New Build - Express

Express, Liverpool, Rocket, Dirty Little Monster, etc.

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Picker
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New Build - Express

Post by Picker »

Greetings all. I think this is my first (of possibly many) posts. I have been lurking around for a while and finally am taking the plunge an starting on an Express build. I just ordered most of the final parts from RJ and once they get here I can get started. There are a few final miscellaneous parts I still need, but I should have just about everything judging from the BOM once they get here.

I have a bit of experience having previously done some work on my Fender Twin, and have built a BF Vibro Champ from a kit (from Marsh Amps who was great to work with and it was nice experience). I'm still trying to slowly get my head around how all of the pieces work and what everything does. Reading learning and getting ready for the build.

Just wanted to say hi to you all and thank those that have helped me so far and those of you that will in the future. I'm excited about the build and looking forward to it.

cheers. :)
paulster
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by paulster »

Good luck with it. It sounds like you've done your background reading and are up for the challenge so just ask away when you have questions.
Picker
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by Picker »

Just got word that my final shipment is on the way (thanks RJ). By next week I should be able to start in.

I plan to take plenty of pictures etc along the way and will post them if there is any interest, but there are already plenty of pics here from other people's builds.

8)
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ampmike
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rj

Post by ampmike »

Your in the right place here at TAG.These guys are the best.Your amp will work and you will be very happy.I have got 2 kits now from rj and the organization in his packing is incredible.Very well done.Parts are all top shelf goodies.Take your time because once you are done you will want to start another amp!! Good Luck Bro,Mikey
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RJ Guitars
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by RJ Guitars »

Picker,

These guys are top notch - best tech support team you could ask for! Most of the really dumb stuff has already been done so they can help you avoid that and then most of the hard issues have been seen before so they can help you through those too.

Enjoy the build and look forward to the tone. Once you get it dialed in it will be very cool to know you put that thing together from a box full of parts.

rj
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http://www.rjguitars.net
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Picker
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by Picker »

Hehehe.

My girlfriend, who previously did not know anything about TW naming conventions, has already started calling her "The Other Woman".

:twisted:

Have all of the pieces now and am slowly staring to assemble them. I have the hardware put together, trannies mounted etc. I have a busy day today, but next week I have off, so I will be able to spend more time working on completing the project.

cheers
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ampmike
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Tw

Post by ampmike »

If any female in your life gives you any flack for spending to much time with your amp hobby just build one and name the amp after her,Works every time, :wink: Mikey
guitarsnguns04
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by guitarsnguns04 »

good adivice Mikey!! :D
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Big Jim
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Re: Tw

Post by Big Jim »

ampmike wrote:If any female in your life gives you any flack for spending to much time with your amp hobby just build one and name the amp after her,Works every time, :wink: Mikey
It only worked once for me.... :lol:
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selloutrr
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Re: Tw

Post by selloutrr »

Big Jim wrote:
ampmike wrote:If any female in your life gives you any flack for spending to much time with your amp hobby just build one and name the amp after her,Works every time, :wink: Mikey
It only worked once for me.... :lol:
Your mistake is you tried it more then once on the same woman. 8)
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amplifiednation
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by amplifiednation »

I told her I would make a whole line of cabinets and name them after her and she could pick the colors out. Ten minutes later she was complaining again.
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Picker
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by Picker »

I ran into my first snag, and could use some help.

I'm trying to set up the impedance selector switch. I thought I had the wiring figured out from the Build guide, but mine is a bit different. There are two rows of connectors. The first row as you look at the bottom has 12 connectors numbered 1-12 around the circumference. The second row above those has only three above numbers 1, 5, and 9.

From the guide, it looks like I should connect the black wire on this second row from the connector above PIN one to the connector above Pin SEVEN. Mine does not have a connector above pin seven, so I'm not sure where I should be connecting.

The second question is the adjustment pin that goes into the slots by the shaft There are 10 slots and it came out of the Box in slot one as you count clockwise. Is this where it should be or do I need to move it to a different position. Thanks.
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amplifiednation
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by amplifiednation »

These things are brutal. I had the same question. The outside terminals are common, they get wired together and you jumper pins directly across from each other so if one side ever failed, the other side would pick it back up.

It is a PAIN to wire. I think I messed mine up and couldn't get it to work properly so i just hardwired a few jacks. Let me see if i can find the thread, it has a wiring diagram someone posted.
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amplifiednation
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by amplifiednation »

These things are brutal. I had the same question. The outside terminals are common, they get wired together and you jumper pins directly across from each other so if one side ever failed, the other side would pick it back up.

It is a PAIN to wire. I think I messed mine up and couldn't get it to work properly so i just hardwired a few jacks. Let me see if i can find the thread, it has a wiring diagram someone posted.

edit...

found it. There is a pic of mine all wired up too. I have since taken it out because the only selection that worked for me was 8ohm. Guess I'm not the best guy to ask (or my switch was defective)

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... =stackpole
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Picker
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Re: New Build - Express

Post by Picker »

Thanks for the response.

Could you tell me a little more about the PIN placement or which connectors to use for the black wire, since it doesn't match the Build guide.

Sounds like we ran into similar problems. Anyone got any suggestions? I couldn't find much in search or from the manufacturer.
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