I just ordered an amp kit.

[Prages]

I went with the Weber 5E7M kit, which is basically a tweed Bassman with a TMB tone stack.

Hopefully I'll be able to build it. :o

I'll definitely document the process, regardless of whether I can make it loud or not. :o

[Mark Wein]

munch0

I'm pretty excited to watch this...

[Prages]

munch0

I'm pretty excited to watch this...

I just hope I can actually build it. :o

[Mark Wein]

I just hope I can actually build it. :o


I'm sure you'll be fine. Is that a '59 Bassman kit? I was thinking that my first build would be something more like a Tweed Champ or something small...

[Prages]

I'm sure you'll be fine. Is that a '59 Bassman kit? I was thinking that my first build would be something more like a Tweed Champ or something small...

It's similar to the '59 Bassman, but it has a treble, middle, bass tone stack instead of treble, bass, and presence.

The little difficulty meter he has on each of his kits puts this one right in the middle of gauge. The smaller champ type amps aren't a whole lot lower on the scale.

We shall see. :o

[Mark Wein]

I'm excited to see how it goes. Pedal making has started a new kind of GAS for me :o

[k4df4l]

Awesome....I eagerly await build documentation!

[Prages]

I'm sure when it shows up and I get a look at all of those components, I'll curl up into the fetal position and rock in the corner for a while before I can bring myself to actually start working on it.

If worse comes to worse, I'm sure I could take it to my amp guy if I can't figure it all out. I'd rather not have to do that, but if I can't figure it out, I'll see if he'll let me bring it over and maybe just guide me through the process if he has the time.

That's my backup plan. Hopefully it won't come to that.

[Mark Wein]

I'm sure when it shows up and I get a look at all of those components, I'll curl up into the fetal position and rock in the corner for a while before I can bring myself to actually start working on it.

If worse comes to worse, I'm sure I could take it to my amp guy if I can't figure it all out. I'd rather not have to do that, but if I can't figure it out, I'll see if he'll let me bring it over and maybe just guide me through the process if he has the time.

That's my backup plan. Hopefully it won't come to that.

I'd have to think it's just like a giant version of the pedal builds, just with more parts and higher voltages.

[Prages]

I'd have to think it's just like a giant version of the pedal builds, just with more parts and higher voltages.


That's what I'm hoping.

And as far as the higher voltages go, that shouldn't factor into it until it's all done, and hopefully it'll work the first time I fire it up. :o :o :o

If not, now that telecaster911 has showed my how to discharge the caps, I'm not terribly worried about routing around in the chassis.

I wonder how long it takes them to get these kits put together and shipped. Most stuff says to allow 14 days, but that's for stuff they are building in house. I don't know if they have the kit components put together in a box beforehand or not.

[Mark Wein]

That's what I'm hoping.

And as far as the higher voltages go, that shouldn't factor into it until it's all done, and hopefully it'll work the first time I fire it up. :o :o :o

If not, now that telecaster911 has showed my how to discharge the caps, I'm not terribly worried about routing around in the chassis.

I wonder how long it takes them to get these kits put together and shipped. Most stuff says to allow 14 days, but that's for stuff they are building in house. I don't know if they have the kit components put together in a box beforehand or not.


Thats a bummer that you have to wait that long...I wonder if there is anyplace that compares the various kit builders....

[Prages]

Thats a bummer that you have to wait that long...I wonder if there is anyplace that compares the various kit builders....


Like I said, the 14 day wait is for speakers and stuff that they build to order. I don't know if it'll be that long for the amp kit or not. I'd assume that at most, they'd just have to go through the parts list and throw the stuff in a box. I wouldn't think that would take too long.

That said, the only other time I've bought anything from Weber, it was a Mass 150. It took me about a month to get it, then my amp kept blowing fuses when I'd use it. Sent it back for a replacement, and they lost track of it somewhere. After a few emails, several phone calls, and about 3 months wait, I got it back and it worked great.

