Ceriatone Forum

Hello there guys,

A lot of you have indicated interest in the clone of the SSS.

Our version will be, for the 1st release, the 6L6GC 100W type.

To gauge interest, please post here, so I can see how many chassis, plates etc, I will need to do for 1st round release.

Since we wont do kits for this model, I will not source in bulk (100 chassis at a time) like usual.

Indicative pricing is 1700-2000, at the moment.

Thanks!

nik

Very interested

In a kit :P

Seriously I hope to hear some sound clips on this one.

Todd

I'm interested, but I'd have to find someone to assemble it in the Netherlands. So far my HRM works great :)

@Nigel T.

Nik stated that he will NOT ship out kits, only his team will assemble the amp.

Shame, I'd love the kit!

I will eventually want one, but probably not in the first round (trying to buy my 1st house at the moment)

also, any possibilty there will be a 150w version in the future?

Thanks, I hadn't read that.

Nik,

and anyone else.

It might be helpfule to geenerate interest (and for my lack of knowledge) to maybe give a description of the SSS.  I.E. tubes sound, what artist (i.e.l SRV) have used one.  Maybe a short werite up on the differences from the OTS series?

Just thinkin' out loud (well, in print)

Jim

As far as Stevie's use of SSS amps,i attached a PDF file i found which claims to show all of his amps used (Dumble or not) and how he had them setup. Of course it is the internet, so it may or may not be accurate. hope this helps a lil bit ;)

The SSS is a completely different animal compared to Dumble ODS-style series of amps.

 Original Dumble SSS's were voiced specifically for the player in mind. The amp was derived from the Dumbleland most likely to suite a different kind of player looking for more of a glassy clean platform with loads of headroom.

Here is a list of know spec's that most SSS contain:

Fet and Regular Input- Often there was a FET Level control with the FET being footswitchable

Bright switch
Deep Switch
Rock/Jazz switch

Full Treble/Middle/Bass tonestack with Preamp boost foot-switchable,(disengages the TMB controls for a Boost)

Hi/Low filter Section-(usually with a 2, 6 step Rotary control to adjust Hi & Low artifacts.

Tube Reverb- With Reverb Send & and Return Controls to adjust the reverb to exactly where you want it

Passive Effects Loop- Used to interface a Dumbleator to run line level Time based effects and other Rack devices. 

Master Volume control- Controls the overall level of sound

Presence control



The early SSS's were 100w's with 6L6GC's with the same feature set above



Here are a list of SSS users and the platform they used.

Henry Kaiser- Owns #1 and #4 SSS. #1 is a 100w with added Tremelo, #4 is 100w too.

David Lindly- A Snakeskin beast with foot-switchable Boost, 100w with 6L6's, you can see with amp in the Roxy in Washington D.C. clips on Youtube

Eric Johnson- 150w 4x6550 pwr sectionwith Reverb and Filter Section (hi/low filter section) This amp can be seen sitting on the rack case in the late 80's and early 90's Austin City Limits shows. Eric Would often run a Tubescreamer and Tube Driver very low for slight breakup. It was his "Dirty Rhythm" amp.

Stevie Ray Vaughn-150w 4 x6550 pwr section with Reverb and filter section,- The amp was said to be voiced like Jackson Browne's "White Glove" Dumbleland for Bass. SRV's SSS was essentially a bass amp voiced for guitar frequencies.

John Mayer- 100w with 6L6's, all the features above, this amp is very special and sounds incredible with harmonics that just jump out. Two-Rock based their Sterling Signature on this amp and Henry Kaisers SSS's. This ap can be heard at countless recording and Youtube vids.

Santana- Owns tons of Dumble amps after his 2000' album Supernatural and song "Smooth". His SSS was formerly owned by Eric Johnson. It was sold by EJ to another Texan whome sold it to Carlos after it had been remojo's by Dumble when a repair was done. Santana claimed to borrow SRV's SSS from Jimmy vaughn to try it out then he purchased the SSS shorlty after.

Kirk Hammet-also owns a later Blackface SSS

These are the most influential player's and the most known amps. Just like Overdrive special's SSS's come in all different types of Voices with different faceplate colors for different era's.

SSS's contain a Driver tube that's part of the power amp that makes natural breakup nearly impossible. That being said Clean Headroom with a SSS is Huge sounding with an almost multi-dimensional piano sounding artifact.   

very cool info! thanks, Greg!

I might have to sell some of my amps to bank roll a Ceriatone SSS purchase.

Mark

+1 I heard that! Me too

I'd probably want one.  Hopefully just a chassis version so I could customize the cab.

I'd like to build a 150w SSS if we can figure out the filter circuit (w/o inductor) and what type of OT to use.

The inductor circuit is on the Sunn Model T Super schematic.

There are a few schematics showing some filters but whether they are correct is anyone's guess.  Each SSS was customized to the player anyway.

Mark

Sure, i'm interest but I need to hear some demo :)

I would love to see something along the lines of a Two Rock Custom Reverb.  Clean blackfacey pedal platform with lots of EQ options and reverb.  That would be great. 

Hi!

