Phoenix amp updated! Schematic, Layout, and Audio

[drgonzoguitar]

Hey all! I posted the birth of a Phoenix amp a few weeks ago (another 18 watt variant). After gigging with it for a few nights, I realized it needed a few changes. It was either really bright or really muddy at giggin' volumes, so I decided to add a cut control. This is fairly standard .0047uF/250K AC-30 type cut. I really like the smaller adjustments I can make with the overall tone. I will record this weekend with my DR-1 to see how it works.

I also made a Keen Vintage AC Box w/ 12.6V CT tranny, so I can drop wall voltage by 6 or 12 volts, depending where I am at. I am getting 123-24 here in St. Paul. The amp is much happier @ 115VAC. Here is the link to the vintage voltage adaptor.
http://www.geofex.com/article_folder...t/vintvolt.htm

Here is the updated schematic, layout, and mp3s demonstrating the volume, tone, & cut sweep ranges. I am using a Tele loaded with Joe Barden pickups straight into the guitar w/ no effects. The only effect is reverb (in Sonar) on "Phoenix Amp blues."

This post is for information purposes, but feel free to comment on what you do/don't like.

SCHEMATIC


LAYOUT


AUDIO (via Soundclick)

"Phoenix Amp Blues"

Volume - 7
Tone - 6
Cut - 3
Airbrake - 1 click above bedroom level

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6823042

"Volume Sweep 1"

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6823013

"Volume Sweep 2"
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6823030

"Tone Sweep"
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6823034

"Cut Sweep"
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6823039

[jaydawg]

Very Cool. The blues clip sounds great. Very sweet tone.

I built one of these a while back. They are a great amp. Very responsive to tube changes. I run a 12BH7 in the PI. It mellows the amp out a little and give a little more headroom.

Here's mine.

[markh]

A couple of people had mentioned the letter 'Z' here. Please don't or we'll have to whack the thread.

Nice looking build, by the way.

--mark

[zaphod_phil]

After much discussion among the admins, we have decided to allow this thread to stay, as a one-time exception. Otherwise, the general policy still applies, of only discussing Marshall 18W amps and direct variations of those, on 18watt.com.

[drgonzoguitar]

Thanks for allowing this thread. I love the traditional 18 Watt circuit---as well as the various variations! I wanted to provide the community with another 18 Watt option. I am using a Hammond 270FX power transformer and Deluxe Reverb output transformer (from Triode Electronics).

This amp is based off of the Hammond A035 Reverb Amp circuit. With the "cut" control (my personal add), it is great amp with quick tone controls and mild breakup. I am loving gigging with this amp. It loves pedals, especially clean boosts and mild overdrives.

Hammond Schematic


It is almost a great house amp. Just a little too loud unattenuated. It is quieter than what I am used to at a gig, but I just pump more through my in-ear monitors. I really amp starting to love 18 watt amps. I have always been a 30W min guy....until now. I think my next build is going to be a Lite IIb...then I can have the ultimate 18 watt A/B rig!

[s2]

Am I the only one who thinks it is uncool to post drawings of current production amps?

[zaphod_phil]

You make a very relevant point. However isn't the Phoenix actually a DIY project amp, rather than a current production amp? Yes, I know it's also a clone of another production amp, itself cloned from a Hammond organ amp, with a Matchless tone control added.... Also, this particular schematic is for drgonzoguitar's version with the Cut control. Maybe, if he could repost a cropped version of the schematic just showing that particular part around the PI and power amp, do you think that would that help....?

[drgonzoguitar]

Consider it done Zaphod!

[what_wires]

Whew.. glad I made my hard copy....

[WesKuhnley]

eh, leave it up. People who are going to buy a ...well you know... don't know which end of the iron is hot anyway. Leaving a drawing no-one can connect to the .... isn't going to hurt his business any. Plus, he's kind of a douch. I fixed a ..... for one of his premier endorsees and when the dealer got him on the phone about the repair, he was a total dick to me. I drove across town during rush hour to pick up the parts so that his player could get back on the road in time to make his next gig. Good thing the player was a helluva dude, paid me right out of his pocket for what should have been a warranty situation.

*edited to keep Google out of it.

[joe6v6]

After much discussion among the admins, we have decided to allow this thread to stay, as a one-time exception. Otherwise, the general policy still applies, of only discussing Marshall 18W amps and direct variations of those, on 18watt.com

There is a site & a forum that is solely for the discussion of this amp (Phoenix), Its members are by invite only, thats where this layout and schemaitc came from & I dont think the people who put that forum together would appriciate those being openly posted here, as a matter of fact not freely posting this layout & schematic is part of the agreement of being a member of the forum.

JOE

[drgonzoguitar]

After much discussion among the admins, we have decided to allow this thread to stay, as a one-time exception. Otherwise, the general policy still applies, of only discussing Marshall 18W amps and direct variations of those, on 18watt.com

There is a site & a forum that is solely for the discussion of this amp (Phoenix), Its members are by invite only, thats where this layout and schemaitc came from & I dont think the people who put that forum together would appriciate those being openly posted here, as a matter of fact not freely posting this layout & schematic is part of the agreement of being a member of the forum.

JOE

There is a forum for this amp? Are you kidding me? I got this stuff via Google. If there is/was some "secret handshake" forum for this amp, I am sure I wouldn't have posted it here. I am just wanting to provide the 18 Watt community a different tonal option for home amp builders.

[s2]

So let's frame the discussion this way. If said drawings were for 65 Amps, would the mods allow them to be posted here?

IMAO, posting drawings of current production amps is in poor taste. Yes, we all know the Zenith amp in question started as a Hammond reverb amp and was modded with the mid control of a Chieftan (or was it Clubman) which was originally seen in a Selmer, which was originally found in a Western Electric receiving manual. But none of that changes the fact that a certain guy put it all together to make an amp. You get my drift.

[zaphod_phil]

I also had reservations about allowing this particular schematic to be posted. However, 65 Amps is probably not a good comparison, since Dan Boule was/is an 18watt.com member, and very respected one at that. We wouldn't want to start sharing his schematics around out of pure respect. The other guy in question appears to carry little respect among those who have had dealings with him. And as long as no one posts one of his own drawings no law is broken. I've also found this same clone schematic floating around on other boards, so it seems to have lost a lot of its secrecy.

In any case, drgonzoguitar has kindly removed the schematic in question and reposted just the part showing his cut control. So I hope everyone's happy now.

[BackwoodsJoe]

We need to move beyond this type of the discussion here or quit posting the 18 watt schematic! Personally, I'm glad Jim Marshall ripped of the Watkins Dominator as well as the Fender Bassman. JJ

[jaydawg]

We need to move beyond this type of the discussion here or quit posting the 18 watt schematic! Personally, I'm glad Jim Marshall ripped of the Watkins Dominator as well as the Fender Bassman. JJ

+1