Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 11:35:08 am

Title: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 11:35:08 am
I realized today that if I never post these pics, I'll never post them, so here you go. This forum is my only presence on the internet so the least I could do is show you guys what I'm up to.
When I started the build I wasn't sure exactly what I was building, other than it was going to be SS rectified 2-EL34. I had a Hammond 290CX PT and a Classictone OEM Bassman type (4 ohm secondary version) OT. I used a pre-punched square faced (no angle) Princeton chassis from eBay. I had to enlarge the PT hole to fit the 290CX.

One day last year I just started building a rectifier, out of nowhere, just started cutting G10, setting eyelets and soldering. So, the first pic is just the initial power supply layout.
2nd pic is when I got some more direction. I started looking at different Dumble schematics and wound up basing this off of #183.
I wanted to work with terminal strips, knowing that this was going to be a highly-tweaked build. I wanted to build an active FX loop into the amp and wanted a flexible layout.
I also wanted to "fix" a flaw that I see in most Dumble type amps. I rarely see master volume settings above 2 or 3 because I feel like there is a better choice for a phase inverter in these amps. My intention was to run more preamp overdrive into a PI that could handle it "better". I read a bunch and wound up mostly listening to Merlin's advice about using a 12AY7. I tried a 12AU7 but quickly reverted to the AY7 as it just sounded like it worked better for my goal.

This was the first time I worked off of the schematic and just sat and wired one component at a time and created the layout "Cowboy style", on the fly.
This took an inordinate amount of time but was strangely satisfying to me for some reason. I wanted everything to line up and make sense. So I took way too much time to try to make that happen.

I'll post the pics for now and see if there is any interest. The pics ARE the layout and the schematic is still changing. I had to take some time away from it, but I'll be back on it soon to solder some of the tweaks in "permanently".

Here's another thread where I got some help trying to figure out the FX loop and how I wound up with an amp with no NFB, which I didn't know I wanted until I forced myself to try it.  FX loop MIX control help (el34world.com) (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=28484.msg313810#msg313810)

It's cool to see the influence of all of you in my build style. Thank you to all of you who post and continue to help and inspire me to build!
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 11:39:30 am
saving space for power supply schematic
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: Rontone on March 10, 2022, 01:07:17 pm
I'm loving those neat tight heater windings, the teal/turquoise wire colour,

At the end with the rectifier attached, whats that for or where is it going, Heater DC or for another part of the circuit
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 01:20:51 pm
I'm loving those neat tight heater windings, the teal/turquoise wire colour,

At the end with the rectifier attached, whats that for or where is it going, Heater DC or for another part of the circuit
Thanks Rontone
That's my 5V relay supply. I would normally use Doug's board but decided to use one of these rectifiers I had laying around. I met this crazy old coot from Texas and he sent me a box full of them. In 8 years this is the first one I have used. It seemed to fit the layout. This was right before I realized I had forgotten the voltage regulator.
This was me being avant-garde.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: Rontone on March 10, 2022, 01:28:27 pm
Ah ok, and is the relay to let the power on slowly or a speaker output relay,

I've only ever looked at them in a HiFi I had with corroded relays on the speakers that would occasionally not come on,

Edit:- I missed the part about active FX loop, is the relay for that?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 01:30:10 pm
Ah ok, and is the relay to let the power on slowly or a speaker output relay,

I've only ever looked at them in a HiFi I had with corroded relays on the speakers that would occasionally not come on,
It's the channel switch in the schematic. DPDT relay that Doug sells.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: Rontone on March 10, 2022, 01:35:19 pm
I see it now, you can learn something new every few minutes on this forum,
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on March 10, 2022, 02:18:33 pm
Quote
This took an inordinate amount of time but was strangely satisfying to me for some reason.
ok, it's official, you're now a geek  :laugh:   
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: sluckey on March 10, 2022, 02:45:21 pm
I like the Cowboy style. I may have met the same old Texan. He had noticed the lighted power switches I was starting to use in my builds and said he would send me some with different colors. He had ordered some 12V switches for a boat project but he received 120V switches instead. So he sent them to me in a 6x6x4 box. He used the same diode bridge as in your amp for packing material. Must have been a hundred of 'em. I'm sure he had a good laugh. Folks around here just call him Dummyload. Wish he was still here. He had a lot to contribute to the forum.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: tubenit on March 10, 2022, 03:06:20 pm
Quote
I read a bunch and wound up mostly listening to Merlin's advice about using a 12AY7 as a phase invertor.