I'm also very interested :)!!!!!
There will also be a "plug and play" version?
I'm unfortunately not a good electrician :(

I just played a US made hybrid SSS/ODS style amp. NIK, make one! Custom coliseum?

I'm exceedingly interested! However, I reckon that the proposed turnkey option is (WAY FREAKING) out of the bounds of my humble (rhymes with?) budget.

For whatever it's worth -- and I don't suspect it's much, if anything -- I'd be interested in a kit version.

Here's hoping...!...!...

Anything yet? Pics? clip?

If reverb is included, I'll take one.

I will take one if it has a 1/2 power switch without hurting the spirit too much.....

Hi,

  The one we're doing, it's 100W type and there's no driver (12BH7). I think not all of them had the driver tube.

  I am not sure if the filter is same between the 100 and 150W versions.

  BUT, seeing how the filter is done, I guess that'd open it up for tweaks. having said that, I am not sure what else is different in the 150W version.

  The release is almost there. We were screwed by a company which was supposed to supply us with the inductors. After not hearing for several weeks despite numerous emails and phone calls (this is to FL, USA), I had to ask my winder to make em for me, so thats in progress.

  Well, the company did get back to me, a few days ago. The price was 5x more than originally quoted (MOQ was 1500 pcs by the way).

  I wish this could have been done sooner, but no way we were going to agree to that.

  In the meantime, while waiting for above to play out, I did add a mini switch or two for more tweakability to the amp! :)

  Hopefully, we can get this released soon.

Thanks!

Nik

Where in FL are they? I could drive over and have a "talk" with em ;)

That's a good news  :D

Nik, thanks for the information!
that sounds good, I'm looking forward to :)

Consider me very interested!

 :o Only $2000. I definitely want one. Count me in

Hey all,

So do I understand correctly that this amp will not have an overdrive channel?  It will be a clean platform only?

Thanks,


Stephen

Hi

Got em inductors in! :)

Thanks!

nik

yes this is a SSS

Here is a SSS for those that are wondering about the functions of this generation of SSS.

NIK, when do you think you'll be releasing this SSS incarnation? Do you have a name planned for it yet?

Supra String Singer

Super String Singer

Soul String Singer

Sustain String Singer

I like these:

Super Sustain Singer
Soul-2-Soul Singer

I like those...

Or how about:

Super Smooth Singer
Steel Sting Singer
SoundlikeJohnMayer String Singer  :chairdance:

Nik, any news on when this amp is likely to land?

Well I wanted to wait for the Ceriatone version but I'm building one from scratch instead.

100w with 4 6L6's (John Mayer Style power section based off SSS #2)
2 tube Reverb
Built in Dumbleator (controls on the back panel)
6 way Hi & Low Filter Section
Bright, Mid Boost, and Rock/Jazz switches
2 12ax7's driving the Phase inverter & Driver Tube
Skyliner Tonestack
Ftsw'able PAB, Reverb, and FET

I was hoping to fit the built in Dumbleator too, we'll see how that pans out and if I have room.

All built in a gutted out Twin Reverb chassis with the Twin Reverb Iron. I'm choping the combo case into a Headcase, getting it recovered in purple suede, and doing purple threaded Vox Grillcloth.

very cool! keep us updated, greg

Greg that will be a great build.

I ended up trading my SSS chassis and faceplate to Taylor C. for a head cabinet.  Now I wish I had it back, oh well.

Mark

LOL yeah Mark, I almost traded Taylor C. for your old SSS chassis and a headcase but i got this twin Reverb for $100 (i know best deal of my life).

I decided soon I'd rip it apart and turn it into a SSS.

Until then I modded it to Ultra Phoenix spec's until I get all the parts to strip it down and start the SSS. Shad @ Quinn amps has been givin me a hand with it all. I can't wait.

Guys

Sorry for the late reply.

Our SSS is indeed abt to be released but it's a bit tied now here with orders!

i am not sure what it'd be called.

I think we'd just leave it as SSS.

People can think it's Super Sexy Slut, or whatever they want...  :)

The middle S, we make it bigger and lit from behind (matchless style. Dont you know how miuch I love Matchless? :))

So S is for Sexy! :)

Thanks!

Nik

Nik,

Sexy is right with pristine cleans, reverb mixed in, set the step filters, and your making sweet music with that amp.

Mark

Can we have a picture Nik?

Pretty Please?

Will there be models available around june?

Hi Nik

Do you have a date for this amp yet?

Have you fixed the price?

Cheers Geoff

a lil bit more to go  ;)

tinkering with the colors

Im KEEN!!!

Very cool. What color is the lower one? Hard to tell exactly.

top = red
bottom = white

this one is blue, but i don't think it's as nice as those two colors

I dig the White! Love to see some better quality gut shots. Looks like a lot is going on.

So it's 100w's but there is no post Phase inverter Cathode follower Driver tube?

The driver tube is really very crucial to the SSS sound.

It's fun to see the amp coming together.

Need schematic and layout so we can follow along ;D

Mark

Another picture of the gut shot, sorry for the crappy image, taken from my phone's camera

this was taken minutes ago , we fired her up and at the final testing stage, hopefully...


sorry guys i'm not a tech, will get nik to reply, update soon!! ;)

 ;D

Looks really nice! I think I'll have to scrape together some money. It sucks to be a poor student  ;D

That looks really good!! What's the chance of getting a sound clip to listen to?

i second that!! i love those gut shots. i wanna hear that sucker!

