Well after about a year and a half since I started assembly.....I FINALLY FINISHED my Express clone. I did the A1a schem with a little help from the Kelly layouts and schem.
This thing has an INSANE amount of gain. I definately like it better with 6V6's. It's very unruly with EL34's in it and RELATIVELY tame with the 6v's. I had some oscillation issues on start up and installed shielded cable from the input to V1 and from the center of the volume pot to V1. With 6V6's I can play without oscillation....lots of feedback but no oscillation unless I am within 2-3 feet of the bare chassis (No cab yet). EL34's on the other hand oscillate like a Mutha! Can't get the volume on the guitar up past 4 or 5 and even then it's hard to control. Maybe I should go to a room bigger than 10 x 10.
I might get to A/B my clone with the real thing. A friend of a friend has a real one and is willing to bring it over and let us play it. Don't know if he'll let us inside yet. I'll keep you guys posted.
Pics when I get some time (Maybe next week).
Greg
Finally!!!
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Finally!!!
Congrats Greg!
Regarding oscillation, a little session of chop sticks can sometimes help to spot any problematic wiring.
Keep us informed.
Regarding oscillation, a little session of chop sticks can sometimes help to spot any problematic wiring.
Keep us informed.
Re: Finally!!!
Yea...I did the chopstick thing...it didn't shed any light on the oscillation thing. So I installed shielded cable. That helped and then I put the 6V6's in and it's pretty good. It still needs more debugging but I'm pretty happy with it so far. I may have to tame some of the gain though...it's pretty insane!Elcabong wrote:Congrats Greg!
Regarding oscillation, a little session of chop sticks can sometimes help to spot any problematic wiring.
Keep us informed.
Re: Finally!!!
HeeGBG,
I substituted a 12AU7 for V1 and A 12AT7 for V2 in my clones. I get a LOT less hiss and still have controlled feedback with the volume control up. I also used a 12AY7 in one of the slots for a while, but it broke and I didn't have another. But changing out the tubes is a VERY easy way to change the gain. structure.
D Hicks
I substituted a 12AU7 for V1 and A 12AT7 for V2 in my clones. I get a LOT less hiss and still have controlled feedback with the volume control up. I also used a 12AY7 in one of the slots for a while, but it broke and I didn't have another. But changing out the tubes is a VERY easy way to change the gain. structure.
D Hicks
Re: Finally!!!
Woo HOO!!!!!!!!!!!! 
I'll ship you down a 12AU7 on Monday. Maybe I'll come down next week for TW #2
Allynmey
I'll ship you down a 12AU7 on Monday. Maybe I'll come down next week for TW #2
Allynmey