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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I should put together a Bill of Materials and links for availability & cost. Along with a re-drawn schematic.
Thanks Bettlejuce & Seth Kent for your interest. I'll get to work on the 2 items mentioned above. -Doug
Is this the right thing also, I found em on ebay but this one is closer... not worth "saving" $25 though if this is not it.
You'll have to put it in an enclosure, connect a grounded outlet & cord, knob. It's max load is 2.6 amps (330 watts/125 voltsAC) = 2.6 amps (math - volts X amps = watts) Will work for any amp up to ~50 watts alright. The brush is quite sensitive on the rear as are the windings. Most folks run these at a single spot forever, but you wont. Mounting will be easy. Can use a 6x6x4 inch deep steel electrical enclosure at Lowes or Home Depot. For $25 I'd pull the trigger. You can buy/repair the brush, and sand the windings to refurb it if needed.
3 tube Valco 510 modded
Thanks Seth-
When you have time, study what I've posted so far, the links & start thinking on where you can rummage up some old vintage electronics. Take 8 pin sockets for instance, you can never have too many. It's like once you build your first tube chassis, it becomes a healthy diversion to the rat race, and everyone seems to really enjoy it. It brings furniture, and wood finishing, electronics, music, hate to say it,... sheetmetal, all in grand vintage style, like the CBG does. This amp origionally came as many different brands, Wards, Gresche, and the Valco in 1944 starting. Then when the Serviceman returned from WWII, Valco saw it fit to include a Tone control.
you should! make a how to build video and post a follow along on youtube, that will be want gets people to want to try and it will be easier to follow for newbies when they can see you...that's really 'effin cool!
Beetlejuice,
Your right. I've done these in the past with RC airplane modd'ing. There fun to do for me, but really low budget.
Let me get this Bill of Materials finished and maybe this weekend I can have some stuff kitted up, then take that 1st video....Perhaps cover the basic construction, making the holes in the sheetmetal (oh fun!), high voltage safety, basic soldering skills & tricks, parts in the hand, the difference in Hi-Fi & Lo-Fi (guitar amp theory or the lack of any at all~), wow, my list is growing- just for the 1st video.
Later- Doug
I really thank you for your helpful comments! .....& keep 'em coming.
I hear that about the phone pad skuffel...
Thanks Seth, Thanks for the chance to "pay it back"....So you have some experience in filling up tube sockets with solder also? This amp is a little different being strictly Octal and a very early one at that. I think you'll enjoy the growl, and from the amp also! Pull out some PTs, the output XMF is only 5 bucks at "parts express". My BOM will have a link for each part. If the links won't work posted here, I'll just email it to yall.
So yea, let me finish the list of parts & cast any Q's this way when your ready. - Doug
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