That's interesting!  I didn't know Merlin had suggested that.  Experimenting, I actually tried a 12AY7 as a phase invertor for the first time yesterday afternoon and thought it sounded really good.


with respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 03:11:42 pm
Folks around here just call him Dummyload. Wish he was still here. He had a lot to contribute to the forum.
Yeah, there is plenty of Harold's influence in this build besides that little bridge.
I was very lucky to have his guidance through the years.

Thanks for taking a peek.
There's plenty of sluckey in there too. There's that can cap serving the plate and screen! I hope Willabe doesn't see it.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 03:15:24 pm
Quote
I read a bunch and wound up mostly listening to Merlin's advice about using a 12AY7 as a phase invertor.


That's interesting!  I didn't know Merlin had suggested that.  Experimenting, I actually tried a 12AY7 as a phase invertor for the first time yesterday afternoon and thought it sounded really good.


with respect, Tubenit
Yeah...here you go: The Valve Wizard -Long Tail Pair (http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/acltp.html)


The tubenit part would be where I squeezed in the FX loop with no fear and then desecrated the original circuit with whatever tweaks made ME happy.
THANKS for that!
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: mresistor on March 10, 2022, 03:21:06 pm
Folks around here just call him Dummyload


He sure did contribute to the intel one can acquire here fo sho.   

Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jojokeo on March 10, 2022, 03:42:50 pm
Nice SG, your work is very clean. I love working with tag strips too. Eyelet and turret boards are good but dammit I have to make those unless I use a pre-fabbed one or two.


I’ve designed a couple pi’s - one for the Au specifically - and the AY being cleaner & chimier but usually ended up using the AT which goes into most of my builds/and customer’s amps. I get plenty of gain with those and most prefer it too.


I believe HBP explained the deal with chime coming from the transconductance & gain relationship back years ago. I’ve grown away from too much gain and find it easy to attain in various ways, and use it here and there. But I love sweet tube clean chime & punch hearing every nuance coming from my guitars and fingers. Am I getting old? 🤨
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jojokeo on March 10, 2022, 03:55:16 pm
Folks around here just call him Dummyload


He sure did contribute to the intel one can acquire here fo sho.   


I haven’t been around a lot lately and I’m afraid to ask but isn’t that Pete? And isn’t he okay?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: sluckey on March 10, 2022, 04:16:31 pm
Yes, that's Pete. He's fine. Just decided to take a break.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 08:19:43 pm
ok, it's official, you're now a geek  :laugh:   
I went back in and cleaned up some temporary mods and this is where we are tonight.
I'd like to say it's done but we all know I'd be lying.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 10, 2022, 08:27:39 pm
...... I’ve grown away from too much gain and find it easy to attain in various ways, and use it here and there. But I love sweet tube clean chime & punch hearing every nuance coming from my guitars and fingers. Am I getting old? 🤨
Sounds to me like you're getting better.
I, on the other hand, need the OD to sound better and make the guitar more playable. My clean playing leaves a lot to be desired.
I love the FEEL of 4 gain stages. Especially this Dumble-fied, mid-boosted, feedback machine. It feels like I'm trying to hold back a firehose.
You know me, I like OD with my OD.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: glass54 on March 10, 2022, 09:27:01 pm
Hi SG
Love the neat/sleek layout and particularly like the 25W Ohmite 1k Resistor for Screen supply (have used these myself)
 :bravo1:
Regards
Mirek
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on March 11, 2022, 06:09:06 am
I like the sweet line fuses, those ain't your average Radio Shack 25 cents specials
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 11, 2022, 08:12:25 am
Hi SG
Love the neat/sleek layout and particularly like the 25W Ohmite 1k Resistor for Screen supply (have used these myself)
 :bravo1:
Regards
Mirek
Thank you Mirek, I respect your opinion and appreciate you having a look.
I like how that resistor fit between the cap and tube socket to keep the wiring tight in that area.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 11, 2022, 08:15:03 am
I like the sweet line fuses, those ain't your average Radio Shack 25 cents specials
I almost no-brained it and threw some glass fuses in there until it hit me what the voltage rating is on those.


