MM output transformer for express

[mr.tom]

Hi guys,

I live in europe and its verry hard to get Heyboer transformers. There is a guy in germany who imports mercuy magnetics transformers so thats is my easiest option. Has anyone built an express with this MM outputtransformer? I will use Hammond for the power supply.

greets
Tom

[Colossal]

No, I haven't tried it yet, but I can tell you that it is Mercury's Axiom line and is their take on Ken Fischer's design for the output transformer he specified for the Express. They have the specifications for Ken's original design, but out of respect, have not and will not release it as a production output transformer. I have heard that it sounds very good however. You can always email them if you need more information.

If you decide not to go with the Mercury, perhaps you might contact RJ (rjguitars.net) on this forum and see if he can ship you a Heyboer built to Express specifications. He is the primary contact for this line since Toneslut is no longer carrying/distributing them.

[mr.tom]

Thanks,
I will have a look at RJ first.

Greets
Tom

[paulster]

I live in Europe and it's very easy to get the transformers and I've always found it easy to get the transformers direct from the US.

I'd rather do that and get the right transformers than MM's overpriced take on a Trainwreck transformer, although they'll probably claim at least that theirs will improve your amp!

[dartanion]

Also to note, MM does sell replace TW transformers, which are about triple the price of either Heyboer or Pacific at $535 per set here in the states.

[mojotom]

Living in europe I bought Toneslut set (his first offering, modern OT and 120V PT).

Shipping was expensive but the set was correctly priced, in fact if I could buy MM localyy I think Toneslut was cheaper including shipping.

I thought after some years that the amp need to be smoother so I planned to buy a Pacific OT. The modern Heyboer seems too stiff and too high bandwidth (or extended highs) for my taste.

Haven't try MM for the Express but build some Plexis with them and it's very detailed and Hifi somehow. I will use them in a Fender, Dumble or even a Vox kind of design but I will try to find a smaller OT (weaker or less Hifi) for the Express, that's my taste but the amp is so direct and responsive you may want to tame that part of the amp, even after several month of playing.

I hope someone have try MM Express sets and will report back, the more options the better.

[wicker]

I was also looking this type, Edcor asked 49$ shipping to UE, Heyboer wanted 250$ with shipping (set), so it's rather expensive. Keep in mind that there is 22% VAT, but I'm not sure if you have to pay it, I've made little research and found that it's often random ...

Look at Tube Town, they've got some MM for sure, though, I've heard a lot good things about Magnetic Components, cheaper, and really good.

[paulster]

Living in europe I bought Toneslut set (his first offering, modern OT and 120V PT).

I thought after some years that the amp need to be smoother so I planned to buy a Pacific OT. The modern Heyboer seems too stiff and too high bandwidth (or extended highs) for my taste.

The two different Heyboers (vintage versus the original Toneslut) are quite different sounding transformers because of the change in steel grade. The vintage style are much smoother, as are the Pacifics.

I don't think anybody here has used the MM transformers as a) they've never been original Wreck transformers, b) the originals are available anyway, and c) they're too expensive.

[mojotom]

The two different Heyboers (vintage versus the original Toneslut) are quite different sounding transformers because of the change in steel grade. The vintage style are much smoother, as are the Pacifics.

Then I can't wait to have news from RJ, I love the amp but I have two points to work on to make it useable :

- Smoothness (and you answer my request)
- Loudness (will install Dana VVR3)


VAT and taxes are random, depending on the transporter and type of package. if you order Mouser for exemple using Fedex you will pay taxes
for a big order. If the transformers are send in an anonymous package most of the time it's tax free, still you have to be prepare to pay them in any case, so far I've been lucky.
The main issue about transformers is weight, so fast shipping is rather expensive, sometimes as much as the set price but as stated earlier
shipping Heyboers will always be cheaper than MM plus shipping some goods in Europe is not cheap either.

[RJ Guitars]

Tom,

I am still a bit buried in what is mostly self inflicted busyness, but I did get a note out to you today. I have the Heyboer vintage trannies and the Pacifics both available.

There were so many great Express builds made with those original spec output trannies. Has somebody done a good A/B of the two... or at least the best reasonable comparison that can be done? I am curious if it is a personal taste difference or is there something really better in the "vintage" trannies?

Thanks,

rj

[Cliff Schecht]

Ehhhemm...Glen...

I'm wanting to eventually do a period correct build with my other A3801. I'd love to compare it to a real Express someday..

[mojotom]

Don't worry RJ, I've got time.

I build my Express in 2006 without the right parts in every spot and tweak it to death before returning to the original circuit.
That was nice in a curious way because I've build it with Sozo and CC then 6PS and AN tantalum resistors then some carbon film. Didn't use the proper wire, couldn't find a 6PS 2n2 so I use a 715 then went to a Komet preamp return back to the basics with a PI tweak and sold it to a friend in 2007. The amp worked great back then but got some noise, was loud as hell and somewhat stiff and harsh.
Moved on to something else, read a lot here especially about wire, Glen tweaks of his clones and the OT evolution to vintage Heyboer to Pacific. Thought about building another Trainwreck, found out my Bruno Underground was very close to a Rocket and was afraid to have the same result with another Express. Build a Dumble (awesome) and then voilà the amp is back to my bench after 3 years so I planned a rebuild.

After the Dumble, the Express seems so simple but still it got something nice about it. Will try the OT after a proper rewiring of the amp and report back.

[JamesHealey]

To get a Pacific transformer from the states to here in the UK costs £100 + import tax so say £125 at the max.

That's cheaper than buying most stuff from Europe and the UK.. so why on earth would you buy over priced Mercury Magnetics when you can get the same OT that's in Orphan Annie and other later wrecks..

[breakfastbuddy]

use a smal ot that have a high impedance . that hide the high pitch sound , remember that OTs that is used are not big with strong magnetic steel , but weak steel . not M6 but M29 . so a smal OT will sound good ,