Hi,
I'm from Italy and this is my first post here.
I'm going to take a last decision about wich amp to buy, it'll be my main and only amp cause I'm selling my Orange in order to get a... Trainwreck Express from Ceriatone.
My doubts:
- is T.E. an out of control beast useful to good player for their leads and can be used for hard rock rythms part too? I know there are post about versatility of T.E., but there are also posts about the noises and difficulties to tame a so hi-gain / simple circuit amp. It will be too "out of control" for hard rock chords?
- is it possible to add a "gradual/fast" switch for changing the attack response of the amp?
- lack of headroom. I don't really need super clean sounds, but I'd like to have a defined crunch sound at useable level for my gig room.
Should I think to mod it?
About that I've read this:
"OK, here's an update.
I did not have much luck varying tubes to reduce gain. I tried different 12AX7 tubes, as well as a couple 12AU7 and 12AT7 tubes. The latter were lower gain, but I did like the sound as much. I don't have any 12AY7s.
Next:
I tried Jackie Treehorn's suggestion to increase the K resistors in the PI to 47k/1k2. A little less gain, but still not enough headroom for me. It also seems to make the amp sound a tad bassier, or darker, which I liked.
Next:
Reduced the .002/150k HPF ahead of third stage to .0057 (.001 in par. with .0047) / 22k. This reduced the gain just the right amount, without altering the frequency response of the filter.
Now I have a fair amount of clean headroom, a nice bluesy breakup for teles and strats (sounds like a really ballsy bf amp), and it can still go into high gain territory (infinite harmonics and sustain). The interesting thing is that with medium crunch settings, the amp has this throaty impulse to tear (best word I can come up with) into harmonics. It's strangely good.
Last:
You can maximize the headroom from an exprees with the bright switch. Use a 47pF-82pF cap. Turn your gain to very low, turn your treble all the way off, and turn your mids down, and bass up. With the bright switch engaged you have plenty of sheen, and a good amount of volume. Sounds very nice, and sort of fendery.
Jake
Are they the best mods for headroom issue?
- attenuator vs. Master volume. I was sure to buy a THD Hot Plate for my new T.E., but Nik suggested me to add a master volume since it works good on this circuit. But, if MV works great here why both Fuchs on Train 45 and Fischer on Komet are not using it, while suggesting an attenuator?
- have you tried JJ KT77 in place of EL34?
- "hi cut" control. Is it possible to add it?
Thanks.
some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Last edited by whitewave on Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
KT77-excellent!
Everything I have heard about master volumes is negative.
Gradual/Fast switch is useful
I haven't tried any other mods.
D
Everything I have heard about master volumes is negative.
Gradual/Fast switch is useful
I haven't tried any other mods.
D
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Well, I am not the normal TW guy around here, so my opinions may differ a lot from the others. But having said that....
When I finished my TW, I was concerned about the volume, and the amount of gain. While I really love its tone for leads, one of the bands I play with is a trio, and I have to play a lot of fill and chords. So, I took 4 approaches, and I like the results of 3 of them.
1. I replaced the first 1M resister in the PI witha 1M pot. This acts as a MV of sorts. it cuts the gain down somewhat, but it is still an agressive amp, so I am OK with that. Of course, when dimmed, its just like the pot wasn't there. Very useful in my opinion.
2. I replaced the 1M input load resistor witha 1M pot. This acts like an input sensativity control, and allows you to really tame the amp if you want to. Dimmed, its just like the pot wasn't there. Very useful as well.
3. I also use an Airbrake attenuator. This allows me to keep the amp cranked for that really agressive sound, but drop the volume level down for rehearsals. Very useful, although I think that the tone on the Bedroom settings is too buzzy. However, the normal attenation settings are great - very transparent.
4. This one wasn't that useful to me. I split the plate load resistor on V2 (50K and 50K). The effect is too subtle, and not significant enough for me. I plan to try 80K and 20K, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
I use the volume knob on my guitar quite a bit with this amp. When turned way back, the amp cleans up a lot, and actually gets almost chimey (especially with the MV turned down). its a much more versatile amp than you might think given most of the press about how loud and agressive it is.
Here is a link to another thread where I posted a clip and describe my rig.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=1337
Steve
When I finished my TW, I was concerned about the volume, and the amount of gain. While I really love its tone for leads, one of the bands I play with is a trio, and I have to play a lot of fill and chords. So, I took 4 approaches, and I like the results of 3 of them.
1. I replaced the first 1M resister in the PI witha 1M pot. This acts as a MV of sorts. it cuts the gain down somewhat, but it is still an agressive amp, so I am OK with that. Of course, when dimmed, its just like the pot wasn't there. Very useful in my opinion.
