Ceriatone Forum

Custom amp building, Prototypes and other amps => Discussion => Topic started by: rachelle amps on October 31, 2007, 03:49:21 PM



Title: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: rachelle amps on October 31, 2007, 03:49:21 PM
Here is my latest amp design. It is based on Nik's Layout and has some additional goodies:
1. All SoZo handmade caps (closest to Marshall mustard caps)
2. 10K resistor dropped to 8.2K (slightly more gain)
3. Eliminated treble peaking circuit (better sound at low volume)
4. F&T Cap Cans
5. JJ KT77 Power Tubes and Tung Sol and Electro Harmonix preamp tubes
6. 3 watt resistor and 3 amp diodes in power supply section
7. PTFE Wire
8. CGE Pots
9. Mercury Magnetics transformers and choke
10. All metal film Dale Vishay resistors
11. Fender style pilot light

(http://www.joepopp.net/jcmtwins/jcmtwinsvickie.jpg)


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: Weathered on October 31, 2007, 03:53:16 PM
That's a really clean build.  I like it.  I really like those tags on the PT - I hate dealing with stock leads from PT's.

Is that solid core on the heaters, or is that also PTFE?  I've found that solid core tends to stay put really nicely on the heaters, but can be a bear to move around on the signal wires, myself.


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: Kitarist on October 31, 2007, 04:34:33 PM
mmm really nice you are already a pro amp builder :) keep up the good work


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: rachelle amps on October 31, 2007, 04:57:02 PM
Weathered: It's all ptfe which stays where you put it! My fear of solid core is that it can break more easily than stranded. I built the amp to be NYC tough so it can withstand bumps and jolts when dragging it around...

Kitarist: I have been doing electronics stuff for a while but started building early this year. I just finished number 4! Thanks man!


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: Weathered on October 31, 2007, 05:43:00 PM
That .68uf Sozo looks HUGE. 


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: ChrisL on October 31, 2007, 11:17:08 PM
Joe,

Stellar looking build.  I looked at your site and it's a great reference for new builders.  There is a lot of what to do and more impotantly what not to do.....lol....with lead dress.  A little trouble shooting is always frustrating but makes for great lessons.   What are your thoughts on the tone and feel of this amp with all those Dales in there?


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: Kitarist on November 01, 2007, 12:48:17 PM
yes he really did a great job making a site about his JCM building journey ;)


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: rachelle amps on November 01, 2007, 04:32:19 PM
Chris:
So far so good with the Dales! A lot of people say that metal films sound cold and a lot of people say it doesn't matter. I figured that Mojave is using metal films and their amps sound amazing, so I gave it a shot. I compared the dale resistor amp to the second rachelle I built (my personal amp) with all of the Riken overpriced resistors in there and I honestly can't tell the difference. I think the main tone items are the Merc Mag OT and the Sozo caps. I am going to be using the Dales from here on out....

Kitarist: Thanks for more nice words!


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: Weathered on November 01, 2007, 04:43:01 PM
Where did you order the Dales from?  I like their style.   ;D


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: ChrisL on November 01, 2007, 11:17:07 PM
Yes, where are getting your Dales from?  My suppliers over here have been out of stock for months and I need some. 


Title: Re: JCM800 2204 Custom version of Nik's Layout
Post by: rachelle amps on November 02, 2007, 01:01:10 PM
I got them from Digikey but it was few months ago. They were pricy compared to other sources but they had everything in stock!