Transformers For Ceriatone HRM Bluesmaster

[Eddiehazelfan]

Hi, first time poster looking for some help with a Ceriatone build I'm considering. Not doing it myself; talking with a local amp builder who has experience with the Ceriatone kits. I do not have an electronics background so I don't have the knowledge or experience re specs, technical issues, etc.

The builder's quote seemed a bit high to me and I'm looking for areas to reduce costs if possible. Nik's kit price is fixed as is the builder's labor, but he's listing Mercury Magnetics on his estimate sheet for the transformers and that's one area I think I can work around. My gut is that the builder is trying to make a few extra dollars by using the Mercury Mags and I can get by with using something else that's just as good but less expensive.

Here are my questions...

- If I shop around for my own transformers, what should I be asking for? Are there specs that I should give a company? Particular model or parts numbers?

- Quote for three MM transformers (PT, OT & choke) is ~ $400.00 incl shipping. Is that reasonable or high?

- I 've read that Hoffman is a good "bang-for-the-buck" brand that several DIY'ers and builders use. How much would those transformers cost from Hoffman and how would I go about ordering them?

- The guy I'm talking to pleads ignorance re suggesting alternatives to the MM's...I'm kind of feeling snowed a bit. Should I expect a reputable builder to have options beyond one brand? He claims that the transformers from MM are custom-ordered to spec by Nik and that they are the only ones intended to be used in D-styled amps. My BS meter is ringing on this one...

Thanks in advance for any replies and information.

[martin manning]

A Magnetic Components (MC) transformer and choke set for a Twin Reverb (and that's the spec for this type of amp) is about $170 plus shipping, so probably less than $200 delivered. There are several other suppliers of equivalent units, including Mojo, which use Heyboer. It is utterly rediculous for your tech to claim he is ignorant of these other options, and people will disagree as to weather MM trasformers are worth the money or sound any better than others. You will need a relay supply in the form of a separate winding or another small transformer (traditionally obtained from Radio Shack by Dumble). An extra winding for this purpose may be the custom spec that was mentioned, but it is by no means necessary.

[boldaslove6789]

You can get an OEM Fender replacement Twin Reverb Pwr Trafo and a Tonemaster Output Transformer (with 4,8, and 16 Ohm taps). They sound great and are superior to stock Ceriatone transformers IMO

Also Mercury Magnetics will add a built in Relay supply on there Power transformers, just ask.

Heyboer makes great trafo's too. I believe Bludotone and Brown Note get some of there stuff from them too.

My 100w Quinn SDO-Reverb (with built in 2 tube verb and Dumbleator) uses a Mercury Magnetic Twin Reverb Power transformer (with built in Relay supply) and a Heyboer Plexi Output transformer. The amp can use both 6L6's and EL34's via rebias.

[M Fowler]

If the local builder has been buying MM transformers then he should be able to get them at reduced pricing but if he is in business to make money then he has to charge accordingly to make a living.

The MM would be nice because nothing would have to change from Nik's designs since the relay power tap is built into the power transformer.

Otherwise, you could order custom Heyboer with 5v or 6v relay tap at lower cost then MM.

The other way with MC tranformer set you save a bundle of cash but have to buy a cheap 6v-0-6v Radio Shack transformer to power the relays. I think Nik is using 12v relays.

Mark

[rogb]

Hi, first time poster looking for some help with a Ceriatone build I'm considering. Not doing it myself; talking with a local amp builder who has experience with the Ceriatone kits. I do not have an electronics background so I don't have the knowledge or experience re specs, technical issues, etc.

The builder's quote seemed a bit high to me and I'm looking for areas to reduce costs if possible. Nik's kit price is fixed as is the builder's labor, but he's listing Mercury Magnetics on his estimate sheet for the transformers and that's one area I think I can work around. My gut is that the builder is trying to make a few extra dollars by using the Mercury Mags and I can get by with using something else that's just as good but less expensive.

Here are my questions...

- If I shop around for my own transformers, what should I be asking for? Are there specs that I should give a company? Particular model or parts numbers?

- Quote for three MM transformers (PT, OT & choke) is ~ $400.00 incl shipping. Is that reasonable or high?

- I 've read that Hoffman is a good "bang-for-the-buck" brand that several DIY'ers and builders use. How much would those transformers cost from Hoffman and how would I go about ordering them?

- The guy I'm talking to pleads ignorance re suggesting alternatives to the MM's...I'm kind of feeling snowed a bit. Should I expect a reputable builder to have options beyond one brand? He claims that the transformers from MM are custom-ordered to spec by Nik and that they are the only ones intended to be used in D-styled amps. My BS meter is ringing on this one...

Thanks in advance for any replies and information.

Try Jim at JMI in Texas for a good quote on MMs.

jim@jmimusic.com

I have just used a full set from him in another build and they are excellent.
Support from MM is good too!

I built my HRM 50w using Hammond iron and that sounded really good as well.

[super100]

This relay transformer fits the Ceriatone chassis holes without drilling.
It is slightly larger with more capacity than the other standard accepted
Radio Shack relay transformer.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2102700

Second option that will fit chassis holes. Hammond P-T166L6

http://www.tubesandmore.com/scripts/fox ... m=P-T166L6

Again, the above fit the Ceriatone chassis without drilling new holes.

Here is an option for the choke.

http://www.tubesandmore.com/scripts/fox ... =P-CF22699

A Twin Reverb style power transformer will work. You just have to remove
the bottom cover to fit the Ceriatone cutout.
Examples:
http://www.classictone.net/40-18004.html

http://www.mojotone.com/amp-parts/trans ... ransformer

This Twin style Output transformer will fit the chassis holes. You just have to add washers under the transformer to clear the stand-off bolt heads that protrude from the chassis.

http://www.classictone.net/40-18013.html

There are other options, especially if you don't mind drilling some extra holes. I just feel that the Ceriatone chassis has enough holes.

[Eddiehazelfan]

Thanks to all who replied...really appreciate your help & suggestions.

[Mark]

Interesting thread, which is the preferred brand?

I've used Heybour and Mercury's but I've never been able to do an accurate assessment.