NewB Express built

[narapo]

I have biased the EL34s a bit cold (with around 375V on the plates, 13w power dissipation, see pic above with the Compu-Bias probe). Do you think the sound will benefit with higher bias settings ?

[John C]

Based on a recommendation from someone else on this site, you could try "Davies" knobs from Mouser. I have them, and they look as though they could be the actual knobs Fischer used. They appear to be smaller than the knobs on your amp and might help with the proximity of the engravings.

Mouser part number: 5164-1510AH
$1.22 each
.75"D x .57"H

I think I got them from TubesAndMore (Antique Electronics Supply) but I can't remember exactly ; about those knobs, I made a msitake while engraving the face plate ; I chose the same spacing as the Ceriatone faceplate from the center of the pot shaft, but I forgot the knobs from Ceriatone are smaller (alike Marshall knobs) so the knob edge is a bit over the text.

[John C]

Based on a recommendation from someone else on this site, you could try "Davies" knobs from Mouser. I have them, and they look as though they could be the actual knobs Fischer used. They appear to be smaller than the knobs on your amp and might help with the proximity of the engravings.

Mouser part number: 5164-1510AH
$1.22 each
.75"D x .57"H

I think I got them from TubesAndMore (Antique Electronics Supply) but I can't remember exactly ; about those knobs, I made a msitake while engraving the face plate ; I chose the same spacing as the Ceriatone faceplate from the center of the pot shaft, but I forgot the knobs from Ceriatone are smaller (alike Marshall knobs) so the knob edge is a bit over the text.

[narapo]

Thanks John, I may try them before changing the faceplate

[paulster]

They're the ones Ken used, and they look like they'll work on your faceplate (3/4" diameter).

[narapo]

Ordered ! I will post pictures with the new knobs when I get them

[Tubetwang]

[quote="John C"]Based on a recommendation from someone else on this site, you could try "Davies" knobs from Mouser. I have them, and they look as though they could be the actual knobs Fischer used. They appear to be smaller than the knobs on your amp and might help with the proximity of the engravings.

Mouser part number: 5164-1510AH
$1.22 each
.75"D x .57"H

Thanks for the tip John!
My knob's stash needs a re-fueling...

[John C]

You're welcome!

Actually, I think those knobs are $1.22 for a quantity of ten or more.

[John C]

Narapo, how do you like the handle you've installed? I'm considering installing that very same handle on mine. Does it work for you? I'm wondering how you like it with that type of handle in the center of the cabinet while the weight of the transformers is all at one end. Do you recommend it?

Great looking build, by the way! Thanks for sharing the pics!

[narapo]

John, yes indeed the amp is not well balanced with the big irons on one side, but if you don't have to carry it over a long distance, it's OK. Of course, you can consider having two handles on the side, like an AC-30, but I thought it will be too much for that superb maple.

[John C]

Yep, I agree. It looks great with the one handle and I would like to do the very same to my cabinet. I just thought I would check with you to see if you would do it the same way again (versus having no handle at all, for example). That's great looking maple you have, indeed.

[narapo]

I like the looks of that brown leather handle, I think it fits the cab wood, but also think a Marshall style handle will not.

I thougt about having no handle, but I find it a bit easier to carry the amp with the handle, IMHO.

I played a bit with the express this afternoon, and there is a smell coming from the amp (not smoke), but it's not a component frying in agony, I think it's a mix of the smell of the heated wood and of the slightly melting bathroom glue used for the filter caps

[Structo]

They make a smaller version of those switches I believe.
I have used them on stomp box builds.

I don't know why I typed switches, I meant knobs.

[narapo]

I received the knobs from Mouser and here they are :

[img:800:600]http://i27.servimg.com/u/f27/09/02/28/99/dscn2515.jpg[/img]
[img:800:600]http://i27.servimg.com/u/f27/09/02/28/99/dscn2516.jpg[/img]

The problem with my engraving is now over, and even if I loved the large knobs, these one fit the amp very well.

Thanks for putting me on the right track !

[John C]

They look great! I love those knobs. Ken had great taste - from tone to cosmetics.

Glad they worked out for you.