anyone build a 4 el34 express

[funkmeblue]

why not make it louder?

[Bob-I]

You're joking right?

What? I can't hear you, speak up... I've been playing my Express.

[funkmeblue]

only 70 watts, I bet it would be fun through a stack

[John C]

I've tried four EL34s. My impression has always been that I prefer the sound of the extra bass and the more "authoritative" topology (four instead of two), but I was surprised at the results. It added almost nothing - not even extra volume. There was no extra authority or bass, just more dirt when I was trying to clean up (via the guitar volume knob). So my results were displeasing. I'm not done experimenting, so perhaps my results and my perspective will change with some more testing and redesigning. I'll post a note if and when...

John

[funkmeblue]

hmmm, I figured more bass and headroom, won't be the first time I was wrong.

[Mark]

I think it is safe to say the compression delivered by all that gain makes the Express sound much louder than it should appear. I too would have though two more tubes would have resulted in a louder amp, but there you go.

[tubetek]

IMO, the 2xEL34 amps I've owned / played ALL sounded "better" to me than the 100 watt models...(Marshall, Traynor, etc.) If I remember, Duane and Dickie used 50 watt Marshalls with clean speakers (JBL?)
OH well, If you need the power you could apply for a Homeland Security Grant for the build...Tell 'em you'll be the Emergency Warning System Siren for your neighborhoodLOL

[Bob-I]

IMO, the 2xEL34 amps I've owned / played ALL sounded "better" to me than the 100 watt models...(Marshall, Traynor, etc.) If I remember, Duane and Dickie used 50 watt Marshalls with clean speakers (JBL?)

Not exactly. Duane used the 50 watt bass amps, Dickie used the 100 watters. Duane used either EVM or Celestions where Dickie used JBL's.

[Richie]

Years ago, built an express type amp into a fender showman head/running the 4x power tubes. Turned out sounding pretty good.