I've had real good luck building this Valco 510-11 circuit. For those who would enjoy retrofitting old and good looking vintage cabinets, this design fits the bill. The sound is fat and stuffed to the brim with harmonics. What one could call a "bedroom" amp.
I would be willing to assist in sourcing the 3 common tubes, transformers, and related components. Total cost will be somewhere around $200+ however this circuit is fairly forgiving and used power transformers, sockets, knobs, & chassis not only make the amp look better, it's cheaper as well.
Uses a 5Y3GT, a 6SL7, & a single 6V6. The last one I built went into a suitcase. The preamp section was biased well below maximum, but acted so hot that with the modd'ed preamp volume when turned up added a vibrato. This design is extremely sensitive, simply hammering the neck plays loud.
In this small venue (Cigar Box Nation) I will be glad to share my schematics & links to the most reputable parts suppliers. This amp will not only fit a small foot print, but will preform well with a standard guitar & will allow you, the tube novice (and experienced builder alike) to enjoy the amp that Jimmy Page used to record Stairway To Heaven with.
Search the web for Valco 510-11 images. The drawing is tilted slightly, that's the one.
If there is some interest, I'll post a couple of pics of what I have, maybe a youtube clip as well.
Rest regards, Doug
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Understood. Going over the connections, from those fuses to re-soldering/ re-flowing the circuit board, there is so much stuff to get to just to get it all "taken care of". Even in this tiny amp....but one thing for sure, it would be a sweet re-cycle, that cab.
When I worked as an amp repairmen on the weekends there in Austin, I saw 2 y/o fenders failing with an "intact" input jack. When Fender moved away from SwitchCraft jacks, it was the beginning of the end for their reliability. That's only a single reason why I always take care of my "building block" component selection quality.
Looks like a larger speaker possibly would be a easy swap out also. Can't wait for juicy info on that bad amp...
Here it is finished. Just a quick cellfoan pic, better documentation coming. The paint was still tacky..
Here is a video of my latest 3 tube mod'ed Valco 510-11 creations
Sold the one built here for 500 smakers. Working on 2 more currently. For some reason the ser#1013 has an incredible Billy Gibbons- Magnatone sound. Here is a link to listen .....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs35RvBGxIs&list=UU9W4Vl201YkwF...
I could put together a kit for those who want to give this amp a try. Punched out sheet metal chassis included. Just leave me a note here & I'll get back to you. So far I've had good luck with the Magnetic Components power transformers. This company is making their stuff in the USA and was the OEM supplier for the Valco way back in the mid 1940s.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, -Doug
Sounds AWESOME Doug!!!
And a Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours!
Has anybody tried to build this 3 tube 8 watter yet? I have serial numbers 19 & 20 all caged up & waiting for a new home.
Best, Doug
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