Then I sold it to fanuvbrak, who didn't care for it with his Classic 50, and sold it within a few weeks.

Hopefully my one experience isn't the norm. I know lots of people rave about Weber, so I tend to think that maybe I was the 1 in 1000 that has a bad experience.

That was before Ted died too. He may have been in poor health at the time. I did speak to him a few times on the phone, and he did eventually make everything right, but it took a long time.

[telecaster911]

I can't see this being difficult for you. It may be a little time consuming, but not difficult. :thu: should be really cool. Is this a head? Or 410?

[Mark Wein]

Like I said, the 14 day wait is for speakers and stuff that they build to order. I don't know if it'll be that long for the amp kit or not. I'd assume that at most, they'd just have to go through the parts list and throw the stuff in a box. I wouldn't think that would take too long.

That said, the only other time I've bought anything from Weber, it was a Mass 150. It took me about a month to get it, then my amp kept blowing fuses when I'd use it. Sent it back for a replacement, and they lost track of it somewhere. After a few emails, several phone calls, and about 3 months wait, I got it back and it worked great.

Then I sold it to fanuvbrak, who didn't care for it with his Classic 50, and sold it within a few weeks.

Hopefully my one experience isn't the norm. I know lots of people rave about Weber, so I tend to think that maybe I was the 1 in 1000 that has a bad experience.

That was before Ted died too. He may have been in poor health at the time. I did speak to him a few times on the phone, and he did eventually make everything right, but it took a long time.
This is such a new arena for me that I really wouldn't know where to spend my money...hopefully the weber stuff rocks...

[Prages]

I can't see this being difficult for you. It may be a little time consuming, but not difficult. :thu: should be really cool. Is this a head? Or 410?


Looking at the schematic and the layout diagram, it seems fairly straight forward. Granted, schematics still confuse me a bit, but I can trace the path for the most part.

As far as it being time consuming, I really hope that it takes longer than 2 days to build. I've really enjoyed working on the pedals, but just about the time I start to really get into it, they are finished. :o

[Prages]

This is such a new arena for me that I really wouldn't know where to spend my money...hopefully the weber stuff rocks...

I really went with Weber because they have a whole lot of kits available, and the prices aren't bad. I didn't order a cabinet, since I know I can build my own, so after shipping, my total is $410, and that includes everything you need to build it (minus the cabinet). That's not too bad if I can make the amp work.

[Prages]

Actually, it looks like the 5E7 is a Bandmaster circuit. Not a Bassman.

Regardless, that's what I got.

[Prages]

I can't see this being difficult for you. It may be a little time consuming, but not difficult. :thu: should be really cool. Is this a head? Or 410?

I got the head version.

I figure I've already got a 4 ohm cab to use with it, so that's that much less money I have to spend on it.

[Mark Wein]

Actually, it looks like the 5E7 is a Bandmaster circuit. Not a Bassman.

Regardless, that's what I got.

The Bandmaster might be a cooler choice...I wish they had a blond Tremulux kit. That would rule.

[Prages]

I've been reading some stuff on the Amp Builder's Forum that's on Weber's site.

Apparently, their shipping got kind of behind during the 10% off sale in May. It was a 4-6 wait on kits, but most of those had custom cabinets that had to be built. I didn't see anybody complaining about the turn around time on a kit sans cabinet.

So, I figure I'll probably not have the kit for several weeks.

:(

[Mark Wein]

I've been reading some stuff on the Amp Builder's Forum that's on Weber's site.

Apparently, their shipping got kind of behind during the 10% off sale in May. It was a 4-6 wait on kits, but most of those had custom cabinets that had to be built. I didn't see anybody complaining about the turn around time on a kit sans cabinet.

So, I figure I'll probably not have the kit for several weeks.

:(

:(

[Prages]

I've found some pics online of a build of the same kit.

http://www.johnklaver.nl/Klaver%20Amp%205e7m/ATS00000.htm

It doesn't look that hard. :o

[Modern Saint]

Sounds like loads of fun! Can't wait to see your progress. I always have had the ambition to build a Blackface Deluxe, Dumble or an 18 watt Marshall TMB.

