GRETSCH G5222-VCM Vintage Custom Modified

[tubelectron]

Hi All,

This time, it is a rebuild project based on the small GRETSCH G5222 ElectroMatic Compact Amp from nowadays.

The GRETSCH G5222-VCM Vintage Custom Modified

I bought 2nd hand a mint-preserved one for cheap :

[img:411:404]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/450314gretschos4.jpg[/img]

A coat of polyurethane satin finish gave more contrast on the tweed and a bit of vintage look :

[img:640:546]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/724262IMG3096red.jpg[/img]

The original speaker is a 6" and I wanted to install a 8" vintage AlNiCo HEPPNER speaker, coming from an old 50s organ, so a new baffle was needed (W=227mm, H=237mm, Thk=10mm, plywood) :

[img:640:480]http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/337368IMG3220.jpg[/img]

[img:640:480]http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/413227IMG3221.jpg[/img]

I removed all the parts from the chassis for a handwired rebuilding, something of a 5E1 / 5F1 modified-improved design, with a new disposition of the components :

[img:800:489]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/400801IMG0625.jpg[/img]

[img:800:487]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/882916IMG0627.jpg[/img]

Chassis completed and installed in the cab :

[img:800:475]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/712139IMG0644.jpg[/img]

[img:800:418]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/184594IMG0648.jpg[/img]

[img:800:707]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/154494IMG0650.jpg[/img]

Views of the finished amplifier, with a custom-made GRETSCH nameplate :

[img1120]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/200815IMG0685.jpg[/img]

[img1156]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/633817IMG0686.jpg[/img]

[img:800:600]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/984821IMG0662.jpg[/img]

[img:800:800]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/375683IMG0616.jpg[/img]

[img:800:797]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/421273IMG0622red.jpg[/img]

[img:800:777]http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/380696IMG0629red.jpg[/img]

Some quick samples of the amp, with a GRETSCH G5420TLH and a touch of Cathedral reverb sometimes :

https://soundcloud.com/tubelectron/r05- ... lrhythmmp3

https://soundcloud.com/tubelectron/r05- ... m-bluesmp3

https://soundcloud.com/tubelectron/r05- ... zrhythmmp3

https://soundcloud.com/tubelectron/r05- ... cknrollmp3

Specs :

- 4W RMS clean / 5W RMS overdrive.
- inputs : 1=normal / 2=lowcut.
- satin polyurethane coated tweed fabric.
- old Valco pilot light.
- one volume, like the original amp.
- normal/raw/boost underneath switch.
- 12AX7 / 6V6GTA /5Y3GT.
- 8" 50s AlNiCo speaker on a new baffle with Oxblood Gold Stripes grill.

A+!

[tubelectron]

These "Vintage Custom Modifications" can also apply to the FENDER Champion 600 RI, which shares the exactly same circuit, components and chassis as the GRETSCH G5222 ElectroMatic Compact.

However, you would check the replacement baffle dimensions (227x237x10mm) and 8" speaker position (depending on the model you choose), as I am not sure that the cab dimensions and front opening are exactly the same on the C600 as on the G5222. So you may need some slight adjustments for a perfect fit, then...

Here is the schematic of my G5222-VCM, for those who would be tempted by that sound-worthy transformation :

[img682]http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/65425 ... 052015.jpg[/img]

And the "layout" :

[img732]http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/15557 ... 052015.jpg[/img]

And the assorted picture for better readability (some values may differ, but the schematic and layout are correct) :

[img950]http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/464402IMG0644ret.jpg[/img]

A+!

[tubeswell]

Nice do up.

[tubelectron]

Thanks tubeswell,

A+!

[M Fowler]

Nice job building these sweet little amps.

[tubelectron]

Thanks M Fowler,

A+!