First build: AB763

[renshen1957]

Other than the need for a step down transformer, to handle the higher EU voltage, I don't see a problem. The 50 Hz/60Hz issue doesn't make a bit of difference on power or OT transformers

My understanding is that to avoid saturation, more iron will be needed in the magnetic circuit as frequency is reduced.
In use, I agree that an Allen PT would probably work fine, if slightly hotter, at 50Hz.

Hi,

Allen supplies a very study array of transformers, from reputation, with high quality steel and with more "than just adequate" wire than the original Fender prototypes. The majority of the OT are from Heyboer, "Upgraded" and "Robust," with "Special grain-oriented high-performance lamination steel..."

I haven't communicated with Allen Amps in quite some time, however, I didn't find a disclaimer as to parts or kits on their website.


Best regards,

Steve

PS On the other hand Allen supportin kits by email overseas would be a logistical nightmare.

[rp]

I pointed towards the Allen site for the OTs. IME they have that little extra you get from a upgraded design but they keep the vintage Fender sound. That doesn't happen for me when I try something like Edcor or Hammond (1600). He doesn't ship overseas but I did mention if you have a Stateside buddy...

[rogb]

Other than the need for a step down transformer, to handle the higher EU voltage, I don't see a problem. The 50 Hz/60Hz issue doesn't make a bit of difference on power or OT transformers

My understanding is that to avoid saturation, more iron will be needed in the magnetic circuit as frequency is reduced.
In use, I agree that an Allen PT would probably work fine, if slightly hotter, at 50Hz.

Hi,

Allen supplies a very study array of transformers, from reputation, with high quality steel and with more "than just adequate" wire than the original Fender prototypes. The majority of the OT are from Heyboer, "Upgraded" and "Robust," with "Special grain-oriented high-performance lamination steel..."

I haven't communicated with Allen Amps in quite some time, however, I didn't find a disclaimer as to parts or kits on their website.


Best regards,

Steve

PS On the other hand Allen supportin kits by email overseas would be a logistical nightmare.

You need to rollover the no export sign on the home page,
Stick with ClassicTone from Triode - good iron, good service IMO.

[renshen1957]

That doesn't happen for me when I try something like Edcor or Hammond (1600). He doesn't ship overseas but I did mention if you have a Stateside buddy...

Hi,

Agreed on the Edcor and Hammond, both produce OT that are full bandwidth, better suited for Hi-Fi or building an amp with Power Scaling or VVR to keep the tone the same when lowering the voltage, ect.

Both Edcor and Hammond make 240 V versions of their PT, which are excellent, with power to spare in the heater windings, so one can try hungrier power tubes (KT66, EL-34, 6550, KT-88) for their tonal properties.

Best regards,

Steve

[renshen1957]

My understanding is that to avoid saturation, more iron will be needed in the magnetic circuit as frequency is reduced.
In use, I agree that an Allen PT would probably work fine, if slightly hotter, at 50Hz.

Hi,

Allen supplies a very study array of transformers, from reputation, with high quality steel and with more "than just adequate" wire than the original Fender prototypes. The majority of the OT are from Heyboer, "Upgraded" and "Robust," with "Special grain-oriented high-performance lamination steel..."

I haven't communicated with Allen Amps in quite some time, however, I didn't find a disclaimer as to parts or kits on their website.


Best regards,

Steve

PS On the other hand Allen supportin kits by email overseas would be a logistical nightmare.

You need to rollover the no export sign on the home page,
Stick with ClassicTone from Triode - good iron, good service IMO.

Hi,

Thanks for the heads up. My ancient computer's browser wasn't clearing its cached version, so the logo wasn't apparent. Now that I have that fixed the No Export graphic is apparent.

Best regards,

Steve

[rogb]

If Allen had a European distributor, he would sell a whole heap of kits and amps. I really rate them.
Oh well, his business, his business model.

[Nisto]

Thanks for all of the great info in this thread.

Steve, I will look up Kevin O'Connor's book. It looks like it may be expensive but you have given it a good review! http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Tone-Vol ... 0969860889

I think I'm going with a 5e3 kit from Triode. The Allen kits look really good, but they don't make a UK transformer.

The Triode kit can be customised and comes with Magnetic Components transformers which should be good enough for my first build.

I've also ordered a Klon kit from here... http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/FXKits/klon_centaur.html

I thought it would be a fun project to let me get some practice in. If it's any good I might try their Timmy kit.

I'm still on the look out for a better soldering iron, I have heard good things about Weller. I'm not sure what wattage to go for, or whether a solder station is a better idea.

Nick

[renshen1957]

Thanks for all of the great info in this thread.

Steve, I will look up Kevin O'Connor's book. It looks like it may be expensive but you have given it a good review! http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Tone-Vol ... 0969860889

I think I'm going with a 5e3 kit from Triode. The Allen kits look really good, but they don't make a UK transformer.

The Triode kit can be customised and comes with Magnetic Components transformers which should be good enough for my first build.

I've also ordered a Klon kit from here... http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/FXKits/klon_centaur.html

I thought it would be a fun project to let me get some practice in. If it's any good I might try their Timmy kit.

I'm still on the look out for a better soldering iron, I have heard good things about Weller. I'm not sure what wattage to go for, or whether a solder station is a better idea.

Nick

Hi Nick,

Good choices on your first projects. The amp garage has many experienced individuals to assist if needed. Others have warned that about the addictive nature of building.

I would suggest going to www.londonpower.com to purchase TUT volume 3, $68.00 Canadian dollars (about $64 USD or £ 39) is a better deal than Amazon, and you would purchase from the publisher/author who has been very helpful and generous with when I asked his advice over the years.

TUT 3 lead to my purchase of other volumes, TUT 5 has projects, the other volumes contain a wealth of schematics and also teach theory and applications not generally discussed in most guitar and bass amp books. Overtime I purchased them all and others titles.

I have used Weller Irons and the Radio Shack made in China 40w irons. I've found that quality solder as important if not more so than than the iron. I use 63/37 by Kester (yes it contains lead) as it's more durable than the Pb free solder required by Rhos in Europe which caused all the X-box trouble.

A friend of mine has a motto, new project, new solder tip. I had trouble finding Weller tips locally before the days of the Internet, never had trouble with RS, but their tips do not last as long as Wellers. On an amp for a customer I follow my friend's advice. For my business, custom made.power supplies, we run through tips almost monthly, we produce many thousands of PSups point to point wire under contract each year.

In other words, just be sure that replacement parts are available.

Have fun, and never work on an amp when upset, exhausted, or after imbibing not wisely, but too well.

Best regards

Steve

PS I made it a habit of wearing rubber gloves and then acting as though I wasn't wearing said gloves when trouble shooting a plugged in amp years ago.