Been thinking about adding a power resistor in my SS rectified 50W build (Fender ab763).
Looks like 80 ohms might be about right(for a GZ34) . Anyone done this and liked it?
using a power resistor to emulate rectifier sag?
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: using a power resistor to emulate rectifier sag?
It's a pretty common trick, so go for it if you want to.
I personally do this on some of my amps as it's a whole lot cheaper than sourcing NOS GZ34s.
I personally do this on some of my amps as it's a whole lot cheaper than sourcing NOS GZ34s.
Eardrums!!! We don't need no stinkin' eardrums!
Re: using a power resistor to emulate rectifier sag?
Yes that will work, though GZ34 is the least saggy rectifier.
Even then, you may need to adapt your expectations of how the amp is going to respond at high power levels.
Despite liking the idea of sag, it took me a while to tune my ear and technique into how to work with it.
And you need to be able to play the amp at sufficient levels to reach the sweet spot, where a heavy pick attack will push the amp into mild overdrive. This enables your amp to function as a 50 watt output compressor.
Even then, you may need to adapt your expectations of how the amp is going to respond at high power levels.
Despite liking the idea of sag, it took me a while to tune my ear and technique into how to work with it.
And you need to be able to play the amp at sufficient levels to reach the sweet spot, where a heavy pick attack will push the amp into mild overdrive. This enables your amp to function as a 50 watt output compressor.