Fender 63 Spring Reverb Tank (6G15) Build?!

Norman86

Seeing as i would like a Fender 63 Spring Reverb tank, and not necessarily a pedal, I have a couple of questions regarding this unit!

The original Fender unit, both reissue and original units, are EXTREMELY expensive here in SA! at least 2.5 times the US retail!
And im not sure about saving up to buy a second hand unit! not to mention the fact that i have never seen a tank on sale here in SA!
which would only leave importing one from the states!
i haven't exactly read good things about all the units! apparently they aren't all built well, and even new, you can get a lemon!

Sooooooooooo....

I'm thinking about rather building one up! It would give me something to do, and it would be pretty cool to have made my own reverb tank!
This will be next year though, im just trying to weigh up the pro's and cons!!

I have looked at the price of the components, and they don't strike me as being that expensive?
I have seen (most of) the components needed on tubedepot.com, but I'm not sure what is not available on there?
Either way, it looks like it would be quite a bit cheaper to build one myself?

Apparently its not an easy unit to build though? But im not sure i understand why?
It really doesn't look all that difficult??

also, would it be easier to buy the components separately from tubedepot.com and the like, or to buy a kit from triode electronics or the weber 5g15 kit?

http://www.triodestore.com/diy-fender-g15-reverb-k15.html
http://www.diyrecordingequipment.com/projects/weber-5g15-reverb-unit/

Here's a few example builds of the reverb unit:
http://music-electronics-forum.com/t21496/
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/squawk-box/115059-fender-reverb-6g15-standalone-reverb-clone-build.html

I'll probably have more questions etc later on!

As for you techie types, lead me on!!

Thanks!! ?

singemonkey

Exciting project. But I'm wondering if it'll end up cheaper than buying a reissue tank on ebay and modding it?

Norman86

Im not sure i would trust a second hand unit though...

In the end though, it would be cheaper for me to buy the components as i have spare cash and then build it up! that way it doesnt cut into my budget too badly!

Keira-WitherKay

Why not contact jp le roux the amp repair guru here in jhb and ask if he has anything lying around or at least offer you advice , cos he's not only a great repair guy for tube amps but by my dealings with him he's also a nice guy

MikeM

We have amp gurus right here on the forum.

For a first build, especially something that can be a bit complex to troubleshoot yourself, I'd recommend a kit.

AlanRatcliffe

Bothner's Plumstead had one last time I looked.

Yes, they are expensive - but they are quite complex (basically almost as much so as a full-blown valve amp) and are quite heavy items to ship. Building one takes the same level of expertise as any small valve amp.

Norman86

Maybe at a later time Keira!
Especially at this stage where im only considering options!!

Thanks Mike, but now the question comes in, with which kit to go for?
Also, are there kits other than the ones i have mentioned available?

Lastly, would a kit work out cheaper than buying the components separately?
Maybe its a stupid question?? :-[

Alan, what is it that makes them so complex?
I have seen the schematics and saw it wouldn't be easy, but i wouldn't mind trying!!
I have realised they are heavy, read a lot about them since i started playing! but never considered buying or building one before!
always just dreamt of one!

MikeM

I have not researched the different kits. There are a few specialised amp building forums out there, but I wouldn't bother getting too specific until you're ready to pull the trigger. Most of Webers stuff is great though anyway.

Don't just jump into this build haphazardly. If something goes wrong it CAN kill you. So if you do decide to do this, expect to do some reading about safety etc.

Otherwise, this is more complex than a 5F1 (which is seen as the standard start for any amp builder). Consider you've placed one component or wire incorrectly, it is a HUGE layout for a beginner to troubleshoot. So if you follow the kit and instructions to the T, you should be fine. But there are loads of areas for mistakes to be made.

Sad thing is, you'd probably be better off with that TC E reverb.. IMO made tube driven reverb quite obsolete - that's just my opinion though.

AlanRatcliffe

Norman86 wrote: Alan, what is it that makes them so complex?

Well, I'm no expert, but I think it's precisely because they are a kind of low power valve amp. There are a lot of "tricks" and "rules" for how you lay out a valve circuit and wire everything together - things that the valve gurus spend their whole lives learning and refining.

Norman86

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?2288766-Tube-Reverb-Project-Photos&s=434674b0d723e0c479b07031689da2e2

Looking at this, it then really seems a lot simpler!
Probably because of the neat wiring!