2. I replaced the 1M input load resistor witha 1M pot. This acts like an input sensativity control, and allows you to really tame the amp if you want to. Dimmed, its just like the pot wasn't there. Very useful as well.
3. I also use an Airbrake attenuator. This allows me to keep the amp cranked for that really agressive sound, but drop the volume level down for rehearsals. Very useful, although I think that the tone on the Bedroom settings is too buzzy. However, the normal attenation settings are great - very transparent.
4. This one wasn't that useful to me. I split the plate load resistor on V2 (50K and 50K). The effect is too subtle, and not significant enough for me. I plan to try 80K and 20K, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
I use the volume knob on my guitar quite a bit with this amp. When turned way back, the amp cleans up a lot, and actually gets almost chimey (especially with the MV turned down). its a much more versatile amp than you might think given most of the press about how loud and agressive it is.
Here is a link to another thread where I posted a clip and describe my rig.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=1337
Steve
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Great answer, Steve.
I'm going to discuss your mods suggestion with Nik, but above all I'm surprised about the way you understood me.
I can't hide I'm a bit afraid this is a too aggressive, microphonic and hi-gain amp for me. I LOVE the leads I'm listening to, I'll use them and I'll use the aggressiveness for hard rock riffing, but I don't know if I'm such a good guitar player to control it to be a versatile amp.
Your words are helpful.
Thanks.
I'm going to discuss your mods suggestion with Nik, but above all I'm surprised about the way you understood me.
I can't hide I'm a bit afraid this is a too aggressive, microphonic and hi-gain amp for me. I LOVE the leads I'm listening to, I'll use them and I'll use the aggressiveness for hard rock riffing, but I don't know if I'm such a good guitar player to control it to be a versatile amp.
Your words are helpful.
Thanks.
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Easy fix: Liverpool
Seriously, I love the Express, but my Liverpool is so much more useful to me.
Talk to Nik about it.
-Rich
Seriously, I love the Express, but my Liverpool is so much more useful to me.
Talk to Nik about it.
-Rich
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Whitewave
You also have the option of running 6V6s in the Express which drops it down to about 20 watts without loosing any of the good stuff. The amp sensitivity and gain of the amp is still there just less power. There are a lot of tweeks that have been done as you mentioned above. This has come about because people wanted a little more/less of this and that. 6 months ago these didn't exist. I can't think of any reason you can't use some of them to make the amp respond the way you want it too.
As far as hi gain and microphonics, the Express puts the gain right at your fingertips and you can go from clean to mean just by adjusting your volume on your guitar instead of the amp as Steve noted. This can be discussed, but on the three Expresses that myself and my brother Richie built, the sweetspot using EL34s seems to be about 1 o'clock on the volume control (This is quite loud!). As far as Microphonics goes, this is just the sorry state of any tubes now days. No matter what amp you decide on , even lower gain amps you'll want a good non microphonic set of pres.
Rich is also right, a Liverpool might be right up your alley and AFAIK Nic is supplying chassis' for these so he could probably build you one also. Best of luck with your descision and be sure to let us know what you decided and what you think of the amp if you decide to have one built.
You also have the option of running 6V6s in the Express which drops it down to about 20 watts without loosing any of the good stuff. The amp sensitivity and gain of the amp is still there just less power. There are a lot of tweeks that have been done as you mentioned above. This has come about because people wanted a little more/less of this and that. 6 months ago these didn't exist. I can't think of any reason you can't use some of them to make the amp respond the way you want it too.
As far as hi gain and microphonics, the Express puts the gain right at your fingertips and you can go from clean to mean just by adjusting your volume on your guitar instead of the amp as Steve noted. This can be discussed, but on the three Expresses that myself and my brother Richie built, the sweetspot using EL34s seems to be about 1 o'clock on the volume control (This is quite loud!). As far as Microphonics goes, this is just the sorry state of any tubes now days. No matter what amp you decide on , even lower gain amps you'll want a good non microphonic set of pres.
Rich is also right, a Liverpool might be right up your alley and AFAIK Nic is supplying chassis' for these so he could probably build you one also. Best of luck with your descision and be sure to let us know what you decided and what you think of the amp if you decide to have one built.
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
fzfwyv and UR12 - why do you think Express is not the right amp? Explain that, please.
Liverpool is not for me 'cause it uses EL84s, I don't like the crispy and bright distortions coming from EL84s. Otherwise Nik is selling Matchless DC30 clones too, if I want EL84, Matchless will be the choice (I'm a huge fan of Pearl Jam, and they used it for years).
I need bigger tubes, on Express I'm planning to use KT77 in place of EL34.
