183 build with reverb...

[mcinku]

Must admit building this amp was quite a journey for me. I wanted this to be build from scratch and when I started I didn't know what I'm getting into... Before this one I built quite a few C-tone kits but this time I wanted to build something C-tone can't offer.

First of all I wanted to add a verb... (thanks Gary, your posts were a big help). I tried both designes 12AX7 and 6BM8 and I think I prefer 12AX7 design. I used large can with three springs and I get beautiful hall like reverb. I had to change the design a bit to make this work for me but I really like the outcome.
Next I decided to use Marshall style PT, as I had one laying around and this was opportunity to use it. Because of this decision I had to change bias network and change the dropping string resistors to get the B+ voltages in the neighbourhood. So I ended up with 1K, 12K and 2K2. For the bias network I just copied the Marshall design… which was a bit difficult to implement but I managed somehow. I used 6CA7 power tubes as I had a pair in the shop already.

So when I started I decided to design and build my own chassis as well… I had no clue how much work that was… At the end I found a company which built the 8 tube chassis for me but it took a lot of trips before they got it right. After that I had to make custom faceplates as well… and at that time I decided to come up with my own brand name. I decided to build 10 chassis and 10 faceplate sets… as it was just too much effort to end up with just one set at the end.
And to make this journey perfect I build 10 sets of boards as well. PCB for small ones and eyelet for main board.
BTW I didn’t use “of the shelf” trannies as well… my friend build those, so this really is a build from scratch amp.
In tweaking phase I changed V2a coupling cap from 0.01uF to 0.005uF. I thought there was to bit much low end in the OD sound…

Thanks everybody for contributing on this forum. This amp would never be born if this forum would not exist.

…and this is the final product.
…and man this thing sounds great.

[galtjunk]

I get a message that the file can not be found.


The selected Attachment does not exist anymore

404 File Not Found: The File files/2_103.jpg does not exist.

[mcinku]

Sorry... how about now?

[ampmike]

That is a beautuful amp!!!!Very Very nice build!!!!Mikey

[bluesfendermanblues]

Very nice build! Looks as good as the ones build by Billy Yates.

[mcinku]

Thanks guys I appreciate the comments.

[aflynt]

Very nice job! Did you use a CAD program to do the chassis design? If so, what did you use?

-Aaron

[Teleguy61]

Always good to see your work mcinku.
Another beautiful build.

[M Fowler]

Very nice build looks great

Mark

[mcinku]

Very nice job! Did you use a CAD program to do the chassis design? If so, what did you use?

-Aaron

Yes I used CAD... believe it or not, I learned CAD just to be able to do this chassis. It was quite a learning curve but I'm glad I did this, as now I'm able to us it also for other stuff.

[aflynt]

Very nice job! Did you use a CAD program to do the chassis design? If so, what did you use?

-Aaron

Yes I used CAD... believe it or not, I learned CAD just to be able to do this chassis. It was quite a learning curve but I'm glad I did this, as now I'm able to us it also for other stuff.

Awesome! I'd like to do the same thing. Any recommendations on what CAD software to get? I looked into Solidworks, but it's way out of my price range.

-Aaron

[mcinku]

Well I used Autodesk AutoCAD... lucky enough we have it at work, so I didn't have to buy it.

When I will get rich by selling all the amps I will build, then I will quit my job and I will buy my own license.

[ToneMerc]

Wow a total end to end build, looks great.

Excellent job

TM

[jelle]

Congrats! Looks great!

[ericlee]

Mcinku, that's awesome! hope it sounds great.