I know Mayer and SRV had one. I think it's just meant to be the loudest clean amp in the world.

Guys

Thanks!

I guess there are many questions on specs.

I have to say, this is a 100W, and doesn't have the driver tube. I guess we will have to do that version later? :)

It does have footswitchable FET and PAB, with the FET having control on the front.

Treble, Middle, Bass, Hi, Lo, Reverb Send and Return, Master, and Presence.

The switches in front include bright (3 way), mid boost, Deep, and Rock/Jazz.

At the back, there's LNFB switches (3 way) for V1A and V2A.

Impedance selector (4 8 and 16), speaker jacks, and Loop.

External bias jacks are at the back.

Also 1/2 power switch.

5 12AX7s , 4 6L6GC, reverb tank, footswitch.

Hand made, hand wired (on eyelet boards) construction.  (Hey, people sell 300 bucks amp on PCB and call it handwired these days!)

OK, hope I didnt miss anything?

Thanks!

Nik
 

you only missed two things....  How much?  And When will it be available?

yeah we need the driver version later - with 6550s/kt88s :D

I'm DEFINITELY interested. I'm also wondering what the pricing is looking like though.

Also, I'd like to hear some feedback as to what differences you will HEAR without the driver tube? How will it affect tone? Headroom? Will it affect it at all? Just curious really.

 The driver tube makes the amp extremely clean with almost zero distortion. It's after the Phase inverter and makes the Power amp very, very clean. Almost HiFi in nature. Also it gives the amp that velvety clean sustaining character.  Alexander Dumble used this driver tube in the 100w version too. He sometimes used 2 driver tubes or a 12Bh7 in the 150w (KT88/6550) version.

John Mayer's Silver panel (serial #2) Dumble SSS is a 100w version with Fender twin Reverb Iron.

From talking to somebody with first hand experience with the circuit from building clones from detailed pictures and schematic's, the driver tube is crucial to that "SSS" sound.

As for the driver tube, this one doesnt have it.

I think Mayer's doesnt have as well, but I am not sure.

We did have a driver tube (12BH7) in the HRM/SSS hybrid made for the Santana guitarist. It will distort if pushed enough, I guess, and definitely distort, power amp included, on the OD channel.

It is what it is, this one.

For the driver, I guess it'd be on the next one, whenever that is :)

It is pretty cleanish, but will distort if pushed. Or, you can use the footswitchable FET (with knob) to also get quite some gain for more a rocking sound. The PAB is also on the footswitch.

It does have the 6 way High and Low selectors, and of course the reverb.

Other than that, 1/2 power switch, 3 way LNFB, 3 way bright, Mid boost, Deep, Rock/Jazz, Treble middle bass, and presence (no cut, contour or resonance), external bias jacks, 4/8/16 impedance selector.

I am pricing this at USD 1650 + shipment (lower than estimated) for the release (might go up, depends on costs, which are increasing).


I repeat: USD 1650 + shipment ( currently it'd be abt USD 1900-2000 shipped).  Sorry, usually what i quote as 500 shipped has a tendency to be USD 800 on the forums! But we all know why that is so, eh?

I think, tone wise, it's great, like a very good twin reverb cleans but with a lot of neutral-ness (not exactly hifi, but it feels pure), and sustain.

I do like that it can crunch/distort if I want it to be.

What do I miss? Hmm...when. I am trying to sew my own reverb tank cover, thats it pretty much!


Thanks!

nik

And don't forget, if you must have a cathode follower on the PI (or other features) it can easily be added if I (or another authorized builder) build it for you! We can decide the wattage, choose transformers, tubes and other features to your taste. This SSS platform will become one of Nik's hottest items I think once folks realize it can become just about any SSS model. I hope to be one of the first to demonstrate this! My first version will be a 200 watt using vintage Fender iron and some other cool tidbits, stay tuned!
Jon     Mill Creek Audio

Indeed I can vouch for Jon's work first hand, this man can build guitar amps!

 And yes the Post Pi Cathode follower can easily be added to Niks SSS platform Via Jon (or another Ceriatone authorized builder) .

There's more than enough room to shoehorn another 12ax7 or 12Bh7 tube between the first two Power tubes in Niks SSS chassis and point to point the parts for the Driver tube in.

Since we have a price, can we get clips? ;)

Nicky Moroch was here today to test the SSS, chupa, yeti and straycat  :chairdance:

A great, great, GREAT guitar player!

Dual Niks...Coool   8)

Nice last photo of all you guys.

Nicky is a super player. He's a fixture at the PRS Experience open house every year. Great guy to talk to and listen to play. A man who has a purpose for every note he plays.

So what did he think of the SSS?

nicky loves all of them, too bad he had limited time to try more of our amps, he played SSS the longest. As for the SSS - it's unbelieveable, well to my ears that is  ;) I'm listening it live played by a super guitar player. it's a treat for sure!