Thanks.
PS: I really like Steve sounds, they have less gain of what I need (but I know that's not a problem with Express!!), but they are simply perfect for me.
I would like only to listen to some palm muting to understand its tightness.
Liverpool is not for me 'cause it uses EL84s, I don't like the crispy and bright distortions coming from EL84s. Otherwise Nik is selling Matchless DC30 clones too, if I want EL84, Matchless will be the choice (I'm a huge fan of Pearl Jam, and they used it for years).
I need bigger tubes, on Express I'm planning to use KT77 in place of EL34.
Thanks.
PS: I really like Steve sounds, they have less gain of what I need (but I know that's not a problem with Express!!), but they are simply perfect for me.
I would like only to listen to some palm muting to understand its tightness.
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
I just thought I would throw the Liverpool out there as a possible choice as you stated you wanted an amp that would produce a usable level for your practice room. The Liverpool basically uses the same Preamp as the Express only it uses EL84s and can incorporate a 1/2 power switch. But if EL84s aren't your thing then I can understand that and Express is an excellent amp, no question about it, you couldn't go wrong with an Express or a Liverpool.whitewave wrote:fzfwyv and UR12 - why do you think Express is not the right amp? Explain that, please.
Liverpool is not for me 'cause it uses EL84s, I don't like the crispy and bright distortions coming from EL84s. Thanks.
Here is a couple of clips of the Express and Liverpool to compare in case you haven't heard them. Both were recorded with the amp running at about 3/4 on the volume control (Louder than you normally run the amp IMO) so they are pretty much more of a rock tone with plenty of distortion.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=1381
If you haven't heard these here is another post with a bunch of clips of various Expresses that people on this forum have built.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... ight=clips
The Hi cut control is a really nice mod. I have used this in a EL34 based amp that has a rocket front end but with the bigger EL34 bottles and it does a really nice job of smoothing out the highs. I would say go for it if you can get Nic to install it.
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
UR12,
How would you implement a cut knob? I've thought of doing one if my build is on the trebly-er side.
How would you implement a cut knob? I've thought of doing one if my build is on the trebly-er side.
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Funny - I have read a lot of "very bright" comments, but found the level of brightness in my build to be just right. Maybe its a sign that I am just an old fart with high freq hearing loss 
I keep the treble control on about 11 o'clock, and the bright switch off, and then I can make fine adjustments from the guitar. But if it is too bright, I suppose you could use a center off switch for your bright switch, thus removing both the 100pf and the 500pf caps from the circuit. Still too bright? Increast the .002uF coupling cap to .022 uF or .01 uF, or even .47 uF (this might be too much).
I keep the treble control on about 11 o'clock, and the bright switch off, and then I can make fine adjustments from the guitar. But if it is too bright, I suppose you could use a center off switch for your bright switch, thus removing both the 100pf and the 500pf caps from the circuit. Still too bright? Increast the .002uF coupling cap to .022 uF or .01 uF, or even .47 uF (this might be too much).
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Probably one of the easiest mods.gearhead wrote:UR12,
How would you implement a cut knob? I've thought of doing one if my build is on the trebly-er side.
Just add the components in red to your Express.
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
My Express build does everything from jangly clean to nasty scream and some AC/DCish crunch, too.
Features:
TAD Mustard caps
CC resistors on the plates
Fast/Slow switch with 22k/82k (this gives nice clean headroom)
2.2nF/150k network
1k cathode and 39k tail resistors in the PI
Cut control
JJ KT77 tubes(really great sounding tubes)
Pentode/Triode switch ( the triode mode gives ca. 18W power and a little smoother highs - a keeper )
I use this amp for everything from blues to hardrock.
Timo
Features:
TAD Mustard caps
CC resistors on the plates
Fast/Slow switch with 22k/82k (this gives nice clean headroom)
2.2nF/150k network
1k cathode and 39k tail resistors in the PI
Cut control
JJ KT77 tubes(really great sounding tubes)
Pentode/Triode switch ( the triode mode gives ca. 18W power and a little smoother highs - a keeper )
I use this amp for everything from blues to hardrock.
Timo
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
Dana, thanks! I've looked at a couple of Vox circuits and that makes sense.
ODwan, how did you implement the triode/pentode mod?
ODwan, how did you implement the triode/pentode mod?
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
A little off topic-anybody tried a cathode bias/fixed bias switch?
D
D
Re: some doubts about Express - first and second post - edited
I would like to try it, but I ran out of chassis space. BTW, how large would the cathode resistor have to be?dobbhill wrote:A little off topic-anybody tried a cathode bias/fixed bias switch?
D
Timo