TwoRock - Opal - HELP NEEDED - any info appreciated!

[bluesfendermanblues]

I about two build a 50w HRM based on that I'm about to build.
interested to know more about the design for a future.

Always enjoyed the sounds in this sound clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfXUb1g1 ... 3B0DAA567D

Sounds like the OPAL is a good pal (:-)) for the strat.

From the attached pictures, it obvious that the OPAL is a HRM amp (probably with skyliner stack, judging by values on the pots). And it looks like the cathode resistors on V1 are different, indicating that its a high plate amp? - unfortunately I'm a bit color blind, so I can't quite see the resistor values...

[bluesfendermanblues]

Anybody???

[ChrisM]

Nothing to add except typical TW build "quality".

[bluesfendermanblues]

Nothing to add except typical TW build "quality".

ChrisM, do you have any details on the OPAL circuit to share???? I would appreciate any info.

Thanking you in advance.

[wjdunham]

My understanding is that the "secret" of the Opal is the layout, not so much the circuit itself. It's a high plate HRM which is pretty well documented here. The layout however is quite a bit different, you'll notice the components located and mounted so as to reduce/eliminate a lot of wires or wire length that would exist in a "normal" D-style HRM build. The idea being that it would create a very fast responding and dynamic amp. Not sure if the theory matches the practice, but I did have the opportunity to play one and it was a very nice sounding amp. Very warm and touch sensitive, and a lot of neat features like an HRM stack bypass switch. On the other hand, I've heard plenty of amps built with a more traditional layout that sounded just as nice, I'm not sure I'd go through the trouble of duplicating it exactly as built.

Bill

[dreric]

My understanding is that the "secret" of the Opal is the layout, not so much the circuit itself. It's a high plate HRM which is pretty well documented here. The layout however is quite a bit different, you'll notice the components located and mounted so as to reduce/eliminate a lot of wires or wire length that would exist in a "normal" D-style HRM build. The idea being that it would create a very fast responding and dynamic amp. Not sure if the theory matches the practice, but I did have the opportunity to play one and it was a very nice sounding amp. Very warm and touch sensitive, and a lot of neat features like an HRM stack bypass switch. On the other hand, I've heard plenty of amps built with a more traditional layout that sounded just as nice, I'm not sure I'd go through the trouble of duplicating it exactly as built.

Bill

I second that. There was an early Tonequest article where they talked about the short leads. Not popular model. There was one in Santa Cruz CA for 5+ years price going from 5K to "we have 3K in it you can have it for $3100. It may still be there i think it was Musicians Exchange.

Eric

[bluesfendermanblues]

Bill and Eric,

Thanks very much for the info.

[wjdunham]

I second that. There was an early Tonequest article where they talked about the short leads. Not popular model. There was one in Santa Cruz CA for 5+ years price going from 5K to "we have 3K in it you can have it for $3100. It may still be there i think it was Musicians Exchange.

Eric

That's the one I played! The place is now called Union Grove Music right in downtown Santa Cruz, and it was indeed $5K. The owner had it in his office for a long time as his personal amp, but finally brought it back downstairs and put the price tag back on it.
Bill

[Traviswalk]

I know those hands, those are my hands in those chassis pics!

[guitarsnguns04]

how funny...I see in the one pic its #59..I thought hell I have an opal right here..what numbers mine? You guessed it #59 lol. I dont remember the circuit being that messy though. Im gonna have to open it up and see now