gilmourish 50 ?

[lumox0013]

I want to build a reeves custom 50 style amp,thought it would be a great thing to document here is there a layouts around ? any help would be greatly appreciated. thanxxx lumox

[xtian]

Would that be significantly different from Hiwatt models?

[lumox0013]

it seems to be close to dr504 but in all the sound clips I could find the newer stuff be it reeves or the reissue's seem less gainy with more mid range i'm guessing probly the newer transformers have a lot to do w/ that maybe Ill just start with a 504 and see where it takes me i dont have a set of partriges anywho all my builds are spareparts Franken amps.any hints tword the linked inputs or the lowered gain is greatly appreciated though. cheers

[lumox0013]

the 504 seems to be to much for me .(custom transformers 600+ volts) does any one know of a similar topology? with lots headroom that I can build with off the shelf parts?

[gldtp99]

What are you talking about, 600+ volts in a DR504 ? Where are you getting this information ?
DR504's can be built with off the shelf iron------you just have to know what shelf to look on:
1) http://www.vintagehiwattrestorations.com/
2) http://www.mojotone.com/amp-parts/transformers-hiwatt
3) http://mercurymagnetics.com/pages/catal ... hiwatt.htm

I don't understand your comparison between orig Hylight Hiwatts and the Reeves and other RI's---- you're basing your opinion of these amps on youtube vids ?
I've built many DR504 clones--- I also own an orig Hylight Hiwatt DR504--- many factors come into play to effect the final amp tone---speakers are one of the most important, tube type (brand) is also important---- differences in just these two factors can greatly change the way any amp sounds.
Youtube vids are not a reliable base to use for detailed judgements about amp tone from one amp vs another.
Use any of the above linked Hiwatt DR504 type iron---- build an Early 70's 4 Input Hiwatt DR504 amp---- If you're able to get this far, then tweak the circuit to your individual ear if you think changes need to be made----there probably won't be any changes needed if the amp is assembled properly.............................gldtp99

One of the DR504 clones i built (my personal keeper) sitting on top of my '72 DR103:
[IMG:800:600]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f112/ ... one001.jpg[/img]

My Hylight Hiwatt DR504--- it's a 2-holer:
[IMG:800:600]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f112/ ... 504002.jpg[/img]

Gut shot of the latest Sound City 120-to-Hiwatt conversion I've done--- notice orig huge Partridge iron and EL34 x 6------ circuit is the Mid 70's 4-Holer:
[IMG:800:600]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f112/gldtp99/001.jpg[/img]

[sliberty]

Visit Mark Huss' website for the best info on old HiWatt amps. He has schems for most major variants.

[lumox0013]

you nailed it on th head gldtp99 sorry youtube is all I have as I have never seen one for sale that I could go test. thanxx for the links seems alot more doable, your amps are stunning!!!I love the mule . I found two layouts andI will be ordering transformers soon but would greatly appreciate your input on what layout to go with I have heard the lead dress is very important on these amps ,I found gut shots of a harry joyce custom 50 that I will also use as a reference I have built mostly marshall and trainwreck style amps this should be a fun challenge

[gldtp99]

Use this info to build your first Hiwatt:
http://hiwatt.org/tech2.html

Decide which Hiwatt circuit you want to build--- the layouts and schematics are there for many different versions.
I suggest building the Early 70's 4 Input circuit as an introduction to Classic Hiwatts---this is the most popular Hiwatt circuit and the one that most people think of as "Hiwatt Tone".
My white DR504 clone in the pics has some circuit changes and was based on the Mid 70's 4 Input circuit----- It akso has a 12ax7 in the PI slot instead of the 12at7 that is stock for that circuit---- so it is capable of somewhat more crunch/dirt than most stock Classic Hiwatt circuits--- but it still has the headroon, chime, detail, etc of a stock Hiwatt unless pushed.
With hot humbuckers and cranked up it sounds like AC/DC.
I build many more types of amps than Hiwatt clones so i like my Hiwatt clones to still sound like Hiwatts---- If I want to build a much higher gain amp then I build a different design-- If i want Marshall type tone then i build a Marshall type amp, or some modification of a Marshall--- If i want early Tweed tone or 60's BF Fender tone then i build those designs and tweak to my ear.
So I really have little interest in some of the more exotic Hiwatt designs, the Marshally flavored Hiwatts, etc.
I like Hiwatts to sound like Hiwatts (this is a great sounding thing !)---with maybe some minor tweaking.
So maybe you could look into the HJ amps after getting a stock Early 70's 4 Input Hiwatt clone build under your belt.
If you hold off on getting a faceplate, at first, you could try different things (switching, boosts, etc) with the first build and then get the faceplate made for whatever configuration you finally settle on.
Good luck with your build !!!............................gldtp99

