Cygnus High Gain Cathode Biased 30 watt

[Cygnus X1]

Long story, here's a project I worked on between other work:
Built into what was a Univox 1236 50W bass head.

Pix:
[img:655:475]http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2889 ... front1.jpg[/img]

[img:700:575]http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/3717 ... assis1.jpg[/img]
Original gut shot:
[img:687:275]http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/9645 ... 236gut.jpg[/img]
As it started, the Univox didn't sound very good even after a tune-up, so every single part and piece was gifted to a Uni fan:

[img:590:390]http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/7900/univox1236.jpg[/img]

Never apologize for anything (is what they say), but there is a running high frequency noise on the recording that isn't coming form the amp, it's somewhere between the mic and the PC.
Too lazy to look it up, I just wanted to record.
It's in all the clips.

So here is the prototype Cyg-30 (I estimate the wattage).
2x6L6GC, 5U4GB rectifier, 2x12AX7, 12AU7 PI.
Iron is 1950's Masco power and Hammond organ output transformer.

Preamp is nearly the same as the Cygnus-7.
PI section is paraphase, output is cathode biased.

So, all in all, a little vintage, a little modern mixed in together.

High gain first:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... 88576&q=hi

Clean:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... 88577&q=hi

And dirt:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... 88575&q=hi

There is a noise issue in the background beyond that mic problem, just some fine tuning to do.
But I feel the tone is there.
Guitar is Sinster's Gift, his homebrew LP loaded with Stephens Design VL3 Proto bridge and PF Star neck, rolled back to about 70% volume and tone (you'll hear the transitions).
High gain is all VL3 Proto bridge full on.

As you can see I'm still using UV shielded Lexan and brass eyelets/brass screw turrets for the boards.
I literally ripped everything "Univox" out of there, the iron, pots, switches, even the tube sockets went.

[Structo]

Looks nice!

I love cathode biased amps.

[Cygnus X1]

Looks nice!

I love cathode biased amps.

Thank you Structo.

I was afraid the high gain preamp amp combined with a tube recto and cathode biased power stage would turn to mush.
Was fully prepared to go SS rectification and fixed, but turns out it didn't need it.

What I like about this is being able to turn the gain stages to nearly clean and still push the power tubes hard to give that classic sound.

Hey, Mesa got away with it, Traynor did also on the YCV's, so why not try it?

The high gain setting is still very dry and tight...clear while getting that clean I love.

[Structo]

Cool!
So does this amp clean up well when you turn the guitar down?

If you could compare this amp with a tube rectifier and with SS, what do you think the difference is in sound and feel?

[Cygnus X1]

Cool!
So does this amp clean up well when you turn the guitar down?

If you could compare this amp with a tube rectifier and with SS, what do you think the difference is in sound and feel?

I'll know for sure on the next build, where I'll have more options.

Cleans up OK, I'll try to get that on another clip.

I was stuck with using what the Masco power tranny offered, and it's at 405V on B+1.
Right where I wanted it.

[Cygnus X1]

Cleaned up the dirty...bring it on Monday!

Enjoy:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single ... D=10535520