Best 5e3 tweed deluxe kit?

[Ledvedder]

What would be the best tweed deluxe kit? I've seen a lot of recommendations about the Mojotone kit, but I see there are many others to choose from.

[sluckey]

Stewmac has excellent instructions similar to the old Heathkit instructions.

I see Mojo also has excellent instructions for the 5E3.

[Latole]

Who here know Heatkit ? I built lots of their kits

Ledvedder,
Practice how to solder before order $1,5K amp kit.
Don't practice on the amp

[Ledvedder]

I've already built several amps.

[bmccowan]

I've already built several amps.

That being the case, why a full kit? Assuming you will continue building, better to pick and choose your components and stock up on resistors, capacitors, etc. Its a lot more satisfying to roll your own in my opinion.

[Ledvedder]

I've already built several amps.

That being the case, why a full kit? Assuming you will continue building, better to pick and choose your components and stock up on resistors, capacitors, etc. Its a lot more satisfying to roll your own in my opinion.

Yeah, I think I may ultimately do that anyway.

[Ledvedder]

Is anyone familiar with the Weber kit? https://www.tedweber.com/5e3-c-kt/

[sluckey]

Looks like a 5E3. Same circuit. Cheap parts.

[Ledvedder]

Yeah, it's definitely less expensive overall. That's why I'm relying on those folks that have more experience with different component choices. Which ones are actually worth the upgrades, and which are just snake oil.

[mresistor]

I would probably use Hammond Iron for a 5E3 build. https://www.hammfg.com/electronics/transformers/guitar/deluxe-5e3  You can get them at Hawk Electronics or AES for reasonable cost.  If you decide to assemble your own kit.


Boot Hill has a what looks like a nice Chassis Kit. https://boothillamps.com/5e3-kit


Cab can be had from this place https://guitarcabinetsdirect.com/


Speaker has many options  but a Weber alnico would be a good choice.


Trinity has a kit coming they say..  I have no idea on when or how long it's been but their chassis kit looks like it has decent parts,  they are in Canada though.    https://www.trinityamps.com/product/tweed/

The Weber chassis is pretty nice being highly polished stainless steel. https://www.tedweber.com/5e3ch/



I think I would get all the parts myself though as I would want to use F&T caps for power supply filters and probably Sozo coupling capacitors. 

[Ledvedder]

Thanks guys! I've built several amps up to this point, and I've learned quite a bit. Mostly Marshall circuits, and 1 Vox style circuit. Actually a Matchless DC30 clone. I'm not super familiar with the Fender circuits, but love the tones I've heard from these tweed circuits. "The Neil Young sound".

I see there have been variations of the 5e3 circuit through the years. The Dumble approach, which is said to tighten it up a bit. And the Proluxe, which adds 6l6 power tubes and bumps it to 40 watts. But to me, that farty, explosiveness is part of the charm. But, I'm wondering if there are other more versatile versions of the 5e3 circuit, that don't take away from the character of it.

[Auke Jolman]

This is something I'm thinking about building: https://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/tt-kit-5ae3-mkii.html.

Also on Rob Robinette's website you can find something with a twist.

[mresistor]

Wow at that price even with shipping it might be affordable in USA .


How does one select English at Tube Town ?

[JPK]

Wow at that price even with shipping it might be affordable in USA .


How does one select English at Tube Town ?

Drop down way at top and right.

[Ledvedder]

This is something I'm thinking about building: https://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/tt-kit-5ae3-mkii.html.

Also on Rob Robinette's website you can find something with a twist.

Wow that does look interesting! And only around $530 shipped for the kit, chassis, and faceplate.

[Ledvedder]

Here's another that I found, https://modulusamplification.com/tweed-deluxe-kit---12-watt-output-3405-p.asp.

I bought a 50w Plexi kit from them that's very nice.

[mresistor]

That looks more like a 40w ot on that one .

[Ledvedder]

That looks more like a 40w ot on that one .

Which one?

[66Strat]

The output transformer looks like a Black Face Bandmaster transformer.

[Ledvedder]

Is anyone familiar with this kit from Tube Depot? https://www.tubedepot.com/products/tweed-5e3-vacuum-tube-amp-kit

[Ledvedder]

Has anyone ordered the parts needed from this website? I'm trying to browse through it, but it's very confusing.

