I just completed my first from scratch, non-kit build and I couldn't have done it without all of your help. Although I didn't ask too many questions (a couple), I read this forum front-to-back (and vice-versa) several times. I just finished this one up last night, had hum issues, but sorted it out by elevating the heaters (again, knowledge from this forum). Now, it is very quiet even without a cab (thank god because it is not nearly as neat a most of your amps - I've got some tidying up to do). Once I had it sorted out, I played it for a couple of hours straight. I'm totally psyched with how it sounds even prior to tweaking around with things. :.)
Now I need to figure out a cab for it. I used RJ's 19.25 premium chassis and it was great, but that .25 is going to force me into a custom cab.
Can anyone guess what amp I was shooting for with this one? Needless to say, I'm a fan of Bill K's work. BTW, the recent SSS threads/info were a big help on this one.
So, thank you for the education and the new amp! But, please don't get me scrounging for NOS parts to try out (other than the old Twin OT that I used), I'm too broke to justify that habit!
@Taylor -- yes, 5 preamp tubes. It is a one channel (clean only) layout with the "3 tube" reverb (well 2 reverb tubes plus a dry/reverb anode/tweed mixer tube) that was used on some SSS amps and the ODS reverb. The layout is basically a SSS #4 layout (100W) minus the FET, high/low filter section, some power filtering and some of the local negative feedback on the preamp tubes.
Note: there appears to be a machine screw missing that secures the preamp board to the standoff-post on the lower right (from point of view of the picture, towards back of amp). Same on the power supply board (left bottom corner). Are there only two screws securing each of those boards?
Note: there appears to be a machine screw missing that secures the preamp board to the standoff-post on the lower right (from point of view of the picture, towards back of amp). Same on the power supply board (left bottom corner). Are there only two screws securing each of those boards?
Thanks Nick. Regarding the screws -- somehow I misplaced the power board screws before I installed it, so I had to borrow 2 from the preamp board until I can run to the store to pick up some more. Good eye!
@Taylor -- yes, 5 preamp tubes. It is a one channel (clean only) layout with the "3 tube" reverb (well 2 reverb tubes plus a dry/reverb anode/tweed mixer tube) that was used on some SSS amps and the ODS reverb. The layout is basically a SSS #4 layout (100W) minus the FET, high/low filter section, some power filtering and some of the local negative feedback on the preamp tubes.
WOW not bad for you first non-kit build!! Jeese, where did you get the SSS layout?
amplifiednation wrote:
WOW not bad for you first non-kit build!! Jeese, where did you get the SSS layout?
Thanks Taylor. If you surf around here, everything you need is posted. But, you have to piece it all together bit-by-bit (along with a bit of educated guessing). With this one, I took everything I could find regarding the various SSSs and then found everything I could regarding the known SSS and OD Reverb derivative amps. On top of that, I prototyped this in a PA135 chassis (huge chassis that works great for experimenting) where I was able to sub parts in and out and figure out what I liked and didn't like (and what worked and didn't work). Also, I've talked to some other members about similar projects that they are working on. It has been a fun project, but I'll be happy to spend some time playing my guitar through it and getting away from solder smoke for a bit (until the bug strikes me again -- my next amp will be a full out SSS).
Last edited by mhartman on Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
amplifiednation wrote:
WOW not bad for you first non-kit build!! Jeese, where did you get the SSS layout?
Thanks Taylor. If you surf around here, everything you need is posted. But, you have to piece it all together bit-by-bit (along with a bit of educated guessing). With this one, I took everything I could find regarding the various SSSs and then found everything I could regarding the known SSS and OD Reverb derivative amps. Then, I looked at the TR John Mayer and Classic Reverb pics that were posted some time ago and worked from there. No one guessed it right out, but this amp is my "clone" of the TR John Mayer amp. I say "clone" because I didn't have access to the actual amp, but I made a lot of educated guesses based on the various bits of info that I found around. On top of that, I prototyped this in a PA135 chassis (huge chassis that works great for experimenting) where I was able to sub parts in and out and figure out what I liked and didn't like (and what worked and didn't work). Also, I've talked to some other members about similar projects that they are working on. It has been a fun project, but I'll be happy to spend some time playing my guitar through it and getting away from solder smoke for a bit (until the bug strikes me again -- my next amp will be a full out SSS).
Ha, a Two Rock mayer clone, eh? Well I bet it's only a matter of time before you order one of these from me.
Great job!! I'd like my next build to have a D'lator built in...reverb would be cool too. I am a reverb junkie!!
Love the TR'esque look of the build. Can't quite see the PI, did you use the Cathode Follower Drive tube from the SSS circuit?
Looks like you have the Bias/rectifier on the main-board ala TR, is there any relay switching on this or do you plan on adding a PAB boost?
Got a Scheme from this amp after piecing it together?
mhartman wrote:I just completed my first from scratch, non-kit build and I couldn't have done it without all of your help. Although I didn't ask too many questions (a couple), I read this forum front-to-back (and vice-versa) several times. I just finished this one up last night, had hum issues, but sorted it out by elevating the heaters (again, knowledge from this forum). Now, it is very quiet even without a cab (thank god because it is not nearly as neat a most of your amps - I've got some tidying up to do). Once I had it sorted out, I played it for a couple of hours straight. I'm totally psyched with how it sounds even prior to tweaking around with things. :.)
Now I need to figure out a cab for it. I used RJ's 19.25 premium chassis and it was great, but that .25 is going to force me into a custom cab.
Can anyone guess what amp I was shooting for with this one? Needless to say, I'm a fan of Bill K's work. BTW, the recent SSS threads/info were a big help on this one.
So, thank you for the education and the new amp! But, please don't get me scrounging for NOS parts to try out (other than the old Twin OT that I used), I'm too broke to justify that habit!
Love the TR'esque look of the build. Can't quite see the PI, did you use the Cathode Follower Drive tube from the SSS circuit?
Looks like you have the Bias/rectifier on the main-board ala TR, is there any relay switching on this or do you plan on adding a PAB boost?
Got a Scheme from this amp after piecing it together?
Thanks Greg! No cathode follower on this one (more like SSS#4). I've experimented doing it that way, but I wanted a small chassis, so 5 tubes was my limit.
Yes, I did the bias on the main power board like TR. I borrowed the overall physical layout fom the pics that I've seen of the Mayer amp.
I didn't do any switching on it. I've built amps with switching/PAB and I just don't use it. This one is a pure clean pedal platform.
I don't have a schem, but maybe I can go back when I finish up and see if I can figure out how to schem it (I can barely pull off reading them, let alone writing them).
I figured that I would follow-up on this one since I have received a variety of questions over the past few weeks. I've been doing a ton of tweaking on it and almost have it where I want it (then on to the next idea). A big thank you to Taylor at Amplified Nation for doing a cool suede cab for me. Again, thank you to everyone here for answering questions (actively and through your prior posts)!
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Last edited by mhartman on Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:03 am, edited 3 times in total.
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