Very generally speaking Express or Overdrive build?

[JWR]

this is pretty vague but I am prepping for a build of either an Express chassis or an overdrive.

I've been pretty much a Marshall user and am seeking a bit more portable and perphaps a bit more versatile build. The TW is pretty much one very good sound, similar to the Marshalls. The Dum*** clone therefore becomes more interesting.

Given the choice of 1 or the other (this year) which build would you pursue?

[Structo]

Well do you have much experience in building amps?

While the Express is a simpler circuit as far as the number of components go, it is still a challenge to get it stable and sounding good.

The Overdrive Special is a very versatile amp and can cover a lot of ground.
Because you have clean and dirty and can adjust it anywhere in between.
That is what attracted me to it.

But it can seem like a daunting task if you haven't built a large amp like this with relays, footswitches and can also require some tweaking to get it to your liking.

I'd say both amps have their attributes and are kind of like the amps they are based on but on steroids.

[Gibsonman63]

I am finding my Express to be much more versatile and expressive than my Marshalls and I have been a Marshall guy for a long time. If you play with the guitar volume control, it is all there and there is no comparison in the clean to scream ratio.

If you need to do it all with footswitches, then maybe the Dumble is the way to go.

Of course, I haven't built a Dumble clone yet.

JMTC

[fishy]

The Express is loud and great in a live situation but not so good for the neighbor. There are options like VVR or attenuators to overcome the fact it is so loud. You can also tube an Express with 6V6s to drop the volume. It is versatile but requires some effort to get what you want from it. Consider also it is not the easiest amp to tube and it does not do so well with effects.

The Dumble is a master volume amp that has a master volume that works. If that is important to you it is worth noting. Most people with D style amp do not worry as much about the tubes. If you use a Dumble it is almost a requirement to use a Dumbleator if you want to attain that sound and you really need that or a different tube buffer to use the effects loop. That translates to additional cost.

[Structo]

If you use a Dumble it is almost a requirement to use a Dumbleator if you want to attain that sound and you really need that or a different tube buffer to use the effects loop. That translates to additional cost.

True, it's a package deal.
Although you can run a reverb or delay using only the passive jacks but the D'lator will make is sound better.

[ampdoc1]

I agree that an Express is more than a Marshall!! The tones may be similar, but the Express reacts much better to the player's picking and has ridiculous harmonic content. And, if you can use your guitar volume pot well, it has a great clean tone.
I could never quickly change the vol pot on the fly, so I got a Bad Monkey pedal and put it in front to reduce the volume when I want to play clean.

If you're not afraid of the complexity of the Dumble build, attached is a schemo of an amp I built several years ago. Express preamp with additional Dumble OD preamp and Dumbleator. Between the channel switch and the Boost on the EQ, there is a wide variety of sounds available.

a'doc1