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Post by myles on May 14, 2012 9:10:28 GMT -7
I have talked a lot on parts such as transformers, capacitors, etc. If I built a kit I might consider upgrading many of the parts
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2012 16:31:28 GMT -7
I have talked a lot on parts such as transformers, capacitors, etc. If I built a kit I might consider upgrading many of the parts Upgrading the parts is definitely in the plans. We'll see. I'll do my research before jumping in. Thanks, Myles |
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Post by myles on May 14, 2012 17:17:27 GMT -7
I have talked a lot on parts such as transformers, capacitors, etc. If I built a kit I might consider upgrading many of the parts Upgrading the parts is definitely in the plans. We'll see. I'll do my research before jumping in. Thanks, Myles Start with something simple. The Mojo Champ kit is simple and fun. Play it a while and then later upgrade some little things, one or two items at a time such as caps in the tone circuit .... but ... keep in mind that these amps were built to be inexpensive and some of their magic is in some of those less pricey ceramic disc caps etc. Happy building! |
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Post by myles on May 14, 2012 17:19:53 GMT -7
I have talked a lot on parts such as transformers, capacitors, etc. If I built a kit I might consider upgrading many of the parts Upgrading the parts is definitely in the plans. We'll see. I'll do my research before jumping in. Thanks, Myles P.S. .... not sure of where you got the idea you were being a pest. Part of the coolest aspect of this forum if folks bouncing ideas of one another and helping each other. So .... you were not a pest by any stretch of the imagination. ..... and ..... Some folks build Champs with an 8 ohm output transformer and a 12" Vox Blue as the speaker. They are pretty darn impressive. Lots more clean headroom and a lot of level as the Vox Blue is a one watt in = 100db out speaker. They sound pretty cool. You can also unplug the 8" internal speaker and plug the amp into an extension cab. Even with a 4 ohm stock output transformer, running into a 8 ohm larger speaker will yield more headroom and more low end. You can safely drive into the higher impedance. It is not safe to go the other way. |
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Post by boptometrist(david) on May 14, 2012 18:05:24 GMT -7
Myles or anybody who would know,
One of my speaker leads came loose at the speaker terminal and I operated my Z28 for about 5 minutes with guitar plugged in and V at about 10 o'clock before figuring out it was the speaker.
Everything seems fine after swapping to another cab, but I worry my OT could have been damaged from operating with no load. Should I worry? What would you be on the lookout for if it is?
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2012 18:18:06 GMT -7
P.S. .... not sure of where you got the idea you were being a pest. So .... you were not a pest by any stretch of the imagination. Thanks, Myles. Wish my wife felt the same way. ..... and ..... Some folks build Champs with an 8 ohm output transformer and a 12" Vox Blue as the speaker. They are pretty darn impressive. Lots more clean headroom and a lot of level as the Vox Blue is a one watt in = 100db out speaker. They sound pretty cool. You can also unplug the 8" internal speaker and plug the amp into an extension cab. Even with a 4 ohm stock output transformer, running into a 8 ohm larger speaker will yield more headroom and more low end. You can safely drive into the higher impedance. It is not safe to go the other way. I appreciate the suggestions. Thank you. |
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2012 18:22:48 GMT -7
Myles or anybody who would know, One of my speaker leads came loose at the speaker terminal and I operated my Z28 for about 5 minutes with guitar plugged in and V at about 10 o'clock before figuring out it was the speaker. Everything seems fine after swapping to another cab, but I worry my OT could have been damaged from operating with no load. Should I worry? What would you be on the lookout for if it is? No. You should not worry. Doc over builds his trannies. There is a story on Z-Talk about a Ghia that was turned on with no load and left that way for quite awhile. I don't remember exactly how long it was on w/no load. I hope someone will share the link. The owner says it sounds better than ever. I wouldn't recommend doing this with many of the other tube amps on the market. |
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Post by boptometrist(david) on May 14, 2012 18:55:28 GMT -7
Doug, Thanks. What a relief.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2012 21:53:03 GMT -7
You are more than welcome, bopto!