[sluckey]

That printed circuit board is a deal breaker for me at any price. It will be difficult tor modify or repair that amp because of the pcb.

[sluckey]

Has anyone ordered the parts needed from this website? I'm trying to browse through it, but it's very confusing.

Talking about Hoffman's parts? It's very easy to add all the "kit" parts to your shopping cart. Be aware, this is a small parts kit only. No tubes, transformers, chassis, speaker, or cab.

[Ledvedder]

That printed circuit board is a deal breaker for me at any price. It will be difficult tor modify or repair that amp because of the pcb.

Yep, I realized that after posting. I prefer turret boards.

[Ledvedder]

Has anyone ordered the parts needed from this website? I'm trying to browse through it, but it's very confusing.

Talking about Hoffman's parts? It's very easy to add all the "kit" parts to your shopping cart. Be aware, this is a small parts kit only. No tubes, transformers, chassis, speaker, or cab.

I understand that. I'm assuming any 5e3 type chassis will work?

[sluckey]

I assume that too. Be aware that Hoffman's turret board is 3-1/8" wide. That's wider than the stock Fender board. You will have to do some careful measuring to get the board mounted such that it does not interfere with input jacks, tube sockets, etc.

[Ledvedder]

After a ton of research and comparing different options, I'm highly considering this kit. https://www.ebay.com/itm/324613741077?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=IJeYHkLdQza&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=yBf2GcTzQIS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[mresistor]

I guess you'll have to ask the seller if the hook-up wire is stranded or solid, and if the conductor is silver coated.   If it's stranded it will take more effort to wire up the amp.  You'll probably want this to go along with that parts kit..


https://www.ebay.com/itm/325368676289?

[Ledvedder]

The seller actually has a website, https://www.tubeaudiosupply.com/.

[66Strat]

Has anyone ordered the parts needed from this website? I'm trying to browse through it, but it's very confusing.

Talking about Hoffman's parts? It's very easy to add all the "kit" parts to your shopping cart. Be aware, this is a small parts kit only. No tubes, transformers, chassis, speaker, or cab.tube sockets su

I understand that. I'm assuming any 5e3 type chassis will work?

Verify the dimensions of the holes for the tube sockets. Belton octal tube sockets may not fit.

[66Strat]

This seller lists the dimensions of the tube sockets and indicates that Belton sockets will fit.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325276706692?hash=item4bbc00a784:g:DW4AAOSwWMZi2C1A&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4BKECO%2BXP2Y7OQTj2pdi1EcYpKBawql1WFE15mfQhCelHphqcI5jqY8ejI2b7Cz1qidsxx7xDcRCrMFqKie37MpjIsFOaeOZlF6giKqZrEm4PJRsheplf5%2BmYbLCvaqma7vTvKpYtlox8Ke10bsaOjNsnX6iezoX87juUygPeu%2BGn8oAbeAENMxwUpuvPP3WGEjFqfjb0emlVpr%2FiajRB0p2U7yCjr0Z0DgdwNF2t21sLN5rxbixdQZg%2FTiXfEa4WGbqUh6ChYJy7qGx5Ufa9tdGkBlqmvZByZgC9BoWHNpK%7Ctkp%3ABFBM0O2Dovpg

[Ledvedder]

I went with the kit from Boothill Amps, with F&T and Mallory caps.

I'm also gonna go with Hammond transformers from Hawk USA.

[Ledvedder]

I put a hold on the transformer order. I'm still contemplating if I wanna do a Proluxe build with a bias switch. Rob Robinette seems to line it. He says it's like having 4 different amps. https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#Switchable_Bias

[mresistor]

I put a hold on the transformer order. I'm still contemplating if I wanna do a Proluxe build with a bias switch. Rob Robinette seems to line it. He says it's like having 4 different amps. https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#Switchable_Bias

The Allen Amps special Heyboer built transformers the Rob recommends are not available anymore at Allen Amps. They may be available through Heyboer I don't know.  I noticed that it appears that Heyboer is recreating and selling some of the Magnetic Components iron. So in light of this you may want to consider that a larger PT might mean some cutting/fitting to the Power Transformer opening in the chassis. Since the OT is an upright installation it isn't a problem.

