DIY attenuator

[arfy]

The latest Gerald Weber column in Vintage Guitar gives instructions on how to build an attenuator. It doesn't say if it is an original design or what but it's very simple and anyone should be able to build one, he includes Mouser part numbers as well. It only provides attenuation levels of -6db or -12db, but all I personally want is to bring the Express down to gig level in smaller gigs.
I had a 50 watt mini-Mass and really didn't like it with the Express, so I ordered the parts and am hoping this will work. IAccording to Gerald parts should cost about $85, I already had some so I spent less than that.
also found a used Alessandro Muzzle and bought that although it hasn't arrived yet, might be an interesting comparison.
From pics I've seen of the inside of a Dr. Z Airbrake the design in VG is not the same, maybe it'll be possible to peek inside the Muzzle and compare it to the Weber design.
Anyway the VG article is an opportunity to try another avenue in the path to getting the Express down to less lethal levels.

[sliberty]

Looks like a two stage L-Pad to me. Small amounts of attenuation, like 6db should sound pretty transparent. With my Airbrake, the more attenuation you kick in, the buzzier it gets, so I'll be interested to see how the 12db setting turns out. Keep us informed with photos and clips if possible.

[Allynmey]

I like the airbrake I built. I have only tried it with lower wattage amps so far.

Allynmey

[Humbucker]

TW clone is loud as hell, so I built attenuator from a kit from Finnish Uraltone. It's called Hot Mama and I think it's a bridged T-pad with a bedroom level switch with control pots and a line out.

The thing is, when I sunk into TW world I went straight to HC DIY: after the head cab and attenuator cab (form maple and mahogany, like TW head) get lacquered I'll play only DIY guitar, amp, attenuator, cord and speaker cab (with 2x Eminence Legend V12A) dressed in tweed/oxblood and lacquered with nitrocellulose. Clips will have to wait until November, sorry, but they are coming.

After hearing Liverpool I just got to build one, too. Dirty Little Monster? Yes, if you please, and I'd like to get my hands on Airbrake schematic, too - never found one and 360 euros from Dr. Z is just short of ridiculous even it is Da Thang.

Keep on soldering!

[philmanatee]

I hear you, I'm hardly interested in buying amps now that I've built 2 amazing ones. On my express I didn't want to use attenuation so I use a 2 12 cabinet with the speakers in series. I've had a few gigs where it wasn't quit load enough!. Last night I played the express through my 4 12 Hiwatt cab preparing today's recording session. WOW! the difference is night and day, I couldn't play that loud at a gig nor would I want to haul the 4 12 with me. The express really opens up on a 4 12 cab, it's probably the best lead tone I've ever achieved! ! If you can get that sound with an attennuater let me know, I'll give one a try. Phil

[mat]

TW clone is loud as hell, so I built attenuator from a kit from Finnish Uraltone. It's called Hot Mama and I think it's a bridged T-pad with a bedroom level switch with control pots and a line out.

The thing is, when I sunk into TW world I went straight to HC DIY: after the head cab and attenuator cab (form maple and mahogany, like TW head) get lacquered I'll play only DIY guitar, amp, attenuator, cord and speaker cab (with 2x Eminence Legend V12A) dressed in tweed/oxblood and lacquered with nitrocellulose. Clips will have to wait until November, sorry, but they are coming.

After hearing Liverpool I just got to build one, too. Dirty Little Monster? Yes, if you please, and I'd like to get my hands on Airbrake schematic, too - never found one and 360 euros from Dr. Z is just short of ridiculous even it is Da Thang.

Keep on soldering!

Hello Humbucker,

How do You like the Hotmama with Express ? I'm too considering that option.

I could also use the Airbreak schem if any avail.

cheers,

[Humbucker]

Hot Mama is - well, astoundingly good. With -7 db I can beat the hell out of my guitar and TW and sound credible. Haven't tried the bedroom level thang yet.

[castor]

I read that Allynmey built an airbrake (i think it's the trainwreck power braker). I use a THD 8 ohm and i'm satisfied, but at bedroom levels it lacks.
has someone the scheme ?
is difficult to find the needed parts?
How does it sound?
Castor

[Humbucker]

I think every attenuator degrades sound when playing at bedroom level.
The answer is to move the amp from bedroom to living room but seriously, better attenuators have tone controls for compensating the diminished treble and all.

My dream rig would be to have several preamps and a few power amps to choose from - according the space and volume needed.

Some day I'll build a buffered switching system and have three or four tweaked killer sounds.

[Allynmey]

I read that Allynmey built an airbrake (i think it's the trainwreck power braker). I use a THD 8 ohm and i'm satisfied, but at bedroom levels it lacks.
has someone the scheme of the trainwreck's one?
is difficult to find the needed parts?
How does it sound?
Castor

Like this?

[5150loveeddie]

YEsssssssss

[castor]

yes, exactly!
is difficult to find components? i never made or modify one of these tools!
how much does it cost?
someone compared this unit to a common THD or similar?
Dear Allyn can you send me a small sketch of what I need to build one?
castor

[Markusv]

I read that Allynmey built an airbrake (i think it's the trainwreck power braker). I use a THD 8 ohm and i'm satisfied, but at bedroom levels it lacks.
has someone the scheme of the trainwreck's one?
is difficult to find the needed parts?
How does it sound?
Castor

Like this?

Allyn
I would understand if you feel reluctant, but could you send me the schematic for this?
Regards
Markus
markus dot vanaardt at astrazeneca dot com

[arfy]

Not to hijack the thread, but I can report that I love the Muzzle and find it very useful, I can't compare it to the design that Gerald Weber provided in Vintage Guitar yet because UPS has (I hope temporarily) lost the parts from Mouser I need.

[castor]

Dear Allyn,
if I open my THD, copy all values I found, and send them to you, can you suggest me what to modify/replace in order to have it better sounding/closer to a trainwreck one?
THD has some add in, like high and bass filters you can use at bedroom levels, but i do not use them.. I prefer not to alter/filter the signal.
castor