Help pick a build project

[drew]

Now that your mind is made up, let me suggest an alternative.

Spending a grand to build a JTM45 to play at home, by yourself, seems nuts to me (unless you have a rec room the size of a concert hall, and no neighbors).

A schematic and layout for a 7-ish watt version of a tweed Bassman (of which the JTM45 is essentially a copy), using 6BM8 power tubes and a $25 Weber power transformer, is available over on the Hoffman forum. Link: http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=562.0

Download the software to view the files at http://www.expresspcb.com

Thread with pictures of one: http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=5290.0

Clips: http://www.musicwebtown.com/jallenshaw/46763

It's not a kit, but you could source all the components pretty easily, and you'd end up with an amp that would be a lot more usable for your stated purposes.

[MBD115]

Thanks everyone for all these replies!!!!!

Jana, that was a very funny post. I read it to my wife and she agrees ..... Purple does sound better , so purple it is

The amp is ordered with Sozo caps and Metroamp Drake replica transformers as suggested. Thanks again for the help.

Colossal. Thanks for the kind words!!!!!

drew. Its 400 feet to my nearest neighbor and my home is very well insulated so pretty sound-proof. There is no homes on either of the other sides so I can play pretty loud if I want. One of my present amps is a 40 watt tube amp with a 2x12 cabinet so I am fairly prepared for this amp I guess. And if this is 'one of those stupid decisions' then I guess I'll just haft to mark it on my list of stupid decisions because - I have made a truck-load of them in my 54 years. I hope this amp sounds as good as the new ones I heard back in the day. If it does then I know I will love it!!!!!!. I can remember those old days, even at my age.

Again I must say you guys are the greatest. I'll be posting again I guarantee - - - probably with build questions.

Later

[Structo]

Good choice on the Metro.

I read nothing but good reports about them.

It will be a lot of fun building it and yes, please post pictures that document your build.
We love pictures.

If you are unsure how to do it, you can upload smaller files here but I have had occasional trouble with that feature so I store my photos on site at www.photobucket.com
It's free and easy.

[M Fowler]

Did you buy the build book or just down load the instructions off George's site? He has a very well documented build guide so that will make things easier. You do know that Metropolosis has a forum that has lots of good information didn't you. Not that I want you to leave or anything but he has good info there.

In the mean time if you do not have or want a variac to power the amp up with for first start, then you should search for how to make a bulb limiter plan and the BOM is in the Trainwreck Express BOM in the files section the tabs on the bottom of the BOM document.

Mark

[10thTx]

A schematic and layout for a 7-ish watt version of a tweed Bassman (of which the JTM45 is essentially a copy), using 6BM8 power tubes and a $25 Weber power transformer, is available over on the Hoffman forum. Link: http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=562.0

1+ on that suggestion. I've built that amp (it's called a Little Wing) with reverb and I've built a Plexi 50w. I like the Little Wing alot more. AND if you are playing mostly at home, it would make more sense to me.

Here's a photo of my Little Wing reverb.

http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/ ... mbopic.jpg

http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/ ... rbtank.jpg

With respect, 10thtx

[Tubetwang]

A schematic and layout for a 7-ish watt version of a tweed Bassman (of which the JTM45 is essentially a copy), using 6BM8 power tubes and a $25 Weber power transformer, is available over on the Hoffman forum. Link: http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=562.0

1+ on that suggestion. I've built that amp (it's called a Little Wing) with reverb and I've built a Plexi 50w. I like the Little Wing alot more. AND if you are playing mostly at home, it would make more sense to me.

Here's a photo of my Little Wing reverb.

http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/ ... mbopic.jpg

http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/ ... rbtank.jpg

With respect, 10thtx

Nice amp !!!

[Structo]

Nice cab!

[IMG:538:404]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/ ... mbopic.jpg[/img]

[Jana]

I still think the metro jtm45 is the best choice. The specs that metro posts for the transformers for this kit are a PT that gives about 400 volts to the plates and an OT with an impedance of 8K. The original jtm45 had kt66 tubes, which metro supplies with the kit. This amp will be about 25 to 30 watts, plenty for being heard over a drummer. The cool thing is, with the transformers supplied, this is perfect for a 6v6 amp too. Just install 6v6's and change the bias and there you go, 15 watt amp! If a 15 watt amp is too loud, a 7 watt is not going to much quieter.

[soma_hero]

what reverb tank is used for the Little Wing? Might look into this build..

[10thTx]

I use a standard replacement Fender trannie and tank.

4AB3C1B.

With respect, 10thtx

[MBD115]

I ordered the NOS Allen Bradley resistor upgrade. By what I can read they are the best I can get.

Metro trannies and SOZO cap upgrade.

Kit will be here next week in black tolex. They were out of purple. lol

Judging by the vids I've watched on tube this amp is going to sound good.

I'm considering a couple Scumnicos in a 2x12 cab. What I can read they seem to be a good choice for this amp. The clips I've heard sound good. http://www.scumbackspeakers.com/clips/alnico_clips.html

If my amp sounds as good as the other Metro's I've listened to lately I know I will love it!!!!!!!

Checked out the Metro JTM45 forum too. Seen some really nice pics of builds. Makes me want to do a good job on mine.

Thanks guys for the guidance. I think I'm on the right track in my tone search.