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Post by cpa2guitar on May 16, 2012 18:57:47 GMT -7
Myles,
I love the tone of my Remedy, but it is too loud, even with a Brake Lite, for playing around the house after the family has gone to bed. It was suggested by benttop that I use two Brake Lites on the Remedy. Is this okay, or can it cause the Remedy potential problems?
Thanks,
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2012 20:51:38 GMT -7
If Steve says it's fine, then you'll be okay.I stand corrected. Myles, I love the tone of my Remedy, but it is too loud, even with a Brake Lite, for playing around the house after the family has gone to bed. It was suggested by benttop that I use two Brake Lites on the Remedy. Is this okay, or can it cause the Remedy potential problems? Thanks, You are using the wrong tool for the job ... playing in the house when folks are sleeping .... The use of a less efficient speaker in a 1x12 or 1x10 cab will help but ultimately use a much lower wattage amp. DO NOT use two attenuators as the resistance will be improper. This will also alter the tone even more. Bottom line - if you want to play in the house when folks are sleeping you need a different amp or you can pile carpet and blankets over a small speaker cabinet and live with tone like that. You can also find an old GT Speaker Emulator and drive a set of headphones as one more option. |
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Post by mickey on May 17, 2012 1:39:02 GMT -7
Hi Myles, this may be a silly question, but I have a Mullard GZ34 in my Maz 38 head. I installed it for reliability reasons, but I seem to actually prefer the original Sovtek, as it appears to sound a bit sweeter, not as hard or brittle, and the Mullard seems to cause a kind of "less forgiving" and slightly harder treble, particularly when I use an overdrive pedal. I also find the amp to sound slightly cleaner, ie I have to turn the volume up more to get it to break up the same as it would if the Sovtek was in there. Now I know that theoretically the rectifier should not alter the tone of an amp, but can certainly change the apparent feel of the amp. What do you think is happening here? Could the rectifier actually be changing the tone of my amp, perhaps reducing the gain, or is it the reduced sag which can result in what I'm hearing? Thanks!
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Post by myles on May 17, 2012 8:39:35 GMT -7
Myles, I love the tone of my Remedy, but it is too loud, even with a Brake Lite, for playing around the house after the family has gone to bed. It was suggested by benttop that I use two Brake Lites on the Remedy. Is this okay, or can it cause the Remedy potential problems? Thanks, You are using the wrong tool for the job ... playing in the house when folks are sleeping .... The use of a less efficient speaker in a 1x12 or 1x10 cab will help but ultimately use a much lower wattage amp. DO NOT use two attenuators as the resistance will be improper. This will also alter the tone even more. Bottom line - if you want to play in the house when folks are sleeping you need a different amp or you can pile carpet and blankets over a small speaker cabinet and live with tone like that. You can also find an old GT Speaker Emulator and drive a set of headphones as one more option. |
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Post by myles on May 17, 2012 8:41:34 GMT -7
Hi Myles, this may be a silly question, but I have a Mullard GZ34 in my Maz 38 head. I installed it for reliability reasons, but I seem to actually prefer the original Sovtek, as it appears to sound a bit sweeter, not as hard or brittle, and the Mullard seems to cause a kind of "less forgiving" and slightly harder treble, particularly when I use an overdrive pedal. I also find the amp to sound slightly cleaner, ie I have to turn the volume up more to get it to break up the same as it would if the Sovtek was in there. Now I know that theoretically the rectifier should not alter the tone of an amp, but can certainly change the apparent feel of the amp. What do you think is happening here? Could the rectifier actually be changing the tone of my amp, perhaps reducing the gain, or is it the reduced sag which can result in what I'm hearing? Thanks! The rectifier is changing the tone and touch dynamics of your amp as the plate voltages have changed. I have written a lot on this subject in The Tube Amp Book (Aspen Pittman hard cover editions) and on my own GAB website where the info in the book originally came from. |
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Post by myles on May 17, 2012 8:46:12 GMT -7
Myles or anybody who would know, One of my speaker leads came loose at the speaker terminal and I operated my Z28 for about 5 minutes with guitar plugged in and V at about 10 o'clock before figuring out it was the speaker. Everything seems fine after swapping to another cab, but I worry my OT could have been damaged from operating with no load. Should I worry? What would you be on the lookout for if it is? If your amp still works you are OK for now. Did you feel if the OT was hot to the touch after this oversight? There is material inside the transformer that can become hot and migrate or even drip out of the transformer which is like a wax. Things may be fine now (you were lucky) but the integrity of the transformer may have been compromised. Tip: If an amp is turned on and makes no sound turn it off immediately and investigate. Five minutes is a very long time to stress the output transformer. If this were a classic Marshall plexi your OT would have failed in seconds. |
