HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

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Drumslinger
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by Drumslinger »

Dang Mark! Very nice conversion!!

C
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M Fowler
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by M Fowler »

It really was an easy conversion.

Used the old standoffs just drilled the new boards to match.

Used all of the old transformers.

Drilled new mounting holes for the Belton tube sockets no adapter plate needed but that could be done as well.

Some people like those Fender Deluxe, Hot Rod Deluxe, or DeVilles but when they keep breaking down the owners get pissed and say OK Fowler build me a good reliable tube amp.

Mark
bradicusmaximus
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by bradicusmaximus »

I am really digging this conversion. I checked out the files you linked to with the schematics by Steve Ahola, which I'm guessing you based this off of. It's not quite a 1-for-1 since his are based on a silver face retrofit. I was wondering if you have a schematic / layout for this conversion?

I've had a burned out Hot Rod Deville chassis / cabinet that I've been kicking around wondering what to do with, and this looks like a great use for it. Specifically, I'm wondering about what you did for the drive control - from the pics it looks like you have it labeled / wired / used in some way.

Thanks!
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M Fowler
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by M Fowler »

I ended up plugging the drive hole with eagle plastic insert since Drive was needed on this circuit.

There are two small DPDT mini toggle switches for cathode bypass cap boosts.

The reverb knob is not used that hole is now used for a Treble Cut pot.

You can use paper or transparent plastic to mark standoff positions and transfer those locations to board of your choice.

Other wise Steve Ahola's SF Bassman layout and schematic provide all the info one needs to build this.

It takes a lot of studying and knowledge of circuits but is possible.
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M Fowler
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by M Fowler »

The layout and schematic I used.
hrt_bms7.pdf
hrt_lay1.pdf
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bradicusmaximus
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by bradicusmaximus »

That is awesome - thanks!

I was going through everything and it looked close between the schematics and the pictures, but the earlier build shots kind of looked like you had some other stuff going on. Thanks for the clarification.

Luckily everything is pretty straightforward, so it's not too big a lift going this direction. I find most of my time is spent just thinking about where I want things to go and how to run everything - but isn't that the case with most builds? lol

Now I just need to figure out what I want to do with the top control panel to dress it up and make it less HRD-like.
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M Fowler
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by M Fowler »

I thought I had a final top panel photo but I don't.

I know I removed that rotary switch in the drive hole with a push in plastic plug from my local hardware store 3/8's diameter.

Mark
Mark
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by Mark »

So Mark what does Steve amp sound like compared to the original amp and compared to a Dumble clone?

The Hot Rod amps do strike me as being a little Dumble like in their approach.

What happened with the Belton digital reverb?

That would have been a nice feature.
Yours Sincerely

Mark Abbott
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M Fowler
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by M Fowler »

The amp is loud.

It is what I would call the perfect aggressive blues tube amp has dirty clean and gets great power amp distortion.

With a LNFB on V1 which I put in some other builds like this on a switch is a good option.

The boost is good but not necessary.

I'm not good with mods like digital reverb and I was running out of time, the owner wanted his amp.

Reverb would have been a good add-on but the owner uses effect pedals so didn't really need that option.

Mark
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by Mark »

Thanks Mark, there would have only been two choices with reverb, build the old circuit on veroboard, or spend months exploring circuits and have a pcb made.
Yours Sincerely

Mark Abbott
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M Fowler
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by M Fowler »

Lou already offered to sell me a proven PCB reverb to install I just wasn't up for the task, not as smart as you guys.

Mark
Mark
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by Mark »

I don't know about that Mark, you have a lot of projects under your belt.

What was the reverb board? I'm curious about it.
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Mark Abbott
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M Fowler
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by M Fowler »

Try TAG member Lou (JazzGuitarGimp) for reverb questions.

Been a while so I'm not sure if there is a reverb board available or not.
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xtian
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Re: HRD conversion to Hot Rod Tweed

Post by xtian »

Here’s one of the relevant threads on building with the Belton BTDR-3 reverb brick:

http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29124
I build and repair tube amps. http://amps.monkeymatic.com
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