We are premaking the SSS (stock) and to those of you who have shown interest, you'd be the first in line. I think Nik will email you personally for this.

will post the clip soon, well just waiting the green light from nik to do so, and let you be the judge


the last pic - nicky, adi( the SSS assembler) & nik

Nik and Adi great photos and I bet it was great to hear Nicky playing at Ceriatone World Headquarters ;D

Regarding the SSS I want to bolt my own together but I suppose that will not be possible without being an authorized dealer?

Mark

An email from Nicky Moroch, one SSS down  ;D

Sent: 07 Mac 2012 18:30
To: Nik Azam
Subject: SSS...

Nik - It was great to finally meet you and your wonderful family along with the crew at Ceriatone - I wish I had more time to spend in KL. The amps were all fantastic - The Chupa, Yeti, Liverpull... but the real surprise of the bunch was the SSS. Not just the huge, beautiful clean tones but the singing lead tones that are in there - Way more "juice" than I expected! A fantastic amp - You're gonna' sell tons of them! It was a little depressing last night playing through rented gear after playing that amp - We'll talk soon about
one for me !!!       NM       P.S. Please feel free to post this on your
forum.

That's great news. Must be something special, because Nicky gets to play through a bunch of great amps. (well aside from the rented gear) ;)

Yeah great indeed, and I asked him to come back, the rest of the amps are waiting  ;D

you guys are welcome too, we have a lot of sun here, what else can you do besides sun bathing?.. testing our amps perhaps  ;)

Where do I sign? When will I have it here? I want it! I want it! I want it! Now!

Hi laurens,

shoot nik@ceriatone.com an email, thanks!  :D

Guys,

SSS clips are up!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HNbvWU5HrU

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmI3HCVXzYw

Let us know what you think, thanks!

I think it's sounding very versatile, with NM playing it can't go wrong. The overdrive was most surprising, I like it. :P Very addictive reverb too....

It is hard for me to judge, because my preferred sound is a singing clean strat in the neck position!! haha
It is also difficult because its hard to tell where the distortion from the camera ends and the amp starts!

However it definitely seems to get a singing overdrive! Even NM seemed highly impressed!

I have to admit, the entire time i was mentally willing him to pick up that gold strat though!!!!!

The cleans in video one defiantly chimed.
What speakers was it through?

Any chance of a video with the gold guitar?

MM.

It is a super clean machine!!

However the earlier models are capable of grit!

e.g.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH6AI2mAsD4


Id hazard a guess at high powered gibson humbuckers, into the FET channel with the pre-amp over half-way and possibly also the PAB engaged. The rest would be the master output and speaker cabinet. ns about these as it isnt stated whether it is operating at 50w or 100w, and whether 112 or 212 etc.

My thoughts exactly!!

Those cleans were to die for, even with a Les Paul, but I suspect a lot of people will be looking at this chasing Mayeresque cleans (I could be wrong) and we really need to hear it played with a Strat for that.

For a clean amp, most of the demo was overdriven...shows the versatility, but doesn't really show off the cleans as much as it could have...

Still, I agree with everyone who says that you're probably onto a winner here Nik!!

Cool! Wow, this dude KNOWS! :)

Exactly correct.

The FET channel, PAB, 100W into 2x12 with ET-65s (open backed). The humbuckers are Alnico Pro 2 (Slash, baby! haha!).

Anyways, will try to get it done on a Strat.  Its got to be an old strat with rosewood board :).

Thanks!

nik

Wow, that's incredible sounding. I had been following that it will get overdriven, but it really suprised me just how much this baby sings. So cool.

I would say it's a definite winner, Nik.

Nik, does that price include a head cabinet? Is that an option?

Thanks

AJ

Oh man! And I've just ordered my 50w HRM bluesmaster....... :(

That amp certainly sounds delicious...

Lovin the sound of this beast. Unfortunately I'd be looking for a kit for this one.  That's where all the fun is!!!

G

I have to agree with this statement.

More clips of the SSS, "toying" session with the SSS and OTS Ford Mustang 50 Watt, featuring our very own local M'sian talent - Wan Gigi and Aji

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXAGsD_9UqI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qurH4m8dI0E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ys5qnv9-aE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01or67eHtMc

The last clip was not meant to be played through the SSS, but I just wanna hear how it sounds! Sorry for the quality, I accidentally set it to compressed format this time.

Some pictures of the head, without the back window. Guess someone will be getting  this real soon, lucky you!  :chairdance:

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!!  :)   In every way.

What a great looking amp!
Sounds awesome too...Wan was getting a nice SRV tone on that second last clip
Good stuff! Keep up the good work!

Guys, thanks for the kind words, and thumbs up for these guys!

 :-X no word can describe that ....  :chairdance:  Good work

Anybody have a schemo of this SSS yet or what? :)

On another note this amp looks great.... and whatever it is circuit wise, it freakin sounds good.

Great looking amp and sounds great.

Mark

The 1st SSS shipped today

Thats a Beauty!!!

Is that the same one as above? Looks a bit longer?

yerp the same, we attached the back window today, test it one final round and pack it up. That baby is on the way to daddy  ;)

Lucky Bastard ...

lol  :chairdance:

OMG, how huge that amp is!

the knobs....  all the knobs....

