Requested Build, 63 Clone Brownface

[Ed_Chambley]

Mike Marsh is offering a Brownface 210 63' VV 6G16 Amp Kit.  Link:
http://store.marshamps.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=531

The guy wanting the clone brought it to my attention and wants to get one and pay to build it.  Anyone ever gotten a Brownface Kit from Mike Marsh?  Most of his stuff comes from Mojotone, but I do not think this one does.  I have gotten just chassis and faceplates from him.  I am just checking if anyone has ever ordered a kit from him?

I am just wondering if his cabs and components are up to par.  I assume he has worked a deal with TAD to sell their items and I am not familiar with TAD quality, but they seem to be well respected.

Any comments would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[jojokeo]

For the price it better be top notch parts but sorry, I've never bought any kits as most of them do supply inferior quality stuff. This one appears to have good trannies, caps, etc... When I first looked at Clone Brownface I saw "Clownface" in my head.    <sorry I'm not much help for you on this Ed>

[Ed_Chambley]

For the price it better be top notch parts but sorry, I've never bought any kits as most of them do supply inferior quality stuff. This one appears to have good trannies, caps, etc... When I first looked at Clone Brownface I saw "Clownface" in my head.    <sorry I'm not much help for you on this Ed>

Clownface?  Well I did say any comments.  

I have never played one of these, but they sell for outrageous prices on the used market.  I am guessing this is why the guy wants it.  He has an original faceplate.  I have no idea where he got it.

Anyway, my main concern is I have never used Heybour on Fender builds and not sure of cabinet construction.  Rattling cabinets are not cool.  May just get the cab and chassis, but I really like Heybour in Marshall type stuff.

[jim]

Hi Ed, You need more info--maybe you can call Mike Marsh. You could ask if the original faceplate will fit but he may take issue with that.  I don't like pushback wire or Jensens but these can be swapped.  He also offers MM OT as an option.  You could ask about what B+ to expect. Also, is there a bias winding on the Heybour PT true to Fender?  There is no mention of vacuum tube brands he might include in the kit.  Ask if the cab is pine.  The rest of the components are standard fare. What can go wrong, really? Plus, we are all here to help.  I would love to build one.
Jim

[Ed_Chambley]

Hi Ed, You need more info--maybe you can call Mike Marsh. You could ask if the original faceplate will fit but he may take issue with that.  I don't like pushback wire or Jensens but these can be swapped.  He also offers MM OT as an option.  You could ask about what B+ to expect. Also, is there a bias winding on the Heybour PT true to Fender?  There is no mention of vacuum tube brands he might include in the kit.  Ask if the cab is pine.  The rest of the components are standard fare. What can go wrong, really? Plus, we are all here to help.  I would love to build one.
Jim

Thanks Jim.  I would like to build one as I have been curious.  I really have no concerns building it as the guys round here have teeched me a thing or three.  I did speak with Mike and he said the cabinets are great and is finger joint pine with old style baffle, but did not want to say who builds them.  I get that and have no problem with it.  Before I order the stuff I thought I would throw this out for a couple of days to see if anyone has had pleasant experiences ordering.  I do not know of anything and have heard he is a stand-up guy.

In reality, I have everything on hand to build it, but it is one of those things where someone else is driving the purchase.  It is difficult to explain to someone that you cannot build an exact replica of a 1963 amp today.  He is under the impression this kit is that and  I am just the solder monkey.  It's cool tho cause he is really excited to finally have the money.  The excitement is contagious and enjoyable.

I love my 2, 10 5F4 Supers.  I think this is a completely different beast.

I do not have a replica cabinet and correct chassis.  

I did order a brown Bassman Faceplate from him and asked if it would fit.  He had no problem with the question, but did not want to commit to answering as he was unsure.  He did say I could return it if I did not want it.  It fit perfect.  TAD is the only place I have seen these and that is why I think they come from them.

I will buy it less tubes and small parts.  I trust the feedback I get here.

Come to think of it, I think I posted this in the wrong place.  Sorry folks.

[sluckey]

I've bought two 5E3 cabs from Marsh. No problems. I think he is honest and would buy from him again. I don't have any opinions on his kits, but he uses quality parts and has some kind of relationship with Mojo. In fact, I would not be surprised if the cabs I bought from him were not drop shipped from Mojo (This was in 2006). His price was a little better than buying direct from Mojo.

[TubeGeek]

For what it is worth...I find mojo cabinets to be top shelf.  Excellent quality construction and attention to detail.  I've used mojo for about 30 projects now and have never been disappointed.

[Ed_Chambley]

Thanks for the feedback.  I am fairly certain Mojo makes the cabinet and chassis.  They are on the way.  I ordered a Classictone OT as they generally have a raunchier tone  and I have a Mercury on-hand in-case. From some of the things I have read about this amp, the OT saturation is very important as this seems to be how the amp gives up the goods.

Would you vote for RCA 6L6GB, USA Tung-sol 5881 or new Russian Tung-sol 5881.

I have some JBL E-110, a couple of weber alnicos in 10's, celestion gold 10.  Not sure what will be the best, but I think this circuit should break up early.

I have a few suitable PT's as it is the same as a Super Reverb, but I may have too much voltage. 

A couple of opinions from those who feel inclined.  Lots of people are using 715 orange drops, but in a brown fender I don't know how the Orange Drops will sound.  In brown amps I have always used mustard type caps.

Comments?

Turrent board, or the stock style fiberboard?

Filter caps in the doghouse or in the chassis?

Effects loop or no?

Raw switch or no?