5E3 build-Very low output and no clean tone

[stelligan]

theundeadelvis,

Might I inquire as to where you sourced the chassis? Looks like it's punched for head or combo orientation. I like that.

Thanks,
Dave

[tele_player]

dockeryamps.com

[theundeadelvis]

theundeadelvis,

Might I inquire as to where you sourced the chassis? Looks like it's punched for head or combo orientation. I like that.

Thanks,
Dave

http://www.dockeryamps.com/web/index.php

He has good prices and good quality stuff.

[stelligan]

Doh! Thanks for the link guys. I guess I should have figured that from the first post...

[theundeadelvis]

The amp works fine now, but I still have next to no clean headroom. Could this be because I am using a 12AX7 in V1 in stead of an AY7?

[rfgordon]

Tweed Deluxes don't have much headroom--its the nature of the beast, at least with hi mu peanuts like 12AX7.

However, you can try different tube types for more clean. I recommend you try 12AY7 or 12AU7 in either/both spots. I wouldn't recommend a 12AT7, because it draws so much current, it'll pull your voltages down. If you want that mu value (70) get a 5751.

For some variation between the "channels" on the amp, try a 12DW7, in which the A side is hi mu (100) and the B side is low mu (20). You can also try the 12DW7 in the second spot, and the second gain stage of the amp would be like a 12AX7, and the concertina PI would use the 12AU7-type half.
Try that one with the other types in V1 to see what happens.

[theundeadelvis]

Thanks again Rich! I tried a 12AU7 and there was more clean, but hardly any break-up and it sounded blah. I tried a different JJ 12AX7 and it sounded much better. A little less gain than the other, but still had that great bluesy grind. I may order a 12AY7 and try it to.

[Fredaxis]

I really like my 5E3 with a 6072a in V1 (low noise 12ay7) and a 5751 in V2.

The 6072a gives the right 5e3 character (more headroom, a bit less over the top) The 5751 allows more clean headroom but keeps the right grinds at higher volume.

Even like this, you need to play with your guitar volume to get real cleans.

My 2 cents

[jjman]

Looks like 1/2 watt resistors on the power rail and for the screens. These should probably be 1-2watt. Although the schematic doesn't seem to show this and doesn't even include dedicated screen resistors.

[rfgordon]

A word on the tubes--the same tubes from different makers can have very different personalities, as Ken Fischer knew very well.

I hear what you're saying on the 12AU7, but don't give up on that type yet! Look for a good NOS 12AU7 with the long plates--they can sound amazingly sweet in the right spot/right amp.

Collect lots of tubes and store up a variety. You can make magic happen that way.