Fender 5E3 Deluxe Build

makepeace · 2010-08-23T19:51:36+00:00

Hi guys ? Within the next few months I'm going to be building a tube amp based on the 5E3 circuit and layout, with a couple of mods. The pre-amps, phase in...

Fender 5E3 Deluxe Build

rikus

If you haven't seen them already look for Scott Cole's 5e3 plans here. They are super detailed! I'm using them as a reference point for my cab build.

TomCat

MikeM wrote:
Gearhead wrote: I just figured I was too far apart from all you guys with your single ended Fender clones to even consider studying this next variant.... Apologies again.
Do you need a table up there with your high stool? :?

You know I'm planning a Deluxe Reverb build soon - as soon as I stop spending all my money.

Deluxe Reverb.........Hmmmm you're speaking my kind of language.........Maybe we can combine resources on that one as it is something I want to get my teeth into as well.

makepeace

Thanks rikus! Thats awesome!

As you know MikeM, I've been keen on building a reverb into this amp. Since the Belton lead has gone pretty cold, I've been thinking of putting in a spring tank. I've just sent an e-mail to Karel about pricing on the Mojotone 3-spring tank.

MikeM

TomCat wrote:Deluxe Reverb.........Hmmmm you're speaking my kind of language.........Maybe we can combine resources on that one as it is something I want to get my teeth into as well.

I have a design without the trem. Slightly tweaked, small things such as better power filtering, an extra control on the reverb, I went through DR Z's version of it as well to see if there was anything in particular worth checking. I also think I put a presence control in. Will have to check as I don't have it here. Also removing the 1 tube from the trem circut gives us current for an extra tube to play with ? Perhaps we should take a leaf out of the TC Special and add some more gain in there (I have a few basic hi-gain schems here) but maybe you want the trem?

I have a spreadsheet at home with all the bits I need, going for pretty much best of the best. For a head, I think it'll come in around under R4k incl transformers (R1500+- for the OT, PT, Choke and OT for the reverb, basically a 3.5watt 8:10k/16k can't remember) and most of the tubes. Think the 6v6s aren't included in there because I have a pair sitting at home.

Either way, the only thing that's stopping me from building it is money. But perhaps we can start doing a very nice layout and preparing turret boards etc?

Mike

P.S @ MP, I contacted the guy and he didn't seem keen on making a new batch of kits, but I think we spoke about this? With the PCBs being to expensive etc? Either way I'd still go for a proper spring setup ?

makepeace

P.S @ MP, I contacted the guy and he didn't seem keen on making a new batch of kits, but I think we spoke about this? With the PCBs being to expensive etc? Either way I'd still go for a proper spring setup Wink

yea we did. not worth it, and a decent tank isn't much more expensive, or work..

MikeM

http://www.hallamplification.com/main.html?src=%2F#2,2

Might be worth sharing shipping ? hehe

Gearhead

Clearly meant for live performances - easy to dial back to that sweet spot. Not...

MikeM

Gearhead wrote: Clearly meant for live performances - easy to dial back to that sweet spot. Not...

Ok. My use for it would be to be able to play in the evenings without neighbours complaining.

makepeace

MikeM, do you perhaps have some info regarding the switchable BF stack? A schem or something would be superb. I've got an idea how to do it, but it would be nice to have something to refer to. :?

MikeM

Check here

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/8626/sets.gif

I used a 25k pot for mids in this schematic - I like the extra range it gives you ?

makepeace

Thanks man, thats perfect ?

Karel-Mars

Hi Jono

This is what I imagine the BMT option on an standard 5E3 would look like.

Thanks to WEBER for the graphics template ?

makepeace

Thanks Karel. I was looking at making the TS SWITCHable, but I realize now that the 5E3 has two channels (duh). This makes a whole lot more sense. So in essence it'll have a Tweed channel and a BMT channel, with a bit of cable jockeying. Sounds good ? Can't wait till all the parts arrive so this can get on the road.

But, unless my eyes deceive me, there is no mid pot. I guess that I just need to swap out the 6.8k resistor for a 10k pot (or 25k as Mike suggests)?

Gearhead

You can try everything out with this thing.

On the cable jockeying, why not make it with one input feeding into two channels switchable with a footswitch? It's alright to have fifties sound, but why settle for fifties flexibility?

makepeace

Cool idea Gearhead, will give it a go ?

makepeace

Ok, about the channel switching.. :-\

I've done some research, and from what I've read it looks like a rather complex issue. There is talk of LDRs, relays, transistors etc.. And then all of the problems that go with them (LDRs: loss of fidelity due to capacitance, relays: popping, etc).

Is there an easier way to do this? If not, I'm going to leave it..

MikeM

To be honest, I'd use an A/B/Y (I think it's called that) box. That way you can jump the channels too..

Gearhead

Leave out J 2, 3 and 4 plus their 68K + 1M resistors. On V1, tie pins 2 and 7 together and make an SPDT switch on pins 3 and 8 with the centre lug to the bias resistor and bypass cap. Done, no popping and less parts. If you don't believe me, ask the Guru.

makepeace

Rad. ?

Thanks Gearhead. I ask questions before shooting ?.

Would it be alright if I retained one of the extra jacks (say J2), and its auxiliary resistors? Or is that getting too complicated?

Gearhead

Meh if you want to sure you can. The point of building it custom, no? I haven't got a clue what people use these extra jacks for except for tying stacks together (and I do not have a stack let alone two).