Hoso56 Build

[dorrisant]

I will offer something for consideration using 6V6GT's instead of EL84's that were in the original HoSo56 that Geezer made. IF using EL84's, I'd stick with Geezer's values for sure.

I'm so glad you posted that! I wanted to know what you and Geezer thought after using the circuit for a while. Now I can see your thoughts exactly... Your suggestions are very welcome!

I don't know if it needs more bass as-is... I never seem to touch the control and tend to leave it about half way up. If there is some smoothness to be had then I need to experiment with that. I made it easy enough by design... all of the signal caps and many other signal path parts will just slide right out when the joints are heated.

I really love the aggressiveness and touch sensitivity of it overall. It really growls when the guitar volume is turned up and has Wreck style pick response. It seems to want to feedback rather nicely when pushed and held and I want to test this with a bit of overdrive (pedal). So far I haven't tried it with pedals... I just like it the way that it is. I'm SUPER HAPPY with this build and want to thank you and Geezer along with the other guys on the Hoffman site for your efforts... I just wish I had been in on it when you started. Maybe another circuit another time. Much respect!


Dave - No problem. Ask anything you need and I will try to help. I still have the chassis out where I could take any measurements you may need or want.

M&B - I do like the idea of the "Made In USA" on there but I will probably put plates on it and the chicken heads won't fit when the chassis is in the combo cab... sorry. I will keep these pics of the progress though. I just love taking something that most people would throw out and making something that they would fight over who gets to play it!

Tom - I wanted to point out how easy it would be to change the filter caps too, just remove the four screws that hold the strips in place and the whole filter section will lift out enough to change anything. The other stuff is even easier. I saw a few of Fusionbear's posts and had to try them!

Bob S - Glad to inspire... Build one if you can!

Smokebreak - Now I will have to check out the Montery... What model?

Thanks again for all of the wonderful comments, they are much appreciated! We are testing some of the recording gear here today so clips may be just around the corner. Any comments, requsts or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks guys... I love this place!!
Tony

[10thTx]

don't know if it needs more bass as-is... I never seem to touch the control and tend to leave it about half way up

It's kind of hard to explain but I don't think it adds bass as much as it gives the bass a "tighter" or maybe more pronounced tone at the same volume or same treble/mid/bass ratio.

It would be sort of like hitting a bass note with a thin blanket over a cab speaker VS. removing the blanket and hearing the bass note with a clearer and perhaps "tighter" feel or more pronounced tone. I found that useful with the 6V6's.

Anyhow, it's not necessarily better just different. The change in the tone stack seems to add some more smoothness in my opinion. You may or may not prefer the difference? I was happier with the tone stack change and component value changes with the 6V6's.

The HoSo56 really is a VERY touch sensitive amp, IMO! Light picking vs. more aggressive picking all comes thru really well and changes the tone and feel of the amp in my experience.

This is mostly Geezer's amp design. And I am very glad to hear you are enjoying it!

BTW, I liked the amp with a modified Zenith Drive pedal I made and even more so with a TimZee pedal which was a hybrid idea of two other pedals. I think a very transparent OD pedal is just beautiful with this amp!

With respect, 10thtx

[dorrisant]

I could totally understand modifying for tighter bass... that's why I don't turn it up too much. That would be very useful. I will try that.

I was thinking of using a Crowther Audio Hotcake clone I have here. Even Ken Fischer used them because of the fact that it could clean-boost without coloring.

Tony

[fusionbear]

Very Nice!