All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

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a_whichello
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Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2012 12:43 am
Location: Australia

All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by a_whichello »

Hey,
this is my first post here and I will admit straight up that I am not an experienced builder.

I really want the dumble tone but I would like to build it myself and I can't afford to build a whole amp - maybe in the future.

So I was wondering if anyone had tried building an all valve dumble in a box? (pre-amp/distortion pedal) Something like the Umble but with tubes instead of solid state.

If it is just some crazy dream tell me but if its possible I would really like to know how.

Cheers,
Alex
CHIP
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by CHIP »

groovtubin
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by groovtubin »

a_whichello wrote:Hey,
this is my first post here and I will admit straight up that I am not an experienced builder.

I really want the dumble tone but I would like to build it myself and I can't afford to build a whole amp - maybe in the future.

So I was wondering if anyone had tried building an all valve dumble in a box? (pre-amp/distortion pedal) Something like the Umble but with tubes instead of solid state.

If it is just some crazy dream tell me but if its possible I would really like to know how.

Cheers,
Alex
NO..it is a system from front to back, leave out the power amp section, and you won`t have it! Go read Norman crowhurst hifi design, and get educated on the finer things in tube land!

peace, jim@Omegaamps.com
a_whichello
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Location: Australia

Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by a_whichello »

Is there anywhere I can get an Overdrive Special preamp schematic? To build as a stand alone unit
bluesy
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Location: S.E. Michigan

This sounds promising.....

Post by bluesy »

.....although there's a wait; both for the preamp pedal and the Amp version.
There's a video on the site using the Amp version.
http://www.customtonesinc.com/ No affiliation, just trying to help.
No More Free Hooks.
a_whichello
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Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2012 12:43 am
Location: Australia

Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by a_whichello »

yeah I had seen the ethos but I would like to do the same thing with valves and build it myself

I have also seen this http://www.londonpower.com/catalog/prod ... ucts_id=70 but cant find any opinions on how authentic or what it sounds like
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mhartman
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by mhartman »

I believe that John Mayer owns a real Dumble ODS preamp that is housed in a rack unit. There was a pic on here a long time ago. It is definitely possible - you could do rack pre, rack dumbleator and power amp - it would be a killer rig, but very 80s/90s to go with a rack rig. :.)
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briane
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by briane »

I believe that John Mayer owns a real Dumble ODS preamp that is housed in a rack unit.
Theres been talk of the phoenix - which is a separated pre/power/dumbleator. Basically each separate so as to be rack mountable, and able to switch and swap pre to power sections.

Then you can build 4 preamps and 5 power amps ;-)

I'd just build 1 good dumble clone - you always have the efx send. If you want more of a 1 amp-do-all, then build it 100 watt with dumbleator - you can always pair it down by swapping out for 2x6v6 for smaller gigs - or go 100 watt when needed.

Theres also the zendrive if just want a dumble-esque pedal to slap in front of, say a 5e3 or whatever.
it really is a journey, and you just cant farm out the battle wounds
ampdork
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by ampdork »

It can be done.
http://www.quinnamp.com/qx1.htm

Played through a Quinn Paradox's power amp I think it sound decent enough for not having a full dumble style amp. YMMV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VkaHtnKOM0
"...& I'm all out of bubblegum"
a_whichello
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by a_whichello »

To be honest what I was thinking was to go a dumble preamp into my Deluxe Reverb Reissue or Reverb II and build the power amp later.

Does anyone know anything about the D-pre mini amp that I posted? It seems like a good price (sans chasis and PT) but thats the kind of budget I would like to spend.

If I was to build a separate preamp I would need to lower the output of the preamp to then feed it into the input section of another amp, wouldn't I?

I have found separate dumble ODS schematics courtesy of this place: http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... umble.html but I'm not totally sure how to knit these two designs together, so thats why I was looking at the kit.

http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... preamp.pdf - Preamp
http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... storto.pdf - Overdrive section

(I also understand that this wont get me a pure dumble tone but I think it would be a good approximation and better then buying a dumble pedal)
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ToneMerc
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by ToneMerc »

a_whichello wrote:To be honest what I was thinking was to go a dumble preamp into my Deluxe Reverb Reissue or Reverb II and build the power amp later.

Does anyone know anything about the D-pre mini amp that I posted? It seems like a good price (sans chasis and PT) but thats the kind of budget I would like to spend.

If I was to build a separate preamp I would need to lower the output of the preamp to then feed it into the input section of another amp, wouldn't I?

I have found separate dumble ODS schematics courtesy of this place: http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... umble.html but I'm not totally sure how to knit these two designs together, so thats why I was looking at the kit.


(I also understand that this wont get me a pure dumble tone but I think it would be a good approximation and better then buying a dumble pedal)

My 2 cents...........

You have gotten some great advice, but you definitely seem to have your heart set on a tube preamp, although it appears that your budget is a major issue. Now there's nothing wrong with taking the road less traveled, but be advised you have some hurdles.

Cons: 100% DIY

1. Limited build experience
2. No previous Dumble circuit build experience
3. No proven schematic or drawn circuit layout.
4. No current working model to stare and compare too.
5. No current preamp circuit boards
6. No drop in chassis available
7. Will need a power supply & transformer
8. No proven parts layout.

Con: London Kit

1. Still needs chassis
2. Needs power supply/transformers
3. It's unknown

Most folks hear at TAG are looking to build full blown versions of D circuits and not psuedo devices. Therefore, you most likely won't find folks too familiar with these devices.

If you have to procure and fabricate layouts, boards, chassis, etc, are you really saving money in the long run?

What if you build it and don't like it, it's one of those things that you will have to give it away to get rid of. A Zendrive would be much easier to procure and sell if you don't like it.

My advice: buy a Zendrive and hang around here soaking up knowledge and if down the road you feel the need for an amp, then build an amp.

Not trying piss on your dream, just warning you about pissing into the wind, uphill.

Now you have a nickle

TM
Last edited by ToneMerc on Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
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mhartman
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by mhartman »

+1 Listen to what TM just said....
a_whichello
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by a_whichello »

Its probably good advice, I was just hoping that I could build the preamp now and the amp later.

I can get the parts for a ceriatone OTS 50w (which is a lot more then I need for the gigs I am playing at this time) for about $800 inc postage I just don't have the cash and cant see it coming in the near future.

I've emailed London Power asking for a video or sound bites. If there arent any then I think I'll rule it out but if there are then I guess I'll have a tough choice on my hands.
CHIP
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Re: All Valve Dumble in a box possible?

Post by CHIP »

I agree with TM, get a Zendrive for now. Then hang around here and gather knowledge. Then buy parts a little at a time as you get cash, for a complete build.
cxx
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Joined: Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:17 am

You can build one.

Post by cxx »

I built a one tube pedal that implemented the overdrive circuit and it sounded pretty good. It used back to back12v transformers that I had laying around for power, taking the heaters from the first transformer. It is a bit different rearranging the order of the gain stages but does have that distinctive sound and feel. I have a dumble clone that I used for a back to back comparison. I built it in a very small (large pedal sized) chassis with the tube sticking out the top.

I never did get comfortable with a foot switch next to that tube so I built the overdrive circuit inside a fender clone in the correct stage of the signal path.
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