New Rocket Build

[lions den]

Rocket kit from RJ showed up today. What a great job of packing, putting parts together, etc. thanks RJ.

Still have a couple of things to work on with the new Liverpool but wanted to strike when the iron is hot and get this Rocket done as well.

Working with Mike on a cherry cabinet as well.

Pics to follow and more sound clips.
Thanks everyone.
Sean

[lions den]

Off to the races with the Rocket Build. Progress after one day, will hit it again today and see how far we get.

Do want to confirm about transformer wiring before I cut lengths.

Using the Dynaco 470 HTS-8093-1 for OT, and HTS-9144 250/280 for PT.
Found schematics for Dynaco 470 using Brown=4 ohms, Orange=8 ohms, Yellow=16 ohms, solid blue and solid white for power tubes and red for CT.

On PT side want to confirm my wiring plans as I haven't found a schematic for this transformer.

Blacks to on/off switch
Brown/White stripe, and yellow/red stripe to ground.
Solid Browns to Heaters
Solid Greens to pins 2/8 of rectifier tube
Green/yellow stripe to pins 4/6 on rectifier tube
Solid Yellows taped off/unused

sound right?
thanks,
sean

[M Fowler]

Here are the correct wiring layouts for your transformers both found on rj's website by the way.

Mark

[lions den]

Thanks for the update. Looked here but didn't think to look at RJs site.
Thanks again
Sean

[M Fowler]

Sean,

No problem I have a catalog of data on my CPU.

I use this transformer set for so many different types of builds, anything from wrecks to Marshall types.

Mark

[lions den]

Finished the build yesterday and did turn up today. All I can say is WOW, this Rocket is amazing. I have a '62 AC30 so I wasn't expecting to be blown away with the rocket in terms of outright tone or flexibility.

This gem has really surprised me.

Will post some pics shortly and an audio clip to follow.

Working with Mike on a cabinet to finish this off.

That completes the Trilogy for me. Going with Faith (rocket), Hope (liverpool), and Love (express) for the names.

Thanks RJ for the parts and everyone else here for the help and support on the builds.

Best place to hang out on the net for sure!!!,
Sean

[Big Jim]

Glad to hear you got it finished Sean! You have been building like a house afire. I am also glad your digging the tone. I have been gearing up for a Rocket myself. How would you compare Hope and Faith from a players standpoint?
Jim

[lions den]

a few pics, nothing different or modified from the normal Rocket layout.
I lost the cap that goes across the volume control, and going to add bleeding resistors as well.

Again, great sounding on first turn up.

Jim, the Express was first for me to own so i really love the clean to mean on that amp. The liverpool can come close to doing the same thing, but I still think the express rules in that category. The express for me rules in terms of a band scenario that needs to cut through the mix, but also keep a big sound. Not sure if that's mostly because of the EL34s or what, but in a band scenario that amp is normally my first choice.

The liverpool can do some good clean to mean and has many of the same characteristics of the Express, but with the normal EL84 overdriven sound.
My Liverpool seems to be able to get just as mean as the Express in terms of outright distortion sounds, but just doesn't sound as 'big' as the Express. The EL84s will chime up a bit better than the Express if you want to go into Tele territory.

Having only played the rocket now for 10 mins, I am impressed with the pure and beautiful tones across the board. And when i cranked up the volume, the overdrive was very natural sounding pretty much like my AC30 but with a great overdrive pedal in front of it, or even close to an old non-master volume Marshall. Great sounding cleans and natural well balanced overdrive that covers a lot of territory.

I've read a lot about mods to the rocket to increase gain, but not sure my style of playing needs to go there. Even with the volume dimed on the amp i could get the guitar to clean up pretty well by rolling back on the volume of the guitar. I'll post a clip that shows how it sounds.

thanks again,
sean

[Big Jim]

Thanks Sean,
I too love the Express! I'm hearing what I wanted to hear about the Rocket. I am going to try and do a dual Wreck rig through my stereo Marshall cab. Tight mean ceramic speakers for the Express, and some lower wattage alnicos on the other side for the Rocket. I just hope they play well together. (Express).

[jeff12]

Nice looking Rocket Sean. I have to build an Express myself to complete my trio. Where to next after that????

[lions den]

Jim, they should play well together. I also have a D style amp that I like to pair up with my express. Just a different type of lead tone.

Jeff, I hear you, it's hard to stop once you start. I already have a few friends who want me to build them a rocket

I'll take a small break for now but need to finish up cabs and troubleshoot the swirl thing I have going on the Liverpool.
Sean