My First build is up and running

[prspastor]

Hi all, I got my first build up and going this afternoon. I built an Express from scratch with parts from RJ.

I suppose I'm lucky for a first timer - no oscillation problems, no hum, just great tone. I'm amazed at the harmonics in this amp - incredible in real life. There is a bit of that normal hiss, but you really can't hear it until you are up above 1:00 on the volume.

Reflecting back, drilling the chassis was probably the most difficult part due to layout, but what an amazing feeling to know it was all done by me.

To my ears, she sounds like some of the videos I've heard of Ingrid being played by Dan from 65 Amps.

I'm running her with 6v6 tubes right now, that is what I had on hand. I wonder what the tonal differences would be with EL34s...

I need to build a cabinet for her now. I'm a woodworker so that is no problem - I've got a nice quilted maple board in my shop ready for the front valence.

I'll post pictures soon. I named her "Gracie"
John

[mhartman]

Awesome! Congrats on a successful build.

[Bob S]

Well Done John!
Very few of us have been that successful with our first TW clone.
Especially an Express.
Have fun with her !

[Reeltarded]

Hiss? Uhoh.

lol

Kidding! Hey, and congrats!

[prspastor]

I had a ball playing around Saturday eve with the amp. I'm out of town all week till next Sat. for work, so I won't really get a chance to hear the amp again for another week.

I think that ultimately, my success at this first build is a testament to you all. I've read your wealth of knowledge on the board and have learned a lot. Thank you for all of your hard work and research.

It makes me happy to think that I'm helping, in some small way, carry on Ken Fischer's memory. I'm sure my first gig with this amp with turn heads - I'll be able to share about Ken.

Here is a picture right before I wired up V1 and V2 and the volume and tone pots. I don't have a picture of the completed amp with me and I'm of course out of town. One of the things that I really learned about amp building during this build is what Ken Fischer described as a three dimensional lead dress with hand-wired amps. It is true - you have so much more flexibility in this manner than you would on a circuit board's two dimensions.

I ended up flying the high voltage off the diodes over the big 25 watt resistor, as well as the bias wire. (I used 18 gauge wire) I thought about following others suggestion of putting it under the board but in the end, I decided that I wanted access to those wires for serviceability in the future. It is not as nice looking lead dress, but it seems to work.

I also ended up not installing an impedance switch on the back because I know I'll never use it. I wanted to keep the circuit simple. I saved the 4 and 16 ohm leads - heat shrunk the ends and cable tied them off. I just know my habits - I only play with one cabinet - a Dr. Z 1x12 8 ohm cab and I doubt I'll ever change that. If I do change to a different impedance for some reason, I've always got those other taps on the OT secondary and I can always add a jack.

Thanks again everyone.

[img:640:480]http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nZ49d ... M_0169.JPG[/img]

[doveman]

Congrats ... nice looking build!

[prspastor]

Hi Doveman,
Are you the Doveman over on Z-Talk? If so, good to see you over here too!

[doveman]

Hi Doveman,
Are you the Doveman over on Z-Talk? If so, good to see you over here too!

Yeah ... that's me. I joined here 4-5 years ago when I was researching my first and only amp build ... Brown Note D'Lite 22/33 ... various tweaks on that over the years. What an amp! These guys also helped me learn about VVR for my Richter Supra-Luxe. I was disappointed at first but after a bit ... what an amp!

Now I'm working on the new Dr. Z ... so I joined the Z-Talk forum. Trying to get that one just the way I like it too. So I'm hoping ... what an amp too! It's not quite there for me just yet ... but getting closer.

I continue to bother these guys occasionally with questions ...