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What amp shall I build next?
Poll ended at Sat May 03, 2014 3:18 pm
Fender 5E3 Deluxe 38%  38%  [ 8 ]
Fender 5E8A Twin 10%  10%  [ 2 ]
Marshall Bluesbreaker 43%  43%  [ 9 ]
Marshall JTM45/JMP50 Head 10%  10%  [ 2 ]
Total votes : 21
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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 4:12 am
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bluesky636 wrote:
...won't be back until Saturday 5/3....


You're coming back on 5/3....is that a sign or what? 5/3...5E3... 8)

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 8:08 pm
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shimmilou wrote:
bluesky636 wrote:
...won't be back until Saturday 5/3....


You're coming back on 5/3....is that a sign or what? 5/3...5E3... 8)


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Our 6 hour test window today somehow morphed into a 12 hour day. After less than 4 hours sleep last night, I'm too tired to even consider the question. :(

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 4:01 pm
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Well, I see the Bluesbreaker is the winning choice with the 5E3 a close second. I honestly haven't made up my mind. I already have three 40 watt amps and one five watt amp. Two are 6L6GC, one is E34L, and the last is SE 6V6. I like the idea of the BB with KT66s, but I also like the idea of an "in between" amp with cathode biased 6V6s. Then there is price with the BB almost twice the price of the 5E3. I have all the tubes I need for the 5E3 but would have to get power tubes for the BB.

I need to think this through some more. :?

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 6:27 pm
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I am in the same situation. I have all the tubes needed for a 5e3 and therefore I would build a 5e3! RCA 6V6s and RCA rectifier tubes. Lots of 12ax7s, 7025s and 12at7s of ANOS tubes.

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 12:12 pm
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Well, I made my selection and have decided to go with a 5E3 for several reasons.

1. The cost. The 5E3 is several hundred dollars less then the Blusebreaker. That's kind of important right now. Weber is also having a 10% off sale that ends tonight at midnight.
2. I have all the tubes needed except for the rectifier.
3. I decided to go with a mid-power amp. I already have three 40 watt amps and a 5 watt amp. 22 watts or so seemed like a good compromise.
4. Looking for something that will break up a little earlier and at a lower level than the 40 watters.
5. Figured a cathode biased/6V6 amp would sound more different from my 6L6GC/E34L amps than a KT66 would.
6. The Bluesbreaker is basically a 5F6A and my 5F6A clone already has a really great clean and overdrive sound.
7. After building my Wrecking Ball and the amount of time it took to tweak and "de-squeal" the amp (longer than it took to build), I decided to build something a little simpler, but that would still have a great OD tone.

I just placed the order and the amp should be here in a few weeks. It may take a while to build as I may still be traveling for work over the next few weeks, but I'll start my build thread as soon as it arrives and I unpack things.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions. Stay tuned. :D

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 1:23 pm
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Mojotone has a Cinco de Mayo sale running today, Bill. Not sure what's discounted but you may find some bargains there.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 1:35 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
Mojotone has a Cinco de Mayo sale running today, Bill. Not sure what's discounted but you may find some bargains there.

Arjay


Yeah, I saw that. Only two amp kits for sale, neither of which I am interested in. Their 5E3 kit is $200 more than Weber's and I don't think it is any better in quality of parts.

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 6:34 pm
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Bill Congrats on the decision. I for one really enjoy your build threads and have learned a bit too! Look forward to this next one.

T2

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 9:01 pm
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T2Stratman wrote:
Bill Congrats on the decision. I for one really enjoy your build threads and have learned a bit too! Look forward to this next one.

T2


The amp has been ordered. I'll try not to disappoint. :D

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Sun May 25, 2014 8:17 pm
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I am also looking at building a 5E3. Weber is cheaper by $150 but I am leaning toward MOJOTone. I have heard parts quality and cabinets are better. Can't wait to see your build thread! I have all the tubes but would use the supplied tubes to test out the build saving my ANOS after verified.

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Sun May 25, 2014 8:35 pm
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My son who is 39 is also interested in helping me do my build. I got him interested when I bought a RCA Stereo Combo TT, AM/FM 1969 Model VMT76. It worked but had a constant hum and needed to be taken apart and cleaned in the switching area. We decided to take the power amp out to find the source of the hum. One cap was busted apart and two others were cracked. It was a wonder it still worked at all! So I replaced all the Electrolytic Caps. We put it back together and what a difference, clear as a bell. That gave him the bug! He was all for me building an amp now!

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Charlie P 5E3 Build 6-14
2x12 cab Build 16, 5e3 Built 3-4-16
6G3 Head Build 3,3,18
Fend HSS Am DLX Strat 08
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Fend SupSonic 60 2010
Gibson Robot 08, Gib. Faded Ch LP 07
Gret. G5420 16, Peavey VK112 08,


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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Sun May 25, 2014 10:36 pm
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Cap, I was looking forward to this as well but unfortunately I don't think this build thread will be updated as Bill has left the forum.


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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 4:05 am
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No457 Snowy wrote:
Cap, I was looking forward to this as well but unfortunately I don't think this build thread will be updated as Bill has left the forum.


And that's a darn shame,too,...I enjoyed reading Bill's amp build threads! Being a ham radio operator,I have built my first antenna,..a 50 mhz(6m) 5 element beam. Bad part is,...it's not up yet,...and here's why,...city restrictions and you need a damn permit for the tower which would be no more than 30 ft. high,...about same height as a normal TV antenna tower. So,...I put up a wire G5RV antenna,...and heck,...you hardly even notice it's there! Anyway,...back to Bill's amp builds,...I would have voted for the 5E3!

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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 7:30 am
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Interesting bit on DIY 6-meter antenna. Do you have any tube Ham transmitters? Like an old Hallicrafters? Are you using two grounding rods for your antennas? What is the regulation with those, in Sacramento?

Back to guitar amps. Too bad we won't see the step-be-step assembly, testing, and modifying --- which is so good about these Bluesky DIY's. I was going to suggest an 18-watt Marshall combo clone. I like those amps. Better than the bigger Bluesbreaker or Vox AC30's. The 18-watt has that distinct British tone. They are little bit easier to lug around compared to a Bluesbreaker. And are plenty loud enough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaUA_mqViGU


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Post subject: Re: What amp shall I build next?
Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 8:21 am
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I did notice Bill replied over on the TGP Forum, maybe he will have a build thread over there. When I get around to purchasing my kit I will post on both forums.

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Charlie P 5E3 Build 6-14
2x12 cab Build 16, 5e3 Built 3-4-16
6G3 Head Build 3,3,18
Fend HSS Am DLX Strat 08
Fend MIM Telebot Dlx 11 Tronical Tuner
Fend SupSonic 60 2010
Gibson Robot 08, Gib. Faded Ch LP 07
Gret. G5420 16, Peavey VK112 08,


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