Dumble style - “Strat focused” build research…

[Raoul Duke]

Greetings all,
Been researching a new build and the “theme” is to build something that brings out the deep shimmering tones of a Stratocaster. My other builds seem to get the Beck/Clapton type Strat tones pretty well - so I’m going for the SRV/JM type sound with this project. Here’s the choices as I see them:

1. SSS build - dense build, parts and labor intensive, big power = big sound.
2. ODS 124 - seems like the Strat specific ODS from what I read; familiar build style, easily adapted to 50w.
3. AN Wonderland - found a couple of build threads on this design as well as a great layout (donated graciously by TC himself) and have to admit I’m pretty intrigued with what this amp does. Seems like a more practical, direct and “to the point” SSS. Appears easily adaptable to 50w.

Not having experience with any of these - I’m hoping for some opinions from those with experience with any/all of these regarding the deep, plunky, shimmery Strat sound I’m after and the build experience itself.

Any opinions, recommendations, etc. are very much appreciated!
Thanks!

[timrobertson100]

Perhaps the first decision is whether you want a beautiful clean amp with reverb or overdrive?

I’ve built two wonderlands (22W), a 35W SSS #2 following the Ryan/Erwin epic, and have a 100W SSS underway. I do *love* my Wonderland, as does the owner of the other, but the SSS just has something extra. I’d encourage anyone who’s on the fence to build one. It’s also a great pedal platform.

[martin manning]

You've done the ODS thing a couple of times, so I'd say go for something different. WRT the investment in time, you might as well go for the SSS, with its step filters vs. the Wonderland. That might give you some flexibility for your Strat tone quest. If the board set is available you can avoid the labor of constructing eyelet boards.

[Colossal]

If you are a fan of Matt Schofield, he plays '61 Strats and '61 copies through a Two Rock Classic Reverb Signature. Fantastic player and tone.

[Raoul Duke]

Thanks guys! You all bring up some things to consider here - which is what I was hoping for.

Colossal - I’ll definitely check Matt S. out and listen to what he’s getting for sound. This is somewhat new territory for me so hearing as many examples as I can really helps me figure out what I’m after.

Martin - I was thinking the same thing WRT “already done the ODS thing” and making the boards doesn’t necessarily put me off the SSS. What was steering me away was my impression that if you aren’t building the SSS to at least 100w - it won’t sound like a SSS. Finding a chassis might be the hard part I’m thinking?

Which leads me to Tim:

I’m interested hearing about your lower power build success with both circuits. Knowing that you did the SSS as a 35w and it still retained the SSS character is exactly the info I needed to hear. Off the top of my head - I’d probably opt for a 2x6L6 power section - but now I’m thinking about what sort of affect two KT-66s or even 6550s might have in this design. Might they be well suited to such a circuit perhaps? I’m primarily after a deep clean sound. Not too concerned about OD in this venture.

Thanks again very much for your input guys. On to more research…

[martin manning]

What was steering me away was my impression that if you aren’t building the SSS to at least 100w - it won’t sound like a SSS. Finding a chassis might be the hard part I’m thinking?

I don’t think the 100W power level would be any more important than in other D-type amps, but there is a difference. SSS has the driver stages, but that should still add some punch that a normal ODS power stage driven directly from the PI doesn’t have.

IDK what the availability of SSS chassis is right now. If there are none available someone with the CAD files and fabrication connections would have to get a batch made, meaning a significant investment.

[Raoul Duke]

Understood and agreed. I’ve owned plenty of 100 watters and absolutely understand that there’s a sonic difference. I just can’t bring myself to build one for practical reasons. A couple of times a month I’m fortunate enough to play with some guys - one of whom actually built his house around an actual recording studio (which is where we play) and I have to say that my 50w Dumble clones sound amazing once you let them “breathe” some in the right space - so I’m happy with a “two holer” as it were.

Understood on the chassis situation as well. I’d be curious to know what sort of investment is required for such a run from the folks here in CONUS that have fronted such an endeavor? I might be in a situation to put something together depending on the numbers. Seems like they’d all sell at some point just because of the scarcity?

The more I read on the SSS, the more I’m swayed in that direction…

[dbharris]

I agree with all the comments to go with an SSS or Wonderland. I would add, that you may want to stick with a classic tonestack versus skyline to bring out a more straty sound. I still have an SSS 002 on my todo list, but the 100W Wonderland I built is incredible. I could honestly be fine with just that amp and some pedals. The master volume works so well on it that I would never personally build one less than 100W. You can easily get fantastic bedroom level tone with that amp and G65s or a EVM12L.

I'm sure whatever you build, you will end up with a great amp.

-Dan

[Raoul Duke]

Good info, thanks Dan!

I’m finding more build threads and seeing that for the relatively few actual SSSs out there - each model seems to have its own very distinct voice - which equates to more decision making.

Reading Beasley’s 005 thread right now. Real interesting!

[martin manning]

For quite some time there was no definitive information on the SSS, and some of the early attempts at cloning were based on what little was available. With the “Japanese” 002 schematic and the work of Ryan et al it is now IMO the baseline, much like the 124 was for the ODS. When details of more SN's became known (and subsequently documented by Tony Albany) it became clear that they were more alike than not, with a few distinct variations (low-plate, high-plate, HRM, and Bluesmaster). I believe that like the ODS the SSS was in a constant state of evolution, but 005 is likely using the same basic circuit as 002. Take a look at the Dumble block diagrams.

[timrobertson100]

Which leads me to Tim:

I’m interested hearing about your lower power build success with both circuits. Knowing that you did the SSS as a 35w and it still retained the SSS character is exactly the info I needed to hear. Off the top of my head - I’d probably opt for a 2x6L6 power section - but now I’m thinking about what sort of affect two KT-66s or even 6550s might have in this design. Might they be well suited to such a circuit perhaps? I’m primarily after a deep clean sound. Not too concerned about OD in this venture.

Sorry for the slow reply. I’m afraid I can’t comment about the KT66 or 6550 options as I just don’t have experience.

I did build threads for the 22W Wonderland and 35W SSS listing the changes I made. The 35W is 2x6L6 with vibrolux iron, the 22Ws are deluxe reverb iron and 6v6s.

[Raoul Duke]

Understood Martin; I’m slowly starting to see the commonalities among them - just unfamiliar territory so it’s slow going for me. I’ll catch on (eventually, lol).

Thanks for the links Tim; your threads are the next ones I will read.

Very much appreciated guys!