What to build next?

[G._Hoffman]

I'm starting to think about what I should build next, and I don't know what I want to work on.  The only thing I really kind of need is a really clean amp for time based effects return, but that kind of implies solid state to me, and I know what I want to do in that area, which will be quick and easy.  But I would also like to start thinking about my next tube amp, and I want to come up with something that will push my skills. 

So far I've built a couple of amps a few times each.  One of them started out as a GDS 18W kit, which I originally built to the directions, and have subsequently rebuilt as a Stout with an effects loop.  The other started as a scratch built Hoffman style AC-30, which I just finished reusing the iron to build an amp with the AC30 power amp, and a preamp of my own design (with many ideas from Merlin's book). 

So, I'm thinking I want to try something with a fixed bias power amp.  I've not built one before, and so it's an educational opportunity.  And I want to do as much design work as I can myself, because that is a big part of the enjoyment for me - particularly as I don't really have the money to build as many amps as I would like.  But what else should I be thinking of for a "next step" kind of amp?  Channel switching?  I don't tend to like the sound of preamp distortion, but it would be a skill builder.  What would YOU want to try next?


Gabriel

[jojokeo]

Hi Gabriel,
I ponder this question all of the time especially since I don't make straight clone amps or copies. I am always thinking one or two amps ahead of things to do or try. This is a lot like like what deGeezer & Tubenit do and I have a lot of fun following their lead in trying stuff out. The closest I come to building a "clone amp" is by using various sections or ideas from schematics and then mix and match different things that I think would be cool and interesting. It can be in the initial design phase or after everything has been made and I'm re-doing a section or two since the original didn't satisfy completely or just wanted to try out something else. Like you've stated, I also like to build a new "something" in that I haven't done or tried before to continue the learning process.
A most recent was to incorporate a VVR into a relatively simple S.E. EL34 (or other octal) which is fun and versitile to use. You may want to consider this in your next build because it gives you the power distortion at various power levels you seem to want to have rather than the preamp type of distortion.

With a fixed bias amp you could beef up the power supply and do a few other things for the clean that you want w/ good low end response, fast attack and punch. Maybe make a clean and a driven channel based on different tubes and biasing or variations of tone stack, no tone stack, cathode bypassing, or whatever that can be relay switchable. Or if you don't need two actual channels, create one or two boost switching effects w/ the relays. Depending on the type of tone stack(s) and where it's inserted will also make a big difference on what you end up with. This is all pretty vague until you decide on either what type of music you want to play or what tubes you want to play with.
Have fun - Joe

[TIMBO]

Hi guys, Jojokeo is right. My approach to the next build is always guided by bits and pieces of other amps(i don't have the skills to be able to start from scratch) but they are a starting point for adjustments.I do believe it is difficult way to build because you don't know how it will sound until you have built it (but that can be a good thing)I think starting with a type of amp you like ( a known working design ), sound, the amount of power you need,are add ons easily injected and lots of planing(and lots of sleepless nights thinking of the endless possibilities or is that just me!!!) To me its a lot of trial and error.So far i have built six amps TOS, 50w Plexi, MY OPUS,Champ, Stinger,changed a VJ into a HOT ROD and now i'm working on an involved build called The Little Booga (this one has got it all )They all have their own unique sound and have been a pleasure to build. So ask lots of questions, listen to sound clips and let it evolve. Thanks

[tubeswell]

The eternal question  

How about a sort of AC4ish with 2 parallel 6V6s?

http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=10746.0

(Not meaning to hijack the thread ;-)

[P Batty]

My dream amp is a stereo Princeton AA964 with a dual PS, with an  FX loop in  each channel. A 10" speaker for each channel in a similar cabinet to a Gibson GA-79RVT, but angled up 45°.  I've got three amps that are waiting to be finished  before that one, however.

[Fresh_Start]

How about a Hoffman-style AB763 with 6V6s?  Make the Vibrato channel pretty much stock Fender.  Make the "Normal" channel whatever you want - brown Vibroverb, tweedy, or Marshall with a MOSFET cathode follower to drive the tone stack.  It's a fairly complicated build IMHO, especially when troubleshooting, but you'll end up with a great platform for experiments.  Plus how can you lose with classic Blackface tone?

Cheers,

Chip

[G._Hoffman]

A VVR is a possibility, not least of all because I'm reading Merlin's Power Supply book right now, and I believe he will be talking about VVR's in there at some point, so using one will be good for reinforcing the book stuff.

For the preamp, I'm thinking that I would kind of like to do something like the one I put up in THIS POST, but replacing the LEDs with normal cathode resistors (I didn't like the sound of the LEDs), and swapping one of the input sections for an EF86.  Or, possibly, just adding an EF86 input stage and having three input sections.  I've never worked with an EF86, so that's another new thing.

I've got 3-4 different solid state (well, one solid state, and two digital using PIC μC's) LFO's I've been playing around with, and using one of those to drive an amp tremolo has been on my mind for quite a while, so that might be a good thought too.  

I think I want to stick with Push-Pull power amps, for right now, but I certainly want to use 6V6 or 6L6 power tubes, because I've always used British power tubes up to now (well, EL84s, probably all made in Eastern Europe or China somewhere), and I want to try some American designs this time.  So, a fixed bias pair of 6V6's is going to be what - about 25-30 watts?  And a pair of 6L6's about 50ish?  I'm kind of wanting a bit more headroom out of whatever I do next, so I'm kind of leaning towards 6L6's, but I don't know that I need to go so loud as all that!

So, still thinking.  I think what I want to do is buy the Transformers and tubes with some of my tax return money, so I've got another month or so before I need to "decide" anything.


Gabriel