[isaac_teller]

http://www.mableaudio.com/en/products.asp?sid=18

[Ledvedder]

http://www.mableaudio.com/en/products.asp?sid=18

Where is this place? Half the images and links on the site are broken. I find it hard to believe they can make a quality cabinet for $120.

[Ledvedder]

I put a hold on the transformer order. I'm still contemplating if I wanna do a Proluxe build with a bias switch. Rob Robinette seems to line it. He says it's like having 4 different amps. https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#Switchable_Bias

The Allen Amps special Heyboer built transformers the Rob recommends are not available anymore at Allen Amps. They may be available through Heyboer I don't know.  I noticed that it appears that Heyboer is recreating and selling some of the Magnetic Components iron. So in light of this you may want to consider that a larger PT might mean some cutting/fitting to the Power Transformer opening in the chassis. Since the OT is an upright installation it isn't a problem.

Do I need the larger transformers for a switchable bias? Can't I just tap off of the B+?

[isaac_teller]

Here's the main site. I ordered a JTM45 fully wired chassis from them(China) about 8 months ago and it was just fine. No problems so far.
http://www.mableaudio.com/en/products.asp?sid=1

[mresistor]

I put a hold on the transformer order. I'm still contemplating if I wanna do a Proluxe build with a bias switch. Rob Robinette seems to line it. He says it's like having 4 different amps. https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#Switchable_Bias

The Allen Amps special Heyboer built transformers the Rob recommends are not available anymore at Allen Amps. They may be available through Heyboer I don't know.  I noticed that it appears that Heyboer is recreating and selling some of the Magnetic Components iron. So in light of this you may want to consider that a larger PT might mean some cutting/fitting to the Power Transformer opening in the chassis. Since the OT is an upright installation it isn't a problem.

Do I need the larger transformers for a switchable bias? Can't I just tap off of the B+?

No you don't need larger transformers for switchable bias.  But you mentioned doing a proluxe.
Rob mentions the Allen Amps transformers for using big bottle tubes in the 5E3 Proluxe amp circuit.  That means they have a higher current rating to better drive 6L6, 5881, EL34 etc. which is what you mentioned. The only reason you need a bias circuit is for fixed bias.   He talks about that too (it's all in the link you posted to Robs site) https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#High_Voltage_Tap_Adjustable_Bias


You also said you put your Hammond 5E3 transformers on hold. Why would you do that?

[Ledvedder]

I put a hold on the transformer order. I'm still contemplating if I wanna do a Proluxe build with a bias switch. Rob Robinette seems to line it. He says it's like having 4 different amps. https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#Switchable_Bias

The Allen Amps special Heyboer built transformers the Rob recommends are not available anymore at Allen Amps. They may be available through Heyboer I don't know.  I noticed that it appears that Heyboer is recreating and selling some of the Magnetic Components iron. So in light of this you may want to consider that a larger PT might mean some cutting/fitting to the Power Transformer opening in the chassis. Since the OT is an upright installation it isn't a problem.

Do I need the larger transformers for a switchable bias? Can't I just tap off of the B+?

No you don't need larger transformers for switchable bias.  But you mentioned doing a proluxe.
Rob mentions the Allen Amps transformers for using big bottle tubes in the 5E3 Proluxe amp circuit.  That means they have a higher current rating to better drive 6L6, 5881, EL34 etc. which is what you mentioned. The only reason you need a bias circuit is for fixed bias.   He talks about that too (it's all in the link you posted to Robs site) https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#High_Voltage_Tap_Adjustable_Bias


You also said you put your Hammond 5E3 transformers on hold. Why would you do that?

Yeah, I worry that larger transformers would change the mojo of the circuit.

[mresistor]

Then just build your amp with the 5E3 iron. The 5E3 is a very tight chassis to work in and you might find that adding an HV tap bias circuit will be even more difficult to do. The Hammond 291BX has a 50v bias tap.

