Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Moderators: zaphod_phil, Daviedawg, Graydon, CurtissRobin, colossal
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Some more progress today. I wire prepped and connected the pots, and PCB.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
6 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
- Bieworm
- Verbose Moderator
- Posts: 2308
- Joined: Mon 02/10/20 8:24 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Looks real awesome... I'm jealous
1 x
"THIS should be played at high volume..preferably in a residential area"
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Thanks!
I will be selling the boards after this is built/tested. You can get one if you don't think 2 Trem TMBs is enough. lol
Then again, this build is 36W EL34, and I don't think you have one of those.
1 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
- Bieworm
- Verbose Moderator
- Posts: 2308
- Joined: Mon 02/10/20 8:24 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Very tempting...
1 x
"THIS should be played at high volume..preferably in a residential area"
- TriodeLuvr
- Frequent poster
- Posts: 616
- Joined: Tue 10/16/18 11:19 am
- Bieworm
- Verbose Moderator
- Posts: 2308
- Joined: Mon 02/10/20 8:24 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Josh, dude... one of these days you can line up with the famous boutique builders. Switching to rugged PCB boards and all.. bogner style amp building. You might think otherwise but I really like the build quality of them bogners
1 x
"THIS should be played at high volume..preferably in a residential area"
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
I designed a PCB to simplify the (already pretty simple) footswitch I built. This will be stupid simple, mount the parts, and drill a few holes in a box. I'll probably have them in 2 or 3 weeks.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
1 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
-
- Unrated
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sun 06/23/13 1:41 pm
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
I'd like to applaud you for the pcb-turret post combo. One of my frustrations with a number of the folks selling amp pcb's to DIY'ers right now is that they make it pure pcb. There are some connections that are just more efficient to do (and modify) with turrets.
2 x
Turtle441
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Thanks! I agree, there's a LOT of mistakes on the PCB designs for guitar amps out there (plenty of issues with some of the turret/eyelet boards out there too). You may notice that I made the use of turrets optional, so people can go either way. Another important factor is to leave the tube sockets separate to avoid any unneeded stress on the PCB.turtle441 wrote: ↑Tue 02/16/21 9:50 amI'd like to applaud you for the pcb-turret post combo. One of my frustrations with a number of the folks selling amp pcb's to DIY'ers right now is that they make it pure pcb. There are some connections that are just more efficient to do (and modify) with turrets.
After I finish this build and test it all out, I'll be making the boards available for sale to anybody interested.
Thanks,
Josh
1 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
-
- Occasional poster
- Posts: 195
- Joined: Mon 05/18/20 8:09 pm
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
A little more progress...
More wire prep: Sockets wired up:
Thanks,
Josh
More wire prep: Sockets wired up:
Thanks,
Josh
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
2 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Rear jacks and shielded connections are in:
You probably noticed my FX loop isn't connected. I do that last after the amp is tested and verified. I don't want to disconnect the FX loop while troubleshooting if there's noise or oscillations, so I wait to connect it when that's all sorted. Then if there's an issue after installing the FX loop, I've likely narrowed down the source.
When I have more time, I'll start by highlighter verifying the build, then power up and test it out.
Thanks,
Josh
Here's a close up of how I do the rear jacks:
You probably noticed my FX loop isn't connected. I do that last after the amp is tested and verified. I don't want to disconnect the FX loop while troubleshooting if there's noise or oscillations, so I wait to connect it when that's all sorted. Then if there's an issue after installing the FX loop, I've likely narrowed down the source.
When I have more time, I'll start by highlighter verifying the build, then power up and test it out.
Thanks,
Josh
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
0 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
- Bieworm
- Verbose Moderator
- Posts: 2308
- Joined: Mon 02/10/20 8:24 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Nice job man!!
Can't wait to hear the demo (s)
Did you put a .022µF cap in the first fase shift position of the tremolo? It's bigger in physical size...
Btw, I found out that putting a 12at7 in the PI the volume is substantially less compared to a 12ax7. Sounds equally great, but makes it a little better suited for bedroom level playing. Thought I'd share it...
Can't wait to hear the demo (s)
Did you put a .022µF cap in the first fase shift position of the tremolo? It's bigger in physical size...
Btw, I found out that putting a 12at7 in the PI the volume is substantially less compared to a 12ax7. Sounds equally great, but makes it a little better suited for bedroom level playing. Thought I'd share it...
1 x
"THIS should be played at high volume..preferably in a residential area"
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Thanks!Bieworm wrote: ↑Fri 02/19/21 12:50 pmNice job man!!
