advice for mid sized Fender amp build please

[Sponger D]

My 1964 Fender super Reverb converted to EL34 with NOS tubes is hard to beat but big and heavy.  My current Deluxe Reverb amps can't compete. I want to build an amp smaller that approaches the quality of the FSR.  First thought was go the Deluxe Reverb route, and convert to proper 6L6 design with more appropriate transformers?  Sounds complicated and a tight fit.  Also, some speakers I might use are larger dimensions.   So my second thought was do a Vibrolux Reverb build- which is the route I'm looking into now.  This is complicated by the fact that there is less info on this site for Vibroluxe Reverb path.  But I think I have peiced together a plan.

Use the Deluxe Reverb or Fender Super Reverb "parts list" on this site as a start- subtracting parts I don't need.  I really like this parts list because the most difficult part of a scratch build is not having all the parts and ordering them one at a time.  I can use the great AB763 schematic PDF.  And  use the AB763 BOM along with the "parts list" to get all the parts.  I see there is an "eyelet" type Hoffman circuit board.  And Mojotone makes a Vibroluxe cabinet.  Apparently I will need to buy the chassis and transformers elesewhere- unless I missed something.  I've been looking at Mercury Magnetics and Heyboer options.

So two questions:
1) Any thoughts on a better path for someone who wants the build a DR or VR sized Fender type amp with 6L6 and quality iron?  Weight is not that important because I'm not transporting the amp much.  But occasionally, I want to take it somewhere- and the FSR is too big.
2) Best to start with the Super Reverb instead of Deluxe Reverb parts list because the SR list has more parts?

 Any other advice appreciated.  I'm looking foreward to this build and using the schematics and instructions on this site.

Thanks, Kip........

[DummyLoad]

single channel deluxe rev. less complex. more bite. use EL34s.


--pete

[Sponger D]

single channel deluxe rev. less complex. more bite. use EL34s.


--pete

Hmmm.....  I'll check it out.  Would the chassis accept only Deluxe Reverb spec/size trannies?

[Sponger D]

single channel deluxe rev. less complex. more bite. use EL34s.


--pete

Now that I think of it, I don't see a need for two channels.  Simplicity is better in audio circuits- to say nothing of building stuff I don't need.

[sluckey]

If you are considering the Mojo Vibrolux Reverb cab, you should look closely for a chassis that will fit that cab. I don't think Mojo has one.

Weber has something that may be just right for you and the cab, chassis, speakers, and transformers will all fit together. Worth a look...

     https://www.tedweber.com/6a20hp-c-kt

[Sponger D]

If you are considering the Mojo Vibrolux Reverb cab, you should look closely for a chassis that will fit that cab. I don't think Mojo has one.

Weber has something that may be just right for you and the cab, chassis, speakers, and transformers will all fit together. Worth a look...

     https://www.tedweber.com/6a20hp-c-kt

Yes- I planed to get a Mojo cabinet, and I could not find a Vibrolux chassis at Mojotone- was going to call them but too late.  My preliminary searches have found no Vibrolux chassis- Mojo will probably know.  Weber kits all new to me- thanks for tip.  Will need time to study.

I'm liking the one channel idea- I really like eliminating stuff if it's not necessary- espicially in a signal path.  A much cleaner build.  Looking further into posibility of putting Vibrolux Reverb components in DR chassis and cabinet- in other words, can I fit the larger iron nicely and keep a neat, solid build.  Anyone know if this would need an excessive amount hacking, modding, and mickey-mousing to chassis?  I think I can use the DR faceplate and put some snap caps in the vacant knob and input holes.  Can add a middle tone knob in one of the vacant holes.

[Sponger D]

I'm trying to find the eyelet board for an AB763 One Channel build: boards #1 and #2 on the Eyelet Board Order page I think are the right one- but the pictures show the wrong board?  Only show 24 holes- should be 61.....

Are Eyelet Boards #1 and #2 the right ones for one channel AB763 build?

[MFowler]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackface-Vibrolux-type-chassis-w-cap-pan/223269476269?hash=item33fbe5d7ad:g:Zf8AAOSwNX1cBbCW:rk:1:pf:0


I get chassis from this dealer and they are great same as mojotone quality.


Mark

[Sponger D]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackface-Vibrolux-type-chassis-w-cap-pan/223269476269?hash=item33fbe5d7ad:g:Zf8AAOSwNX1cBbCW:rk:1:pf:0


I get chassis from this dealer and they are great same as mojotone quality.


Mark

That seller replied to me that this chassis will work for Vibrolux Reverb- I wasn't sure if Vibrolux and Vibrolux Reverb were same.  Thanks!!!!  Only one I've seen so far......

[PRR]

> I wasn't sure if Vibrolux and Vibrolux Reverb were same.  Thanks!!!! 

I don't know, but I am thinking.....

Fender and White were no Vincent van Gogh. Where Vinnie agonized over every stroke of the brush, Fender wudda used stencils and jigs so low-pay workers could churn-out exactly the number of flowers, birds, stars that you paid for.

So it seems likely Fender would use the same chassis for no-verb and verb models of otherwise identical features.

The difference would be the front plate. Aside for the obvious model name, the no-verb model would be blank where the verb had a verb-knob. (It is good policy to leave a blank space on the cheaper model, to make you wonder what was left-off there and if maybe you should get the one with more knobs.)

This could even extend to the tagboard. While you could shorten 2 inches and save some eyelets, maybe White figured it was cheaper to have a worker work steady making the one with/without board and one inventory bin, than to try to keep two similar boards in sync with monthly variations in sales.

Obviously aftermarket makers may do it differently. And obviously they too (even more so) would see the advantage of one chassis for several models.

[Sponger D]

PRR:

Totally makes sense.  I figured it was the same- just had to be ABSOLUTELY sure before I start build and get a stupid surprise downstream

[Sponger D]

single channel deluxe rev. less complex. more bite. use EL34s.


--pete

Really liked the projects on your site-  And the "electron tube data" link is great.

Any favorite EL34s?  My favs so far Mesa Boogie STR450 "NOS".  Don't see how they could be NOS because look new and have theyr logo and no other graphics.  And look brand new.

[DummyLoad]

thanks!

my fave EL34 - GE fat bottle 6CA7 or xf2 mullards: russian stuff, the sovtek are solid.


--pete