Sent: 31 Mac 2012 10:23
To: Nik S Azam
Subject: Re: D's SSS 1

Hey Nik,

Just a further update!

After much tweaking and fiddling, I finally found that tone!

It's such a great amp and so versatile! It would take months to figure out every possibility!

If I had to compare it I would say its like a two rock sterling, but more 'alive'.

I can go from Stevie ray to John Mayer in a heart beat!

It's so great I haven't even used any pedals with it yet!

I have it coupled with a two-rock signature 2x12 cabinet and it's sounds utterly incredible!

Excellent work man!

I look forward to many years of use!



Feel free to use this testimony (please don't put last name tho)

Regards,
D*

This is nice news.  :)

Tell this guy to make some Hi-Fi clips and post them.

I will  ;)

A special request from Nik to make a 'Slow dancing in a burning room' clips.

Fender Strat > Boss Chromatic Tuner > Boss Ru-3 Loop station > SSS

There are two clips in this video.

No 1. was shot with iPhone 4s camera.

No 2. Then tried to redo again with microphone.

I only had the one mic at the time but it really doesn't capture the tone of this amp. There is a certain magic to these beauties that despite my best efforts - i couldn't get recorded.

If i had to describe it, i would say its like a two rock sterling sig, but a bit more raw.

One thing to note on JM's tone is that his tone is a combination of an SSS and his Sig amp, which is almost the same except with a darker voicing. it is the combination of the two that make his sound... that and almost 2 decades of practice!!!!

anyway, i only did one take on these (didnt have time to warm up or anything) but it should help you get an idea of the sound at least... just try ignore the playing haha


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k6dX3Q0QY4

Nik, why dont you name that amp "continuum"?

Great... Now you did it... Can you tell me, how the hell I am supposed to afford that thing?

Someone wants a kidney?   ;D

(Great clip! What would now interest me is: How does it differ soundwise from a regular OTS with the same cab?)

Ah, that second take is starting to show the real deal. Good clip and playing mm2011! Keep em, coming.

Oh, throw the iPhone in garbage when you do so. Use a mic.  ;)

From what I can get from the data I have collected, the SSS is basically a skyline EQ, no OD section is used, step filters, effects loop, two tube reverb into a Fender Twin Reverb power section.  Crystal clean amp that when you foot switch the FET in you get OD.  It closely mirrors the Dumble Overdrive Reverb.

Mark

Has anyone else had an SSS shipped to them? I'm on the list and wondering how quickly Nik is getting them out the door.

I'm am very interested in this amp!! An SSS to run my custom made Strat through would be awesome.

One question though Nik,
Do you know if any of the manufactures (like Gabkits) who make cabinets to hold your chassis will be offering custom stuff for the SSS?

I would love to have one of these in a 1x12 combo like the early serial # SSS owned by Henry Kaiser!

Matt,

Taylor Cox at www.Amplifiednation.com can make you a Dumble combo cab.  I have four of his head cabs.

http://www.amplifiednation.com/D-Style%20Cabs.htm

Also Anthony makes the cabs Gabi sells on Gabkits and if you need a custom cab Anthony and Gabi will get back to you with a reasonable quote.

Mark

Official release of Ceriatone SSS

http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPages/SSS100/SSS100Main.htm

Introduction Price: USD 1,650 - Complete Head unit only + Ship (valid until 31 May 2012 - full payment)

1 June 2012 onwards, Normal Price: USD 1,800 - Complete Head unit only + Ship

Sorry guys, we are not offering any SSS Kit at the moment hence no layout will be posted too.

Azlin,
Are the Reverb Tanks being shipped with the head unit as well?

Gregg

yerp, no reverb no SSS I guess hehehe, in the ceriatone SSS product page - pictures , I've taken one without the back panel window, the reverb tank is inside the black tolex pouch at the bottom of the chassis,

here's another one

Ah, I see it now! My eyes are getting old ;)

Gregg

Gregg,

Should have highlighted it in the main page, but still waiting for the write up from nik, and the manual is coming together soon

I've had mine for about a week now.  Taylor is making me a head cab.  I wanted to go with suede.

Sonicmojo, talk us through the amp please. Is is a very big clean amp with a FET for a boost?

What does the filter section do?
What does it sound like a low volumes?
Do you find you have to dial the clean to get the FET to sound good? or does the filter section switch in and out with the FET? OR can you have lovely sparkly bright cleans and a real woody driven tone?

I can't get into much about it yet since I'm in the middle of a move right now and waiting for the cabinet so it's not in much use quite yet but I can tell you a few things.

It is a very clean amp but the level of clean is dependent on everything you use with it, guitar, pickups, speakers, etc.  The amp sound you're going to get reacts to the character of the guitar, even more so than my regular ODS style amps.   I prefer to use EVM-12L speakers with it so far to preserve the clean.  After all, loud and clean is the main reason I wanted this amp.  It takes OD pedals well though if I want to go there with it. 

It has FET and PAB boost on the footswitch.  They are both like boosts as far as I use them.  As for the FET, pushing the front end with an extra gain stage on any amp is going to add gain.  It also has two LNFB feedback switches.  I haven't done much with them yet and have pretty much left them off:

Here's what Nik told me:
As for the LNFB, it's 3 way
Top (loudest) is no LNFB, mid is a bit, and bottom is full on.
They're for V1A and V1B, ie on each triode of the input tube.

