Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: TigerTrading2021 on December 23, 2021, 03:17:08 pm

Title: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: TigerTrading2021 on December 23, 2021, 03:17:08 pm
So after working on my Altec 342Bs and having parts left over from various projects I have decided to start the process of building a guitar amp head.
I have a few things on list to include but would like to hear from you all on what circuits to include>
1. I have a Peerless OT from an extra parts 342B that I will build around. That puts me in the 35 watt 7027 or similar topology.
2.An all Tube Effects Loop Kevin OConnor style
3. Ch1 Clean Ch2 Dirty & Crunchy Open to suggestions here
4.Power Scaling also Kevin style circuit ( Heck I bought these Books lol)
5. 4 Band Active Tube EQ with Lo then center 2 Lo-MId & Mid-High with selectable freq & High & maybe switchable pre or post EFX Loop ( but maybe post only makes more sense)
6.PreAmp will be DC heater PWRAmp will be AC heater with DC standoff.
7. Maybe Pentode Triode Switch but not a priority

Goals for the Looks
I have a ton of high grade copper sheet leftover from a Kitchen remodel and this will be my control face. I also have a bud with a CNC Laser that can cut whatever I draw up. So I want to mount my tubes and controls all on that Copper face. By Tubes I mean in the front of the Chassis showing through the copper with some type of vent through design log art etc..
Not fully sure how the inside will be just yet or what size as that depends on the ending circuits needed. But the outside will be some really nice Marine grade 9 ply Plywood I have leftover from  Firetruck I restored long ago. Ive got just enough left to do a nice size amp head.

I have the burnt up PT from the same 342b that could be rewired and built and amazingly the end caps have the original Peerless info so that exists as a possibility but might cost way more than a new PT.
I want to do vent with super quite fan on thermo switch or run all time not sure yet.
Give me some must have ideas on my circuit topology.
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: sluckey on December 23, 2021, 03:27:52 pm
google "everything but kitchen sink amp" for some good suggestions.   :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: TigerTrading2021 on December 23, 2021, 03:49:06 pm
google "everything but kitchen sink amp" for some good suggestions.   :icon_biggrin:

as Daddy used to tell us "You're Funny But Looks Aint Everything"
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: TigerTrading2021 on December 23, 2021, 03:51:20 pm
Oh Shit you were serious you mess around enough I thought you were pulling my leg. Dang that is a nice amp head. :worthy1:
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: TigerTrading2021 on December 23, 2021, 04:18:16 pm
I obviously have a lot to research and read and throw together to even have something to ask questions about. I do know I will trim back my dream amp some to be more reasonable. I do know it will be tube rectifier only for mains. Thinking on it more I need to focus on the adjustable options that really have the most meaning for this device and leave all effects to outboard gear. But the Active Tube EQ whether 3 or 4 band is happening and so is the Active Tube EFX Loop
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: thetragichero on December 23, 2021, 10:49:04 pm
google "everything but kitchen sink amp" for some good suggestions.   :icon_biggrin:
depending on how the copper was used in the kitchen remodel it might even include the sink
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: TigerTrading2021 on December 24, 2021, 01:17:28 am
Very nice heavy gage copper. That Kitchen sink amp and Dylanas products are really exceptional. It will take a while to decide on a complete circuit. That 3rd power amp sets the bar high.
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: TigerTrading2021 on January 03, 2022, 01:10:50 pm
Been reading up on amp topologies and Im thinking I might build a Soldano flavored 30 to 40 watt 2X6L6. All the reading so far leads me to think that what I do not like about the overdrive sound of the Peaveys is to be found in Soldano's Cathode Bypass techniques. Building overdrive the way he does and having the power amp cleaner could work very well with the OT I have on hand. Maybe even a Soldano with a single Fender Clean stage that could be switched in.
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: TigerTrading2021 on January 03, 2022, 08:58:46 pm
Is the Soldano Amp design so regulated / stage balanced that making one with a Tube Rectifier for mains is a bad idea? Which stage of the SLO preamp would benefit most from a rotary switch for cathode bypass options and would that be one or two stages to add the option to? The more I read this design seems like a tone beast with optimally improved overdrive capability.
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: PRR on January 04, 2022, 11:28:37 am
...All the reading so far leads me to think that what I do not like about the overdrive sound of the Peaveys is to be found in Soldano's Cathode Bypass techniques....

Did you read Kuehnel's Soldano SLO? Much analysis.
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: roseblood11 on October 14, 2023, 02:03:06 am
How has the project evolved?
Title: Re: Guitar Amp Head from Scratch Give me your feedback!
Post by: nandrewjackson on October 17, 2023, 01:48:59 am
He totally changed directions,  finished products arriving shortly


Lol


✝️ :icon_biggrin: