Project for a First Build (Did search, but I may be stupid)

[Mark]

Have we lost the Led Zepp fan?

I like Jimmy page's tone, but which era of tone are you talking about?
Live with the Hiwatt and the echo was pretty impressive. Of course all the classic stuff was done on a Tele and a Supro.

http://www.turretboards.com/guitar_ampl ... style.html

I love the lead dangling into the amp. That would worry me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBYWFZSRWgA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-2wiIYaxzk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69YVGpk4bA4

The Heyboer output transformer for the 4-4-0 amp is HTS-9565 according to an AX-84 post, but I'd confirm that before ordering.

Getting back on topic, build the Express and it may not turn out to be your dream amp, but realistically even in a house it will be too loud and if you don't have the speakers etc it is an expensive build.

The 4-4-0 is a cheap build speaker wise, valve wise and it is a great primer to building the real thing when you are ready. The V1 position is hard on tubes as microphonics is an issue. I'm sure this wouldn't be an issue with a 4-4-0 as there isn't the volume/air pressure/vibration present to cause these issues.

Build something that you can use at home now. In a couple of years time you might want to build something else such as a Caswell modded Marshall, the one I played sounded better than a Trainwreck Express to me, in that this build nailed great Marshall tone.

[LedZepp007]

Have we lost the Led Zepp fan?

I like Jimmy page's tone, but which era of tone are you talking about?
Live with the Hiwatt and the echo was pretty impressive. Of course all the classic stuff was done on a Tele and a Supro.

http://www.turretboards.com/guitar_ampl ... style.html

I love the lead dangling into the amp. That would worry me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBYWFZSRWgA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-2wiIYaxzk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69YVGpk4bA4

The Heyboer output transformer for the 4-4-0 amp is HTS-9565 according to an AX-84 post, but I'd confirm that before ordering.

Getting back on topic, build the Express and it may not turn out to be your dream amp, but realistically even in a house it will be too loud and if you don't have the speakers etc it is an expensive build.

The 4-4-0 is a cheap build speaker wise, valve wise and it is a great primer to building the real thing when you are ready. The V1 position is hard on tubes as microphonics is an issue. I'm sure this wouldn't be an issue with a 4-4-0 as there isn't the volume/air pressure/vibration present to cause these issues.

Build something that you can use at home now. In a couple of years time you might want to build something else such as a Caswell modded Marshall, the one I played sounded better than a Trainwreck Express to me, in that this build nailed great Marshall tone.

You have not lost me, sir. Just busy. So your suggestion would be to go for the 4-4-0?

[Mark]

This is my point the Express is a good amp, but if most days you are admiring the woodwork in the cab maybe it isn't all that useful. I say build something you can use every day and get a bit of amp building experience while you are at it.

An Express needs a 4 X 12' cab with pre-Rola Greenback, this means you'll need a speaker box either an Ampeg V4 or a Marshall 4 x 12 cab.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bjtjA_gszE

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... c&start=45

The 4-4-0 uses a single speaker in the AX-84 vent cab, thus it is smaller and cheaper if you don't already have a speaker box.

http://www.ax84.com/corecabinets.html

http://www.ax84.com/static/corecabinets ... .08.03.pdf

The 4-4-0 doesn't require specific parts Mallory 150 caps will be fine in this amp. NOS tubes aren't called for either which is a plus.

Another clip of the 4-4-0 amp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdJtFJPWNYk

http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/steph ... sort=3&o=3

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/i ... ic=83411.0

Have a look around AX-84, as there is plenty of posts on this amp.

Have a think about it all and weigh up the pro's and cons for yourself. I'll leave it at that.

[LedZepp007]

This is my point the Express is a good amp, but if most days you are admiring the woodwork in the cab maybe it isn't all that useful. I say build something you can use every day and get a bit of amp building experience while you are at it.

An Express needs a 4 X 12' cab with pre-Rola Greenback, this means you'll need a speaker box either an Ampeg V4 or a Marshall 4 x 12 cab.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bjtjA_gszE

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... c&start=45

The 4-4-0 uses a single speaker in the AX-84 vent cab, thus it is smaller and cheaper if you don't already have a speaker box.

http://www.ax84.com/corecabinets.html

http://www.ax84.com/static/corecabinets ... .08.03.pdf

The 4-4-0 doesn't require specific parts Mallory 150 caps will be fine in this amp. NOS tubes aren't called for either which is a plus.

Another clip of the 4-4-0 amp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdJtFJPWNYk

http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/steph ... sort=3&o=3

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/i ... ic=83411.0

Have a look around AX-84, as there is plenty of posts on this amp.

Have a think about it all and weigh up the pro's and cons for yourself. I'll leave it at that.

Thanks a lot man. I do have a 1x12 cab with a WGS ET65 in it.

I will continue to look at AX-84.

Separate question: If I'm going to have to punch a chassis what is the least amount of equipment that I would need? A chassis punch and some drill bits?

[xtian]

1. Chassis punches cost ~$50 each. Just get the stepper bits at Harbor Freight. These bits dull quickly if you do not back up your aluminum with a solid support while drilling (i.e., block of wood):
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-ti ... 96275.html

2. Get a deburring tool. So awesome:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#bur-tools/=u3go1i

3. I use a normal handheld jigsaw to cut IEC power socket and laydown transformer holes, and a file to clean up the edges.

4. Finally, instead of nut AND bolt, for many components (standoffs, solder terminals, cap can clamps, tube sockets) I use a #6/32 drill/tap to make threaded holes for machine screws. Super easy:
http://www.harborfreight.com/sae-drill- ... 95528.html

[Mark]

Think about the build and plan each step. Have a look at the posts and determine problems that were encountered by others and make provisions in your build for these issues.

Prevention is better than cure.

The proverb has been traced back to 'De Legibus' (c. 1240) by English Jurist Henry De Bracton (d. 1268).

[LedZepp007]

Thanks all! Why aren't other people in this world this nice?!

[Colossal]

Mark (and LedZepp),

For your own edification, this pic shows the custom Heyboer 10W OT in Stephenl's amp:

http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/steph ... sort=3&o=6

The OT is bigger than the PT . RCA or TungSol 6SN7s sound best.

[Mark]

HTS-9565 10 watts, Primary Imp = 23,000 ohm, Secondary 4-8-16. Price is $80, Current delivery time is approx 5 weeks.

I realized I have everything except the output transformer, garolite G10 for the board and a cab.