Magnatone Vibrato/Reverb build Project

[wsscott]

So the Gretsch with humbucker style pickups looks like its between 100-125mVPP when both are active and in the neutral tone position, and the Strat using the Middle single coil pickup is lower, maybe in the 90-110mVPP range.  Its not much difference when I use just the bridge or the neck pickup.  Can get a little bit higher on both numbers when strum really hard.

[sluckey]

How 'bout that! Maybe you can explain to shooter how to do that.   

[shooter]

pretty sure reply 690 indicated "how Shooter would measure....."
with follow-up clarification later in the posts...
I could use some help with what others have measured for MAX outputs from their pickups, well not me, i'm an UAS aviator now, I like the instant gratification, tube amps take way to long   

[wsscott]

Well my numbers were jumping all around, or course, but I figured those numbers I gave were probably in the average range.  I did get some numbers over 150 mVPP, but that was hard strumming.  Anyway, I'll check it out later and see if the "fizz" I was complaining of is gone-----or if it still lingers. 

[sluckey]

Your scope may be capable of capturing the minimum, maximum, and average voltages.

As for fizz, use a 100pF cap and a couple gator clip test leads to connect the cap between chassis and various points in the signal path. I suggest these points and in this order... V1-6, V1-1, V6-1, V7-1, and V7-6. If you find a point that reduces the fizz, then permanently install a 100pF at that point. Then continue testing with the remaining points. Play guitar for a while to be sure you didn't lose too much high frequency sparkle.

[mresistor]

Well isn't that a coincidence ..  got my Estey T-35 back yesterday cause the guy hit some hard times..   and found this thread.   yeah  varistors  and this vibrato / trem sounds awesome..

[wsscott]

Well even with the suggested settings we've discussed, I still get the breakup in Treble tone when the pot is advanced past 9:00.  So to keep it clean, I'll just leave it there.  I was thinking maybe the Pot is too big.  I have a 1M audio taper installed.  Would a smaller size be better, or should I just leave my obsession and go on with other things?

[sluckey]

1M is the correct pot value. Verify that your actual amp wiring agrees with the schematic.

[wsscott]

I was thinking of a 250K Linear only because the Twilighter Mod that you helped me with and that I just finished uses that one.  Interesting that that schematic shows a 250K Linear for Treble Pot, but a 250K Audio for the Bass.  The Volume pot is also Audio taper.

[sluckey]

I was thinking of a 250K Linear only because the Twilighter Mod that you helped me with and that I just finished uses that one.  Interesting that that schematic shows a 250K Linear for Treble Pot, but a 250K Audio for the Bass.  The Volume pot is also Audio taper.

FORGET ABOUT THE TWILIGHTER! It uses a Fender tonestack that is not even similar to the M10 James tonestack.

[Willabe]

I played a new Magnatone a few years back at Chicago Music Exchange, huge guitar store, ~1000 guitars there. 

It was a stereo vibrato Maggie, 2 x 6V6 left, 2 x 6V6 right, 1 x 12" speaker for each left/right channel. But its only a single phase shift stage on each channel.

I LOVED it!!!!!! LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!!!!

Did I say I LOVED it? 

[wsscott]

I"ve never heard one in person, only on the internet.  But the sound is great.  The M-10A mod I did last year with 4 NOS Varistors creates the fantastic vibrato that I really love.  Its nice to have the Vibrato as well as the Magnatone Tremolo available to me.  I think those sounds are really unique.

[Willabe]

When I 1st plugged in I set the vibrato switch for mono, it was pretty underwhelming. I thought this doesn't sound anything like Lonnie Mack. 

Then I switched over to the stereo setting and man Wham! Now that's cool!

Speaking of Wham;

[Willabe]

More Maggi vibrato;

[Willabe]

1 more Lonnie Mack Maggi vibrato;

[wsscott]

That's quite a sound!  Neat.