Z Wreck-ish Reverb Build

[dustinsimone]

Hey Guys. Long time lurker, first post.

I'd like to start by saying thanks to all the forum members and all the help you've given by just posting on this forum. Big thanks to RJ who helped with the transformers.

I've built several guitar amps but this has my most ambitious build to date- a Z-wreck Clone with reverb. I used the wealth of information on the Amp Garage along with the Normster Rocket Reverb layout to get started.

I based my layout on the Z-Wreck which you can see in the pics.
-using only half of V1
-transformer layout
-component layout, etc.

Still need to finish the back panel and make a smaller reverb cord. But it's done and it fired up on the first try. Also dead quiet. I was surprised by this because it's the first time I didn't use a universal star ground.

So far it sounds awesome. But I'm having a few issues:
1. The reverb is ok. Sounds like a slapback effect, which is cool, but I'd like more of it. I deliberately left half of V3 unused to potentially add on to the reverb circuit. My question is how best would I achieve this? Adding a gain stage after the Reverb pot and then dumping it back to the PI? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
2. I'm not 100% sure where my voltages should be for this build. See my chart below and again, any feedback will be helpful.

Also, I'll have a full build walk-through on my blog. Not sure if I can post a link to it on here.

Thanks again for all the help!
Dustin

[M Fowler]

That is a very good looking amp and cabinet.

Looks like only 1/2 of V1 and V3 so that is why you have 5 preamp tubes?

Your using the Mesa style short tank with minimal decay, you could go with 3 spring long decay tank to get more swampy reverb.

My voltage chart is attached.

Mark

[dustinsimone]

Thanks Mark!

I basically wedged two tubes into the Z wreck layout and added reverb. Hence the 5 preamp tubes. I did this to maintain any "mojo" that might exist in the Dr Z layout. I was also hoping it would give me more options to tweak my reverb in the future.

I used the shorter tank because I wasn't really sure if I could fit the larger one. I have 16 1/8" of length in my head cab.

I'm all for getting a new tank, but in my current setup, could I get more out of this reverb with the other half of V3? I was looking at the SSS schematic and wondering if I could borrow some of that reverb section.

Thanks for the voltages!

Thanks again!
Dustin

[dustinsimone]

Also, my dropping string is paralleled 27K, 22K, 27K

Went with the "comfort" PT : 257-0-257

[RJ Guitars]

Dustin, That's a real nice looking build. I like reverb but I don't bring it on real strong so I get what I need from the short 3 spring units from MOD. It's probably true that you can get more from the longer tanks... let us know if you try it. Nice work and thanks for posting it up, seems like that might be just about the ideal utility amp... I assume she likes pedals since most Rockets take them well.

[dustinsimone]

Thanks RJ! I'll order the larger tank this week and let you know the results.

But I'm still curious if there's a way to internally increase the reverb.

Haven't used any pedals yet. I'm loving the sound of the volume cranked and the master at about 9 o'clock. It seems to like my SG and my Cabronita. Can't wait to try it with my Strat and Tele.

[M Fowler]

Normster's Reverb Rocket is based on the Matchless Lightning reverb circuit which is a very subtle reverb more to my liking.

Since you have v3 available you could change to more Fender swampy like reverb. Will require some careful planning.