Dumble Lite? - Update, Finished!!!

[Funkalicousgroove]

Hey guys!!

Did you forget that I already have pre-punched ODS Preamp boards available? I can get as many as you all want CNC punched, I usually get 12 full sets of boards out of a sheet, I could probably do them for $15 each without eyelets installed.

Also, the last amp I built I used all radial PS caps except for the first stage, I just set them on end-I'll post a pic tomorrow.

Here is another idea for the D-Lyte, how about a 1w output using a paralelled 12AT7 and a Reverb transformer as the OT?

I could also do up a run of chassis for these if enough folks are interested, maybe .08 aluminum real simple folded no welding like $30 or so each?

[Normster]

Hey guys!!

Did you forget that I already have pre-punched ODS Preamp boards available? I can get as many as you all want CNC punched, I usually get 12 full sets of boards out of a sheet, I could probably do them for $15 each without eyelets installed.

Also, the last amp I built I used all radial PS caps except for the first stage, I just set them on end-I'll post a pic tomorrow.

Here is another idea for the D-Lyte, how about a 1w output using a paralelled 12AT7 and a Reverb transformer as the OT?

I could also do up a run of chassis for these if enough folks are interested, maybe .08 aluminum real simple folded no welding like $30 or so each?

That would be great! Of course, I don't know yet what the demand would be. My thinking all along has been to design an amp that's cheap and relatively easy to build that would still give the beginning builder a taste of the Dumble tone. I hadn't really thought so much about supplying a kit or boards, but it sounds like a great idea. My first experience building an amp was a parts-sourcing nightmare!

[Pete]

Did you forget that I already have pre-punched ODS Preamp boards available? I can get as many as you all want CNC punched, I usually get 12 full sets of boards out of a sheet, I could probably do them for $15 each without eyelets installed.

Also, the last amp I built I used all radial PS caps except for the first stage, I just set them on end-I'll post a pic tomorrow.

Here is another idea for the D-Lyte, how about a 1w output using a paralelled 12AT7 and a Reverb transformer as the OT?

I could also do up a run of chassis for these if enough folks are interested, maybe .08 aluminum real simple folded no welding like $30 or so each?

I'm interested in all the products you mentioned, will contact you soon.

Need to know more about how to implement the 12AT output 1W amp, very interested in giving it a try.
Pete

[Bob-I]

Here is another idea for the D-Lyte, how about a 1w output using a paralelled 12AT7 and a Reverb transformer as the OT?

I tried this and several varations on this idea. The 12AT7 parallel sounded thin and weak, no matter what I did. I also tried a PP self split which wasn't as bad and one with a LTP PI that just didn't cut it at all. I also tried a 6N1P which is better, fatter than the 12AT7 but in general this idea is better suited for a Marshall style amp that gets it's OD from the output stages, not a Dumble where the output should be clean and the preamp gets the OD.

I could also do up a run of chassis for these if enough folks are interested, maybe .08 aluminum real simple folded no welding like $30 or so each?

How much for a simple welded corner chassis?

[Funkalicousgroove]

Not real sure, I was just thinking cheap. I know what my .125 welded chassis cost and they're a far cry from cheap, and I had to buy 45 of them, materials alone were over $1500. I have plenty of amps without sides, just a folded u-channel, plenty of manufacturers do it this way. Steel is also a cheaper option.

[Luthierwnc]

Any thoughts on matching cabs? You'll need a head and a 1X12 combo. Don't forget the fastening hardware, corners, feet, handle, Faraday liner, etc. SH

[Funkalicousgroove]

I have a full service cab shop about 20 minutes from my house, just decide what you like, and it takes about 30 days. It's OEM, so I can't do onesey twosies, I think there is a 10pc min. I also have the wholesale hookup on hardware.

[Normster]

I've started ordering parts for a prototype. I'll keep track of the cost and document the build as I go along. I think it would be best to hold off on any manufacturing until we see if there's any demand.