[matou]

I wish they had a blond Tremulux kit. That would rule.

Plucked from the 'net:

The earlier (1955 to March 1956) tweed tremolux was a 5e9 circuit. This was essentially a tweed deluxe circuit with tremolo. The 5e9 was cathode biased and the phase inverter was identical to the tweed deluxe. The 5e9 also shipped with a 5y3 rectifier and usually came in the deluxe sized cabinet. Then in early '56, Fender started shipping the 5e9-a. The 5e9-a was identical to the 5e9 except it had a 5u4gb in the rectifier and shipped in the tweed pro sized cabinet—I want to say that there was also minor value change in the circuit but I can’t recall the specifics.

In mid 1957 Fender started shipping the Tremolux as the 5g9. This amp had many changes from the earlier Tremolux amps. While it still had much in common with the 5e3 deluxe and 5e9-a tremolux, the 5g9 circuit is really a different animal. The 5g9 has increased headroom before breakup and a slightly tighter bass and tone all around. This comes largely from the phase inverter (which is identical to that used in the later tweed bassman), and the addition of a choke. There are also numerous changes to the circuit-- including the manner in which the tremolo is manufactured.

I’m a bit fuzzy on this last point, but if memory serves the 5e9 tremolux gets its tremolo out of one of the 12ax7 tubes where as the 5g9 is using the power tubes for the source of the tremolo. I'm no tech, so take this with lots of salt. To my ears, the 5e9 style tremolo is the deepest, swampiest, thickest tremolo I've ever heard. The 5g9 is close to the 5e9 but lacks a bit of the depth. That said, the 5g9 at fast speeds can get a mild Leslie like tone. Both Tremolos are much swampier, round, and deeper than the opto style tremolo in the later blackface amps.

The 5g9 is a really unique circuit with truly unique tones. It certainly is in the same vein as the deluxe and 5e9 tremolux but serves to address some of the complaints often lodged against the deluxe—lack of headroom, lack of controlling the bass. The 5g9 is light, easy to move from gig to gig, and generally loud enough to cut it while not being so loud as to not be able to use it. You'll need a restrained drummer, but this amp can work a small club gig. I think the key to the 5g9 might be the phase inverter. It was used only in the tweed twin and tweed bassman and the 5g9 has a bit of the characteristics associated with those amps—but at a much lower, and more useable, volume and with the addition of tremolo.

BTW, I’ve never seen a 5e9 or a 5g9 tube chart. All of the tremolux amps I’ve seen have the 5e9-a tube chart, regardless of the actual circuit in the amp.



I think it is more economical to rebuild an old amp than to build a kit, but my taste runs more to blackface than tweed.

[Mark Wein]

Plucked from the 'net:


I think it is more economical to rebuild an old amp than to build a kit, but my taste runs more to blackface than tweed.

Mine too...I was thinking this amp here:

http://www.andrewsamplab.com/Amp%20Photo%20Gallery/Gallery%20Photos/Fender/1962_blond_tremolux.jpg

I've heard a couple of them (even a Blackface version) that I thought were awesome amps. El Borrachito had a 1964 Tremulux that was stolen some years ago that was pretty rad...the blond version (1962 I think) was even more killer. If I went shopping for something like that to replace my 1966 Bassman thats probably where I'd start looking.

I've decided that I'm going to try and sell my Peavey Penta head and use the profits from that to look at an amp kit...IF it sells.

[Prages]

It would be really cool if I could have this thing built before Pragestock, but it looks like amp kits are running 3-4 weeks between ordering and shipping. :(

That would only leave me a few weeks to get it built. I'm sure that's entirely possible, so long as I don't have a lot of trouble-shooting to do, but I figure it'll take at least a week for me to get it together. Possibly longer, since I'm going to be busy most weekends in July.