The ones I used can be found here:
2 Pack Digital Multi Meter Fuse FF500MA (500MA,0.5A)1000V Fast Acting Ceramic Fuse For DC Digital Multi Meter 6.3 x 32mm - - Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Multi-FF500MA-Acting-Ceramic/dp/B07L81TJ9Q/ref=asc_df_B07L81TJ9Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309775248366&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5026736529273677963&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1024862&hvtargid=pla-595624174213&psc=1)

Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: mresistor on March 11, 2022, 08:31:44 am
Very cool way to run the PT secondary leads fused to the rectifier and then the first filter.  Good use of space.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: dwinstonwood on March 11, 2022, 09:32:56 am
Very cool way to run the PT secondary leads fused to the rectifier and then the first filter.  Good use of space.

Yes, and one short wire from the power tube screen to the second cap can really cuts down on the number of otherwise long and redundant wires (as in my amps). Nice!
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: uki on March 11, 2022, 11:00:22 am
@Silvergun what is the PI Trim for, balance the PI ? Please could you explain.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 11, 2022, 11:13:32 am
@Silvergun what is the PI Trim for, balance the PI ? Please could you explain.
It is usually used to balance or purposefully unbalance the signal coming out of the PI.

In my case it no longer makes sense because I departed from standard LTP operation when I decided to apply my wet signal directly to it's own half of the PI. I didn't plan it this way.
So, going forward for me, my signal will always be somewhat unbalanced, and I will have to decide by ear where to set my dry and wet levels for best results.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jewishjay on March 11, 2022, 01:47:20 pm
Can I ask.....why 56k plates on the PI? #183 has 100k and 110k.....do the lower plates decrease gain?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 11, 2022, 02:18:13 pm
Can I ask.....why 56k plates on the PI? #183 has 100k and 110k.....do the lower plates decrease gain?
I designed it for use with either a 12AY7 or AU7 PI
#183 was just a jumping off point for me.

Also, that 25K trimpot adds 12.5K in series with either side in a centered setting.

Are you familiar with the Load Line Plotter?...bottom of this page The Valve Wizard (http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/links.html)
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: uki on March 11, 2022, 08:47:40 pm
When the amp is ready, are you going to make a sound clip or video clip?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 11, 2022, 08:59:54 pm
When the amp is ready, are you going to make a sound clip or video clip?
Yes, definitely, uki.

I was doing some home play testing tonight and I'm ready to take it to the rehearsal space and let her rip.
As a habitual tweaker it is hard to know when to stop, but I think I'm very close.
I need to settle on a speaker because this will be made into a single 1x12 combo and I haven't found the right match....yet
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 11, 2022, 09:43:28 pm
Here's a nuts and bolts shot from behind for all of you amp porn addicts out there.
It's getting ready to leave the bench.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: Williamblake on March 12, 2022, 03:21:22 am
Very nice. If you can't let her go you could start painting the solder joints now?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on March 12, 2022, 03:37:51 am
 :laugh:
Quote
If you can't let her go
His playing fingers might be itchin to bad from all the solder fingerin
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: tubenit on March 12, 2022, 05:22:11 am
The best sounding speakers I've found for my Dumblish inspired builds have been the Warehouse ET65 for a smooth OD tone  & the Emminence Delta Pro 12A for the clean tone (but also a decent OD tone).  I've also tried Emminence  Cannabis Rex,  Red White & Blues and Texas Heat which were all decent but I didn't think sounded quite as good.