Can't wait to hear the demo (s)
Did you put a .022µF cap in the first fase shift position of the tremolo? It's bigger in physical size...
Btw, I found out that putting a 12at7 in the PI the volume is substantially less compared to a 12ax7. Sounds equally great, but makes it a little better suited for bedroom level playing. Thought I'd share it...
Yes, I decided to try out the .022µF cap there. It's also possible that the next version of this PCB will make the capacitance there switchable by adding a second .01µF in parallel. And by possible, I mean already designed and ordered.
Do you have an attenuator? If so, do this test if you want: record a few demos- 1. with the 12AT7 cranking the power tube distortion; 2. with the same and an attenuator; 3 with a 12AX7 and attenuator; and 4. a 12AX7 and no attenuator.
That will give you a better idea of how the tones compare. Of course if it sounds good to you, it's good anyway. So you could skip all that if you're not curious.
1 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
- Bieworm
- Verbose Moderator
- Posts: 2308
- Joined: Mon 02/10/20 8:24 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
That was the logic next step .. switchable cap
About the AT vs AX .. ofcourse the AX sounds way better, but to tame it you "could" deal with the compromise.. only at home. Maybe add an extra PI tube and make that switchable
About the AT vs AX .. ofcourse the AX sounds way better, but to tame it you "could" deal with the compromise.. only at home. Maybe add an extra PI tube and make that switchable
1 x
"THIS should be played at high volume..preferably in a residential area"
- TriodeLuvr
- Frequent poster
- Posts: 616
- Joined: Tue 10/16/18 11:19 am
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
That surprises me. According to the math (simulator), the difference in this application is only about 2.5 dB. Are you using the "standard" Marshall PI circuit?
Jack
0 x
- Bieworm
- Verbose Moderator
- Posts: 2308
- Joined: Mon 02/10/20 8:24 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Yes standard PI.. but only playing on lowish volume it's pretty noticable.TriodeLuvr wrote: ↑Fri 02/19/21 5:22 pmThat surprises me. According to the math (simulator), the difference in this application is only about 2.5 dB. Are you using the "standard" Marshall PI circuit?
Jack
0 x
"THIS should be played at high volume..preferably in a residential area"
- crgfrench
- Frequent poster
- Posts: 827
- Joined: Fri 04/27/18 3:02 am
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
The gain of a LTP is equal to the gain of a single gain stage for a given tube. The mu of a 12AX7 is 100 and the mu of a 12AT7 is 60. So that's why the 12AT7 LTP is lower volume.
2 x
- Bieworm
- Verbose Moderator
- Posts: 2308
- Joined: Mon 02/10/20 8:24 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
Here is a soundclip of my tremolo TMB reverb on full blast. Volume and gain on 10. Incredible how it cleans up on the guitar volume pot!!!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/23h9ol4lwyy9r ... t.m4a?dl=0
And here is my rockin'bird .. same deal, but creamier.. the tremolo TMB is nastier and superior to my taste.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ztce46vyo1e8 ... t.m4a?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/23h9ol4lwyy9r ... t.m4a?dl=0
And here is my rockin'bird .. same deal, but creamier.. the tremolo TMB is nastier and superior to my taste.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ztce46vyo1e8 ... t.m4a?dl=0
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
1 x
"THIS should be played at high volume..preferably in a residential area"
- JMPGuitars
- Super Duper Admin
- Posts: 3969
- Joined: Tue 09/18/12 8:00 pm
- Location: South Central, MA
- Contact:
Re: Josh's 18W Tremolo TMB Builds
After highlighter testing, I tested the voltages, and everything looks great, except my B+ is slightly low because I used a 3.3K instead of a 2.2K. I'll swap that out when I get some more 2.2Ks in stock (or find the ones I swear I ordered ). I also need to up the wattage on the cathode bias resistor, that thing is fairly hot. After I do that, I'll do some more testing, and then add the FX loop.
BTW- I'm slightly surprised nobody noticed that I didn't solder the ground wire on the intensity pot. Good thing I check connections during highlighter testing.
BTW- I'm slightly surprised nobody noticed that I didn't solder the ground wire on the intensity pot. Good thing I check connections during highlighter testing.
0 x
'I installed a skylight in my apartment yesterday... The people who live above me are furious.' - Steven Wright
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale
Modern Ground Schemes
Soldering Technique
B+ Voltage Reduction
Amplifier Tools & Parts Info
Web Design: DolceVittoria.com
Guitars / Amps / Effects: JMPGuitars.com
(anti)Social: Facebook · Instagram
Items for Sale