5200 or 6600?

[Brad737]

Hello all,

I've read through the archives about deciding which voltage and impedance to use with my build, but there does seem to be some confusion. Namely, I need to know whether I should use the 5200 ohm or the 6600 ohm tap for which Wreck clone. (I know I can use either, but I'd like the most "correct".)

From what I've been able to gather, it seems that for the Express, I should use the 300v setting, and even though 5200 "should be" correct, most guys prefer the 6600 setting?

And it appears for the Liverpool, the conventional wisdom is to use the 260v primary, and 5200 ohms?

Would you all agree that I'm understanding this correctly? If not, please advise.

Many thanks,
Brad

[geetarpicker]

My original '89 Express has a 6.6k primary for sure. I think an Express amp is bright enough as it is and the 6.6k instead of the 5.2k tames it just a tad in a good way.

Also the first time I played a 5.2k Ceriatone I was amazed at how much louder it was than my original, which is loud enough already. Maybe that is also part of what you also get with the 5.2k?

I think the B+ in my original runs about 410-420v depending on the wall voltage which runs pretty hot here some day. So whatever tap gets you there. I think any higher also makes for an amp that is too bright.

[Brad737]

Hey Glen,
First off, I love your Youtube clips. Great stuff.

I have a Peavey 5150, an absolutely amazing 100-watt Marshall Super Lead, and I'm gathering parts for a Marshall Bluesbreaker clone. So I'm pretty much set for amps for my humbucker-equipped guitars. I was thinking a Wreck clone would be an awesome addition for my Strat and Teles. From what I've been able to glean, it seems like the Express is more "Marshall-y", so I'm fairly certain I want to build a Liverpool clone. If you were going to pick, do you think you'd go with 5.2 in the Liverpool for (mostly) single-coils?

Thanks,
Brad

[jaysg]

I think there's a thread here somewhere, indicating that an Express with a 5200 ohm primary was something he developed for guys who used P90s.

[Brad737]

Hmmmm...so is the 5.2k primary pretty much only used for the Express with single coils? Just when I thought I was getting a handle on it. :-p

[LeftyStrat]

Hmmmm...so is the 5.2k primary pretty much only used for the Express with single coils? Just when I thought I was getting a handle on it. :-p

Generally, lower primary will have more treble and volume. So someone using darker overwound pickups could use the 5.2k to brighten things up. For standard single coils, I like 6.6k better.

[Brad737]

Thanks, Lefty. Since I'm planning on using my Wreck for Strats and Teles, it sounds like the 6.6 may be better. From what I gather, Wrecks are fairly bright and trebly anyways. So I wouldn't want to exagerate the highs.
Thanks,
Brad

[Brad737]

Anyone have any last minute ideas to add to the discussion? Unless told otherwise, I'm going to unequivocally state that a Liverpool should used the 260v lead, with a 6600 ohm primary. And Express builders should use the 300v lead with 6600 ohm primary, unless you want a brighter tone, then go with the 5.2. Sound like a winner?

Thanks,
Brad

[mlp-mx6]

I put the OT primary on a stout DPDT switch. Works great. Switch when standby is off.

[Brad737]

Wow, that's a great idea. I hadn't even considered that. What sort of switch do you recommend? Any DPDT? Where did you place the switch?

Thanks,
Brad

[Lonely Raven]

I put the OT primary on a stout DPDT switch. Works great. Switch when standby is off.

That's exactly what I was going to do...when I get around to adding test points and external bias post and all those other things I keep meaning to get to .

[mlp-mx6]

I put the switch on the "tubes" side of the impedance selector. (next to those 1ohm test points ) Carling and many others have DPDT switches that will work fine. Again - I never switch that with voltage applied, only when standby is off. (or the entire amp is off)

[Brad737]

Thanks for the great idea. That's why I love these forums. Soooo many good ideas floating around.
Thanks,
Brad

[Brad737]

OK guys, I just placed an order with Nik for a Liverpool clone. I'm having everything assembled except for the transformers since I bought a set of the Toneslut Trainwreck trannies. Also, I'm having Nik install a half-power switch, a PPIMV, upgraded caps, and the DPDT switch to select the OT impedance like mlp-mx6 suggested. Nik said it's taking about 2 or 3 weeks to get amps this time of year, so hopefully I'll get my Wreck clone by early January. Once I get everything wired up, I'll let you know what I think about the whole 5200/6600 issue. Thanks for all the input.

Brad

[Lonely Raven]

I'm curious how the PPIMV will change the amp. It's against the grain of Ken's design from what I understand, as output tube distortion is a key factor in the tone.