New Builder seeks advice re: Tweed Deluxe "Dumble Mods&

[g_sin]

Hello,

As you can see, this is my first post. I've been reading and studying here for weeks and have been reading many of the popular tube amp books.

In less than 6 months, I've graduated from Fender Mustang (solid state practice amp) to a Jet City JCA22h all tube Soldano circuit made on the cheap in China, and from a Schecter Omen 6 to a PRS SE Singlecut. I've decided to take the leap and roll my own.

After extensive research, I decided on the '57 Fender Deluxe 5e3 for a few reasons: its simple (but not too simple), well documented, iconic, cheap, and it has a more American voice than my high gain JCA.

Like you, I'm a nut when it comes to this stuff. I foresee many more projects after the 5e3. I distinctly remember reading a boutique amp builder (don't recall which one) saying a Two Rock amp he tried was the best amp he'd ever heard, and he'd heard a lot. Reading about Two Rock led me to Dumble which led me to this forum.

At this point, I would call an ODS my dream amp. However, I'm taking the often repeated advice of seasoned builders by starting with a simple circuit and getting some experience under my belt before attempting to build my dream amp. Which brings me to my questions:

1. Are there any modifications that I can do to my Deluxe to make it voiced more like a Dumble?

2. If my ultimate destination is a Dumble ODS, should I choose an amp other than the Deluxe as my first build? (Note: I'm sourcing all the parts myself for the 5e3 and have only purchased the board and it's components. None have been soldered yet.)

Also, I'm not much of a "Kit" type of guy. I like the challenge and process of sourcing the parts, not to mention the small incremental cash outflows. I realize it will likely be more expensive than a kit in the long run, but I'm fine with that. Nor was I interested in the single pre/power tube projects designed for beginners. I'm sure they are great projects, but I simply think I'd be too bored too fast.

Thank you for reading and thank you in advance to those responding.

Much respect,
Gordon.

[dreric]

Hi Gordon,

Welcome to the forum. I appreciate your enthusiasm.

The advise to build a "simple" circuit before the Dumble stuff is well grounded and the deluxe is a great amp. I would suggest two things.

First, move your thread over to the technical discussion, there will be more deluxe builders there.

Second, I'd build the stock circuit first. Get that sounding good, then mod if you like, you'll learn more and it will be easier for members to help you should you need it.

Mods like an additional gain stage, would require chassis modification and maybe transformer up grades (if you add a tube). A lot of what makes a Dumble a Dumble is the 100 watts and the iron that goes with it.

Good luck

Eric

[echuta13]

The 5E3 is a great first build IMO. It's also a good foundation for mods... If I was planning on working towards something more Dumble'ish, I'd probably be looking into a blackface circuit though.

[bluesfendermanblues]

Here's a few short tips from a Dumble head, who after building 4 dumble clones plus 2 dumblelator loops, decided to give the iconic 5E3 a try.

After having build one, I don't understand why I didn't build one 20 years ago - instead of all the amps I have build or owned and modded??

The 5E3 is truly a great amp for classic guitar tones, but you might need to mod the amp a little bit in order to get good OD tones from it. Leo Fender build his amps with clean country music in mind, so if you want blues and rock n' roll you need to reduce the bass level a little bit or else the amp will flap-out when you turn it up for crunch.

The mods I decided on are:

- reduce the V1 coupling capacitors from 100n to 22n
- reduce V1 cathode cap from 25uF to 2.2uF

(I used hammond transformers, orange drops and carbon comb resistors and a Dumble inspired lead dress....all shielded grid wires, solid core teflon anode and cathode wires run closely together and close to chassis)

Good luck with your upcoming amp!

[g_sin]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

I will move the thread over to the other forum.

I'll also look into some blackface stuff. I do like the tweed look though (and sound, of course)! As I said, I'm sure this won't be my last build.

Thanks again. -Gordon.

[ampexplorer]

a 5e3 is a wonderful amp. If you want more gain while keeping a classic rock tone try using a clone of a Range Master treble booster. sounds great with this amp. I also keep the 12ay7 in the first position. A 12ax7 does add more gain but I like the treble booster and the 12ay7 best. Good luck with your build

[heisthl]

a 5e3 is a wonderful amp. If you want more gain while keeping a classic rock tone try using a clone of a Range Master treble booster. sounds great with this amp. I also keep the 12ay7 in the first position. A 12ax7 does add more gain but I like the treble booster and the 12ay7 best. Good luck with your build

If you get tired of sourcing the 12AY7 you can get a 12AX7 to sound almost identical by adjusting the dropping string to get around 120 volts on it's plate.

[CHIP]

5E3 is a great first build, not too difficult and you end up with a nice sounding amp.

[billyoung]

do you plan on modifying the jca22 ?

how do you like the prs se ?

I am having a custom made zach myers style prs se built only with 24 frets

and gibson scale length and fretboard raduis.