converting Liverpool to Express

[aaronz28]

so i have a Liverpool Clone, which rocks, but I really want an Express.

i am not am amp tech, nor have i done any work other than minor modifications..

recognizing that the output transformer would likely have to be changed, as well as the chassis drilled out for el34 tube sockets... is this mod possible... and realistic?

thanks

A

[jaysg]

Who built it and when?

[paulster]

Depending on your power transformer and output transformer you may well have the right taps for both the Liverpool and Express, so that would save you the cost of changing the iron.

The preamp is very similar with a couple of component changes, and one pot value different, so it's doable, with the caveat that you're going to have to hack up the chassis a bit.

Personally I like both amps a lot, and find there's room to have both in your sonic palette so you might find value in tweaking the Liverpool for optimum performance and adding an Express using really high quality components, depending on what you've already got.

[RJ Guitars]

AT a glance - the output transformer is wrong (unless you have a dual tap) and the chassis is wrong. This also assumes you have the dual tap power transformer since the Express uses a higher voltage than the Liverpool. The chassis being the bigger problem either way. So as mentioned before, it kind matters who built it and what parts they used.

Have you thought about selling the Liverpool and financing an Express? I'm prejudice against major rebuilds of amps that are working well and I believe a good sounding Liverpool would sell reasonably quick and bring in enough to build yourself an Express.

I also don't think you can make the needed chassis mods without doing some serious dis assembly and making a lot of work for yourself... and while I have plated over a chassis to cover a tube hole, it's generally not a pretty solution.

I like building amps so I am seeing things from the perspective that you have the perfect justification for an Express build while preserving the Liverpool as is...

Having said all that, if you do go forward I hope you'll post it all up for us so we can learn along with you. I won't mind if you prove me wrong and if goes well and looks like a million bucks...

rj

[M Fowler]

You can build an amp on the cheap or pieced it together by getting the chassis and smaller components with board first so you can built all that stuff.

Then buy the correct transformers after when the dough comes in. Or if you are not strapped for cashe get the Express and enjoy both.

[fishy]

I would hate to mess with an amp that is working fine and clearly brings a smile to your face.

The obvious question for me is why do you want an Express?

[Buschman]

I preffer my Liverpool over my Express.

[M Fowler]

I prefer my Rocket to all of them.

[RJ Guitars]

I prefer Fishy's Rocket to mine... and mine is the best amp I've ever played through