Is a Liverpool really more usable than an Express?

[BBQLS1]

I'm really wanting to build a TWC of some type. I had been reading that the Express was very much a lead machine and the Liverpool was close, but lower power and cleans up better.

I've built a 36W and a few 18Wers and find the 36 to be about right volume wise, but I like run the amp at about 2 o'clock (master and volume) and roll back my guitar volume for cleans. I might run a TW at a lower setting on the volume dial, but it might be full volume earlier. I figure the Liverpool wattage wise will be very close volume wise to my 36, but I might need more juice for cleans?

Is the Liverpool more flexible than the Express?
How different is the volume?

Thanks for your input!

[dartanion]

There is not that much difference in output:

Liverpool is about 30W
Express is about 35W

To me, I think it's more of a preference thing. Fixed bias EL34s vs. cathode biased EL84s.

Build them both, then decide

[BBQLS1]

There is not that much difference in output:

Liverpool is about 30W
Express is about 35W

To me, I think it's more of a preference thing. Fixed bias EL34s vs. cathode biased EL84s.

Build them both, then decide

Really? I was thinking the Express would be more like 50W!

I probably will build both eventually, but want this one to be a usable amp. I might just do the express anyways since all my amps are EL84 based.

[tubedogsmith]

If you use a strat or a tele, an efficient speaker and know how to use your volume control either one would work great and you could even use a few pedals maybe.

[geetarpicker]

The Liverpool can be even brighter than an Express, and doesn't have as much lows either. The volume difference is about 1-2db which is noticable but either amp would be considered loud these days. Still, back in the mid 90s most of the time I couldn't use my Liverpool onstage because I couldn't get quite enough volume to get over the drummer especially when rolled back for cleans. However folks these days though expect the guitar lower onstage, even if the drummer is an animal. That said, I found I could get slightly louder clean tones with my Express.

I also feel the Express is more versatile because you can use so many different types of output tubes, EL34/6CA7, 6L6, 6V6, 5881, KT66, KT88, 6550, etc. With the 6V6 tubes you can get the power down to even less than a Liverpool puts out.

[mlp-mx6]

With the 6V6 tubes you can get the power down to even less than a Liverpool puts out.

BUT IT IS STILL FREAKIN' LOUD! (grin - ears ringing from a 6V6 Express...)

[BBQLS1]

Cool, it sounds like I'll start with an Express.

Thanks Guys!

[drhulsey]

Cool, it sounds like I'll start with an Express.

I used my Express clone for the first time at a gig recently. It held up nicely against a loud drummer and 3 horns. We do mic the guitar amp. There was plenty of clean headroom for all the softer stuff we do and plenty of growl for the heavier stuff. I DO plan a Liverpool build next. We'll see

BUT IT IS STILL FREAKIN' LOUD!

What's that I can't hear you for the ringing in my ears from our last gig

[BBQLS1]

Cool, it sounds like I'll start with an Express.

I used my Express clone for the first time at a gig recently. It held up nicely against a loud drummer and 3 horns. We do mic the guitar amp. There was plenty of clean headroom for all the softer stuff we do and plenty of growl for the heavier stuff. I DO plan a Liverpool build next. We'll see

Cool. What layout/schematic to use?

[paulster]

What layout/schematic to use?

Schematic: http://users.zoominternet.net/~jdhall/a ... evised.JPG
Layout: https://tubeamparchive.com/download/file.php?id=501

Note that some of the values on the layout (mid/presence pots, 9.1K dropping resistors, etc.) are slightly different from the schematic. Use the schematic values.

Paul

[DerStever]

I have both - pix are here although I redid the label job on the back of the Liverpool - it was messy.

http://www.etxmusic.org/amps/derstevers_disrupters.htm

I really like the L-Pool a tad better - it has a creamier distortion with a definate British Vibe to it which I love - the Express seems to be a more agressive sounding amp - more versatile but no matter what OT you use its still agressive. Its simply what you like personally, you cant go wrong with either. My Express is destined to become L-Pool #2 (or maybe #1 if it sounds better than the other one) Ya never know. Some of the parts will be different so it won't sound exactly the same.

Someone mentioned bass response - there are lots of ways to increase that, like different speakers, cabinets, output tubes, cap voicing etc etc.

I like bright but not harsh and its what I'm getting. These are the best lead amps ever made.

[skyboltone]

I sure like the EL-84 holder inners better than the ones Antique Electronic Supply sells. Where did you get those?

Dan H

[drhulsey]

Someone mentioned bass response...

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of bass response out of my Express. I didn't expect so much
Great looking amps, BTW. I like that open work in the front panel. I may have to try that on mine, with due credit of course

[DerStever]

The EL84 holders are Niks.

Thanks the open work was borrowed from another amp company - I liked it so I used it - its not a direct copy but close.