Fender Princeton w/no trem or reverb

[mford]

Is there a circuit design available for a 1964 Princeton without tremelo or reverb.  I also want to use a solid state rectifier.  Anyone know where to find this animal?   

[echuta13]

This is relatively close. https://robrobinette.com/AA1164_Princeton_Reverb_With_Reverb_and_Tremolo_Deleted.htm
Adding an SS recto shouldn't be a big deal assuming you pair it power transformer that reflects this change.

[acheld]

Just curious:  why the solid state rectification on a Princeton? 

[mford]

I am just starting to learn about amp building, and I thought a solid state rectifier may be an easier option.  Is that true? 

[jordan86]

Not sure you’re specific goals or priorities, but I’d probably look for an AA964 schem and layout. Non reverb Princeton. Should be easy to ditch the bias vary trem. I’d lean toward building in the rectifier socket and using a plug in like a Weber copper cap or similar. Leaves the option to try a tube if you want.

[mford]

Thanks Jordan

[acheld]

I like Rob's thoughts on the Princeton AA1164.    I'm just beginning a very similar project we designed on the forum earlier this fall.

It will be a challenge, though, as there is no "kit" or full set of instructions for a person building their first amp.   I'd suggest something much simpler, possibly a Champ.  Take a look at Hoffman's kits --  the list is available in his store (not within the forum), and they range from very basic to quite elaborate.  These kits are tried and true, and are the real deal, not ersatz stuff.  You would have to source stuff, like transformers and cabinets.   But his designs and layouts work really well and you will begin the process of learning about this hobby.

[jordan86]

I was in your shoes last year. But I’m also stubborn. So I read a ton (including Robs page) and decided to go ahead and build the AA1164 as my first amp. Took me about 18-20 hours I’d say. I learned a ton and caught the bug.

I actually preferred to build the AA964 at that time but there were no kits for it. It would be a much simpler build than the AA1164. If you really want to go that route, you could just buy the Mojo 1164 kit and source the AA964 eyelet from Doug. Don’t worry about the mojo manual being different. Their manual kinda sucks anyway. I found it to be not the most helpful. If you get an AA964 layout you can fit that to the AA1164 chassis no prob.

Or you could source all your small parts from Doug and anything else he carries. Then piecemeal the rest from Mojo/AES/etc. Kit transformers kinda stink with the Princeton kits anyway. No reason to not upgrade them in my mind. I did the Hammond 290AX from Hawk and a Deluxe sized OT.