Hoffman 18 Watt Stout TMB in Hammond AO 43 Chassis--MV Questions??

[jojokeo]

If it was only a loose pin-socket @ #2 and you tightened it up then your problems should stay away. No need to replace all of them just for replacing sakes especially since you've corrected the culprit loose pin-socket. I have a few various dental picks I use for this and simply stick it down into the socket hole bending the metal clamping part inwards so that as long as it's gripping the tube's pin(s) securely, you're fine. Once done, it should stay fine this way for a long long time. This kind of troubleshooting is rewarding when you find it, isn't it? Seems that all you have left if to enjoy your new amp now?!

[sluckey]

Good lookin' conversion! These old Hammonds are really a good platform for guitar amps. Especially the 43 with that long and narrow chassis. I've done a 39, 43, and 44 and like all of them except that the tubes for a 44 are pricey. The 35 is also popular for a Dr. Z type amp, but I just don't like that laydown style OT.

About your socket issue (if it's still an issue)... It's pretty easy to just replace a single pin in the original Hammond sockets. I have several old sockets that I've robbed pins to replace broken ones. The old sockets are good quality but it's easy to break a pin when removing the old components.

[rlh5599]

After monkeying around with it for the weekend,  I'm pretty happy with it as it sits.  I just know I have to check the pins when I change the tubes.  These aren't the hammond sockets, but after going thru and tightening all the sockets, I feel confident they will be OK.

I would like to find a way to lower the heater voltage inside the amp, with diodes, or resistors.  I think the tubes would last longer at closer to spec htr voltages...

But Geezus does the thing rock for an 18 Watt Amp!!!

Thanks again to Doug for the circuit, and to EVERYBODY here for the help and guidance to get her up and running!!!