Express chassis done....

[VaughnC]

....but I couldn't resist making some changes along the way. I started with Nik's boards and chassis, and Moose transformers.

Then I:
1) Upgraded the in & out jacks.
2) Upgraded the coupling caps to orange drops.
3) Built a Sprague filter cap module board that's secured to the chassis with two of the preamp board screws and two of the transformer screws.
4) Upgraded the on/off & standby switches.
5) Changed the pilot lamp assembly to the standard 6.3 volt type and then ran the heater wiring around the corner of the chassis. Except for a slight hiss, amp is nearly dead quiet.
6) Installed an AC power socket for a detachable power cord.
7) I never really cared for the sound of EL34's so I installed a pair of RCA 6L6GC blackplates and modified the bias supply accordingly. Sounds a little more Fendery this way but that's what I prefer.

Still working on the cab but here's a photo of the chassis:
[img1000]http://mysite.verizon.net/vaughn47/amps/TWtb.jpg[/img]
Interesting amp....can't wait until next weeks gig to see how she does in the heat of battle on stage .

[keithrick]

Congrats, Nice build! Although with all those mods you could have just sourced the parts yourself and saved about $100-200.

Let us know how she sounds with the 6L6's! I have been thinking about rewiring the tube sockets of my SF bassman to accept El34's.

[rockstah]

nice looking build there.

[5150loveeddie]

Nice chassis, where did you get it?

[tjauernig]

I also just finished one of Nik's kits last night. I used his transformers. I changed a few of the coupling caps to Orange drops as well. I left the EL34's in mine, and it rocks. I've built about 50 amps, but this was the first TW build. I get the hype. If the clones can sound this good, I can only imagine how good a real one sounds and feels.

Next up will be another, but with a host of tweaks.

[philmanatee]

My express was my first build, and I like it so much I don't want to mess with it. I just want to build another one to try the tweaks on. Phil

[VaughnC]

Nice chassis, where did you get it?

It's the Ceriatone aluminium chassis.

[Ron]

Vaughn, did you use the polyester ODs or the polystyrene (715 or 716) types?

[tjauernig]

VaughnC,

Did the Moose transformers fit right on the Ceria chassis, or did you have to redrill mounting holes?

[Ron]

The Moose/Hayboer transformers fit the mounting holes perfectly. The problem is getting the wires from the power transformer inside the chassis, since they originate from only one side of the PT. I cut most of the unused leads (for example, rectifier filaments and low-voltage B+) so that I did not have to insert them through the single hole.

[VaughnC]

The Moose/Hayboer transformers fit the mounting holes perfectly. The problem is getting the wires from the power transformer inside the chassis, since they originate from only one side of the PT. I cut most of the unused leads (for example, rectifier filaments and low-voltage B+) so that I did not have to insert them through the single hole.

My solution was to increase the size of the chassis feed through hole and use a larger rubber grommet. Then I insulated the unused wire ends with heat shrink tubing and tucked them under the power supply board. I did the same with the extra output transformer primary tap wires.

[VaughnC]

Vaughn, did you use the polyester ODs or the polystyrene (715 or 716) types?

I used the 6PS type.

[Ron]

Those are the "right" ones.

[Blues Hound]

I really did the face plate...where did you get it?

Steve

[Allynmey]

Those are the "right" ones.

Ron, actually the "correct" OD's for a wreck are the Mallory PVC series

Allynmey