Steel String Singer #005 build

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captaincoconut
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Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by captaincoconut »

Dear Amp Garage members,
I just started with the build of a SSS #005 and would like to document the process in this thread. I'm working off of @beasleybodyshop's schematic and layout, so much thanks to him for the work he's already done! In contrast to Beasley's build I want this to be a full size build, so I based my chassis design on @rccolgan's work he did for SSS #004 (you're awesome!) with some mods that make it easier for me to have it manufactured but for the cost auf "authenticity". This is not my first amp build at all but some design choices of HAD are still a mystery to me, so I might ask some naive looking questions here. I hope that's ok :D

The first thing I did in the last couple of weeks was to have the PCBs made and to come up with the chassis design. I ordered the chassis about 2 weeks ago and already received it today. Unfortunately, while the company I was working with offered powdercoating starting from 1 piece, they only offer screenprinting for larger quantities. So I went with a polished 5754 aluminium chassis and will use seperate faceplates later on, just have to keep panel thickness in mind with regards to the potentiometers. One thing I didn't order yet are the pcbs for the relay supply and the relais themselves as I wasn't sure about how I was going to tackle that specific part of the circuit. No biggie though because I order on a regular basis from JLCPCB.

Started off in Autodesk Fusion...

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What I got...

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Thanks!
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Matt J
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by Matt J »

Wow! That looks awesome! SSS #005 has been on my bucket list for a while.
Which layout are you using or have you drawn one up for your own needs?
Thanks!
Matt J.
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rccolgan
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by rccolgan »

beautiful work!! Following!
Ryan
https://www.thetonegeek.com/
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xtian
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by xtian »

Very interested in the where and how much $$ of the chassis. It looks lovely.
I build and repair tube amps. http://amps.monkeymatic.com
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captaincoconut
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by captaincoconut »

Matt J wrote: Fri Dec 20, 2024 2:35 pm Wow! That looks awesome! SSS #005 has been on my bucket list for a while.
Which layout are you using or have you drawn one up for your own needs?
Thanks!
Matt J.
Thanks! I will base my build on this layout. From what I understand it's a mix of different elements from several SSS #005 builds from AN and other builders with some good educated guesses. Check out the videos in the thread, I think it sounds really cool.
rccolgan wrote:beautiful work!! Following!
Thanks Ryan, you have contributed so much already! May I ask you something? I'm looking for anchor nuts to use in my build and as I used the same dimensions as your #004 chassis I just now realize that I can't seem to find any anchor nuts that fit (looking to order from Aircraft Spruce in Germany)? Fusion says the holes are .578 in apart.

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xtian wrote:Very interested in the where and how much $$ of the chassis. It looks lovely.
I had these made through a local company here in Germany. It set me back a whopping 220€ and it isn't even painted haha! In hindsight I should've probably looked for someone that would be able to powdercoat and screenprint but taking into account that this is only for a single build that's okay for me. And it only took them about 2 weeks from submitting the order until it arrived at my doorstep! I will order some faceplates this weekend and I think it will look great nevertheless. I'd be happy to share the CAD files once I've made sure that everything fits properly. :)
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captaincoconut
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by captaincoconut »

Just ordered faceplates! Mid accent switch will be replaced by a presence control like on the original 005.

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Also noticed that HAD missed a letter on the original haha!

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Colossal
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by Colossal »

Very nice work with your faceplates and chassis! Looking forward to seeing your build come together.
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captaincoconut
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by captaincoconut »

Thanks @Colossal!

While I wait for parts and pcbs to arrive I rewatched Eric's Total Electric Guitar video and took this screenshot. Look at those settings! FET Drive cranked and Preamp almost cranked! There is also an interesting section where he demonstrates all his amps with and without pedals, really short but nice demo of just the Steel String Singer itself.

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timrobertson100
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by timrobertson100 »

captaincoconut wrote: Fri Dec 20, 2024 9:46 pm I'm looking for anchor nuts to use in my build and as I used the same dimensions as your #004 chassis I just now realize that I can't seem to find any anchor nuts that fit (looking to order from Aircraft Spruce in Germany)? Fusion says the holes are .578 in apart.
I originally used these in my Ryan/Erwin SSS#2 but I can't recommend them. That is an EU-based supplier.
I built my cabinet with 2 wooden "runners" for the chassis to sit on, and bolted from the bottom of those through and up into those lugs. The holes for securing the anchor lug needed to be enlarged which wasn't easy as there isn't much metal to work with (I ruined 2 doing so), and then I found they stripped easily when securing the chassis in. The whole thing was fiddly and a nuisance to service so I ended up chiselling off those wooden runners and replacing with a typical long chassis bolts from the top of the cab (i.e. fender style).

Hope this helps. It's a great looking build you have underway.
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captaincoconut
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by captaincoconut »

timrobertson100 wrote: Sat Dec 28, 2024 7:37 am I originally used these in my Ryan/Erwin SSS#2 but I can't recommend them. That is an EU-based supplier.
I built my cabinet with 2 wooden "runners" for the chassis to sit on, and bolted from the bottom of those through and up into those lugs. The holes for securing the anchor lug needed to be enlarged which wasn't easy as there isn't much metal to work with (I ruined 2 doing so), and then I found they stripped easily when securing the chassis in. The whole thing was fiddly and a nuisance to service so I ended up chiselling off those wooden runners and replacing with a typical long chassis bolts from the top of the cab (i.e. fender style).

Hope this helps. It's a great looking build you have underway.
Thanks for your input! These are the same anchors I have sitting here, from the same supplier. They don't fit, just like you said. I decided to just go with four metric screws Fender style and call it a day!
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captaincoconut
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by captaincoconut »

Happy New Year to all! I got on with this build. Here's what I got...

1. Faceplates
Finally received the faceplates this week. They came out great!

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2. PCBs
PCBs came in, too. They align perfectly with the drill holes in the chassis. Just had to hammer in those eyelets.

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3. Headshell
While waiting for all the parts I did some CAD drawings for the headshell. I mostly sticked to the dimensions found in this thread. Taking measurements from pictures I think the real #005 is a tad taller in all directions but I made mine a little bit smaller while keeping the ratios the same.

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Cheers! :mrgreen:
markusw
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by markusw »

Where did you order the faceplates?
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captaincoconut
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by captaincoconut »

markusw wrote: Wed Jan 15, 2025 5:50 am Where did you order the faceplates?
https://www.schaeffer-ag.de/ - came out at around 150€ but the quality is top notch.
markusw
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by markusw »

captaincoconut wrote: Wed Jan 15, 2025 11:03 am https://www.schaeffer-ag.de/ - came out at around 150€ but the quality is top notch.
Thanks!
Yes, they look great!
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Hendrixianer
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Re: Steel String Singer #005 build

Post by Hendrixianer »

Hi, did you get some pics of progress,how far do you with your Build?,see,your other Threads,planing a #002,did you build it?

btw. from Germany too?
regards,........
DIY Amps: Marshall JTM45,Orange Grafik II 50W,Some 18W Marshalls,Dumble ODS 50W,Hiwatt DR103,Madamp G3 Blues,Dumble Steel String Singer, Fender Standalone Reverb 6G15,a few Hundred Pedals,like Uni-Vibe,etc,etc... :D
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