First clip of my Express build

[Normster]

I dropped the Express off with my buddy Loren today. Here's a clip he recorded through his Marshall 4x12 (loaded with G12H75s I think). I'm pretty sure the guitar is his Hwy1 Strat. Not sure what attenuator he used but he did say it changed the tone. Here's the email I got:

This is with el34’s, 4x12, and the attenuator cutting 12dB. I measured the ohms with it in line and it was 8.6, so it should be cool.

I measured 113dB straight out of the amp with the tone controls and presence all at 12 oclock and the volume was at 9!! PAIN!!!! The attenuator really brings it under control, but the tone definitely changes.

http://www.adlibmusic.net/temp/trainwreck_test.mp3

[v00d00blues79]

Normster,

You have a sweet sounding amp there! I'm still working the kinks out of my two dumble clones... hopefully they will sound as good as yours. Next up i'm going to try a run at the 'Wrecks again.


Thanks,

Andy

[Normster]

Thanks, Andy. I'll most likely get over to Loren's this weekend to do some tweaking on the amp and record a clip or two myself. I really want to hear it cranked into full distortion!

[v00d00blues79]

Man your a glutton for punishment! Might want to think about bringing some Gun Muffs if your gonna do that!


Andy

[Jeph]

Sounds good Normster. Careful when you crank 'er. My ears are still bleeding due to the 10 minutes I had mine cranked last Sunday (in my little ~12'x14' room). What??!

[pbrommer]

That sounds great. Just wish I had the amp building chops to put one together. Someday......

[mlp-mx6]

So, for me, this begs two questions.

1. Why in the world would anyone *need* a 100W amp?
2. Is there any way to get "the tone" at a lower level? (Is it possible single-ended? Without going single-ended?)

[Elcabong]

So, for me, this begs two questions.

1. Why in the world would anyone *need* a 100W amp?
2. Is there any way to get "the tone" at a lower level? (Is it possible single-ended? Without going single-ended?)

1 . I guess if you need a lot of headroom, you may need a 100W amp.

2 . Mark Huss built a 18 watt amp with a Trainwreck preamp; it is called a TRex. I has been discussed lately on the 18watt forum.
http://mhuss.com/18watt/clips/house.mp3

[Normster]

So, for me, this begs two questions.

1. Why in the world would anyone *need* a 100W amp?
2. Is there any way to get "the tone" at a lower level? (Is it possible single-ended? Without going single-ended?)

1. I think it's apples and oranges. There is something about the Express that just defies my notions of wattage versus loudness. My 50 watt Dumble doesn't get nearly as loud as the 22 watt Express (running 6V6s). My guess is that there's a whole lot more signal attenuation going on in the Dumble. I don't have the technical background to explain why, but the Dumble measures about 108 db at 12 o'clock where the Express measures 113 at 9 o'clock. BTW, folks tell me that anything over 110 db can cause serious hearing damage. I do believe a 100 watt Trainwreck would be insane whereas a 100 watt ODS might not be so bad.

2. I think the answer is an attenuator. (Or maybe a speaker isolation box ported to a PA. )

[Legin]

(Or maybe a speaker isolation box ported to a PA. )

That would be novel, use the PA to make the amp quieter

[slajeune]

I do know that single ended version will sound different than a push pull version, I have built a derailment (5 watt single ended). This might be similar to the dirty little monster or the Fuchs Lucky 7.

I haven't really cranker her yet, but it is loud for a 5 watt. I'm waiting for a cabinet before I record anymore clips.

Two quick clips were recorded and can be found here:

http://www.sopht.ca/index.php?s=41

BTW, the sound clips recorded was with the 1x12ax7 and 1xECL86 version. I've since changed to 2x12ax7 and 1xel84. The last version is better (in my mind) than the ecl86. A bit more 'crunch' from the output tube.

Might get enough 'express mojo' for some people looking for a lower wattage option.

Cheers,
Stephane.

[Normster]

Great clip, Stephane. I'll keep an eye out for the new clips.

Maybe a 5 watt amp will be tame enough for home use. As it stands now, I need to buy an attenuator or sell the amp.

[Allynmey]

Great clip, Stephane. I'll keep an eye out for the new clips.

Maybe a 5 watt amp will be tame enough for home use. As it stands now, I need to buy an attenuator or sell the amp.

Norm, build a Beast Champ instead. el-34 version. 11 watts of SE rock and roll. It has harmonic bloom like a wreck and it sounds like a wall of jcm800s and plexi's. It also has clear articulate high end thanks to over size filtration and a GZ34. I'll get a drawing together this weekend for you.

Allynmey

[keithrick]

Norm, Great clip. congrats on your build. Dare I say that it sounds similiar to mine. I just hope my new D-Clone turns out as well!

Build a Beast! That sounds like a killer!

[jblues]

rock on !
i live out in the middle of nowhere and i have to dime my clone of a small box 50 watt marshall (schematic 1987). well it's a concert everytime i play lol, oh i do have an attenuator i built similar to the airbrake...so i can play the beast at -3 to -12 db for some less "ears are ringing, ringing , ringing" hehe. i can still hear the treble booster and the flying v.....