Any recommendations for a low watt fender twin sound ?

znowman · Post by **znowman** » 19 Jun 2008, 16:45

hi, just wondered if anyone could recommend me a build, im wanting a fender twin type sound but at low wattage (bedroom recording levels) so i think 5 watts is about right.

Although this would be my first amp project, ive been building pedals for a while, and im well aware of the hazards involved

im probably aiming a bit high for a first build, but i dont mind a challenge...

any advice appreciated

DWBH · Post by **DWBH** » 19 Jun 2008, 17:26

Take a look at a Blackface Champ, or a Vibro Champ

LMJS · Post by **LMJS** » 19 Jun 2008, 19:19

The closest you will get will be either the Vibro Champ or the Super Champ which was an early 80's Paul Rivera design handwired 18 watter with reverb and gain channel. Difficult to find at a good price but unbelievable sound from such a small package.

rocklander · Post by **rocklander** » 19 Jun 2008, 20:18

clearly out of my league for DIY (anything over low voltage DC scares the bajezus outta me) but you could build your own?
http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPage ... oChamp.htm

Post by **modman** » 19 Jun 2008, 21:20

Have a look at Briggs Valve Junior conversion, and what I did to my Chinese copy:
Just clean out the mistakes in the wiring with a comparable fender schematic and put in a Fender tone stack.

I used the tonestack from the ROG Umble on mine...
https://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2203

bajaman · Post by **bajaman** » 19 Jun 2008, 21:33

All the above suggestions are good, however the "magic" sound of a Fender Twin reverb is due to it's tube reverb section and very clean high power output - you have to hear one of these at full on (or two with a stereo chorus) to appreciate what i am trying to say. At the very least, I would run all the preamp tubes ( and driver or phase inverter tube ) from at least a 350v dc supply rail, then use some judicious attenuation before running the signal from the phase inverter into a push pull pair of voltage starved ( 24v dc ) 6v6 output tubes coupled to a high quality small push pull output transformer.
just some thoughts based on my own experiences.
Good luck and hope this helps you.
cheers
bajaman

znowman · Post by **znowman** » 20 Jun 2008, 17:52

thanks for the suggestions, ive been listening to some of those amps on youtube, and they all sound pretty good, i'll look into finding some schematics, to see which one is suitable to build, first though, i need to do a whole lot of studying tubes...

thanks again !