Another SSS - 4x6550 This Time

[mhartman]

Here's another SSS off of my bench. This one was a fun project. I learned CAD to do the chassis, had the chassis machined, painted and silk screened, ordered custom spec transformers from Heyboer and then built it. First time doing a chassis and ordering custom iron for me. Taylor from AN did a great job on the cabinet (as usual).

It is full sized .125" thick / 26.5" wide chassis, 150W 4x6550 SSS, which is loud as hell -- but quiet when it is supposed to be. Fun build, and a fun amp to play.

[Colossal]

Now that is a stunning build. You should be proud. Based on #002?

[mhartman]

Now that is a stunning build. You should be proud. Based on #002?

Thanks Colossal. It's more of the 005 approach - no local feedback loops, fender style reverb (rather than the "3 tube style"). It's a more straight-forward clean setup similar to what HAD used on the later SSS builds.

[Aaron]

Great looking build.
What style P.I did you use?

Aaron

[Synchu]

Great looking as always!:)

Sounds and gut shots as always will be much appreciated.

You are building these faster than my parts' orders ship
Niki

[sergio]

Great build!!

[aflynt]

Awesome! Is that the amp Mike Hermans reviewed last week?

-Aaron

[mhartman]

Thanks guys!

Aaron - PI has the post-PI cathode follower, but the setup of the PI itself is closer to the bluesmaster PI. The layout of the PI is similar to SSS001

Aflynt - Nope this is a different build. I think Taylor (Amplified Nation) had Mike Hermans review his SSS build. Taylor just finished one using my chassis (I traded a chassis for the cab). His is a similar approach, but using his take on components, lead dress and transformers.

[aflynt]

Thanks guys!
Aflynt - Nope this is a different build. I think Taylor (Amplified Nation) had Mike Hermans review his SSS build. Taylor just finished one using my chassis (I traded a chassis for the cab). His is a similar approach, but using his take on components, lead dress and transformers.

Cool. Both fantastic looking amps!

-Aaron

[67plexi]

Nice, Chassis job. I was under the impression that the later 150 SSS
amps had 11 tube count. Any one have a back photo of the real #005.


Best regards, Steve

[Structo]

Looks awesome!

Gut shots?

[dcribbs1412]

Congrats Mike
Really beautiful build
Half power switch is cool
Pedal for reverb and PAB?
That has to be a blast to play with that amount of glass and iron!

D

[mhartman]

Thanks again guys. Pedal is for Reverb, PAB and FET (switching FET in/out when plugged into the FET channel). Half power switch is fun to have, but actually pretty useless given that the master volume gets you down to really usable levels.

Steve -- I don't have any back pics of 005, but I've only heard of the "ultra-complex" reverb and local feedback networks on the earlier designs. That being said, I haven't had access to photos or real amps to know for sure. It could be that each was very much a one-off build.

[martin manning]

Looks fantastic!

If you can switch the FET in and out you don't need two inputs, do you? I'd replace one of the jacks with a gain pot for the FET stage.

[mhartman]

Looks fantastic!

If you can switch the FET in and out you don't need two inputs, do you? I'd replace one of the jacks with a gain pot for the FET stage.

Thanks Martin. Great idea, but I was going for a traditional build - the FET switch was an easy, invisible add on option (and I've already got a FET vol). That being said, I did exactly what you suggested on my 19" SSS.