Amp Builder Ego

[dreric]

While surfing the net for info on Dumble I came across this site:
http://gretschpages.com/forum/billy-zoo ... 287/page1/
Someone even mentions Duane Eddy! Interesting opinions being expressed.

It's like Billy Zooms own little "gear page"!!!

[martin manning]

It's like Billy Zooms own little "gear page"!!!

Exactly... I get one piece of useful information out of it though, if it is accurate, and that is that there were some problems with deteriorating solder connections under the silicone.

[dreric]

It's like Billy Zooms own little "gear page"!!!

Exactly... I get one piece of useful information out of it though, if it is accurate, and that is that there were some problems with deteriorating solder connections under the silicone.

I'd question that. First I don't think that the material Dumble used was silicone. I know I've seen references to something with a R in the name.

If it is silicone I can't see how it would react with the solder or leads. The whole point of silicone is that it is chemically inert once dry. In the drying process it releases acetic acid but that's gone within 24hours to 30days depending on thickness.

The other reason I'd question is from the generalized tone of the conversation and Zoom's contributions. Looks like a big ego selling his amps to his fans.

e

[PWE Amplification]

It's like Billy Zooms own little "gear page"!!!

Exactly... I get one piece of useful information out of it though, if it is accurate, and that is that there were some problems with deteriorating solder connections under the silicone.

I'd question that. First I don't think that the material Dumble used was silicone. I know I've seen references to something with a R in the name.

If it is silicone I can't see how it would react with the solder or leads. The whole point of silicone is that it is chemically inert once dry. In the drying process it releases acetic acid but that's gone within 24hours to 30days depending on thickness.

The other reason I'd question is from the generalized tone of the conversation and Zoom's contributions. Looks like a big ego selling his amps to his fans.

e

Silicone releases enough acetic acid to damage an oxygen sensor in a car, that's why they make oxygen sensor safe silicone. Another thing to consider is that when you pour a huge blob of it on a circuit like he did, it would take a very long time to dry. But, yeah, Billy Zoom comes off as someone who trying to sell his amps by putting down another builder. Not a good idea ever, IMHO.

[vibratoking]

Wow, that forum is dominated by ignorance.

[martin manning]

I'd question that. First I don't think that the material Dumble used was silicone. I know I've seen references to something with a R in the name.

RTV? That is silicone.

[piperbob]

dreric wrote:
It's like Billy Zooms own little "gear page"!!!

Exactly... I get one piece of useful information out of it though, if it is accurate, and that is that there were some problems with deteriorating solder connections under the silicone.

I'm not edga-ma-key-tid yet on Dumbles but this Gretsch forum sure has a lot of syncophants and snarky bitchy comments. This is a perfect opportunity for a troll. I'm amassing parts for a Dumble clone and thought I would surf the net for info. Looks like I will go the the Amp Garage first

[ToneMerc]

I'd question that. First I don't think that the material Dumble used was silicone. I know I've seen references to something with a R in the name.

If it is silicone I can't see how it would react with the solder or leads. The whole point of silicone is that it is chemically inert once dry.

e

The HRM combo that I saw inside was gooped with blue Permatex silicone gasket material. All sealants don't contain acetic acid, some of them have chlorine compunds that gas off that can cause problems.

TM

[SoundPerf]

I dismissed most everything on that forum because the premise on which most of the angst was generated is incorrect. It seems that most there thought HAD sold/sells his amps for $60,000, not understanding these are prices paid now for used models. Although I also have to say, that was in many ways the least of the lack of understanding being spouted on that thread.

[dreric]

From "the gretsch pages", Billy answering a question:

"after all these years is there anything new or completely innovative that can be done with tube amps that hasn't been done before??"

Sure there is, but there are only couple of us who still know how to design an amp from scratch. My circuits are all new and innovative.
BZ


In terms of credibility, this pretty much sealed the deal for me. It's funny, after a few years of reading TAG threads i have a lower that normal tolerance for the king of BS that's being spun on that and the other gear pagey form. Either that or I'm becoming a snobbish a&*hole.

Either way I'm kind of OK with it...........

Eric

[hitchcaster]

Wow, that forum is dominated by ignorance.

+1 which is surprising since its not that hard not to be ignorant these days... especially an amp tech... jezzz

[David Root]

Kinda reminded me of those religious cults, one out of control uber-ego and a bunch of brainless sycophants.

[tubeswell]

I always acknowledge the source of ideas for my humble hobbyist contributions, Merlin this and R.G. Keen that etc. Not referencing the source of ideas is phoney.

[groovtubin]

yeah man. this stuff is very complex and takes a lot of time to learn. thats why its called a technical skill. imagine everyone was really just out to help each other. how awesome would that be?

Man, don`t hold your breath on that one!

Jim@Omegaamps

[VacuumVoodoo]

So somewhere out there, among all blogs and fora there is certainly more than one obscure forum run by a megalomaniac. Why care at all?