Does This Circuit Exist?

[Nathan]

Hey all, after years of casual searching, I finally found a Fender Two Tone for a good price and bought it.



It's just a Blues Jr in a big pine cab of course... 


Now I am aware of all the mods available but I am really open to gutting the amp and rebuilding something different.


My one condition? I don't want to change the esthetics on such a handsome amp (including control panel). 


So I am trying to find a schematic that has MV and tube reverb but keeps TMB tone stack.


This thread adds 1-tube reverb to 5E3 and Tubenit suggests the MV (3rd post):


https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=19866.0


I already had a project with 5E3 iron (Mojo/Heyboer) that could be used as well as a slew of parts so this should be fun. I can fit a long spring reverb tank in this cab to boot!


Fire away!

[SILVERGUN]

sluckeys TDR for the win!
Visio-TDR.vsd (sluckeyamps.com)


The Master is on the schematic but not on the layout. I used and enjoyed having the Master.

[tubenit]

This thread adds 1-tube reverb to 5E3 and Tubenit suggests the MV (3rd post):

I would not use that master volume today in that circuit.  I'd use a PPIMV instead.


With respect, Tubenit

[Nathan]

Good advice guys -thanks! I'm going to study my options before I dive in.

[Nathan]

Ok I might as well ask this:


I was planning to use the Mojo 756 PT since I already have it. It is listed as a tweed deluxe PT but spec'd at 384-0-384 VAC which seems awfully high when most 5E3 circuits show 330 VAC... I even have an old email from Heyboer confirming it's 392-0-392 no load!


All the schematics I have been looking to combine for this build use much less (the Mesa Blue Angel I am leaning towards says 275 VAC).


So is this tranny a bad idea? Or do I need to drop some B+ with larger resistors?


(full disclosure: at this point in my journey, I am not savvy enough to design anything, I have merely built using established schematics for the 6 amps I have built/modded)


Thanks for your input!

[SILVERGUN]

Ok I might as well ask this:


I was planning to use the Mojo 756 PT since I already have it. It is listed as a tweed deluxe PT but spec'd at 384-0-384 VAC which seems awfully high when most 5E3 circuits show 330 VAC... I even have an old email from Heyboer confirming it's 392-0-392 no load!


All the schematics I have been looking to combine for this build use much less (the Mesa Blue Angel I am leaning towards says 275 VAC).


So is this tranny a bad idea? Or do I need to drop some B+ with larger resistors?


(full disclosure: at this point in my journey, I am not savvy enough to design anything, I have merely built using established schematics for the 6 amps I have built/modded)


Thanks for your input!

It depends on what you are going to build.
Take a look at sluckeys page for the TDR. At the bottom of the page he upgrades to 6L6GC and that makes him happy.
Tweed Deluxe Reverb (sluckeyamps.com)
6L6GC will be the better idea for the higher B+.
You're going to have to nail down your design objective.
Tube rectifier?
Output wattage?
Use? stage or bedroom


Also, keep in mind, he is  a very skilled builder who was running out of room in that chassis.

[Nathan]

Thx SILVERGUN, I remember seeing that page WAY back when.

I have had great experience with 6V6s to the point that they have become my favorite tube. 2x6V6 gives me all I need in terms of volume and tonal character. I made a 6V6 plexi that really rocked. My good friend just built a 5E3 from a kit and he simply loves it. I cloned a Swart AST (sort of) that also turned out great and I was planning another with some changes (bought most of the parts already). I also have a nice stash of RCA blackplates pulled from organs...   

For clean tones, you can't beat Blackface Fender IMO but that tube reverb is a must. I don't own one now but I do have 2 Blue Angel combos which scratch that itch nicely. I never use the EL84s. The reverb is particularly nice and I like how the TMB works too. Its design is a bit of an odd duck with the SS pre and tube rectifier only used on the power section. I jam in my basement with drums and at church (pre COVID) so small stages at best. The Blue Angel always delivers (once you have the right speakers). 20 watts is fine though I do wish it had a master volume! I considered rebuilding one on turretboard without the EL84s, effects loop and mojo module.

So there you have my inspiration in a nutshell:
2x6V6 works great in any situation I'll find myself in, which is why I'm thinking about scrapping the Blues Jr circuit with its EL84s. The only amp I liked EL84s in was a Carmen Ghia clone I made from a Hammond AO35... But now I'm going on a tangent.

Since I want to keep the control panel stock I need:
-15-20 Watts
-Reverb tube/spring is essential
-Tube or SS rectifier are both ok
-TMB 
-MV

Do you think the mojo PT asking for trouble?

[SILVERGUN]

Do you think the mojo PT asking for trouble?

The Mojo 756 PT is intended for a 5E3, which has a tube rectifier, which will supply a lower, "useable" voltage. Once you have the load of the circuit on that PT your voltages will settle down.
So, you'll have to have room for that, plus 2- 6V6's and maybe 3 small sockets.

If you're considering running a SS rectifier than you should get an appropriate PT, with a lower secondary voltage.
Once you make that decision, you can go forward.

Your biggest problem is going to be squeezing your ideas into that chassis.

[Nathan]

The Mojo 756 PT is intended for a 5E3, which has a tube rectifier, which will supply a lower, "useable" voltage. Once you have the load of the circuit on that PT your voltages will settle down.
So, you'll have to have room for that, plus 2- 6V6's and maybe 3 small sockets.

Roger that. Thanks! I won't consider that PT unless I add the 5Y3. I already have to add a 9-pin socket for reverb regardless... I happen to work in a mixed metal shop so I could get my buddy to bend/weld a chassis if needed. 

[SILVERGUN]

One last thing...
There's nothing wrong with a Blues Junior.