18Watt.com

I have a single ended el34 mini plexi amp that I am planning to convert to push pull 6v6 in cathode bias. Wondering if any tone lovers here have first hand experience with 18 watt OT.

Specifically looking at the Hammond 1750PA vs the Heyboer 18 watt OT’s available through mojotone or APD. The Hammond is easier to source for me in Calgary but wondering if the Heyboer is worth the extra expense.

Just chasing the best superlead plexi type tones I can in a small wattage package.

Thanks in advance!

Others will definitely advise the Heyboer, but I’m really fond of the Hammond and use it in any 18W build.

Bieworm wrote: ↑

Wed 05/03/23 11:17 am

Others will definitely advise the Heyboer, but I’m really fond of the Hammond and use it in any 18W build.

Thanks Bieworm. What do you like about the Hammond? I can literally get it for half the price of the Heyboer since they are made in Canada.

Plexitones wrote: ↑

Wed 05/03/23 6:39 pm

Bieworm wrote: ↑

Wed 05/03/23 11:17 am

Others will definitely advise the Heyboer, but I’m really fond of the Hammond and use it in any 18W build.

Thanks Bieworm. What do you like about the Hammond? I can literally get it for half the price of the Heyboer since they are made in Canada.

That's exactly what he likes about it.

They're both good. I wouldn't spend twice as much money to have one over the other. I like the Heyboer stuff from GDSamps.com (better than the mojo versions). If I didn't have easy enough access to the Heyboer (or MM), I wouldn't be sad about using Hammond.

Josh is right… I like it for its price. But I think it sounds great too. The only drawback with those Hammonds is the black lacquer that’s spilled on the wires. That always comes loose and is pretty messy. Next time I will try the TubeTown version. It looks good and clean AND is made in Europe ( definitely one of the Eastern Europe countries of manufacturing for its low cost labour, but who knows?)

That’s all helpful input guys. Thanks.

Yeah the black lacquer on the Hammond looks pretty crappy. Would prefer they do a clear or not do it all but I could live with it.

Well…..I went a bit crazy. Ordered both the Hammond 1750PA and the 1760H, which is a 6.6k primary “Deluxe Reverb” OT with 4, 8, and 16 ohm taps. Prices were too good to not experiment. I assume that one may crunch more and the other punch more. Will be a fun experiment.

Im using a Hammond on my latest build a deluxe reverb, and have had a hard time removing the lacquer on the wire i have tried Metholated spirits and turpentine without a lot of success, there is still some black residue
Has anyone found a way of removing it effectively?

AussieTim wrote: ↑

Fri 05/26/23 4:38 am

Im using a Hammond on my latest build a deluxe reverb, and have had a hard time removing the lacquer on the wire i have tried Metholated spirits and turpentine without a lot of success, there is still some black residue
Has anyone found a way of removing it effectively?

Do you mean the bare copper wire has lacquer on it? If yes, then try tinning it with solder and give the solder a moment to burn through the coating on the wire.

Nope… it’s the colored mantles that are silled over with black laquer. It comes off when handling the wires. Wonder they keep doing this at Hammond

Bieworm wrote: ↑

Fri 05/26/23 4:01 pm

Nope… it’s the colored mantles that are silled over with black laquer. It comes off when handling the wires. Wonder they keep doing this at Hammond

Show me a photo of it. I don't use them, so I haven't dealt with it.

Yes the lacquer is on the insulated wires

AussieTim wrote: ↑

Fri 05/26/23 9:29 pm

Yes the lacquer is on the insulated wires

Just on the outside of the insulation? What's the problem then, it doesn't look pretty?

JMPGuitars wrote: ↑

Fri 05/26/23 9:38 pm

AussieTim wrote: ↑

Fri 05/26/23 9:29 pm

Yes the lacquer is on the insulated wires

Just on the outside of the insulation? What's the problem then, it doesn't look pretty?

I don’t know if it’s clear enough to see, but the paper wrap is painted black, along with spilling on the wires. Every 1750 PA has that

Yup, that is not pretty.

The only solvents I know that will remove lacquer are also likely to cause PVC insulation to break down, either immediately or over time. I would just live with this rather than risk ruining the transformer.

Jack

TriodeLuvr wrote: ↑

Wed 06/14/23 10:12 am

The only solvents I know that will remove lacquer are also likely to cause PVC insulation to break down, either immediately or over time. I would just live with this rather than risk ruining the transformer.

Jack

Maybe there is a solution for this. I heard in a podcast someone talking about some product he used on a vintage blonde fender that was painted black. Things idiots did in the 60’s to have a blackface amp too
I don’t remember what he used, but when I do I’ll let you know