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Post by mickey on May 17, 2012 10:05:52 GMT -7
Hi Myles, this may be a silly question, but I have a Mullard GZ34 in my Maz 38 head. I installed it for reliability reasons, but I seem to actually prefer the original Sovtek, as it appears to sound a bit sweeter, not as hard or brittle, and the Mullard seems to cause a kind of "less forgiving" and slightly harder treble, particularly when I use an overdrive pedal. I also find the amp to sound slightly cleaner, ie I have to turn the volume up more to get it to break up the same as it would if the Sovtek was in there. Now I know that theoretically the rectifier should not alter the tone of an amp, but can certainly change the apparent feel of the amp. What do you think is happening here? Could the rectifier actually be changing the tone of my amp, perhaps reducing the gain, or is it the reduced sag which can result in what I'm hearing? Thanks! The rectifier is changing the tone and touch dynamics of your amp as the plate voltages have changed. I have written a lot on this subject in The Tube Amp Book (Aspen Pittman hard cover editions) and on my own GAB website where the info in the book originally came from. Thanks Myles, so in stating on your GAB site that generally NOS rectifiers are better than those of today, by "better" can I assume you are referring to their quicker response time, ie less sag, even though the result tonally can be more harsh and with less bloom and sustain? Also, would you say the Maz Sr was designed more with the modern day Sovtek 5AR4 in mind, and therefore can using the Mullard actually place demands on components which are not intended to work so hard? In other words, can the amp take it, and therefore it's simply personal preference which decides which rectifier to use? |
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Post by myles on May 17, 2012 12:51:45 GMT -7
The rectifier is changing the tone and touch dynamics of your amp as the plate voltages have changed. I have written a lot on this subject in The Tube Amp Book (Aspen Pittman hard cover editions) and on my own GAB website where the info in the book originally came from. Thanks Myles, so in stating on your GAB site that generally NOS rectifiers are better than those of today, by "better" can I assume you are referring to their quicker response time, ie less sag, even though the result tonally can be more harsh and with less bloom and sustain? Also, would you say the Maz Sr was designed more with the modern day Sovtek 5AR4 in mind, and therefore can using the Mullard actually place demands on components which are not intended to work so hard? In other words, can the amp take it, and therefore it's simply personal preference which decides which rectifier to use? NOS rectifiers meet design spec. Today's rectifiers are a crap shoot. NOS units are reliable. Current production units are not as reliable. Nobody designs an amp around a substandard rectifier although many folks design around substandard tubes. The amp makers just used what is available and what is cost effective. This is what a GZ34 / 5AR4 is supposed to do. NOS will do this. New stuff may or may not do this and in most cases will not do this - www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/files/GE5AR4.pdf |
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Post by mickey on May 17, 2012 14:49:27 GMT -7
NOS rectifiers meet design spec. Today's rectifiers are a crap shoot. NOS units are reliable. Current production units are not as reliable. Nobody designs an amp around a substandard rectifier although many folks design around substandard tubes. The amp makers just used what is available and what is cost effective. This is what a GZ34 / 5AR4 is supposed to do. NOS will do this. New stuff may or may not do this and in most cases will not do this - www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/files/GE5AR4.pdf Well, I'm very grateful to you for taking time to respond to what must seem an exasperating question and which will have been asked a number of time before. Thing is, I don't enjoy tinkering with my amps, I just enjoy playing through them, and these days it's the only job I do. I'm happy to do basic maintenance like changing tubes, and here I'm trying to make the choice between the Mullard which is in spec and will be reliable but sounds not so good, and the Sovtek which sounds nicer but is probably not within spec and could fail at any time. Of course this is not something you can answer, but thanks again for giving me the facts!  |
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Post by myles on May 17, 2012 16:08:09 GMT -7
