First post, First build idea- anyone care to chime in?

[analogjunkie]

I know a little about amps, a novice at best. I want to build a single channel amplifier modeled after the clean channel of an overdrive special.

I understand layouts, schematics I am not very good with but I am getting better with. I would NOT like to build from a kit. The way I understand it from the layouts and schematics that I have overlooked seems to be that the circuit is dependent on having both channels? am I wrong on this?

If anyone would care to help a noob out on this, I would appreciate it. thanks for your time.

[analogjunkie]

I would also like to use a tube rectifier instead of solid state like some of the two rock stuff.

[Bob-I]

I know a little about amps, a novice at best. I want to build a single channel amplifier modeled after the clean channel of an overdrive special.

I understand layouts, schematics I am not very good with but I am getting better with. I would NOT like to build from a kit. The way I understand it from the layouts and schematics that I have overlooked seems to be that the circuit is dependent on having both channels? am I wrong on this?

If anyone would care to help a noob out on this, I would appreciate it. thanks for your time.

No, the clean channel can be built independent of the OD channel. Basically the OD is 2 additional gain stages that follow the clean channel. Just skip the channel switch relay and all of the components associated with V2.

[LPSGME]

A schematic is actually the easiest way to understand what is going on in the circuit.

But for all the difficulty, especially if you are only learning, you may want to consider a compete kit, IMHO.

I think you may be getting confused by the terms.

The amp is really a single channel amp that has a clean stage feeding into an OD stage - which can be bypassed by a foot switch.

Each stage [clean and OD] uses a single 12ax7 tube defined as V1 and V2 respectively. But each tube also has 2 similar internal sections defined as (a) and (b). So you end up with V1(a) and V1(b) for the clean stage; and V2(a) and V2(b) for the OD stage.

Many Fender amps, such as a Twin, are 2 channel amps - with 2 separate pre-amps stages that sum later in the circuit.

Just building the clean stage isn't going to produce anything much unique as it just a simple tube pre-amp. Ultimately the amp you are attempting to partly model relies on all it's stages and on using very specific part values and types to produce the end result.

When you look at the schematic just look at it as a linear signal flow with the OD stage capable of being switched in or out, or bypassed.

[Structo]

Yes the clean stage isn't all that remarkable.
You would be better off copying a Fender amp for that purpose.
The unique thing about the ODS amp(s) is the overdrive.
Most agree that it is the best overdrive on a tube amp, so it excels in that.
So combine a decent clean channel with that overdrive and you have a very versatile amp that will cover a lot of ground.

You don't have to sound like a jazz player or any of the other famous Dumble players.

Depending where you live you may want to consider a Ceriatone kit.
It is the closest design to the real circuit and you can buy the kit in varying degrees of completion.

[phsyconoodler]

Quote:"Yes the clean stage isn't all that remarkable. "

Wow! I love the cleans on my D-copy amps!The local negative feedback is the ticket to sweet-ass clean tones.That and a mid-boost with a very responsive EQ.

[Dr d]

Not much to add. Why do you just want the clean channel? The thing about the ODS is that it has been designed as a whole, ie. the overall driven sound is voiced as a result of the signal that preceeds it ( clean channel plus pre-amp boost and the combinations thereof). If you do want to go ahead with just building the preamp, you then have to decide if you are going to build the high, medium or low plate design. It may be more involved than you realise!! Therefore, you might follow Toms' advice and build from a kit of maybe a 5E3 Deluxe or a Twin, for example. The preamp of the Dumble ODS isnt a million miles away from a Twin anyway. Give us more detail as to what you are trying to achieve and we will do our best to help

[analogjunkie]

I want to build something along the lines of the two rock custom clean, all i need is the clean channel because I use pedals for my dirt. Plus I want the tonal switch options of the dumble.

I have read about modifying a twin to do the dumble thing. seriously considering this route by building a twin then doing the dumble mods to it for the clean channel. I dont want to just modify a twin, I want to build the entire thing myself. Maybe I am just overthinking this?

[Structo]

Depending on what kind of distortion you like, you may find the ODS overdrive to your liking.
There are tricks you can use to make it pretty hairy sounding.

I don't use any dirt pedals on my amp however once in a while I will use my Analogman Sunface w/sundial fuzz.

