Trainwreck Rocket Build for Customer

[jkey04]

Hey all!

Over the past couple years, I've built two wreck style amps: a rocket clone, and a modified KT66 rockster. I love both amps. Both very different but both very useful and a blast to play.

This build is my first build for a customer. I'm pretty excited about it and wanted to document the process on here for you guys. Its another Rocket clone. Heyboer trannies, turret board and chassis from RJ. It will be as close to identical to the first rocket I built as possible. I did notice some of the spacing on this chassis is different from the first one. That is why the filter cap stack is shifted over...it wouldn't fit in the normal spot. Hopefully this won't effect anything.

Attached are a couple pics I snapped this week. I only have an hour or so per day to work so it goes a little slow.

Hope you enjoy! Chime in and let me know what you think..good or bad.

[Paultergeist]

Well, it looks very nice to my un-trainined eyes. I am not a fan of the "6-pack stack" of filter caps glued to the chassis, but I realize that this configuration is pretty much traditional with the Rocket builds (and thus is the way many people do it).

I could not help but notice how precise and clean your solder connections are between the dropping resistors and the filter caps -- great workmanship! I am sure that this will be a wonderful build.

[M Fowler]

What I do in situations like this cap stack not fitting, is move the tone board over and reverse the PT mounting bolts and the space is reclaimed.

Good luck with your build, it's always exciting making a new amp come to life.

Mark

[jkey04]

Thanks for the kind words! I'll keep updating this thread as I go.

Mark -- If i have any issues with the cap stack where its at, Ill try reversing the PT screws in attempt to make more room. Thanks for the tip..i didn't think of doing that.

-Josh

[KellyBass]

Your build looks great! I like the push-back wire you're using. Looking forward to your updates.

[jkey04]

Had the chance to wire in the PT and heater wires over the past two days. Its been slow going, but hope to work more tomorrow.

[jkey04]

After working last night, all the wiring that is left is the OT! Should finish this guy up tonight and start doing some testing.

When it gets this close to being complete, things get a little exciting!

If you spot anything weird, please point it out! Sorry this isn't the greatest picture.

[Paultergeist]

Your wiring and solder joint are beautiful.

How did you get those 5-watt screen resistors to stay so prefectly on end like that while you got them soldered in place?

[jkey04]

Paultergeist -- Thanks for the compliments!

As for the screen resisters, I wrap the resistor lead through and around the tube socket lug and give it a good squeeze with the needle-nose. That way the mechanical connection is tight/snug enough to hold the resistor in place, then gently put some solder to it.

[jkey04]

Recently I've been working on a red oak head cab for this Rocket build. I used routered drawer lock joints for its construction. Now that it is glued, it seems to be a very solid method of joinery! Although, I have been looking into 45 degree locking miter joints and have a rockler router bit on order.

This is my first head cab build, and, so far, I am very pleased with how this cab is turning out.

[Blackburn]

Love the fishbowl windows!

And hey, your tubes will be happy on the road, being able to look out and see all the sights.

[Blackburn]

Double

[donzoid]

THAT is a nice tidy build, and your client should be VERY happy. Plus Red Oak is a personal fave of mine...kudos!

[Paultergeist]

Love the fishbowl windows!.....

I second that......I has not thought about doing round side cut-outs like that before, but now that I see them, I thinknthey look great!

[jkey04]

Thanks all for the kind words! The round hand-holds seemed easier to cut out than a slit to put your fingers through....and I think they turned out looking better IMO.

Im in the process of finishing the cab with tung oil now. More pics of this build to come!