Reverb Rocket from TDS Matchless Transformers?

[YardBirdFan]

Hi,

I recently acquired a bunch of transformers including a TDS 1111 which was designed for a Matchless Lightning which is a dual EL84 amp.
I was planning on building a Matchless Reverb clone, and subsequently purchased the appropriate OT, Choke and Reverb transformers.

I haven't found a complete Matchless Lightning reverb schematic or layout yet or even closeup photos. So, I am thinking... perhaps I should go the Rocket Reverb route.

What are thoughts on this? I know the Matchless is respected. I think the TDS iron is pretty sweet and especially the PT is a work of art!

So would I be happier with a Rocket Reverb? I play mostly clean and like a lush reverb and total chime!

By the way, the transformer documentation says it has 588VT CT LN 0.1A DC FW Rect. The OT likes 4K ohm, and the reverb tranny is 33 to 1.

[RJ Guitars]

Yardbirdfan - welcome to the forum.

We like Rocket amps around here although I think you'll the folks helpful no matter what you choose to build.

There are several schematics and layouts available for adding reverb to a Rocket amp. I choose the Fender style reverb as an add on (or built in) for Roadster and Rockster amp packages. It sounds really nice although i don't push it real hard like you would for a surf amp. It's more of an added flavor than a dominate one.

I'll post a schematic for adding reverb to a Rocket amp and I also have a schematic and layout for a half power Rocket - what I call the "Sweet 16 Rocket" if you are interested in that lemme know and I'll send it your way.

rj

[dcribbs1412]

I haven't found a complete Matchless Lightning reverb schematic or layout yet or even closeup photos.

Might check this thread where M Fowler posted a schem
not sure its what your looking for
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... f5a5e0246d

Agree with RJ, Rocket is the way to go. A 2 el84 version would fit your iron
Hope to see you document whatever you decide

D

[10thTx]

Just for the fun of it, I drew this up a number of years ago but never built it. It's just a DRAFT idea I had.

with respect, 10thtx

[10thTx]

And another idea would be Geezer's HoSo56 but add a one tube reverb.

The 5879 give a FAT chimey tone, IMO.

You could change this closer to Rocket component values but use a 5879 for the V1. You could skip the relay switching and just use a DPDT mini-toggle if you wanted.

Just another DRAFT idea to consider. I have built a HoSo56 with a one tube reverb and it worked just fine for me.

With respect, 10thtx

[dorrisant]

Not to differ with 10thTX... but you did say you play mostly clean and love the lush reverb. The Rocket/Rockster is probably a wise choice. I have built both and they are different animals. That said they both sound great! The Rocket platform has more of the pure cleans available.

Tony

[10thTx]

you did say you play mostly clean and love the lush reverb. The Rocket/Rockster is probably a wise choice

I agree with that and think Tony gave you good advice.

With respect, 10thtx

[M Fowler]

Here is KT66's version of an 18w Reverb Rocket

[YardBirdFan]

Thanks everybody for the good advice so far!

I promise to document the build once I decide how to go. What a treat to get a link to the Matchless Lightning Reverb schematic. I have searched high and low! It is looking like I will not build a Lightning, but it will be useful to compare the schematic to the Rocket with Reverb.

I like how all seem to agree that the TR Rocket variations will suit me better for the clean chime I am after. The YouTube videos I have heard of the Lightning sound good, but there are some TR Rocket and clone videos out there that sound AMAZING. I am pretty sure I am headed in that direction.

I like seeing the dwell control on KT66's version. It looks like a nice clean layout too. Does anyone have a schematic for KT66's version listed above?

I have fixed several broken amps, but this will be my first full build. I am anxious to proceed, but have to finish a guitar finish I am doing for a friend first.

Thanks again to all!

[M Fowler]

I like seeing the dwell control on KT66's version. It looks like a nice clean layout too. Is this the right schematic for KT66's version listed above?
https://tubeamparchive.com/download/file.php?id=13334

Yes except maybe some of the switching isn't used. I did use some of that switching on one of my builds.

Mark

[YardBirdFan]

Yes except maybe some of the switching isn't used. I did use some of that switching on one of my builds.

Mark

Mark, I see now that there is nothing in the layout related to a bright switch or mid boost. I will likely pass on these complexities as well.

I found the link on one of your threads from 2008. I just took a closer look at the schematic and I don't see the dwell control in the schematic, and it is labeled as having 2 KT66's. The schematic must have just been your launching pad.

Perhaps once I get busy I will be able to see by the layout how the dwell control should appear in the schematic.

Thanks again!

[RJ Guitars]

Has anyone used the Belton Digi-Log SSS reverb unit? I am tempted to give it a shot... I actually bought one a couple years ago but have done nothing with it yet.


FWIW -- I am hereby guilty of adding another deviation from the previously mentioned deviations of the Rocket build. The Digi-Log fits in with this thread but at this point we have very little Trainwreck left in the proposed build... does it matter?

[M Fowler]

Yes except maybe some of the switching isn't used. I did use some of that switching on one of my builds.

Mark

Mark, I see now that there is nothing in the layout related to a bright switch or mid boost. I will likely pass on these complexities as well.

I found the link on one of your threads from 2008. I just took a closer look at the schematic and I don't see the dwell control in the schematic, and it is labeled as having 2 KT66's. The schematic must have just been your launching pad.

Perhaps once I get busy I will be able to see by the layout how the dwell control should appear in the schematic.

Thanks again!

I don't think there is a schematic for what you want we just adapt our builds as we go using the basic Trainwreck Rocket schematic as the basis, then add reverb, and then change out the power sections whether 18w, 36w all EL84 or octal sections.

[dorrisant]

Has anyone used the Belton Digi-Log SSS reverb unit? I am tempted to give it a shot... I actually bought one a couple years ago but have done nothing with it yet.

Yes, I have built pedals with them. They sound pretty good. Matter of fact, Mark has the guts (board, wires, pots jacks, etc. No enclosure) to a pedal I made. I never heard if he tried it out or not. They have a 5v requirement for the module. I have been thinking of incorporating one into an amp... Saves some triodes that way.

Tony

[RJ Guitars]

Has anyone used the Belton Digi-Log SSS reverb unit? I am tempted to give it a shot... I actually bought one a couple years ago but have done nothing with it yet.

Yes, I have built pedals with them. They sound pretty good. Matter of fact, Mark has the guts (board, wires, pots jacks, etc. No enclosure) to a pedal I made. I never heard if he tried it out or not. They have a 5v requirement for the module. I have been thinking of incorporating one into an amp... Saves some triodes that way.

Tony

I'm going to run a TAG search and see what had been done using these with diy tube amps and if it hasn't been looked at in depth I'll post a new thread in the technical discussion pages