What I meant about the clean channel is, at least on my amp (2 x 6L6) I don't get pristine cleans unless turned down.
When I crank it up the clean starts distorting.

That would be a good reason to build the 100w amp, more clean headroom and just plain more ballz all the way around.

[Bob-I]

I want to build something along the lines of the two rock custom clean, all i need is the clean channel because I use pedals for my dirt. Plus I want the tonal switch options of the dumble.

I'm betting you've never played through a great Dumble clone, cauz if you ever do, your pedals will go in the trash.

[Mill Creek Audio]

I'm betting you've never played through a great Dumble clone, cauz if you ever do, your pedals will go in the trash. [/quote]

+1
Just had a customer pick up his 100W HRM, he had a fantastic array of pedals which he says are all going up for sale now! There really is no comparison.......

[LPSGME]

I'm betting you've never played through a great Dumble clone, cauz if you ever do, your pedals will go in the trash.

+1
Just had a customer pick up his 100W HRM, he had a fantastic array of pedals which he says are all going up for sale now! There really is no comparison.......[/quote]

'Tis all true. But more to the point is that there's really no good reason to not include the OD stage - as the effort and expense of including it is relatively trivial compared to all the rest.

[analogjunkie]

I want to build something along the lines of the two rock custom clean, all i need is the clean channel because I use pedals for my dirt. Plus I want the tonal switch options of the dumble.

I'm betting you've never played through a great Dumble clone, cauz if you ever do, your pedals will go in the trash.

Everyone is different. I own several Two-Rocks and a Bludo currently, played a handful of Dumbles from different eras and have played most of the other clones (glaswerks, quinn, brown note) in a live setting. I like pedals, what can I say?

Maybe that goes against the grain, but I am not trying to be Robben Ford. I also use AlNiCo speakers, sue me?

Just as a general statement, I am seeking some advice on a build, not how to play my amplifiers. My apologies for not following the typical internet Dumble code, I am too busy worrying about my own sound. Touring has also taken up a lot of my time over the last decade or so, let me know what part of the country you guys live in so I can collect on that bet, ok? You can tell my how bad the pedals sound after the show and I will not get offended, I promise you.

Is this website not about sharing build information?

I see your point LPSGME, and I may just go ahead and build a straight out clone without the FET, though my intentions are to use the clean channel only. If anyone else cares to chime in, BS aside, I would appreciate it.

[stelligan]

I would start with a D'Lite variant with bigger iron(bassman like) and the finest output transformer you can afford. A 2 x 6L6 amp. Very versatile and giggable amp. Takes pedals well, too!!

[LPSGME]

I want to build something along the lines of the two rock custom clean, all i need is the clean channel because I use pedals for my dirt. Plus I want the tonal switch options of the dumble.

I'm betting you've never played through a great Dumble clone, cauz if you ever do, your pedals will go in the trash.

Everyone is different. I own several Two-Rocks and a Bludo currently, played a handful of Dumbles from different eras and have played most of the other clones (glaswerks, quinn, brown note) in a live setting. I like pedals, what can I say?

Maybe that goes against the grain, but I am not trying to be Robben Ford. I also use AlNiCo speakers, sue me?

Just as a general statement, I am seeking some advice on a build, not how to play my amplifiers. My apologies for not following the typical internet Dumble code, I am too busy worrying about my own sound. Touring has also taken up a lot of my time over the last decade or so, let me know what part of the country you guys live in so I can collect on that bet, ok? You can tell my how bad the pedals sound after the show and I will not get offended, I promise you.

Is this website not about sharing build information?

I see your point LPSGME, and I may just go ahead and build a straight out clone without the FET, though my intentions are to use the clean channel only. If anyone else cares to chime in, BS aside, I would appreciate it.

I'm surprised to hear you say you own and have tried all those amps - because you previously said "I know a little about amps, a novice at best."

That being the case I'm curious what you hear as any difference, say between the Bludo or your other Two Rocks clean compared to what you are looking for. I would think you could get it just as easily modifying one of the amps you already have.

I modded my amp to include as many switchable tone and texture elements as possible - no matter how subtle they seem at times: a front adjustable PI control; switchable LNFB on V1b; switchable snubber on V2b; switchable slope on V1a; center OFF rock/jazz; adjustable gain on the PAB; and switchable speakers (1 ceramic to 2 alnico).