So, at Pragestock, you guys may have to settle for just looking at a bunch of amp parts strewn around a work bench. :o

[jrockbridge]

Subscribed! :thu:

[Prages]

Subscribed! :thu:


I'll actually start a new thread when I get the kit and start building it.

[Denverdave]

So, at Pragestock, you guys may have to settle for just looking at a bunch of amp parts strewn around a work bench. :o

You may want to hide the amp in a safe place for Pragestock if it isn't finished. Take your time and do it right. Something tells me we will have plenty of amps there as it is. I'll be lucky to be playing guitar again by then....

I have been interested in the Ceritone copies of a Matchless Lightening that they make, but my electronics skills are not at that level right now.

[matou]

Mine too...I was thinking this amp here:

http://www.andrewsamplab.com/Amp%20Photo%20Gallery/Gallery%20Photos/Fender/1962_blond_tremolux.jpg

I've heard a couple of them (even a Blackface version) that I thought were awesome amps. El Borrachito had a 1964 Tremulux that was stolen some years ago that was pretty rad...the blond version (1962 I think) was even more killer. If I went shopping for something like that to replace my 1966 Bassman thats probably where I'd start looking.

I've decided that I'm going to try and sell my Peavey Penta head and use the profits from that to look at an amp kit...IF it sells.

You can still find great deals on Musicmasters - a very under-appreciated amp. In fact, there are a couple up on ebay right now.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTYE-k7gEnQ&feature=related

[ellengtrgrl]

The Bandmaster might be a cooler choice...I wish they had a blond Tremulux kit. That would rule.

I used to have a blonde '62 Tremolux. :o That thing sounded raunchy! Not in a metal kind of way, but very much in a rawk kind of way!!! I miss mine! :( But that was 20 years ago, and I was young and stupid!

Prages, If you need help finishing it up, let me know. I'll be more than happy to do so for you. Kits are fun to build! :) The problem with me, is that the amp kit I wish to build (specifically a Trainwreck), would cost me beaucoup bucks to get! :(

[Prages]

I used to have a blonde '62 Tremolux. :o That thing sounded raunchy! Not in a metal kind of way, but very much in a rawk kind of way!!! I miss mine! :( But that was 20 years ago, and I was young and stupid!

Prages, If you need help finishing it up, let me know. I'll be more than happy to do so for you. Kits are fun to build! :) The problem with me, is that the amp kit I wish to build (specifically a Trainwreck), would cost me beaucoup bucks to get! :(


I'm sure I'll have some questions once I get the kit.

Right now, everything seems pretty straight forward. I do wonder about the grounding though. The layout and schematic show the grounding points, but should the ground be right where it is on the layout, or does it really make a whole lot of difference?

No need to answer just yet, as I'll likely forget anything detailed by the time I get to that point.

Thanks for the offer though, and I'm sure I'll take you up on it. :)

[Eminence_Front]

I wonder if any of their Marshall JTM clones are worth a damn ?

[Mark Wein]

I wonder if any of their Marshall JTM clones are worth a damn ?


I don't know....you should try one and let us know :o

[Modern Saint]

I hear more good things about the Marshall 1974x clones. Richard built one for a friend and it sounds killer!

[Prages]

It's been a week since I've ordered.

My credit card has been charged, but no shipping confirmation yet.

Web site still says it's a 3-4 week lead time.

[Mark Wein]

It's been a week since I've ordered.

My credit card has been charged, but no shipping confirmation yet.

Web site still says it's a 3-4 week lead time.

:hmm:

[matou]

It won't ship until another batch of these comes in.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/746/20337580282111.jpg

[Prages]

It won't ship until another batch of these comes in.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/746/20337580282111.jpg

Took me a second, but I finally got it. :D

[Mark Wein]

Still waiting for news?

[Prages]

Still waiting for news?



:hmm:

I really don't look for it to ship for a couple of weeks anyway.

I'll definitely let you know when I hear something.

[Mark Wein]

:hmm:

I really don't look for it to ship for a couple of weeks anyway.

