Wire Gauge and Cap Cans

[joepopp]

I am building my second JCM800.

I am going to use Silver Plated Teflon Coated wire but what Gauge? It seems 22 is the most popular? Should I use different gauge for the heaters?

Any info on how wire gauge effects tone?

Thanks 18watters my JCM800 is sounding great thanks to all of your help!
Check it out (now with clips):

JCM800 Build Blog

[drhulsey]

Joe,
Great looking amp And it sound even better than it looks Thanks for sharing your experience in detail. That will come in handy for the rest of us. You can expect some flack for the Marshall logos, but hey. It's a free country I'll let some of the more experienced builders answer your actual question.

[kerrynet32]

Yes, that looks amazing. The wiring is very neat too. Sounds great too!

Marshalls are just awsome

Kerry

[Dana-L]

Beautiful build, Joe!

With regard to wire gauge, I'd go 20 all around just so you don't have to fuss with two different girths.

If you haven't already found him, http://www.apexjr.com has a great selection and superior pricing on PTFE insulated wire.

Cheers,

-Dana

[joepopp]

@Dr. H: You mean from Marshall or other amp builders? I am thinking about doing my own logos anyway!

@ Dana-L: You read my mind. I have been scouring the web for a source. Thanks for the tip.


Thanks to all for the nice words!

[Bluesmechanic]

Nice rig. I like the small box look. And it sounds great!

[betawi-bule]

Nothing like the sounds of your own handbuilt rig...sounds great...looks great.

Nice photo essay!

[populartsl]

Nice build and interesting blog. I built one of niks as well cracking kit.
Theres a simple mod on on this site http://www.tone-lizard.com/Ultimate_JCM800.htm
which made the amp sound better at lower volumes its easy to reverse if you don't like it but i think it improves it. All you have to do is remove resistor and cap on input jack and put a 68k resistor back.

Ben

[martinw]

Nice blog. I enjoyed reading it.

Ignore anyone who says anything about the Marshall badges. I mean, apart from the obvious, how is it NOT a Marshall? As long as you don't try to pass it off as a Marshall (and I can't imagine you'll be selling it anytime soon!) who cares? Spiritually, its a Marshall!

I noticed your Master volume was low in all your clips. I can understand why, but treat yourself to a good attenuator, and you'll be even more pleased with your sound.

[Francis_Vaughan]

Indeed. Nice blog (lordy I hate that word) and nice build. Sure nailed the sound.

Consider yourself as having been given the hard word about the logo.

[joepopp]

@ populartsl: I have already been to that site and I am going to do that 68K mod for my next build!! That is an awesome source of knowledge. Thanks for the heads up though...


@ Martinw: I don't know how I could pass it off as a true Marshall! I mean it's a small box head cab with a JCM guts! I guess some poeple just don't know. I agree with you on it being a Marshall spritually, this thing is probably more Marshall than some Marshalls. I assure all here that if I do sell it, there will be full disclosure. I will let them read the blog (I hate that word too!). I recorded it in a recital hall where I work and I couldn't really wind it up. The place actually amplifies acoustic sound and I didn't want to blow away people that were about to enter. I am going to record it again at gig volume with some room mics


Thanks againg to all of you for the help and the words of encouragement!

[s2]

22AWG on most everything. 20AWG on the EL34 heaters, screens, and cathodes.


+100 on Apex Jr!

[drhulsey]

@Dr. H: You mean from Marshall or other amp builders?

I've just seen others get pounded on BB's for using the commercial logos. It doesn't matter as long as you're not trying to pass it off as made by Jim Why would you want to do that after you spent so much time and effort making it. Who knows Yours might sound better