This is a great thread and I am grateful you are sharing your innovation and good work on this with the forum.   :thumbsup:

IF you wanted to have NFB but also wanted to have a mix control of the FX, you could consider something like this attached schematic?  Not saying you "should" do this simply tossing out a simple idea IF you wanted to do it.  And you could put the NFB on a mini-toggle switch if you wanted to have it a little clearer (w NFB) or more grit  (no NFB)     Just an idea to ponder?


With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 12, 2022, 06:40:17 am
Very nice. If you can't let her go you could start painting the solder joints now?

Let's not get crazy now.
I said almost ready, not "paint the solder joints" ready.
I'm a little too commitment-phobic.  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 12, 2022, 07:30:09 am

The best sounding speakers I've found for my Dumblish inspired builds....
Thanks for these suggestions. It's such a critical part of the puzzle and even affects the final tweaking process. I always thought I wanted a Jensen Blackbird (100 watt alnico), so I bought one recently to try with this amp. I broke it in and then plugged it in and it was the exact opposite of what I expected. That was very disappointing and a big step back. So then I bought a Celestion G12M-65 Creamback. (and I am not rich by any means, so this is painful). Same disappointment. So I have been running it at my bench with the Creamback and my old G12H-30 and that sounds very good to me. So, it will be tough to settle on just one speaker, especially when I don't have that much experience with different models. Every time I disconnect one for the other I wind up missing the other speaker. I actually seem to prefer the G12H-30, which is counter-intuitive to what I thought I wanted.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on March 12, 2022, 07:58:05 am
Quote
& the Emminence Delta Pro 12A for the clean tone
the &'d part is 'portant  :icon_biggrin:
find a buddy with a 2 by cab, trade the Jensen for an Eminence, add the older creamback.
If you pay the freight you can borrow mine, has an E 12A and an 80's creamback, I can't find amp that makes that combo sound bad
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 12, 2022, 08:00:12 am
Sorry for the long post, but I think this is important...

IF you wanted to have NFB but also wanted to have a mix control of the FX.....
I didn't realize that I could have (or would want) this amp without NFB. Dumble is one of those builders where I would be wise to leave it as he made it. But, I wasn't necessarily looking for the same Dumble sound that I hear from a lot of other demos, so I wasn't afraid to try it "my way".
I am a kinda sloppy, not very precise, harder edge'd, classic/hard rock player. I play right on the edge of feedback and love having to control the strings from vibrating, and notes that turn into harmonic feedback. Eliminating NFB made this more pronounced.
If you go back to the FX thread (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=28484.msg313810#msg313810), you'll see that the reason I got rid of it came about accidently. I never thought I was going to work the 2 signals into the phase inverter like I did, but when I did the result was more than I expected.

So, just to be as clear as possible because I think this is something that might be worth trying (for you or others), here's the Cliff's notes:
- The FX mix control (in my original schematic, similar to the idea you posted) appeared to be cancelling out a lot of signal when set to 50/50 mix (maybe why some people don't love certain FX loops  :dontknow: )
- I looked at the design and realized that I was mixing 2 signals that were 180 deg. out of phase with each other, therefore causing the cancellation effect.
- My solution (based on Merlin's writings) was to split the signal into each half of the PI and see what happens.
- To do that I had to eliminate the global NFB loop which added noise and volume and a general sense that I was making a big mistake.
- But, I bought in because I wanted to see what would happen, so I tweaked the amp to have less treble bite and ran with it.
- My thought process is this:
If us hard rock guys think everything sounds better when cranked and NFB gets reduced or eliminated at full output, then why not eliminate the NFB loop so the amp will have that same "cranked feel" at lower volumes....maybe?
- Once I committed to this extreme design change I haven't looked back
- It is amazing to me that the amp sounds just fine if I only have the dry signal turned up or if I only have the FX signal turned up-
The PI still somewhat balances itself and I wind up with a decent output tone.
- BUT, when I turn them both up at the same time, HOLY COW, it's a Big Bad flame thrower type tone that I was looking for.

I believe that by using a 12AY7 in the PI I now have the ability to send 2 big OD signals into the PI and not have the extra clipping that a 12AX7 would cause. I believe that this is partially why I am loving this amp so much right now.
To me, it is gritty and heavily over-driven but not like a chain-saw tone that I would normally associate with other very high gain amps.