[Ledvedder]

I put a hold on the transformer order. I'm still contemplating if I wanna do a Proluxe build with a bias switch. Rob Robinette seems to line it. He says it's like having 4 different amps. https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#Switchable_Bias

The Allen Amps special Heyboer built transformers the Rob recommends are not available anymore at Allen Amps. They may be available through Heyboer I don't know.  I noticed that it appears that Heyboer is recreating and selling some of the Magnetic Components iron. So in light of this you may want to consider that a larger PT might mean some cutting/fitting to the Power Transformer opening in the chassis. Since the OT is an upright installation it isn't a problem.

Do I need the larger transformers for a switchable bias? Can't I just tap off of the B+?

No you don't need larger transformers for switchable bias.  But you mentioned doing a proluxe.
Rob mentions the Allen Amps transformers for using big bottle tubes in the 5E3 Proluxe amp circuit.  That means they have a higher current rating to better drive 6L6, 5881, EL34 etc. which is what you mentioned. The only reason you need a bias circuit is for fixed bias.   He talks about that too (it's all in the link you posted to Robs site) https://robrobinette.com/5e3_Modifications.htm#High_Voltage_Tap_Adjustable_Bias


You also said you put your Hammond 5E3 transformers on hold. Why would you do that?

In case I decide to get the bigger ones for a Proluxe.

[Ledvedder]

Then just build your amp with the 5E3 iron. The 5E3 is a very tight chassis to work in and you might find that adding an HV tap bias circuit will be even more difficult to do. The Hammond 291BX has a 50v bias tap.

Would the P-T290BX work?

[Greenwichpaul]

http://www.mableaudio.com/en/products.asp?sid=18

I've built a 5E3 using their chassis. It was a perfectly good chassis.

But if you're investing a lot of your time, which you will, no way is it worth skimping on transformers etc, and getting anonymous Chinese ones. OP's choice of Hammond etc seems like the right one.

[66Strat]

Heyboer transformers

https://www.tubeaudiosupply.com/collections/transformers/products/classictone-tweed-deluxe-transformer-set-power-and-output-transformer-usa-made

They also have the chassis that I linked earlier.
https://www.tubeaudiosupply.com/collections/chassis-and-chassis-kits/products/5e3-tweed-deluxe-chassis-satin-black-powder-coat

This looks like a very nice chassis; 16 gauge galvanized steel, welded corners, and powder coated finish.

[Ledvedder]

Heyboer transformers

https://www.tubeaudiosupply.com/collections/transformers/products/classictone-tweed-deluxe-transformer-set-power-and-output-transformer-usa-made

They also have the chassis that I linked earlier.
https://www.tubeaudiosupply.com/collections/chassis-and-chassis-kits/products/5e3-tweed-deluxe-chassis-satin-black-powder-coat

This looks like a very nice chassis; 16 gauge galvanized steel, welded corners, and powder coated finish.

I almost grabbed this transformer set. But I'd like to have the 50v bias tap to do a switchable bias.

[66Strat]

You can use one of the HV leads for a negative bias source a la Marshall.

https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Marshall/Marshall_1987_jmp_lead_50watt_el34.gif

[mresistor]

Then just build your amp with the 5E3 iron. The 5E3 is a very tight chassis to work in and you might find that adding an HV tap bias circuit will be even more difficult to do. The Hammond 291BX has a 50v bias tap.

Would the P-T290BX work?

yes   btw here's the Hammond 290 series spec page  so you can see all of them  https://www.hammfg.com/electronics/transformers/classic/290

[Ledvedder]

I just went with the 290BBX. No 50v tap, but I'll just get it from HV if I decide to go that route.

I know the original design doesn't have an impedance selector, but I'm going to add one. Is there any particular one I should use to keep the Fender look?

[PRR]

Where is this place?

Guangdong, Shenzhen, China. Basically the mainland north of Hong Kong. Special Economic District. Shenzhen is a real hotbed of electronic entrepreneurs. A few very smart brains and an ample supply of eager labor. Impossible prices before breakfast.

Yes, their website has an HTTPS flaw; relax your browser paranoia and you may see more images. (I see "all" if I wait.)

Mableaudio has been around for many years.
https://www.tdpri.com/threads/mable-audio-5f6a-transformers.1038701/
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/has-anybody-purchased-from-mable-audio.153736/

They may do business with Weber; if they do a lot of private-brand kitting they may not need a retail business.