Completed amp, or not?

[fallen]

I just completed (after 2 failed attempts) my first from-scratch 57 Deluxe. I followed the Fender Schematic and layout exactly (OK, almost exactly) and was amazed when it worked the first time I inserted the tubes. But I have a few questions:
1) No grit. I am running my Les Paul Studio both PUs and everything on the amp at 10 and it's very clean. WTF? I mean, it sounds incredible, great range of tone and very sensitive. A great, classic sound. But I would of thought I would have a little crunch at 10.
2) When I first turn it on after warm-up, it makes a strange whooshing sound, like pink noise through a phase shift. Then, for about 5 minutes, any very loud sound from the guitar saturates horribly. After 5 minutes, sounds wonderful.
I have never played through a 57 Deluxe, so I don't know if this is normal or not. Can anyone give me some advise, or at least, some confidence this thing is working the way it's supposed to?

Thanks, and sorry if I didn't find the answer that is in the history files of the forum.

[fallen]

I forgot to state the particulars. Used a 15 inch Weber Classic speaker and Weber transformers. 12AX7 for preamps. and 6V6 for outs.

[Gibsonman63]

Welcome, Fallen.

I've not played through a Tweed Deluxe, but it is my understanding that you should be able to get it to crunch a little when you push it.

A good starting point would be to check all of your voltages against the schematic.

[thejaf]

Do you have a schematic with voltages?

[fallen]

Good point. I laid out the board just like the factory so I could be sure of the TP's etc. I'll do that tonight and report back (If I can keep it down long enough! After 2 years of waiting, I'm having a blast!)

[Structo]

When you say 57 Deluxe, what circuit exactly is that?

EDIT: I see that the 57 is a reissue tweed deluxe, the 5E3.


I'm more familiar with the 5E3 which most agree is the best out of the bunch.

The volume pots are interactive even though you are plugged into only one input.


The noise you mention is not normal and could be a defective tube, so try other tubes before tearing into the amp.

[fallen]

OK. I went through all the Test points and found that I did not have power to one of 12ax7, It's very loud now. and that's with the volume at 0 and my Les Paul at 3. I don't dare take it above 1. Don't seem quite right, but I have a significant amount of punch now. Need to be careful about sticking my fingers in this thing. With the power off I got a free perm! Think I'll have a cold one and decide what to do next. (black face reverb?) Thanks for the help.

[Gibsonman63]

Why not keep going with this one? You should have better volume control than you describe.