[dcribbs1412]

Decide which Hiwatt circuit you want to build--- the layouts and schematics are there for many different versions.
I suggest building the Early 70's 4 Input circuit as an introduction to Classic Hiwatts---this is the most popular Hiwatt circuit and the one that most people think of as "Hiwatt Tone".

I'll be taking your advise gldtp99 and start with the older 70's style
and go from there. Although I'm using on hand parts I'm hoping to get
close to a hiwatt style tone. Then maybe do a closer to original build.
btw the Sound City 120-to-Hiwatt conversion looks like a monster...
Thanks for the info

Darin

[gldtp99]

You're very welcome--- maybe you should be thanking Mark Huss for the detailed Hiwatt info he has provided--- I just pointed to the mhuss info and provided some of my own Hiwatt opinions and experiences.
I lent the latest Sound City 120/Hiwatt to a friend so he could try it out at band practice.
He brought it back and told me, "It's just too loud---too much".
I think his band was mad at him--- It is a very powerful amp-
I also have a Sound City 200 Plus that is inop and will probably be rebuilt as another Hiwatt conversion---- It might make a good bass amp--- I can't see anybody using a 200 watter for guitar--- but you never know.
But i have parts on hand for another DR504 clone--- I'll build this first, it's an amp that many players can actually use...........................gldtp99

[dcribbs1412]

You're very welcome--- maybe you should be thanking Mark Huss for the detailed Hiwatt info he has provided--- I just pointed to the mhuss info and provided some of my own Hiwatt opinions and experiences.
I lent the latest Sound City 120/Hiwatt to a friend so he could try it out at band practice.
He brought it back and told me, "It's just too loud---too much".
I think his band was mad at him--- It is a very powerful amp-
I also have a Sound City 200 Plus that is inop and will probably be rebuilt as another Hiwatt conversion---- It might make a good bass amp--- I can't see anybody using a 200 watter for guitar--- but you never know.
But i have parts on hand for another DR504 clone--- I'll build this first, it's an amp that many players can actually use...........................gldtp99

Agreed Mr. Huss has created a wealth of info on his site. I'm very thankful for that. Not sure Mr. Huss is an active member of TAG,
but it is good to have you as experienced member/builder in the Hiwatt section.
I appreciate your time.

100 and 200 watt Hiwatts have to get people attention...even as a bass amp.

Darin

[lumox0013]

your advice is well taken I sometimes get a little ahead of my self. I too will be starting on a 70's style build and tweak later I think I will go with replica parts where available, you had metioned speakers being a big part of the sound. what speakers do you suggest and what are your impresions of other types of speakers on these amps? thanxx again for your time and experience, without men like yourself and mr. huss the art of tube tone would shurely be a lost art.

[Reeltarded]

I can't see anybody using a 200 watter for guitar--- but you never know.

[LeftyStrat]

I can't see anybody using a 200 watter for guitar--- but you never know.

That's a drop in the bucket:

http://ken-gilbert.com/the-big-ass-guitar-amplifier

One thing to consider if you are going for a more modern Gilmour tone is that he uses a modified Alembic FB2 preamp to drive the power stages of his Hiwatts.

The FB2 was based on one channel of a Fender Dual Showman. Pretty much AB763.

The mods to Gilmour's FB2 was to reduce the cathode bypass caps, and to add a cathode follower to drive longer cables. The original had two channels, you only need to build one, but then you'll have a leftover triode. So take the Dumbleator circuit for a fx send and return into the PI of the Hiwatt if you go this route:

Dual Showman preamp (one 12ax7) -> dumbleator (one 12ax7) -> PI input of Hiwatt.

[Bear]

Do you even need the CF if you wire the FB2/Showman pre right into the head, or has anyone tested and found it essential to the Gilmour thing?

(The cheapness of the Weber 6MX chassis has given me a bit of OCD: I keep trying to add to the list of projects I could do with just two noval sockets. Yes, just punch an extra hole, but, you know . . .)