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Post subject: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 6:35 pm
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I'm itching for a 5E3 full combo. I've been considering the following options:

-a DIY kit from Mission Amps
-a clone fully from an independent online amp builder
-a used clone off a gear board or ebay.

I'd really like to keep it under $900. The Mission Amps kit comes with very high quality components and a good speaker for a reasonable price. The build would probably be fun too! I know Snowy and others have build the TubeDepot's kit - I was all set to get one and submitted the order, and then they came back at me with $150 shipping quote. No thanks.

There are some builders who will do a clone for pretty close to what the kit would cost. Many of them seem to be of excellent quality.

The used route would save even more money, however they're not super common to come by on the resale market (probably because the people who buy them, are looking for that sound and keep them).

I know Victoria are probably the top of the line, but they're also very expensive. And don't even get me started on Fender's absurdly priced $2700 reissue.

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:07 pm
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A competently-built used clone from a reputable builder and vendor will probably be the most cost-effective avenue. I've seen some nice 5E3's priced well below the fare for a ticket on FMI's "carnival ride". Look for one that ships from Canada to save on postage.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 1:54 am
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PTM, if you do decide to go the DIY route then give Trinity Amps a call, they are in Canada and their kits are top quality and the prices seem good. Trinity also have a great reputation for service.

http://www.trinityamps.com/phpbb/viewto ... f=6&t=1036


Snowy


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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 2:55 am
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Look good Trinity amp, we just have to replace their low cost filter caps by some Sprague


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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 4:53 am
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The Trinity Amp kit looks to be of good quality, however he sells it as a chassis kit only. That would mean I'd still have to go looking for a cab and speaker, which I'd most likely have to get from the USA. Factor in shipping and I might as well just order the whole kit from an American company.

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 5:32 am
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I have a Fender '57 Deluxe RI,but I sure didn't give $2700 for it!
I would probably build one instead of buying one if I wanted another.


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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:08 pm
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Ok, just pulled the trigger on a Mission Amps stock 5E3 kit! I guess I'll be doing an amp build thread once I get it!

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 11:11 pm
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Sounds swell, PTM! Get with "Snowy" before you start -- he's built a couple of really sweet 5E3's. At least one of them has been fully documented on this forum, complete with a concise step-by-step narrative and (IMO) some outstanding photography.

Rawk on!

8)

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 2:49 pm
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Nice work!

Time to gather the tools then, I think you will love that amp when finished. Take your time - enjoy the process of building it and TRIPLE-CHECK EVERYTHING you do and you will end up with a fantastic sounding tone machine. 8)


Snowy 8)


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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 6:25 pm
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Dang! Shipping delayed as he's out of stock on the C12Q speakers until next week.

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 2:04 am
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Ask if you can buy the kit as a "speaker delete" then order up a Weber 12A125 separately.

The OEM speaker for the "real" 5E3 was always an alnico P12Q anyway.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 11:37 pm
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Would it really be *that* much difference in sound between the C12Q and the P12Q? I have very little experience with ceramic speakers as everything I currently own has Alnicos.

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:28 am
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I think so. The alnico delivers a subtle, warm, compressed tone when driven hard -- the ceramic delivers more in-your-face punch.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 2:14 pm
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It's a hefty price bump from the C12Q to the P12Q - an extra $77.00. Is the difference in tone worth that much?

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Post subject: Re: Let's talk 5E3 clones
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 2:07 am
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I know it's a ceramic but you might like to try an Eminence Texas Heat for less than $70, it's a great sounding speaker in that amp and made in the US as a bonus. 8)

I have one in each of my 5E3's and love the way it sounds, smooth, fat, touch sensitive and no bass flubber at full throttle.

You'd have to try it yourself to see if you like it but it's not an expensive gamble.

Snowy


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