I'll definitely let you know when I hear something.


ARGH. I'd have a really hard time waiting...

[Prages]

ARGH. I'd have a really hard time waiting...

I'm going nuts, but I knew they were backlogged before I ordered.

On the plus side, the wait has given me plenty of opportunity to do some research on stuff like star grounding and troubleshooting.

Now I just want the damned thing to get here though. :mad:

[Mark Wein]

I'm going nuts, but I knew they were backlogged before I ordered.

On the plus side, the wait has given me plenty of opportunity to do some research on stuff like star grounding and troubleshooting.

Now I just want the damned thing to get here though. :mad:


You might find this interesting although its for a PCB kit:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgA4JG7978c&NR=1

[Prages]

I'll have to remember to check it out when I get home.

[Mark Wein]

I'll have to remember to check it out when I get home.

I think they have videos for a bunch of their kits...I'll look and see if there is a bassman version...

[Prages]

Oh, I watched that one a few days ago. Mine won't go that quickly. :o

[Mark Wein]

Oh, I watched that one a few days ago. Mine won't go that quickly. :o


:D

It is kind of cool to see someone go through the process thugh...

[Prages]

Actually, that's not the same one I saw. I watched him do an eyelet board amp a few days ago.

[Prages]

I'll correct myself again...I did watch that video, but there's another part where he wires up the board.

[Modern Saint]

This thread has got me salivating for one as well. However I will sit on the sidelines a bit longer as I also have GAS for the 18 Watt Marshall clone and a Matchless clone. Sigh --- the list goes on....

[Prages]

Looks like we're going to be in South Carolina from July 11-14. Who wants to take bets on whether the kit shows up while I'm out of town? Since it requires a signature for delivery, I'm thinking the chances are pretty damned good. :o

[ellengtrgrl]

You can still find great deals on Musicmasters - a very under-appreciated amp. In fact, there are a couple up on ebay right now.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTYE-k7gEnQ&feature=related

That sounded pretty good! :thu: I wouldn't mind having one!

[ellengtrgrl]

I did some YouTube searching on the Musicmaster Bass Amp - VERY nice overdrive, in a gnarly kind of way! Some of the players in the vids say that if you run an overdrive into it, it sounds downright sick!

wawBwQP-rLQ

66UOF7nv8gg

Q7J3AEMTnmM

[Prages]

2 weeks down. Still no shipping confirmation. :mad:

[Mark Wein]

It's looking like my kit will have to be put on hold for a bit. :(

[Prages]

3 weeks now. Still no shipping confirmation. :mad:

[Mark Wein]

3 weeks now. Still no shipping confirmation. :mad:

WTF is the problem? Can you call Weber?

[Prages]

WTF is the problem? Can you call Weber?

I could call, or send an email request, but it says right on the site that there's a 3-4 week turnaround on amp kits.

If I haven't heard anything by the time we get back from our mini-vacation to South Carolina (should be home next Wednesday, the 14th) I'll give them a call.

[telecaster911]

Jebus

[Mark Wein]

I could call, or send an email request, but it says right on the site that there's a 3-4 week turnaround on amp kits.

If I haven't heard anything by the time we get back from our mini-vacation to South Carolina (should be home next Wednesday, the 14th) I'll give them a call.

gotcha. it would be nice if they said "Hi" or something though :o

[matou]

This (http://richmond.craigslist.org/msg/1824209012.html) was on CL this week - 3 1/2 hours away, though.

[Mark Wein]

This (http://richmond.craigslist.org/msg/1824209012.html) was on CL this week - 3 1/2 hours away, though.

oh wow. I would buy that in a heartbeat.

[Modern Saint]

This (http://richmond.craigslist.org/msg/1824209012.html) was on CL this week - 3 1/2 hours away, though.

Ssswwweeeettttttt!

[Prages]

Monday made 4 weeks. Still no sign of shipping. This thing definitely isn't going to be done before Pragestock. It may not even be here before Pragestock. :mad:

[Mark Wein]

:mad:

[Prages]

:mad:

I just have to say....


