Express Build with Magnetic Compnents Trannys

[higain99]

Hi guys.

I am a new guy to the site. I want to thank you guys first for the vast knowledge and information that people have contributed. It has made me want to build a Trainwreck clone. So I have ordered all the parts for my build and went with Magnetic Corp Trans. I will keep you guys posted on my build as i progress.

I am looking at getting close to Ken's design of "Suzanne". Is anyone have any special tweaks or what not that could get me closer. It sounds like heaven to my ears that amp.

Keep you guys posted!! Cheers

Shel

[Big Jim]

Welcome to the forum. I have an Express that I love, so good luck on your build. Take your time and post lots of pictures....Why don't you tell us a bit about yourself. Are you new to amp building? One things for sure. You've come to the right place.
p.s. it helps if you say where you are...you might have a fellow member down the street!
Jim

[higain99]

Hi Jim,

thanks for responding. I cant wait to get my express together and hear the love. This is my first amp build. About myself , I have been playing for 24 years and love tone!!! I have modded equipment (pedals,guitars,amps, custom cabs) and built a few guitars but tone questing is what it is about for me. I am trained in electronics so i do have some familiarity although tubes weren't taught in my era but i have owned and had a passion for vintage amps ever since i was a young lad.

I have some real cool amps already. early 70's superlead /carvin legacy head /peavey classic 30 but the trainwreck is something i want to experience. I am from Edmonton, Canada!! any canadians here!!

i will definitely keep everyone posted with plenty of everything (pics,samples,etc). I am planning 2 express builds. 1 authentic and 1 hybrid. so here we go!!!

[higain99]

Jim,
Forgot to ask you how would you describe your express?

[Big Jim]

Jim,
Forgot to ask you how would you describe your express?

"Beautifully mean" kind of sums it up. If you are starting an Express build, you have no doubt heard some clips, or watched some of Glen's videos. The Express is probably the most dynamic amp I've ever played. I basically just turn all the knobs on the amp straight up. Crack open the volume knob on your guitar, you get really nice sparkly cleans, that will still crunch a little if you smack the strings hard. From there, it's like a flood gate of gain with the volume knob on the guitar. At high volume on the knob, every note will go into harmonic feedback. Cool eh? All of this F-16 like performance comes at a cost though. This circuit is pretty fussy when it comes to build technique, especially lead dress. All that gain makes 'em noisy sometimes. Study Ron Worley's build guide in earnest while you are waiting on parts. It's in the Trainwreck files section. I'm certainly no expert compared to some of the guys around here. If you have more questions, don't be afraid to ask. This is a great community of talented people here. Also, you might be suprised how this amp measures up to your Super Lead in the volume dept. VERY LOUD AMP.
Jim