Anyone built a Carmen Ghia?

[M Fowler]

I will be starting on a Carmen Ghia and wondering if anyone has built one already using the layout and schematic that was floating around a while back?

I got the board from Turretboards.com, using Hammond 16x8x2 chassis and Z cab. As with the Route 66 there were tweaks to that layout not shown so I expect some problems with the Ghia but I have the AO35 schematic to work from as well.

Mark

[mojo2001]

I'm wiring one up right now, matter of fact.

What layout problems did you notice with the board. I'm sorta checking it as I go along and haven't noticed any freakyness.

[M Fowler]

Mojo, no problems yet but I know from past that there are varients out there as I think Z changed thinks around himself after building these for over 20 years. I noticed on the layout that the volume and tone controls are switched from side to side compared to the real deal and will go over the filter cap sections again tonight.

I would rather get the incorrect things out of the way you know. Sharing info is the way to do that.

Mark

[skyyamps]

Best of luck! Dr. Z knows how to design a great amp!

[M Fowler]

Skyyamps,

Yes Z does build great amps I used my Stangray with 212 blues for every gig for two years, great amp/speakers, handles pedals really well and I could go from 50's to AC/DC no problem. Funny how people on Z-talk have had noise problems, effect loop problems and EF86 tube problems and I have had none of those issues gigging full time for two years, I'm very happy with my amp and its Red in color which means its better.

Lately I have been using my own amps. I plan to buy some more Z amps and for the record I did not clone a Z amp they are mine and other people's versions of a Z amp and not for resale to public. Unless a friend likes it and just has to buy it sold as a Fowler amp not Z amp

Mark

[Tubetastic]

Only the other day I was reading an old and interesting Interview -to me - Interview with, Dr Z.


If anyone hasn't read it :
http://www.tonequest.com/articles/dr-z.htm

[benoit]

Mark, I modded my little bassman 10 combo to a CG preamp. It runs 6v6s though and the PI isn't quite the same, plus the combo is closed back 1x15. I do however have some gutshots from the real thing that would probably clear up any layout discrepancies. Thought you had those already. Let me know if you want 'em (as well as anyone lurking in this thread - I know you're there, so PM away ).

[M Fowler]

Ben,

Thanks but your right I have every thing I need I just need to get started. I spent last night going through every thread from 2006 to present under technical discussion and found all kinds of posts on the subject but nothing new.

Funny how most said they did not like the amp. It was voted number one small amp recently, so Polls must lie because I know our Amp garage people have talent, skills and good ears and if they say the amp is not that good then I believe them.

I am still going to build the amp though

Mark

[Bear]

It's down the list but on the list for me. Maybe I should bump it up.

The CG is a perennial side discussion at 18watt.com, and some folks who hang at the Trinity Amps forum know it pretty well.

Bear

[benoit]

Funny how most said they did not like the amp. It was voted number one small amp recently, so Polls must lie because I know our Amp garage people have talent, skills and good ears and if they say the amp is not that good then I believe them.

I'm torn on it. It's kinda cool and can sound nice, though it doesn't do very many things, IMO. I think guys that dig the Z vibe (simple, no nonsense amps, pedals for dirt at least as much as using the amp) like it and people that don't, don't. Obviously I overgeneralize. It doesn't really matter who else likes it if it does what you want.