This is my second order from Weber.

The first was a Mass 150.

I ordered it, it took a long time to get here (I don't remember exactly, but I'm thinking about a month). When it got here, it overheated and blew fuses on my JCM 800. I emailed and got a return #. Sent it back. A month later, no word, so I emailed. They didn't have record of my return. Sent them the RA#. They assured me it would go out within the week. That happened a few times. 3 months later, I finally got a working Mass 150. Not what I'd call a good experience.

Now it's been over 4 weeks since my card was charged. No word from Weber. I'm going to email them about the status this week. I really don't expect to get the kit for a few more weeks though.

I think I'm officially done with Weber.

[Mark Wein]

I'd get a refund and order one from someone else. Thats bullshit.

[telecaster911]

wow that is bullshit. I personally like the warm fuzzy feeling of contact.

[Prages]

Okay, so I emailed Weber about an hour ago, and they responded promptly.

The backordered power transformer is what's holding up my kit.

They are going to ship the rest of the kit out, and ship the transformer when they receive it.

So, sometime next week, I should have a HNBoPD! (Happy New Box of Parts Day).

[Mark Wein]

Cool!

Letting you know about the holdup on their own would have been nice, though.

[Prages]

Cool!

Letting you know about the holdup on their own would have been nice, though.

Agreed, but at least they are willing to go ahead and ship out the rest of the kit while they wait on the transformer.

Here's the email:

Good afternoon.

I ordered a 5E7M amp kit on June 14. Order #33656. I see that the W404248 output transformer is on backorder. Do you have an estimated delivery date for that transformer. I assume that is what is holding up the order.

Thanks.

Greg


Hi Gregory,

You are correct, the W404248 OT is currently out of stock and is the reason we have not shipped your amp kit. We expect to receive this transformer very soon but if you'd like I can send your kit order to you with a backorder for the OT.

Let me know.

Thank you,
Mark



If you could do that, I'd appreciate it. Maybe I'll be able to get a cabinet built and get most of it wired up before the transformer comes in.

Thanks.

[Prages]

On vehicle for delivery!

Of course, there's nobody home to sign for it. :facepalm:

[Prages]

I'm going to try to get stuff done quickly, then head home to sign for it. :facepalm:

[Mark Wein]

:msm:

I;m thinking about ordering one of these today:

http://buildyourownclone.com/phaseroyal.html

[Prages]

Alright, I got the kit.

I decided to just give it a brief glance and come back to work to save my vacation time.

Right off the bat, I see that they sent me the regular 5E7 chassis instead of the 5E7M. The layout is the same, but the labeling is different (5E7 has bass, treble, presence and 5E7M has bass, mid, and treble.)

Hopefully I'll be able to go through all the parts tonight and take inventory. Then I'll see about getting the correct chassis, and any other parts that may be wrong/missing.

FWIW, the parts all look and feel like high quality stuff. There aren't carbon comp resistors or anything, but I think the parts that do come with it will probably be much higher quality than what you'd find in most non-boutique amps.

I'll start a new thread once I get into the build.

[Mark Wein]

Cool!

(Except for the wrong chassis)

[telecaster911]

:thu:cool

[Denverdave]

Alright, I got the kit.

I decided to just give it a brief glance and come back to work to save my vacation time.

Right off the bat, I see that they sent me the regular 5E7 chassis instead of the 5E7M. The layout is the same, but the labeling is different (5E7 has bass, treble, presence and 5E7M has bass, mid, and treble.)

Hopefully I'll be able to go through all the parts tonight and take inventory. Then I'll see about getting the correct chassis, and any other parts that may be wrong/missing.

FWIW, the parts all look and feel like high quality stuff. There aren't carbon comp resistors or anything, but I think the parts that do come with it will probably be much higher quality than what you'd find in most non-boutique amps.

I'll start a new thread once I get into the build.

Cool. I will admire the scattered parts whilst I have visiting next week.....