Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

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Charlie Wilson
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Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Charlie Wilson »

Hello all, I am about to start on a new build, a blackface Vibroverb replica and would like some suggestions for an OT. The customer is not really into the SRV thing, mainly Surf music. I am considering Mercury or Allen's Heybour but any other suggestions would be great.
CW
Bombacaototal
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Bombacaototal »

I got a classic tone magnetic components 40-18006

Srv would use a bigger OT (like bassman) and then unmatch the impedance
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ToneMerc
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by ToneMerc »

CW, I have used that TO40 in a few builds and I think that iron would be a decent choice for that build.

TM
Stevem
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Stevem »

I have used many a Hammond 1750K! And you can do the right thing and wire the extension speaker jack to its 4 ohm tap!
Digit key has them for 77 bucks.
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Mark
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Mark »

I've heard all sorts of things about these amps, a decade ago there were sites detailing how to build these amps but they seemed to have gone now. I do recall guys wanting big iron and saying they used a Twin Reverb output transformer using a 8 ohm speaker instead of the 4 ohm used by the Twin. I've heard Mercury does have a output transformer for SRV projects, though I've never confirmed this with Patrick.

Good luck with the project.
Yours Sincerely

Mark Abbott
wyatt
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by wyatt »

I built a "VibroClone" with a '66 Super Reverb chassis I had.

People are of varying opinion on the OT...
  • I used the 40w Vibroverb-sized OT (Classictone 40-18105), I wanted the smaller iron because I prefer the compression that sets in from the smaller OT.
  • Many (if not most) prefer the bigger Super Reverb/Bassman iron for the higher headroom, stronger bass and "big iron" sound. I'm glad I didn't go this route, with the 15" I have plenty of headroom and low end, but more importantly, the chassis wouldn't fit in my Mather VV cab with the stock Super Reverb OT, it wou;dn't clear the speaker frame (Eminence Legend, but many 15" used the exact same frame)
  • The SRV die-hards use a twin reverb OT. Probably overkill, certainly a hassle for spacing.
I wired OT so that the Main Speaker jack is connected to the 8-ohm tap but when the Ext Speaker jack is used, it switches both jacks to the 4-ohm tap.
Mark
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Mark »

I thought SRV's Super amps used Triad transformers over the stock Schumaker transformers?

Could be wrong of course.
Yours Sincerely

Mark Abbott
Stevem
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Stevem »

The earlier Triad OTs used on 6L6 tubed Fenders all where all interleaved wound and have a better interaction with the player / sensitivity if you will!
This is yet another reason that made the tweedbassman a better amp then the later Superreverb or short lived concert model.
When I die, I want to go like my Grandfather did, peacefully in his sleep.
Not screaming like the passengers in his car!😊

Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
Charlie Wilson
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Charlie Wilson »

Thanks guys, I think I am kind of leaning towards the stock Mercury transformers. I have purchased enough from them that I get a good discount and I don't think this customer really wants an oversized transformer.
CW
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rooster
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by rooster »

I have an original 67 Band-Master OT, 4 ohms if you can use it - $75. I also have an exposed paper bobbin '63 Schumacher that is identical in size that has a 6K primary at 8 ohms. It's an organ pull and has some promise - $75.
Last edited by rooster on Tue May 30, 2017 5:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Leo_Gnardo
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by Leo_Gnardo »

I've used Bassman/SuperReverb OT's with multiple secondary taps to replace transformers in Vibroverb, Pro Reverb, Bandmaster & Bandmaster reverb amps. You do have to drill new mounting holes in the chassis, but you get extended bass response and better overall reliablity. Hammond's 1750M is a good choice. Ruby/Magic had an excellent OT but have run out of stock and AFAIK aren't having new ones made :(.
down technical blind alleys . . .
scooter_trasher
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by scooter_trasher »

at the price of trannies & parts , I would blackface a super reverb and put in a 15" baffle
something like this beat up one that went for $450 needing speakers & baffleImage
http://www.ebay.com/itm/fender-super-re ... true&rt=nc
tubeswell
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Re: Blackface Vibroverb Output Transformer Recommendations

Post by tubeswell »

I like using these Heyboers in surfy fender 2 x 6L6s builds

https://www.tedweber.com/hy022848


Multitap version Here:

https://www.tedweber.com/hy018343
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