I hope this makes sense and helps someone, or at least helps you understand me.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 12, 2022, 08:31:20 am
One more thing..
If I would have designed this properly in the first place I would not have the opposing signals cancelling each other out.
Then I would've kept the NFB and probably never tried it without it.

The biggest mistake I made was to have a breadboard and not use it. I just started building when I could have laid it out on the BB and tweaked all of this before I started trying to squeeze it into this chassis.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: sluckey on March 12, 2022, 08:37:51 am
If you also want to have NFB option look at the Bassman AB-165 (https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Fender/Fender_bassman_ab165_schem.pdf) circuit. It would be easy to make it switchable or variable.

Have you tried an EVM-12L speaker?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 12, 2022, 09:06:49 am
If you also want to have NFB option look at the Bassman AB-165 (https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Fender/Fender_bassman_ab165_schem.pdf) circuit. It would be easy to make it switchable or variable.
I wasn't aware I could do that. I will try it this weekend and see what's what. I still have the pot mounted from my initial variable NFB circuit and I would love to have the option.
Thanks for the heads up.

Have you tried an EVM-12L speaker?
I haven't. Once I get it in the right location I will. I haven't been able to really wring it out yet in the basement here at home.
I haven't loved the EV in anything else, and it would create a problem due to it's weight.
Good thing I haven't built the combo cab yet.
This and next week will be the official start of The Speaker Trials.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jojokeo on March 12, 2022, 09:29:53 am
Applause is warranted SG. I want to call BS on the "just winging it" layout build cause it looks very well planned and thought out. At least without having a rough sketch to work by. If true, you are the Rembrandt or Van Gough of amp building. :) And depending on your sound file samples we'll know which one (no pressure ;)) Hahaa! Honestly, thoroughly impressed my man! Well done. (Somebody in St. Lou is very jealous?) I have so many remarks and comments, but the hammer & lighter under the cradle are great metaphors I'll leave it at that. Lastly, I don't know your political affiliations but when I saw "45" in the build name I couldn't help but get a little smile. I hope this doesn't change anything and will keep the politics out of it?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 12, 2022, 05:26:35 pm
I want to call BS on the "just winging it" layout build cause it looks very well planned and thought out....
......I don't know your political affiliations but when I saw "45" in the build name I couldn't help but get a little smile. I hope this doesn't change anything and will keep the politics out of it?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 12, 2022, 05:34:13 pm
If you also want to have NFB option look at the Bassman AB-165 (https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Fender/Fender_bassman_ab165_schem.pdf) circuit. It would be easy to make it switchable or variable.
sluckey, the results are in....yes, yes, and YES!
This is a perfect, last, tweakable addition to this amp. I officailly have enough knobs and switches to play with and I can take it and tune it in at band volume with each different speaker and try to find my happy place.
Thank you once again for delivering the coup de grace!
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: kagliostro on March 15, 2022, 10:06:07 am
Nice amp

Franco
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 15, 2022, 02:05:56 pm
Graci FRANCO!  :occasion14:

All of my hanging around here has paid off.
I am glad that it is you who has prompted my 3,333 post
It's good to see my old friends around.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: kagliostro on March 15, 2022, 04:41:29 pm
For Dante Alighieri 3 is the perfect number

 :grin: :grin: :grin:

 :wink:

Franco
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: tubeswell on March 15, 2022, 04:45:48 pm
I love the way this amp has been built.  Ultimate tweak-able layout and construction. And so tidy. Neat trick with the FX loop too
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 15, 2022, 04:57:27 pm
For Dante Alighieri 3 is the perfect number

 :grin: :grin: :grin:

 :wink:

Franco
Maybe I'll change the name to The Inferno
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 15, 2022, 05:04:26 pm
I love the way this amp has been built.  Ultimate tweak-able layout and construction. And so tidy. Neat trick with the FX loop too
It goes to show, if you hang around the right people long enough, they start to rub off on you.