NOS rectifiers meet design spec. Today's rectifiers are a crap shoot. NOS units are reliable. Current production units are not as reliable. Nobody designs an amp around a substandard rectifier although many folks design around substandard tubes. The amp makers just used what is available and what is cost effective. This is what a GZ34 / 5AR4 is supposed to do. NOS will do this. New stuff may or may not do this and in most cases will not do this - www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/files/GE5AR4.pdf Well, I'm very grateful to you for taking time to respond to what must seem an exasperating question and which will have been asked a number of time before. Thing is, I don't enjoy tinkering with my amps, I just enjoy playing through them, and these days it's the only job I do. I'm happy to do basic maintenance like changing tubes, and here I'm trying to make the choice between the Mullard which is in spec and will be reliable but sounds not so good, and the Sovtek which sounds nicer but is probably not within spec and could fail at any time. Of course this is not something you can answer, but thanks again for giving me the facts! If you like how the Sovtek sounds and feels then by all means use one of them. There are tons of amps out there with the Sovtek rectifiers in them that have been running for years. Make sure you have spare fuses for your amp at any gig and a spare 12AX7. A spare known good and tested output set is advisable. If you have a tube short it could also take out your rectifier and fuse. Grab a solid state rectifier plug in. They are cheap and trouble free. If you have an issue just replace the rectifier with the SS plug in. Great backup and some prefer the way a SS rectifier will tighten up an amp. |
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Post by mickey on May 18, 2012 0:23:44 GMT -7
If you like how the Sovtek sounds and feels then by all means use one of them. There are tons of amps out there with the Sovtek rectifiers in them that have been running for years. Make sure you have spare fuses for your amp at any gig and a spare 12AX7. A spare known good and tested output set is advisable. If you have a tube short it could also take out your rectifier and fuse. Grab a solid state rectifier plug in. They are cheap and trouble free. If you have an issue just replace the rectifier with the SS plug in. Great backup and some prefer the way a SS rectifier will tighten up an amp. Good advice, thanks. I do always carry fuses, a spare rectifier, the last set of EL84s that were installed, and each type of preamp tube, including a PI. The SS rectifier is a great idea though, and there's a Sovtek SSR which is readily available here in the UK. I'll give it a try! Take care Myles, and I'm grateful for your help. |
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Post by cpa2guitar on May 18, 2012 6:11:26 GMT -7
Myles, I love the tone of my Remedy, but it is too loud, even with a Brake Lite, for playing around the house after the family has gone to bed. It was suggested by benttop that I use two Brake Lites on the Remedy. Is this okay, or can it cause the Remedy potential problems? Thanks, You are using the wrong tool for the job ... playing in the house when folks are sleeping .... The use of a less efficient speaker in a 1x12 or 1x10 cab will help but ultimately use a much lower wattage amp. DO NOT use two attenuators as the resistance will be improper. This will also alter the tone even more. Bottom line - if you want to play in the house when folks are sleeping you need a different amp or you can pile carpet and blankets over a small speaker cabinet and live with tone like that. You can also find an old GT Speaker Emulator and drive a set of headphones as one more option. Thanks Myles. That's what I needed to know. I understand when you say the wrong tool for the job, but it's kind of a shame, because the tone of the Remedy is so dead on. |
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Post by myles on May 18, 2012 10:15:58 GMT -7
You are using the wrong tool for the job ... playing in the house when folks are sleeping .... The use of a less efficient speaker in a 1x12 or 1x10 cab will help but ultimately use a much lower wattage amp. DO NOT use two attenuators as the resistance will be improper. This will also alter the tone even more. Bottom line - if you want to play in the house when folks are sleeping you need a different amp or you can pile carpet and blankets over a small speaker cabinet and live with tone like that. You can also find an old GT Speaker Emulator and drive a set of headphones as one more option. Thanks Myles. That's what I needed to know. I understand when you say the wrong tool for the job, but it's kind of a shame, because the tone of the Remedy is so dead on. Yes, the Remedy is pretty spectacular. Unfortunately it is just too powerful for a night time people sleeping house amp  |
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Post by myles on May 18, 2012 10:22:42 GMT -7
If you like how the Sovtek sounds and feels then by all means use one of them. There are tons of amps out there with the Sovtek rectifiers in them that have been running for years. Make sure you have spare fuses for your amp at any gig and a spare 12AX7. A spare known good and tested output set is advisable. If you have a tube short it could also take out your rectifier and fuse. Grab a solid state rectifier plug in. They are cheap and trouble free. If you have an issue just replace the rectifier with the SS plug in. Great backup and some prefer the way a SS rectifier will tighten up an amp. Good advice, thanks. I do always carry fuses, a spare rectifier, the last set of EL84s that were installed, and each type of preamp tube, including a PI. The SS rectifier is a great idea though, and there's a Sovtek SSR which is readily available here in the UK. I'll give it a try! Take care Myles, and I'm grateful for your help. You are quite welcome. Happy playing! |
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Post by Martanthegreat on May 22, 2012 5:40:42 GMT -7
Myles,
Could you shed some light on the differences if any with these octals.
