Mesa Cali Tweed?
- Thread starter Dan0h
- Start date
When I build amps I always try to use as few parts suppliers as possible to save on shipping, but I never use kits. Oh, I did use a Trinity kit for an 18 Watter once, but only because it was an interesting variation.
But a kit with instructions is a good way to start. Something like a Mojo 5E3 Deluxe kit would be a great way to start. Mojo transformers are (I believe) mostly made by Heyboer, which are good. I mainly prefer Mercury Magnetics for their options, but Heyboer make excellent transformers. I've never found a kit where I like all the components but Mojo get close. Another place you can buy Mojo kits is Marsh Amps, and sometimes the resellers will give you a better price.
But a kit with instructions is a good way to start. Something like a Mojo 5E3 Deluxe kit would be a great way to start. Mojo transformers are (I believe) mostly made by Heyboer, which are good. I mainly prefer Mercury Magnetics for their options, but Heyboer make excellent transformers. I've never found a kit where I like all the components but Mojo get close. Another place you can buy Mojo kits is Marsh Amps, and sometimes the resellers will give you a better price.
jjjimi84
Well-known member
I am with @HamishR I used to have a few Mesa amps and everything has went by the wayside since building my own and rebuilding my jtm45 (long story).
I have done mostly kit builds as I am lazy for sourcing parts and find it super easy to just get it and go and save on headaches.
Alternatively buying parts little by little is a nice way to defer costs.
On a side note, I am going to try and start making my 18 watter sound more like the 18 watt in the TA-30 because that is the whole reason the amp is still there.
I have done mostly kit builds as I am lazy for sourcing parts and find it super easy to just get it and go and save on headaches.
Alternatively buying parts little by little is a nice way to defer costs.
On a side note, I am going to try and start making my 18 watter sound more like the 18 watt in the TA-30 because that is the whole reason the amp is still there.
wintercept
Well-known member
I want to get into building amps. I am comfortable with high voltage and mains, but with all my focus on pedal at the moment it is a bit cost preventative.
At least I am lucky to have an amp I am satisfied with.
At least I am lucky to have an amp I am satisfied with.
Dan0h
Well-known member
Yeah. I keep going back and forth. I might end up putting “Amp building” off until I am retired and just pay up for a new amp if I really want one. I have time for a pedal here and there but don’t know if I could find the time it would take to build up an amp right now.
I’m 100% happy with the two I have I just have an itch for something in the middle of my 50w and 15w. A deluxe reverb sits really nice in that spot. I wish the mojo kit allowed you to customize components.
wintercept
Well-known member
I’d say shop used, with patience and research (and luck) you can get a good deal on a good amp.
Then, you can maintain your own amp, thus acquiring knowledge and practicing good techniques for work and safety.
Then, you can maintain your own amp, thus acquiring knowledge and practicing good techniques for work and safety.
Preverb
Active member
Has anyone built one of the projects from the Rob Robinette page? I previously wanted to build his Blackvibe. It is like a single channel vibroverb without the vibrato or reverb. It can be done with 6L6, 6V6 or 12AX7s. His Micro versions are 1-2W using preamp tubes as the output but otherwise the same amp circuit. He has micro versions of the bandmaster, 5E3 and JCM800. I listened to one of the 1W Blackvibes and it was actually fairly clean and loud still. I have at least 30 12AX7s lying around so these projects have some appeal.
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Dan0h
Well-known member
I am really liking this, just not sure of time. Would be awesome if anyone has built one and their take on the sound that comes from it.
Hey, that's a beautiful wood cab, You say walnut... Is that black walnut by chance? I had an uncle in Kentucky that built his whole house out of black walnut, well, all the interiors... The house is next door to a graveyard and with all that dark wood, it would be a great location for filming a horror movie. Lol!
As for your "half" West amp, use JJ 6V6S tubes and a B+ of around 350-400 volts. Get a Fender Deluxe OT and there you go, should be good for 20-25 watts.
Dan0h
Well-known member
Thank you, and if you have any photos of that house I’d love to see it. Black Walnut is my favorite wood. He must of cut down and milled his own trees/boards for that house because Walnut is very $$ for wood. Usually used for items not houses!!!
And thank you for the input on the half west.
Yes, R.R.'s site is a source of great info. His amp mods sound nice and are useful. The pic is of a mini JCM800 that I built from a beyond repair Blues JR, it's my (and Marshall's) design but the cold clipper mod in R.R.'s site is a nice addition to this 15 watt amp, it makes the amp more versatile.
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Preverb
Active member
What is the West amp? Cabinet looks great BTW. It is harder to do than it looks. I made 2 pine cabs a few years back. I learned that dado blades are better suited for hardwoods. Lots of tear out on my box joints and the pine looks rustic but no where as nice as the walnut. Would like to build something with 2 x 10" one day. Maybe the 2nd time around, things will improve.
Cool project to convert a blues jr. I never liked those amps for some reason so I am sure it is better after you built it into a JCM. I gave up on tube amps because I move so much and even a 5W amp is too loud for apartments. I recently ordered a Quilter for fender cleans but I am pretty interested in building the Robinette 2w plexi. Either that or figuring out if there is a way to mod the M800 pcb to super lead / Pal 959.
Dan0h
Well-known member
Decision time:
I have decided to attempt a turret board pedal build using the preamp section of my West and it’s schematic as a guide. If I can get it to fly I will then attempt to replicate the entire West circuit as a 20-25watt head. This West is so bare bones and basic but yet sounds so amazing, just way to loud, I feel like it’s a great starting place. Not to mention it was a Michigan amp company, so giving some respect to the home state. If all else fails at least I tried something.
Mucho thanks to all the feedback and new YouTube’s to watch related to this subject and for helping me avoid the Mesa, even though I believe it would sound amazing too.
Now, off to surf PedalPCB.com to find some fun boards to build.
I have decided to attempt a turret board pedal build using the preamp section of my West and it’s schematic as a guide. If I can get it to fly I will then attempt to replicate the entire West circuit as a 20-25watt head. This West is so bare bones and basic but yet sounds so amazing, just way to loud, I feel like it’s a great starting place. Not to mention it was a Michigan amp company, so giving some respect to the home state. If all else fails at least I tried something.
Mucho thanks to all the feedback and new YouTube’s to watch related to this subject and for helping me avoid the Mesa, even though I believe it would sound amazing too.
Now, off to surf PedalPCB.com to find some fun boards to build.