If I want that super sparkly clean sound, use a strat on position 4, no FET, no PAB.  The amp is still going to be loud.  You also wouldn't want really hot pickups if you are going for that ultra clean sound.  In a world where a lot of the Strat pickups out there seem to be hot, distorted, or overwound to some extent, this amp makes you want to experiment in the opposite direction with your guitar.  I may experiment with different pickups or even just adjust  the height on mine a bit more.

The filter includes a "high" and a "low"  These are each seven step switches.  The high cuts highs (with different capacitor values) as you go up in steps.  The low cuts lows (with different resistors) as you go up in steps.  These are available always.  The high cut is especially useful when using a brighter guitar as this amp can get very bright, especially when using it with my Altec 417-8c Alnico speaker which has a large range.  They both seem very incremental in cut except for the highest position of the high cut, which really knocks out all the highs.  It think that one position might be good for a subdued jazz style.  I like to tinker so I may decide to change that one function to make it more in line with the rest.  With my brighter Strat, I tend to keep it on that next to last high cut position.  With my Les Paul, I cut less highs as the pickups are naturally darker.  This high cut filter is very useful when switching different types of guitars.  It is very similar to the multi-cap high cut mod that was talked about in the Overtone forum and I used in my Bluesmaster.

You can run it with the half power switch for lower volumes but I haven't experimented with lower volumes yet.  My earplugs are at the ready always....

THnaks a lot.

Does the half power just cut two tubes? Or is there a B+ drop?

I would hope its not Pentode/triode:)

How does it perform at low volumes? The biggest problem with my OTS is that the clean is quite stiff  at low volumes. Up at around 6-7 and its lovely with  a strat with Fralins, breaking up quite a lot with a H/B.

Just ordered my SSS today!!!  Can't wait!!  hurry up Nik!

BW83-

Our styles are similar, so I'm counting on clips from you. So tempted by this one

I'm all over it.  Honored that someone even recognizes my "style"

Is a dlator style loop as neccessary in this amp as it was with the ots?

Yes. It has the same passive loop as the rest of the OTS series

I personally never thought the D-Lator was necessary with any of my amps but it does add a dimension for using overdrive especially on my ODS clones.  On this amp I haven't even had the urge to try it.  I like it just fine without so far.

Yeah, I can see where the SSS may not need it as much as the OTS amps, unless you are gonna run effects that need a buffer. The SSS has def got my interest, I may have to look into it come January after I make all my holiday season overtime money and get my money back from Uncle Sam

Good point on the effects.  My setup is minimal.  I always keep my overdrive and boost in front and since this has reverb already, no need for that to be in the loop.  I typically don't use delay.

Plasticvonaband, you live in Tampa right?  You should come over and check it out.  I'm moving to Hawaii in a couple of months but plan to keep this out to play for a while.  PM me if interested.

How wide is the amp head?

27"

Most def! PM sent to ya

Gregg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNDrYYV1qQ

Ceriatone SSS & 2550 live recording, clip taken from the Red Rooster Club event in KL on Sunday.  Malaysia's Papa Rock Mr Ramli Sarip on vocals, superb!!!

The SSS manual is up

http://www.ceriatone.com/Manuals/Ceriatone_SSS_100W_Manual_nik.pdf

Cool manual. Just a few questions though,
was wondering if the FET input would be usable for piezo acoustic input,
or is it tweaked to respond better to mag pickups?
Also curious as to how it would sound as a bass amp
If it can do bass and acoustic as well it would be an awesome all-in-one amp
I suppose with a few minor mods it could do practically anything

Is that the width of the cabinet or the chassis?

Cabinet.  Chassis is 25.5".  I covered my custom cab in suede so I went about 27 1/4" due to the thicker material.  My height is about 11 1/4" not including feet.  This gives me about 1" tank clearance on those huge Ceriatone transformers.  I don't have a problem with reverb hum.  It is a quiet amp from that standpoint and I don't see the need to go any taller.  Nik's initial cab version is about the same, give or take a quarter inch.  I think he is considering building them taller just in case.

(http://www.sonicmojo.com/sss/Images/csss-front1000.jpg)
(http://www.sonicmojo.com/sss/Images/csss-back1000.jpg)

Very nice! I like the suede and Vox grille combo!

I was hoping the chassis was around 25". The combo cab that gabkits built for me is a 2x12 that is originally for the DZ 30 and it is 28" wide, so the SSS chassis should fit. The only thing I would have to change is the valence.

Now I just have to find time to check yours out and then convince Nik to sell me a complete ready to run chassis with the pan, without the head cab ;)

Man that's a nice looking amp! :o

That's a great color on the suede.

Wow, that is really sharp!