6SL7GT, 6SL7WGT, and 6SU7GTY. And can a 6SN7 be used as well? thanks, Martin
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Post by myles on May 22, 2012 8:22:50 GMT -7
Myles, Could you shed some light on the differences if any with these octals. 6SL7GT, 6SL7WGT, and 6SU7GTY. And can a 6SN7 be used as well? thanks, Martin All the data sheets are available on the net or on my two websites. |
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Post by myles on May 22, 2012 14:05:37 GMT -7
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 1, 2012 11:55:45 GMT -7
TUBE QUESTION:
About to buy new 6V6GT's for my Z28 2x10 combo. I don't want JJ's, because that's what's in it now and they rattle, even with tube dampers on them. It's $40 for my amp tech to bias the Z28, so I was thinking getting a matched quartet of reissue Tung Sol 6V6GT's, so I can just plug two in when the first two start to lose it. Read some good things about these.
So my question is, would a matched pair of JAN NOS Phillips 6V6's OUTLAST 4 of the ri Tungsol's? Because if they would(and I'm talking # of hours of cranked amp playing) I should probably get those because they'll probably sound better and the rebiasing money will be a wash so to speak.
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Post by myles on Jun 1, 2012 14:45:31 GMT -7
TUBE QUESTION: About to buy new 6V6GT's for my Z28 2x10 combo. I don't want JJ's, because that's what's in it now and they rattle, even with tube dampers on them. It's $40 for my amp tech to bias the Z28, so I was thinking getting a matched quartet of reissue Tung Sol 6V6GT's, so I can just plug two in when the first two start to lose it. Read some good things about these. So my question is, would a matched pair of JAN NOS Phillips 6V6's OUTLAST 4 of the ri Tungsol's? Because if they would(and I'm talking # of hours of cranked amp playing) I should probably get those because they'll probably sound better and the rebiasing money will be a wash so to speak. The Tung Sol reissues are pretty nice. Getting a matched quad is always a great idea as you do have a nice plug and play spare set. The NOS Phillips will last longer, better materials but both are nice. The issue I have with the JJ 6V6 (aside from the drop in quality and increased rattle over the last year or more) is that they do not sound like a 6V6, they sound like a 6L6. The do not have the chime and sweetness that you can get from a real 6V6. Either of the tubes you mention will be a nice step up from a sonic standpoint over the JJ from my own point of view. |
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 1, 2012 18:16:51 GMT -7
Thanks man. Leaning towards the Tung Sols.
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Post by BritInvasion on Jun 3, 2012 14:27:19 GMT -7
Hi Myles- I have a question regarding the 12AT7 tube in my Maz18 Jr reverb circuit. Mine needs replacing , and I was considering buying a JAN Philips NOS unit. However in my tube stash I have a NOS GE 5751. I was thinking of subbing the 5751 for the 12AT7. Is this a bad idea , any nasty side effects from doing something like this? Thanks for your time!
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