Thanks for all of your posts and knowledge that you share on this and other sites. When I'm not building, I'm reading, and I am a big fan.
I'm glad you like it...it is a direct reflection of everything I have learned from all of you guys.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: kagliostro on March 15, 2022, 05:24:35 pm
Quote
Maybe I'll change the name to The Inferno

(https://i.imgur.com/3IBw0vr.jpg)

 :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

mmmm ....

in fact, changing the point of view it looks like a loudspeaker cone

(https://i.imgur.com/OElRwtE.jpg)

 :icon_biggrin:

Franco

Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on March 15, 2022, 05:29:00 pm
when you get bored of the fixed bias sound, temp this in, you already have the tubes  :icon_biggrin:

Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 15, 2022, 09:32:59 pm
Round one of The Speaker Trials took place last night.
Here's the results from my least favorite with this amp down to the first round winner:
#4 - Eminence EM12 - handled the amp very well and was big and tight in the bass and low mids. It got nasally in the mids and was missing a lot of the shimmery top end. Punchy but not bright enough.
#3 - EVM-12L old school - the word "blaring" comes to mind. I need something with more EQ shaping and character. The upper mids right through the highs are just in your face. There is no escape and no where to hide. I wish I was that good, but I would definitely offend the listener.
#2 - Fane AXA100 alnico - this is my number 1 speaker in my current rig so I wasn't shocked that I like it. It is a great example of a great alnico speaker. It has that signature crispy breakup of alnico and handles highs as well as lows. It also eats up power with ease. The reason it came in second is because it wasn't as tight and well-voiced as the winner.
#1 - Celestion Creamback G12M-65 - had solid authority and some of the "woody" tone of a Greenback with added power handling. It has a distinct mid-voice that barks in the lows and sears in the upper freqs. The only thing I dont love about it is that it is lacking in sparkly highs, which would probably be appreciated by the audience. The feel, character and breakup of this speaker is perfect for what I was looking for.
(When I match this with a G12H-30 in a 2x12" it is money, but I'm building a 1x12" combo)


I did not test anything rated below 65 watts.
I will host round 2 tomorrow night and report back. Still got some good ones to go.
Over and out.

Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jamaio on March 16, 2022, 12:17:41 am
When I match this with a G12H-30 in a 2x12" it is money...

This was my first thought until I read the next part.

Quote
... but I'm building a 1x12" combo.

I have 2x12 Bassman cabinet loaded with Creambacks and I love it!!
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: uki on March 19, 2022, 04:46:57 pm
The fuse holders for the high voltage are inside some sort of insulator?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 19, 2022, 05:36:14 pm
The fuse holders for the high voltage are inside some sort of insulator?
520005-GY - 520 Series - Fuse Blocks Fuse Blocks Fuseholders and Fuse Accessories - Littelfuse (https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuse-blocks-fuseholders-and-fuse-accessories/fuse-blocks/520/520005_gy.aspx)
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: tubenit on March 20, 2022, 05:10:33 am
Looking forward to a sound clip!  Hopefully sometime soon.  :icon_biggrin:


