5E3 Modifacations

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ryanm74
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Joined: Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:11 am

5E3 Modifacations

Post by ryanm74 »

Hi, I have an amp that is basically a tweed deluxe clone with a couple of differences. I think it has a choke. In the pictures you can see what looks like a small transformer or choke. What you cannot see is that on the outside of the chassis there is both a power and output transformer. The filtering also seem to be of different values (larger). Would someone have used a choke and increased filtering to tighten the bass? I like the amp and don't want to change it, but I was just wondering why it differs from a regular 5E3 circuit. If anyone has information on this, I would appreciate it. Thanks
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rdjones
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Re: 5E3 Modifacations

Post by rdjones »

That's a 5V filament transformer.
Presumably the main power transformer that was used didn't have a 5V tube rectifier filament winding.

Most tube rectifiers can tolerate a bit larger first filter, but 47u is probably the limit for a 5Y3 if you expect any sort of decent tube life on the rectifier.
Yes, the larger caps will help the low end response.

Why someone changes values can range from "what's available" to "I can make it better".
A true clone would have component values as close as possible to original.


rd
ryanm74
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Re: 5E3 Modifacations

Post by ryanm74 »

I have a 5V4 rectifier tube, would that be any better to have in the amp? Would a tube substitution be a good idea?
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rdjones
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Re: 5E3 Modifacations

Post by rdjones »

ryanm74 wrote:I have a 5V4 rectifier tube, would that be any better to have in the amp? Would a tube substitution be a good idea?
In place of what ? A 5Y3 ?
No. By doing so you will probably raise an already too high B+.
The 5V4 is a great little rectifier tube but it doesn't really belong in a 5E3.
What is the voltage on the output tube plates now ?

I would not recommend using any indirectly heated cathode rectifier in the 5E3 circuit if you are expecting the "Tweed" tone.
The only substitute I would consider is the 5R4 if it will physically fit.

rd
Alexo
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Re: 5E3 Modifacations

Post by Alexo »

Is that a PIO death cap with a 2-prong cord??
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Reeltarded
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Re: 5E3 Modifacations

Post by Reeltarded »

Yes, it looks that way.. and she's buying a lamp cord to Heaven!
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NickC
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Re: 5E3 Modifacations

Post by NickC »

Alexo wrote:Is that a PIO death cap with a 2-prong cord??

Well spotted!

Here's a resource for an easy (and safer) fix:

http://www.rru.com/~meo/Guitar/Amps/Kal ... /safe.html
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