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Post subject: Blues Jr.: Billm advocated OT vs. Mercury Magnetics
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:02 pm
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So, I plan to do the billm mods to my BJr., and I also plan to upgrade the output transformer. On the website, he advocates the TO20 OT, but I have also heard good things about the Mercury Magnetics OT, which is more expensive. Someone asked about this on the comment section of the billm website, and Bill said that the TO20 OT was better than the MM one.

Do you guys have any experience with either or both OTs? If so, please give me your opinions on them.

Thanks.


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 3:47 pm
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Hi there. I haven't done (or plan to do) any mods to mine but if you try over at www.tdpri.com they have a dedicated thread for BJ owners. There's lots of info on there from people who've done the BillM mods and other stuff so give that a go. You might find some useful info there.

Cheers.

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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 4:27 pm
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I doubt it. Mercury Magnetics trannies are used in tons of boutique amps for a lot longer than BillM has been modding Blues Jr's. They cost more for a reason. Mercury Magnetics has been around since 1954. That should tell you something right there.

This is just my opinion, but first, modding your amp will void the warranty. Second, the HRD series amps aren't known for having sturdy PCB's. The traces can lift pretty easily under a soldering iron causing reliability problems.

If you like the sound, why mod it? Lots of folks will tell you your amp needs mods to sound it's best, but it's just a load.

If you don't like the way your amp sounds, take the mod money, sell your amp and find an amp that will bring you joy without a bunch of modifications. It's only my opinion and I'm not trying to offend anyone. I went through the same thoughts with my HRDlx. I sold it and couldn't be happier.


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:26 pm
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Hi there, my experience is that Mercury Magnetics transformers, perform as advertised and are good quiet transformers. I tried their power, choke, and output transformers in my '68 project Bassman amp, about two years ago. So far , I'm very happy with their performance. I certainly don't have a problem with a person safely modding their amp, if they are curious and looking for a little sonic improvement. The knowledge you'll gain about the workings of these devices, through trial and error, is pretty cool if you're interested in that kind of stuff. I wouldn't pick this amp to modify, except maybe speaker or tube upgrades. It just isn't built sturdy enough to take the desoldering and resoldering, that would be necessary. Just my opinion. Art

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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 6:53 am
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Ask Billm if he'll extend the warranty on you amp. :wink: The way I look at the Billm mods, If the Blues Jr is so bad that it has to be modded so drastically and it's power tubes are "cooking" according to the Billm site, why buy the amp. Most people buy the Blues Jr because they like the sound of it out of the box and it's price point. Then, someone points out all the flaws and sells you parts to "fix it". If your amp is under 5 years old and you mod it, you void the warranty on it.

The TO20 OT was developed by David Allen of Allen Amps. Great amp kits by the way with incredible instructions. I'd take all that money and build one of his amps point to point.

I like Billm and his site is informative, but IMHO like I said before, you'd be better off getting another amp before modding a Blues Jr.
After seeing his site and all the design problems with the Blues Jr, I'd be scared off completely. Fender should hire Billm as a consultant to help remedy some of the HRD Series design problems.

Like I said before, this is only my opinion and I apologize if I offended anyone.


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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:04 am
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No BillM mods, but I guess I voided my warranty too.


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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:12 am
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Chet actually I don't think you did. I'll tell you what, even if it did that cabinet would be worth it. Chet, how in the world did you get by without the Billm mods? LOL I'd be afraid to gig with something that nice looking.

Speakers don't look stock.


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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:22 am
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63supro wrote:
Chet actually I don't think you did. I'll tell you what, even if it did that cabinet would be worth it. Chet, how in the world did you get by without the Billm mods? LOL I'd be afraid to gig with something that nice looking.

Speakers don't look stock.


I did consider the BillM mods, but after putting the Blues Jr. chassis in this cabinet with the 2 12's I was extremely happy.

The Walnut cabinet is just oiled, if it gets a scratch or a ding you get out the sand paper and 0000 steel wool, then apply some oil. Good as new!!!

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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:31 am
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Yeah, I took a look at Bill's website and I wouldn't have any problem with trying the T020 OT, if you want it. Heyboer transformers have a good reputation. Although I haven't tried one, the Allen Amp kits seem to be top notch. Art

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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:46 am
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Heyboer has been makeing quality transformers sence 1958..
About 22 miles due south of me..
I been thinking about paying them a visit..
If for nothing less than shakeing a hand..
I have yet to hear a bad thing about them..
Kinda hopeing they dont start sticking flashy decales on them and start chargeing more for the sticker.. ;)

http://www.heyboertransformers.com/overview.shtml

http://allenamps.com/parts.php#transformers


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Post subject: Re: Blues Jr.: Billm advocated OT vs. Mercury Magnetics
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:52 am
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adlankj wrote:
So, I plan to do the billm mods to my BJr., and I also plan to upgrade the output transformer. On the website, he advocates the TO20 OT, but I have also heard good things about the Mercury Magnetics OT, which is more expensive. Someone asked about this on the comment section of the billm website, and Bill said that the TO20 OT was better than the MM one.

Do you guys have any experience with either or both OTs? If so, please give me your opinions on them.

Thanks.


I am not sure billm accually has said ,that the Heyboer is accually better than the Mercury Magnetics.
He did say it did about as good a job, at about half the price in the little BJ.
I been looking at the TO22 with the 4 and 8 ohm taps..
Mostly because I have 4 completely different sounding and functioning cabnets here wired for 8 ohms.
My 4 tube amps like them.. ;)
With the stock BJ setup, I only run one speaker setup at a time..
Just thinking here of more options.. ;)


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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:27 pm
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I out the OT in my BJ and did the Bill M mods. Save your money on the OT. didn't make that much of a difference. The mods, though, were worth it.


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