With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: 66Strat on March 20, 2022, 11:09:04 am
I also look forward to a sound clip. I would really like to hear the amp paired with the Fane alnico speaker.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 20, 2022, 12:43:20 pm
I also look forward to a sound clip. I would really like to hear the amp paired with the Fane alnico speaker.
I'm glad you said something because I probably wouldn't have done that.
I just built this little speaker switcher because I got sick of doing the dance. (there is some residual solder on some of the contacts from re-using parts)
Maybe, on one of the clips I can go through a couple speakers and maybe you can hear what I hear. I'm not sure I have the recording quality, but we'll see.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 23, 2022, 01:28:34 pm
Gettin there.
There is actually a microphone on a stand in the same room with me now. That is progress.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on March 23, 2022, 02:36:41 pm
you're getting close to obsessive I see  :laugh: 
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jojokeo on March 23, 2022, 07:29:01 pm
Gettin there.
There is actually a microphone on a stand in the same room with me now. That is progress.
Those two cabs on the right look familiar.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: Rontone on March 25, 2022, 09:28:14 am
I just had to pinch the fuse idea, found a little piece of chunky paxolin with threaded inserts in the scrap pile
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jojokeo on March 29, 2022, 02:44:37 pm
Any progress on the speaker tests? Just be extremely careful as the censoring mods are active. We still have the 1st Ammendment these days (just not here). No Eb's of D#'s please and don't dare mention anything about a brown note. 😂🤣😇
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: sluckey on March 29, 2022, 02:47:46 pm
Any progress on the speaker tests? Just be extremely careful as the censoring mods are active. We still have the 1st Ammendment these days (just not here). No Eb's of D#'s please and don't dare mention anything about a brown note. 😂🤣😇
You're so cute... in your own mind.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on March 29, 2022, 03:02:20 pm
Any progress on the speaker tests? Just be extremely careful as the censoring mods are active. We still have the 1st Ammendment these days (just not here). No Eb's of D#'s please and don't dare mention anything about a brown note. 😂🤣😇
Been busy due to tax deadline...
Worked my way back through the speakers I have on hand and none of them are cutting it for this amp.
I'm saving up for a G12H-75 Creamback.
Also taking some time between sessions to let my ears rest.
I'm still working on getting some recordings together to post. Didn't forget.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: 66Strat on March 29, 2022, 03:54:42 pm
Any progress on the speaker tests? Just be extremely careful as the censoring mods are active. We still have the 1st Ammendment these days (just not here). No Eb's of D#'s please and don't dare mention anything about a brown note. 😂🤣😇

Would that be E flatulent? :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on March 29, 2022, 04:24:02 pm
Quote
Been busy due to tax deadline...
Quote
E flatulent
Unum
 :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: jojokeo on April 07, 2022, 10:06:09 pm
Any progress on the speaker tests? Just be extremely careful as the censoring mods are active. We still have the 1st Ammendment these days (just not here). No Eb's of D#'s please and don't dare mention anything about a brown note. 😂🤣😇
You're so cute... in your own mind.
You took ownership, validated my point, AND not clever. Pick on somebody else.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: uki on April 11, 2022, 02:22:44 pm
How is it going SG ?! I'm eager to hear some sound samples !!!

 :m7
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 11, 2022, 06:18:23 pm
How is it going SG ?! I'm eager to hear some sound samples !!!

 :m7
Just busy right now but still getting to it.
Sometimes, at the end of a build, it is important to sit back for a minute and learn how to be less critical of it. Accept it for what it is and stop trying to make it something else. That same thing holds true for who you are as a player. Stop worrying about who you can't play like and just play what you can play.
Everytime I go back to it, I dial it in a little differently, but recently I've discovered where my sweet spot is and I'm looking forward to sharing not only the clips but also my settings and why they are what they are.

My brain works by prioritizing a list from everything up to number 1 and right now recording is climbing that list.
Uki, thanks for your interest. Sometimes it takes a little push to get to number 1.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: Ed_Chambley on April 12, 2022, 02:19:27 pm
Yes post your stuff Dave
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 12, 2022, 02:30:32 pm
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 29, 2022, 11:54:18 am
I was able to make a quick recording last night while practicing this guitar solo.
So, although not a great amp demo, I hope this will give you guys an idea of how it is being used.
I have a delay/reverb in the effects loop and an Ernie Ball Expression overdrive on the front end.
I purposefully mixed the guitar signal louder than usual so it would stand out. This was recorded "live" with the music coming through the PA and my amp coming through the Creamback 65 at a stage-like volume..
I'll try to do more of an overall demo next time, but hopefully this will get me started.
TIME solo amp demo .45 by SILVERGUN | SoundClick (https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14426751)
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: brewdude on April 29, 2022, 01:50:26 pm
That sounds great
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 29, 2022, 03:07:05 pm
Thanks guys
I think we need a LIKE button for the LIKE column
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on April 29, 2022, 03:30:03 pm
 :laugh:
now you're pushing it
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: sluckey on April 29, 2022, 04:01:50 pm
Thanks guys
I think we need a LIKE button for the LIKE column
And we need a third LIKE button for these type posts!    :l2:
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 29, 2022, 05:16:50 pm
I want to be able to LIKE that you guys LIKE my post.
And then, I'd really like to be able to LIKE the fact that you LIKE that I LIKE that you LIKE my post.


