Suggestions for clone build #3

[t7mackie]

Hi all,

Build #1, the obligatory Champ clone, is almost done. #2, a Fender Harvard, is on deck. It's time to start researching, planning and ordering parts for #3. What do y'all suggest?

I'm hoping to be able to tackle something a little more complicated so as to test my skills a bit. Maybe something with a more complicated tone stack, or a reverb tank, etc. I really would like to try to use something other than 12AX7's and 6V6's this time.

Originally a bass player for most of my career, Ampeg is near and dear to my heart. I fell in love with the idea of cloning the J-12d - until I found out 6BK11's reached meme status. Can 3 12A_7's etc be used in place of the two 6BK11's? Are 6C10's much different (not really a whole lot cheaper!)?

Another amp that caught my eye was the Epiphone EA-50T Pacemaker.

If I learned anything from building the Champ, it's what one DOESN'T know that is just as important as what one does know. So I solicit the advice from the community.

With that in mind, suggestions? Opinions?

Thanks all!

-mac

[pompeiisneaks]

seems you dig the fender sound? You could do a deluxe reverb next... a bit more complex with reverb etc.

~Phil

[ChopSauce]

No suggestions, yet, but a few questions:

- are you - ideally - willing to build a bass amp?

- are you ready to go on your own or would you prefer to start from a "kit"?

[t7mackie]

I build from scratch & I'm looking to do something a little different from a Fender. By the time I get to #3 I'll have finished a single and a double ended 12A_7 / 6V6 Fender amp.

I would like to do an Ampeg b-15 clone in the future but I'm not ready to drop $400 on transformers just yet.

I'm looking to ramp up the complexity a bit after I finish the 5F10. Also looking to try to use semi-uncommon tubes - without spending a mint.

-Thanks!

[sluckey]

Since you have an interest in Fender and Ampeg and like to scratch build, take a look at this...

http://sluckeyamps.com/phoenix/phoenix.htm

[Phil_S]

If you want to build the Ampeg, you don't need the 6BK11. It is a 3 triode tube. Two sections of it make the equivalent of a single 12AX7, so that problem is easily solved. The other section can be done with a 6AQ7 or 6SL7. The 6SL7 is a dual triode that is two 6AQ7's in one bottle. Leave any unused sections unconnected. Current production 6SL7's are available under the JJ, Sovtek, and Tung Sol labels. Both 6AQ7 and 6SL7 can be bought on eBay for cheap money. (Please, no need to comment on the wisdom or lack thereof of purchasing on eBay. Here is an example, you can buy several tubes for less than $20 shipped and surely the odds are on your side that you get at least one you can use: https://www.ebay.com/itm/6AQ7GT-NOS-lot ... SwcFFgAQLN )

All you really need is an extra hole in the chassis and enough filament supply to cover the extra tube.