Might be time to sell my BF Super Reverb and upgrade
I'm sure the SSS could double as a bass amp for my purposes with the right cab

I have a feeling you are right

I'd miss the tremelo on the Fender, but I can use a pedal I suppose
I'm sure the SSS would make the Super Reverb redundant and would be an easier lug
SSS for big cleans and the Tweed Twin for dirt should be a good combination
Plus I could use the SSS for the occasional bass gig, even if it's not voiced for bass

I had an early 2000s Super Reverb RI in my workshop for a friend at the same time as my SSS for a little while and it did have some "similarities".  The speaker cabs used for the SSS were different and I think the 4x10s on the SR give it a unique sound.  It wasn't a fair comparison but it was a lot more similar to the SSS cleans than my '68 BF Twin Reverb or my '76 Bandmaster Reverb head.  Hope this helps.

The more i listen to those clips the more i love that amp! I think the perfect setup for me would be an SSS with the Bluesmaster tonestack, switchable mega PAB like i have on my Bluesmaster and VVR on the power section so i can run 5881's/JAN 6L6WGB's without burning them up. If i could get that in a completed chassis and reverb pan, without a cab that would be perfection, as it will fit in the combo cab i have now :)

Gregg

Thanks for the info sonicmojo...I thought it might have similar cleans
Also, I'd like to use EV's or similar...and it's ridiculous to put EV's in the Super Reverb
(I doubt SRV ever carried his EV loaded Super..heh)
At least with the SSS I could use a 2X12 and it would be more managable for this ol' squatch

the countdown is on until mine ships...  right nik??  ;)  now someone buy my ots

Very cool, Webb. Hopefully someone will buy your OTS. By the way saw the thread over on TGP where you announced how happy you were to be ordering the SSS. Wowsers!!! :o

Gregg

I know right.  I don't even think anyone remembers that that was the purpose of my thread.

Sounds like TGP is still the wonderful place of open-minded thought it's so well known for. ::)  I was probably one the original members there, but haven't actually deliberately gone there in years. I've linked a few times from other places every so often, but just can't bring myself to sift through all the BS.

In fact I think at one point they did a server change or something and my account/username became inactive and I had to go through the hassle to rejoin and then never went back. I wonder if I can still login there?

Sonic,
We did a killer job designing that cabinet together!!  If anyone else is interested in SSS or other Dumble style cabs, please contact me though www.amplifiednation.com!  I have hundreds of builds under my belt and I ship internationally!!  Thanks for posting the pics my man, the amp looks fantastic!

Taylor Cox
Amplified Nation

I can't wait to see what mine will look like!!! :)

Great looking amp and yes Taylor does fantastic work, I have what four cabs?

Mark

can we get some more clips???!!?!?

mine will be here monday!!

It's here!!! Sounds Great!! 


(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z197/bigwebb83/sss-1.jpg)

Nice!

Would be awesome if you could do a little A/B comparison between the OTS cleansound and the SSS cleansound.

I'll second that.

I'm mere weeks away from finally being in a position to place my order for an OTS, but I have to admit that I'm very tempted to wait another month and go for the SSS...yes it would mean I'd be looking for an amp for my overdrive sound further on up the road, but I'd have the clean sound I've been looking for...

Would be useful to see how close an amp that gives me the overdrive sound as well can get on the cleans...

(That said, how cool would an SSS and a Marshall-type head look sat on top of a 4x12 cab!!)

The OTS has a great clean sound but the SSS has something else.  The best way I can describe it with words is that it has layers of shimering sparkling cleans.  Almost multidimensional. 

hey man can you give me the settings that you are currently using on your sss?  I'm talking mainly about the settings you used for your demo vid of slow dancing.  Thanks

Maybe I could get some advice? I've always loved the sound of the SSS and am on the fence about buying one. I play a 50 watt amp now (Heritage Colonial) and am a gigging musician. I'm wondering if the SSS would simply be too loud. We reahease in a basement with a drummer, bass player, keys, sax, so we get fairly loud even in rehearsals. The 50 watt Colonial is fine. I play it on about 2 or 3 and it sounds good.

I have owned tons of amps but have never owned a 100 watt amp.

What do you think?

I'm also curious as the how much the head weighs.

Thanks.

 100 watter, better dynamics. About 55 lbs 

If you run this through the buffer unit, either a Kleinulator or C-lator, then it won't be too loud.  Hell, the difference between a 50w and 100w amp is something like 6 dB (I may be talking out of my ass, you should check that out).  What I DO know, though, is that wattage equates with headroom: a 100w amp will stay clean louder than a 50w amp.  Nik's version of the SSS (the #002 I think) has a gain pot, so OD on the clean side shouldn't be an issue, especially if you ask for the 1/2 power mod, which takes it to 50w or so.  Remember that this amp is supposed to run as a clean amp, using pedals to drive it.  What you get is the ability to have amazing cleans at almost any volume, and be able to add dirt pedals for your flavor of OD.  Had I the cash, I'd do it.

I have played both an Original Dumble SSS (Blackface era 150w, late serial #), and a Bludotone High plains Drifter (based on EJ's Silver panel 150w SSS #5).

Both amps were not overly loud. The huge pwr section has tons of clean headroom but its all about the amount of girth the power amp brings into the equation. With that said a 100w SSS style amp is basically the same, maybe a few dB's less of clean headroom. Believe me when I say that too much volume will not be an issue, you should be able to get great tones at any volume with the master Volume low, even bedroom levels. Sure the amps sound killer at high volumes and will possibly decapitate someone's head :) , but the low vol is perfectly fine too.

