Brand New Trainwrecks?

Express, Liverpool, Rocket, Dirty Little Monster, etc.

Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal

dayn
Posts: 193
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2007 8:45 pm
Location: seattle, wa

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by dayn »

I also read that Dr. Z is considering making the Z-Wreck a production model. I imagine it would have a pretty good price point too!
User avatar
Mont
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 4:49 pm
Location: Burque Blues

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by Mont »

Before I started building my Express evryone one I talked to told me to use the Heyboer trannies. Now this jc guy says Ken Fisher never used them. WTF
User avatar
M Fowler
Posts: 14036
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:19 am
Location: Walcott ND

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by M Fowler »

The Z-wreck would be an interesting amp to play.

I have read that Ken F. did not use Heyboer either but the wiser TW history people on this forum will have to advise on that issue.
Cliff Schecht
Posts: 2629
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:32 am
Location: Austin
Contact:

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by Cliff Schecht »

Aren't the Heyboer 6.6k transformers copies of the A3801?

Unless you are building a die-hard clone, it shouldn't matter so much anyways. If it sounds good, play the damn thing!
Cliff Schecht - Circuit P.I.
User avatar
geetarpicker
Posts: 918
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2005 8:08 pm
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact:

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by geetarpicker »

My original '89 Express has Pacifics, but I've heard nice things about the Heyboers.

While I'm here pardon the plug but I have a new website up,
with plenty of Trainwreck pics and clips.

www.glenkuykendall.com
User avatar
UR12
Posts: 1570
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:22 pm

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by UR12 »

Mont wrote:Before I started building my Express evryone one I talked to told me to use the Heyboer trannies. Now this jc guy says Ken Fisher never used them. WTF
According to Phil at Heyboer, they did build a tranny for Ken to his specs. How many they built, who knows. I am sure that Ken maybe tried trannys from different sources and maybe he only used them for testing and they never made it into any that he sold. So, JC could make the statement that Ken never used them, but that doesn't mean he didn't have Heyboer build him some trannys. Personally I think they both sound great. I guess it just depends on how anal some one wants to be.
User avatar
M Fowler
Posts: 14036
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:19 am
Location: Walcott ND

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by M Fowler »

Very impressive site Glen. Also to get involved with a major movie was great info on your bio.
funkmeblue
Posts: 485
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 4:17 am
Location: akron, ohio

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by funkmeblue »

1991 rocket named Dinah has a heybour power transformer http://web.archive.org/web/200503091838 ... wrecks.htm
anything worth doing, is worth doing right
User avatar
UR12
Posts: 1570
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:22 pm

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by UR12 »

geetarpicker wrote:My original '89 Express has Pacifics, but I've heard nice things about the Heyboers.

While I'm here pardon the plug but I have a new website up,
with plenty of Trainwreck pics and clips.

www.glenkuykendall.com
Glen

Love the website! Especially the old stuff from back in the 80s. Have you put on weight? (Just kiddin :wink: )
xray
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:17 am

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by xray »

So I guess JM is John Mark, based on the Lark Street Music ad in the latest Vintage Guitar Magazine. The ad says Jon Mark completed the last ' wreck and now its for sale at Lark Street.
User avatar
FYL
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:05 am

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by FYL »

So I guess JM is John Mark, based on the Lark Street Music ad in the latest Vintage Guitar Magazine. The ad says Jon Mark completed the last ' wreck and now its for sale at Lark Street.
"Trainwreck Amps Are Back! Rocket For Sale

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to tell you that Trainwreck Amps are now being built again, on Ken Fischer's bench. To those of you who have had the opportunity to hear and play his amps, know that these are truly special and inspiring amps. Ken blessed us with his passion for amplification, his humor, and openness of sharing his wisdom with others. It is my pleasure to tell you that his amps (Rockets at this time) are now available. For those of you who must know, John Mark is the builder. He was there right from the very beginning when Ken was modding Marshalls , Fenders, etc... he pushed Ken into building his own amps. Well he has nailed the Rocket. For the most critical ear. "

09-07-2009, 03:19 PM
peach64
Senior Member

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/member- ... -sale.html
paulster
Posts: 1299
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 5:08 pm
Location: Los Angeles & London

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by paulster »

Yes, it is John Mark.

Read this thread for a bit of potted history
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=9398
and then draw your own conclusions.
2tone
Posts: 213
Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:32 pm

Dinah

Post by 2tone »

That's my amp, Dinah. On Rockets Ken used a variety of trannies, as he spec'd different ones from different makers. Dinah supposedly has a West output tranny also. This amp is probably a one-off type of Rocket. The power tranny also has a high voltage tap, which I hooked up a few years ago while Ken was alive. It really put the amp into a super Rocket. Bottom end punch and tighter. Bold mids, blusier EQ. Lost a little sparkle/delicate chime on top, but I like the amp this way over the stock voltage( 300V). Now has 350+ V on plates and a larger cathode resistor. Really kills now in a 4-12 marshall cab. Before it preferred the 2-12 vox cab/speaker style setup.
mojotom
Posts: 237
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2006 12:47 am

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by mojotom »

Well, if you want a rocket, check the Bruno Underground, I know Bruno are not fave here but they rock.

The Underground is basically a Fender El84 reverb used as a first preamp
followed by a Rocket style amp, very nice. The 15 is even better, tuned for higher gain.

He used to build a trainwreck alike (Pitbull 45) and some say Ken geared his customer towards them when he almost stop building amps.



Well, it' Saturday night I may be a bit off topic. My point is I rather buy such amp from a guy who has access to some and build a lot of them, so know how to tune them, at least got a benchmark.
User avatar
FYL
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:05 am

Re: Brand New Trainwrecks?

Post by FYL »

West OT? Dave West (WestLabs) got some Transformer Design and Supply xformers when the first Matchless folded, maybe a few reached sunny Joisey.
Post Reply