100 watt Express?

[woof*]

Hi to all,
I have a Ruby Express that Paul made for me about ten years ago.
I use it along with my 66 Super Reverb, and strats mostly. I love the Express for all of the sustain and the rich harmonics. I stay more in the clean area of music and mostly the Express is turned down because of the early breakup for rhythm. I can't help but wonder if there were two more EL34's in there if I could get more clean at a louder volume? Probably need bigger transformers too? I am not asking about modding my Express, but has anyone built 100 watt Expresses? Is it a bad idea? I understand why the amp is so loved...the way they sing and sustain, but the clean area to me isn't deep enough.
Thanks for any light you guys can shine on this.

[jelle]

Yes, look for posts by the owner of this forum: Allynmey. He did the original 80W Express.

[woof*]

Thanks Jelle, I do some searches.

[M Fowler]

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... 0w+express

https://tubeamparchive.com/download/file.php?id=8224

[woof*]

Thanks for the links! Looks like Allyn is the only one that built one. Sounds like that owner wanted what I want. Thanks again for the help.

[M Fowler]

I built one but I could not get my lead dress right the amp was not so well controlled so I built it into a Rocket.

[Mark]

Did you use Allyn's layout?

It is a really nice layout and much better than Fischer's layout as the caps aren't an issue.

[M Fowler]

Did you use Allyn's layout?

It is a really nice layout and much better than Fischer's layout as the caps aren't an issue.

Yes.

[RJ Guitars]

I made a run of over-sized chassis' for either Express or Rockster builds that use the traditional Wreck preamp boards in a similar layout to the 35 watt Express, but with more breathing room and a separate power supply board. I had them made up with either four output tubes or two output tubes (in case anyone was thinking of a pair of KT-88's)... soon after I took some "friendly fire" in my life and basic survival became a priority - thus the prototype amp(s) was never finished. Anyway I keep thinking it is something I'd like to get back to, but it's not likely for some time yet. If someone is interested in putting together the prototype I'll make you a deal on some parts but finishing it will likely require going where no man has gone before... but please share with us how you got there once it's done. I am certain Allyn did an excellent job and there is probably much that could be learned from his build. rj

[Reeltarded]

The KT88 thing is crazy. The 4 bulb thing is over the top. Love that!

Someone build it.

[Colossal]

The KT88 thing is crazy. The 4 bulb thing is over the top. Love that!

Agreed!

Someone build it.

Sorely tempted to go for the four-holer.

80W Express: It's louder than God.

[M Fowler]

I'm running a pair of KT88's in my Large Rocket instead of four EL34's I like it better.

[Clyde]

I built a KT88 head in 2006 and the client wanted a combo so against my better judgement I converted it a few years ago. Indeed the JJ's became microphonic and in went some SED's, probably the last ones I'll ever see. I dialled back the gain somewhat and haven't had any bad news.