5879 Amps mentioned in threads

[moonbird]

Hello all -

My first post here. I have been winding my way through to wonderful 5879 world on this site and all the terrific designs that folks have used. In one thread Geezer (thx much for all your terrific designs to date) mentioned the following two new/updated designs that include the 5879 tube which I have not been able to find:

New Opus II
Crazy Like a Vox

Were the names changed? -- could someone please point the way? Thanks again to all!! This is a GREAT forum.

[tubenit]

I think the Opus II was shelved and never built?

Crazy Like a Fox has a schematic in the SCH Library of schematics. You will need to download a free ExpressSCH program to open that.

I don't know for sure but I think Geezer may have updated that schematic?

IF you are truly interested in a 5879 amp, I'd recommend Geezer's HoSo56 or a Tweed Overdrive Special. There is also a Tweed OD Lite that I built. All of those files are also in the SCH Library.

With respect, Tubenit

[Geezer]

I think the Opus II was shelved and never built?

Correct


Crazy Vox>>

http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=3156.0

[moonbird]

Thanks much for the very quick response -- much appreciated. I also have a question about the HoSo56, 56T, and Little Wing and Tubenit's Blues amp. They are show a filter choke -- but do not show the specs. Are these all the same choke? Thanks again.

[jojokeo]

Pretty much - you can buy a replacement Fender choke, doesn't matter which one really. Or you can get one from Hammond. 5879 tubes really work well in any position but really shine when used in places other than V1 due to lack of microphonics which plague pentodes. I still prefer the EF86 w/ it's higher gain & tone for V1 that the 5879 just can't get unless going for a cleaner amp, then use the 5879 for sure. But, it all depends on what you're after tone and gain wise, and if you're making a powerful combo amp or simply a chassis or head which can be seperated from the speaker vibrations. Just my opinion and perspective.

[moonbird]

Great -- that is what I figgered -- there is always PSUD II for a sanity check. Thanks for the post!!

Just a note on microphonics -- I only make heads anymore mostly for this reason. I built a narrow table frame to go above my speaker cabs. I like to mix and match speakers anyway. Once you start it is AMAZING the sound differences - read somewhere that the speaker choice is 1/2 the amp tone -- IMMA BIG BELIEVER.

Even with that some of the best sounding tubes IMHO are mildly microphonic -- so I do one more thing for all my pre-amp sockets. I put a strip of this hi temp rubber (orange color) to isolate the socket from the chassis. I got it from this guy on EBAY. I waited until he offered a "scrap" pile for sale. Otherwise it is pricey stuff. Think his handle is "rubberman" or something like that. It looks and feels like that stuff they make tube dampers from but I am no expert. I really like the tone of mildly microphonic tubes -- there is a "fuzzy" edge that is very chimey and ragged. Course I leave all my heads open air so tube swaps are easy. There are a couple of tubes that I put in various topologies to brighten or darken as required. They are like spices to me -- if that makes sense.

But there again -- I play about 80-90% clean tone with justa little distortion frosting on top. I like to hear each guitar's wood and pups so this approach is not for everybody by any means. I remember when I first starting with electric guitar, I was into the whole mega distortion thing -- but then I noticed when I plugged in my acoustic guitar in it sounds like every other guitar -- got me to thinking. But shoot I would not even want to take away anybody's - headbanger stage. Itza lotta fun -- hides many mistakes when you are first learning guitar too.

[jojokeo]

I agree w/ everything you said and thanks for the tip on the gasket material as I've not used any of it before. I've been doing the same things w/ the chassis' and speaker cabs too. It also helps when making the final touches dialing things in. When you can sub many speakers and guitars w/ an amp to where they all sound good, you know you have it right. Then there's always a special combination or two