[Funkalicousgroove]

I agree, but it's no big deal to just fold a couple small chassis

[Zippy]

Rather than a head/speaker cab setup, how 'bout making the D'lyte in a Princeton-sized combo with a 12"? I really like Normster's implementation in the "Think Small" department.

g

[jaysg]

I'm not seeing how this is simpler or easier yet. Less expensive iron is fine and all. Lower power doesn't reduce the complexity, just the weight. Short of creating a stuffed pcb or two, I don't see how this works for a beginner.

I think somewhat simpler could be achieved in a larger chassis, forgoing a lot of the subtleties created with localized solder lugs and tight wire runs. You could replace toggle switches with pull switches. Hoffman shows the typical 250K and 500K's guitar pull pots w/DPDT and CTS 10K and 1M SPST pull pots. You might eliminate the Jazz/Rock/Deep. That's probably a wash on cost though. Clean/OD and PAB really need to be on the floor. I know this doesn't help....

[Funkalicousgroove]

Why not an amp that just does one good sound??

I have an Allen Class Act that I built a few years ago, it's basically a Hot rodded plexi preamp into a tweed champ, with a KT88 it makes about 12W, and I gig mine.

Tone wise I'd put it up against anything, including an ODS, actually it sounds alot like a HRM.

[Normster]

I'm not seeing how this is simpler or easier yet. Less expensive iron is fine and all. Lower power doesn't reduce the complexity, just the weight. Short of creating a stuffed pcb or two, I don't see how this works for a beginner.

I think somewhat simpler could be achieved in a larger chassis, forgoing a lot of the subtleties created with localized solder lugs and tight wire runs. You could replace toggle switches with pull switches. Hoffman shows the typical 250K and 500K's guitar pull pots w/DPDT and CTS 10K and 1M SPST pull pots. You might eliminate the Jazz/Rock/Deep. That's probably a wash on cost though. Clean/OD and PAB really need to be on the floor. I know this doesn't help....

You've hit the nail on the head. The simplicity would come from eliminating things that aren't absolutely needed to get the ODS tone. For example, many forum members never use the rock/jazz switch. Some never use the mid boost or deep. Every beginner seems to have trouble with foot switches, LEDs, and relays. What I propose is that the "lite" version forgoes these things and just shoots for great OD tone.

I suggested the lower power option merely as a cost saving measure. Smaller trannys cost less. Same with the size. Neither Hammond nor Bud make a 19" chassis, but they both make a 17" and the Bud is only $28. A Bud 17x8x3 chassis should be large enough to keep things from getting too cramped. I'm not a big fan of the Hammond 17x10x3. It just feels to flimsy. We also have Funk willing to do a small run of .080" aluminum chassis if that's the best option.

Anyway, I'll build a quick prototype and see if things really can be done any simpler. I also would like to see if the features can be done in stages so that the new builder can verify that the basic amp works, then add switching options, and finally, replace switches with relays. Maybe we could call it the "Evolution."

[kindred]

hey there. i dont exactly post here often. but this sounds like a neat idea. maybe a simplified tone stack could be worth trying, like a dc30 swichable cap or just a simple tone knob. it would be a bit of a departure from the "dumble" idea but it would make it easy(er) to understand for a beginner and kinda give it a bit of an overall hotrod apeal

[Bob-I]

A few points.

1) I'm not convinced that Norm can really do this from scratch for under $300. If he can... EXCELLENT!! We all need to build a few

B) I have an open ended aluminum chassis in the 3 channel amp. One time in UPS and it's bent to hell. I either need steel or welded corners.

4) I already suggest a Princeton sized combo using a Weber kit. $500 for a complete kit including reverb pan/xformer and choke.

One more thing, once we get this going, we can look into using a Weber channel switch board for switching. Cheep and works fine.

I know I sound like a Weber salesman but I actually don't like them either. I've had a few bad experiences and they're pretty unprofessional at times, blaming forums/forumites (including me personally) for their business losses, but they have such good prices we just can't ignore them. JMO.