L6s with a nice, beefy OT. It won't be much louder than a 2x6L6, but it'll have more headroom and more punch in the bottom end. This would be exceptionally nice with a variety of guitar configurations, methinks.
My opinion is if you're going to do it, do it exactly how you want to do it. Don't skimp anywhere. You'll likely be happiest with the result that way.
As far as wattage, if you're going for sheer cleans you might want to look into 4x6L6s with a nice, beefy OT. It won't be much louder than a 2x6L6, but it'll have more headroom and more punch in the bottom end. This would be exceptionally nice with a variety of guitar configurations, methinks.
My opinion is if you're going to do it, do it exactly how you want to do it. Don't skimp anywhere. You'll likely be happiest with the result that way.
67:1
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resophonic1
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2006 2:19 am
Re: Lets Talk Clean Tone
Briane - Thanks for your input that was extemely helpful info.
Heisthl - I'll have to remember that once I get to the prototype stage.
Kleinm- I'm hearing good things about the BM cleans as well. I see that Brownnote is going to offer a D'lite 88 BM. Should be a killer amp, I don't think it's going to be available in a kit. I know I would be interested if it was offered. The main goal of this amp is to use it with a switching system with my Kleinulator. There are so many good overdrive and effects pedals on the market. The tone options are unlimited with a killer clean amplifier based around a GCX switching system. Thanks again for your input.
Heisthl - I'll have to remember that once I get to the prototype stage.
Kleinm- I'm hearing good things about the BM cleans as well. I see that Brownnote is going to offer a D'lite 88 BM. Should be a killer amp, I don't think it's going to be available in a kit. I know I would be interested if it was offered. The main goal of this amp is to use it with a switching system with my Kleinulator. There are so many good overdrive and effects pedals on the market. The tone options are unlimited with a killer clean amplifier based around a GCX switching system. Thanks again for your input.