Anyhows, i know the dangers!! Thats why i would rather have everything first, before building it!
but at this moment, everything is still speculation!!

Which TCE reverb are you talking about Mike?

MikeM

Not registered on that forum so can't see the pics.

Hall of fame reverb.

Ah whoops, I checked out the wrong schematic on the weber site - The one from Triodestore looks cool, and I can recommend them as good to deal with!

Norman86

From the Harmony Central link!

Is the HOF really THAT good??
Maybe i should go try out the different reverb pedals on my list then?!

MikeM

Lets put it like this. I have doubts about putting reverb in my deluxe reverb ?

Norman86

Wow alright...
Better i check all the pedals i have considered then!
Maybe i still end up making this though!!

MikeM

It will be a fun project no doubt. But it's heavy, expensive, limited use etc, when you can get 95% of the way there with a good reverb pedal (Imo there is a very short list... I would only look at 3 personally, and the HOF is the most versatile and cheapest ?)

Gearhead

My advice: Don't build this reverb unit ?

singemonkey

Norm, reverb pedals are a very fraught prospect. Nothing can quite match up to a vintage style reverb tank. The flip side is that very few people need a spring reverb tank. They're heavy, temperamental, fragile, and don't offer much different to a built in reverb circuit unless you want ultra-heavy, ultra-dripping-wet reverb. Very few people need or want that. Surf guitar players and a few indie guitar players. Some surf-players have to string these suckers up above the stage so that vibrations from the amps don't continually shake the springs.

I think that, for your purposes, unless the project is totally enticing on its own merits, you'd do better to try one of a number of better 'verb pedals. Best bang for buck is still the Holy Grail Nano 'verb pedal from EHX. It has acceptable (and warm) spring reverb simulation, and a truly exceptional hall reverb. And they're cheap. And you can get 'em here under warranty (a sine qua non for EHX pedals).

Norman86

MikeM wrote: It will be a fun project no doubt. But it's heavy, expensive, limited use etc, when you can get 95% of the way there with a good reverb pedal (Imo there is a very short list... I would only look at 3 personally, and the HOF is the most versatile and cheapest ?)

Which 3 tickle your fancy??

I have a few on my list, but will need to check them all out in the new year as funds become available!

Gearhead wrote: My advice: Don't build this reverb unit ?

Gearhead, why not??

singemonkey wrote: Norm, reverb pedals are a very fraught prospect. Nothing can quite match up to a vintage style reverb tank. The flip side is that very few people need a spring reverb tank. They're heavy, temperamental, fragile, and don't offer much different to a built in reverb circuit unless you want ultra-heavy, ultra-dripping-wet reverb. Very few people need or want that. Surf guitar players and a few indie guitar players. Some surf-players have to string these suckers up above the stage so that vibrations from the amps don't continually shake the springs.

I think that, for your purposes, unless the project is totally enticing on its own merits, you'd do better to try one of a number of better 'verb pedals. Best bang for buck is still the Holy Grail Nano 'verb pedal from EHX. It has acceptable (and warm) spring reverb simulation, and a truly exceptional hall reverb. And they're cheap. And you can get 'em here under warranty (a sine qua non for EHX pedals).

Exactly my thing...
The Albion has a digital spring reverb, but its not wet enough imo :-[
It gets wet, but not as dripping wet as id like!

Which is why i started considering buying / building a reverb tank!!

Like i mentioned before, im not really into other reverb types, im a sucker for spring reverb!!

the pedals i have looked at and would consider are:
Boss Fender 63 Spring Reverb FRV-1,
TCE HOF,
TCE Nova Reverb,
Solidgold FX Surf Rider,
Strymon Blue Sky.

I cant say that i have heard a Holy grail demo that impressed me though?!

singemonkey

That's cool. But just a word of warning: given that you're quite a new player, you want to be careful not to drown your guitar in 'verb. I can cover up a lot of mistakes, which makes it appealing. But that can also be misleading. Very wet 'verb is a hard-core effect that leaves a very strong impression. You want to make absolutely sure it's appropriate for what you're trying to do.

MikeM

I wouldn't tough a Holy Grail even playing friends' gear ?

Ah, 4 with the Strymon. Neunaber Wet would be the 4th one along with the HOF and Nova Reverb.

+1 to what Singe is saying. Reverb is over used by MANY players/sound techs.