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the comments. I am aware that a 100 watt amp is no where near twice as loud as a 50. I was just thinking of a buddy's 100 watt Super Lead from the 70's. The volume ramps up real fast. Sometimes it's too loud on one half lol. But then again, that doesn't have a master volume to tame it either.

I am primarily looking for a clean amp to use as a base for pedals. Do you know how well it takes pedals? I know that most high wattage clean amps are great for that application. Does the same hold true for the SSS design?

I haven't had amp gas in about three years. Thought I was over it. Boy was I stupid lol.  I may well pull the trigger on the SSS. I've been a big fan of that sound ever since I first heard it. Just love that clean sound.

Also, I didn't understand the comment about the buffer in an earlier reply. Is that like a dumbleator? If you get one, do you run it through the effects loop, and if so does that make it an active effects loop? Thanks.

Without having played an SSS or clone, I do know that SRV used one and got all of his dirt from old TS808s.  So yeah, it should work great as a pedal platform.  I have a 100w Bluesmaster, and there isn't a pedal I've found that sounds bad with it. 

The buffer is a dumblator.  You run it in the loop.  I believe that it does make the loop active, but I am not sure. 

@bkpdave,

FWIW the first (50wHRM+C-lator) amp of mine from Nik's shop was purchased on faith that has been more than justified soundwise and build quality-wise taking the plunge.  The value thang is off the scale.  So I had no problem at all pulling the trigger this morning on an SSS build.  You won't be sorry if you decide to step up and do the same.

there is a half power switch also

OK. Dumb question. How do I call Nik? I've tried the number on the ceriatone site but it has one digit too many for what I'm used to in the states. I get a message that verizon can't connect with that number.

I've emailed Nik too but haven't heard.

Thanks.

check out the manuals and online clips for what you are interested in, at the factory site, if you haven't already.  Read up a bunch!

Hi, Nik's email is nik@ceriatone.com

The phone number listed on www.ceriatone.com is a Malaysian phone number where '6' is the country code, I am not sure what's the international outgoing code you need to add to make the call, hope that helps.  I do hope you can check the time zone before calling as it's my mobile number, not Nik's  ;). He prefers email, thanks!

Well, I took the plunge guys. I haven't bought a new amp in a few years but I've always loved the SSS tone and have always been attracted to amps with great cleans. My theory is that I can always find a pedal to make a clean amp sound great dirty but if the amp doesn't have a great clean tone in it to start, NOTHING will get it for me.

Thanks for your information and suggestions.

Now the wait begins....tick tock....

here's a sloppy demo.  Tried twice before this one.  On the first I got done and reallized the mic was turned around backwards from the speaker and on the second reaper had the wrong input selected and recorded nothing.  I need to get some sleep obviously.  Playing is atrocious but hopefully you can get an idea of the amps sound.  I run through a couple pickup positions on my grosh strat straight into the amp and then run through a few with an analogman KOT.


http://soundcloud.com/bigwebb83/sss2




.

Sounds great, thanks!!

More to come

Thanks for the clips bigwebb. I liked them and also the track you used. What is that song?

I don't think I used a track did I???  Let me go back and listen.  I thought it was just noodling

Yep definitely just uninspired wankage :D. 

Bigwebb, I thought I checked a thread where there were two soundclips by you- one with backing and one without. It's not a biggie-as long as I'm not going crazy that is.....

nope I only have one right now because I've been so busy.  Going to be working on the hymn of ordinary motion this weekend hopefully.

Bigwebb,

The other clip I heard was of your OTS....

gotcha.  Moved into the new house and my music bunker is pretty much complete.  Just need a rug on the tile floor to control the sound.  More clips to come. I've also been able to dial in the amp a little better. 

schweeeet!

here's another short snippet from me playing around with the looper on my new timeline.


http://www.soundcloud.com/bigwebb83/ceriatone-sss-noodling-with

One more.  Decided to put these two head to head to see which is the best.  I'll let you decide.  I start out playing through the Aluminum Falcon and then if you listen carefully you can hear me yell out "STUD" when switching to the monsterpiece stud.  I later do amp only and then cycle through the two pedals again.  

As always sorry for the clams, I'm just trying to demonstrate the sound of these two pedals along with the amp. Pivtures of the pedals settings bellow.

Edit: Included pics of my amps settings as well.  Both LNFB switches up FET and PAB off.  Mid boost off deep off bright at mid bright cap.

Equipment used:

 - Ceriatone SSS (Steel string Singer Clone)

 - Grosh Strat w/ grosh Fat 60's pickups

 - Piedmont Custom Electronics Aluminum Falcon

 - Monsterpie Stud

 - Fuchs Audio Verbrator in the loop

 - Strymon timeline in the Fuchs' Loop




http://soundcloud.com/bigwebb83/aluminum-falcon-vs


(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z197/bigwebb83/settings.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z197/bigwebb83/af-1.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z197/bigwebb83/stud-1.jpg)[/B]

a couple youtube clips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3JIlSjqny0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFwQbqjWp_0

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