Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: quayhog on June 18, 2015, 12:29:11 pm

Title: Optimize tube preamp for piezo string bass
Post by: quayhog on June 18, 2015, 12:29:11 pm
I'm looking for suggestions for circuit modifications to use a piezo equipped string bass and a tube amp. I have a lot of PA heads I can play around and tweak to perfection.  Amplifiers from Dukane, a B-15 orphaned- no cab and blown PT, Grommes and Altec.


The string bass is equipped with http://kksound.com/products/doublebigtwin.php (http://kksound.com/products/doublebigtwin.php) pickup and it produces a 1 meg impedance. I'd rather not use an outboard preamp and keep it contained on one chassis.  I have plenty of amps that I could dedicate for this single task.


Suggestions welcome on grid load values, tone stack types and any other tweaks. I'm offering up a chassis for a mod mule to play around with until I get it right.  I have a closed back vented 15" loaded with a D-140.  I have a spare reconed D-130 and a big CTS to play with too.


Thank you in advance for your help.


Jonathan


Title: Re: Optimize tube preamp for piezo string bass
Post by: Mook on June 18, 2015, 12:56:51 pm
I'm about to do this myself and I'm about to use 6SL7 input, 6SL7 PI and KT88x 2.

My first stage of filtering is two (in series) 470uF caps at 400V.    Next filter is 2 (in series) 250uF at 300v each.    OT (Hammond 1650P) has ultra-linear taps.   
Title: Re: Optimize tube preamp for piezo string bass
Post by: quayhog on June 18, 2015, 01:48:06 pm
Mook, are you going to use this for an acoustic bass with a piezo or an electric bass?
Title: Re: Optimize tube preamp for piezo string bass
Post by: Willabe on June 18, 2015, 01:54:14 pm
If your using a piezo, try using a 10M resistor for the input grid leak, per KOC.
Title: Re: Optimize tube preamp for piezo string bass
Post by: tubeswell on June 18, 2015, 02:27:57 pm
Merlin Blencowe has a very high impedance design for piezo pups on page 89 of his 2nd-edition pre-amps book which will work fine.


The input jack is AC coupled to a modest grid stopper which is tied to the grid pin. The grid is bootstrapped with a 2M grid load which is bypassed with 500pF. Rk = 1k5,  Ck = 10uF, and there is 10k tail between the bootstrap resistor and the ground. The plate load resistor is normal.
Title: Re: Optimize tube preamp for piezo string bass
Post by: DummyLoad on June 18, 2015, 04:56:26 pm
use a j-fet amp or a bi-fet op-amp buffer.


--pete
Title: Re: Optimize tube preamp for piezo string bass
Post by: PRR on June 19, 2015, 09:25:44 pm
The company's own preamps seem to be all 1Meg input. I dunno why you don't just use a 1Meg first grid resistor.