#102-a truly versatile amp

[M Fowler]

Marcus,

Saw an early 1980's Fender Esprit Flame pre Robben Ford signature guitar I was told. Not sure if it's value
but rare guitar to Find in Fargo, North Dakota. I do not know much about the Esprit history.

Mark

[fred.violleau]

Marcus,

Saw an early 1980's Fender Esprit Flame pre Robben Ford signature guitar I was told. Not sure if it's value
but rare guitar to Find in Fargo, North Dakota. I do not know much about the Esprit history.

Mark

I used to own one, but ended selling it.
There are 3 build types, I owned the entry level. The main differences are tuners, bridge and inlays on the neck. The guitar has cavities in the body and was build to a competitor to the Gibson Les Paul.

I must say the neck through is gorgeous. Fast and easy to play. I liked the balance of the instrument, but the main problem are the PickUps. Decent in clean but horrible when distorted. I did not want to alter the original configuration and had it in a black finish , so I choose to sell it.

There was not so many of these japanese guitar built. Some site say a few hundreds.. and overall not more than a few thousands.


Humble and Dumble,

Fred.

[Aurora]

Interesting, indeed! Would you mind posting a link to which schematic and layout you used?

[norburybrook]

Interesting, indeed! Would you mind posting a link to which schematic and layout you used?

I used the one from the Dumble files section, look for #102, exactly as it is except for it being 50w, having a power Transformer wound with a extra secondary for the relays, and using a OT with 4-8-16 oh taps. I've built two exactly the same and they both sound pretty much identical.

I still use the 100w filtering though on the power board (2x220uF), not sure if it makes any difference, I did try with using 2x 110uf but couldn't hear any noticeable difference on one build but put the 100w ones back as they matched so looked nicer

Marcus

[Aurora]

Oh - thanks alot , Marcus...

[jazzbass]

Interesting, indeed! Would you mind posting a link to which schematic and layout you used?

I used the one from the Dumble files section, look for #102, exactly as it is except for it being 50w, having a power Transformer wound with a extra secondary for the relays, and using a OT with 4-8-16 oh taps. I've built two exactly the same and they both sound pretty much identical.

I still use the 100w filtering though on the power board (2x220uF), not sure if it makes any difference, I did try with using 2x 110uf but couldn't hear any noticeable difference on one build but put the 100w ones back as they matched so looked nicer

Marcus

Hi norburybrook,

after a dozen Dumbles built only to "hear how it sounds" I was hesitant about building a #102. I built a #124, perhaps my first Dumble, but it didn't excite me and I was convinced that the construction of the various models had been a necessity to improve himself and improve performance, I hadn't connected the development process at the time, to the tastes changed, to the taste and needs of the guitarists for whom he had later built.
Now I understand that the development of these amplifiers was a combination of all these variables.
I personally prefer the series that still recall, more or less, the sound of the Fenders albeit with a very personal Dumble sound.
I have read your experience with interest and I have a question before starting, did you use the layout of the #102 low plate classic or the high plate skylainer?
Thanks and a hug. Franco

[ViperDoc]

I've been in the studio this week recording a solo album after years as a sideman/producer.

the #102 has been my go to amp for a wide variety of tracks.

here's a little taster of what a lovely clean sound it can produce. The cab is the ported 'larry carlton' EVM-12L mic'd with an SM57, and a 1960's Neumann U67. Guitar straight into the amp. Telecaster with an 'Oil City' hand wound P90. Reverb and FX added later.

https://youtu.be/BNoYTQ8_7D0



M

The thoughtfulness of this playing is incredible. I love the way the chromatic part develops up to the D-G-D-G-G' part and then returns. Wonderful music, and what a great sounding amplifier.

The full up tune on your website reminds me of this song by Charlie Hunter called Dersu from his Ready, Set, Shango! album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1DdfTCAb8A

[norburybrook]

@Franco, it's so long ago I can't remember much about the build TBH, I did a full build thread so I think all the info will be on there.

@ViperDoc , thankyou for the kind words I can't believe 5 years have passed and I still haven't finished the follow up album.

I've been really busy playing/producing so haven't had much time to record my own material and build amps, hence I've not been around these parts for a good while.

I hope everyone is well and still doing what they do.

Marcus