:laugh:
now you're pushing it
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on April 29, 2022, 05:29:57 pm
 :cussing:
I IDENTIFY as un-likable

Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: sluckey on April 29, 2022, 05:30:12 pm
Have fun...
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 29, 2022, 05:32:44 pm
Yessss!


:cussing:
I IDENTIFY as un-likable


I've been waiting for a DONT LIKE button, so maybe sluckey can make that dream come true while he's at it
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: PRR on April 29, 2022, 05:59:27 pm
....a DONT LIKE button...

👎
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: uki on April 29, 2022, 06:28:58 pm
The amp does seen to sound really good, got amp only clip to hear it by itself ? that would be great !!
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 29, 2022, 06:36:24 pm
The amp does seen to sound really good, got amp only clip to hear it by itself ? that would be great !!
Coming soon
Thanks
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: tubenit on April 29, 2022, 07:30:31 pm
Any updates from the original schematic?



With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 29, 2022, 08:11:27 pm
Any updates from the original schematic?



With respect, Tubenit
In the amp I have a .001 cap off of the wiper of the wet master. That cap is connected to a 500k trim pot (as a variable resistor) to ground. I have that resistance set to around 70k.
This is a treble dumper that I really haven't messed with. This is not on the schematic.
I have purposefully left it alone and just tried to stop tweaking and get to playing.


Like this:
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: tubenit on April 30, 2022, 05:10:23 am
Thanks for the update!   Your amp and your guitar playing really sound great! 


The wet and dry approach entering opposite sides of the LTPI ........... and working out so well has surprised me.  Bravo!


With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: brewdude on April 30, 2022, 09:08:18 am
I was wondering about where you landed with regards to the effects loop/PI and NFB.
Does the schematic at the beginning of the thread reflect an accurate image of the amp in the demo?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 30, 2022, 11:05:06 am
Thanks for the update!   Your amp and your guitar playing really sound great! 


The wet and dry approach entering opposite sides of the LTPI ........... and working out so well has surprised me.  Bravo!


With respect, Tubenit
THANKS Jeff!
I look forward to posting more as time permits.

The success of the wet and dry approach surprised me as well, with the most surprising thing being: the amp sounds fine with the dry on zero or the wet on zero (not that I would set it that way on purpose).
I am referring to the PI as the DA now or "differential amplifier", since phase inversion is now accomplished before it gets there. (guys, please correct me or fill in the blanks if necessary)
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 30, 2022, 11:10:16 am
I was wondering about where you landed with regards to the effects loop/PI and NFB.
Does the schematic at the beginning of the thread reflect an accurate image of the amp in the demo?
The posted schematic (plus the adjustment above) is about 99% accurate.
The amp has been sitting tubes up for the last month and I haven't changed anything. Just fiddling with knobs and FX.

I'll have to take it back to the shop to go over it one more time before I can say 100% for sure.
I have about 490V on the plates of the EL34s.
Power supply values were copied mostly directly from Dumble #183
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: tubeswell on April 30, 2022, 04:25:59 pm
That’s a real snappy sounding amp. What plate and screen voltage on the EL34s?
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: SILVERGUN on April 30, 2022, 04:31:14 pm
That’s a real snappy sounding amp. What plate and screen voltage on the EL34s?
I hate to admit it but I didn't write it down. Only know I have about 490V on plates.
But your question prompted me to think about my power supply.
I had forgotten that I used a 1K resistor in place of the choke, and smaller than typical screen resistors @ 220 ohm each. Now I'm curious what my actual screen V is.

I'll pull out the meter next week and give you a better answer.
Title: Re: .45 Cowboy Special
Post by: shooter on April 30, 2022, 06:27:25 pm
Quote
Now I'm curious what my actual screen V is.
be more curious of current, the math is easy  :laugh:


for extra fun;
sample at NO audio
sample at MAX audio