Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Tech => Topic started by: Joe Dorcia on October 17, 2005, 01:11:32 AM
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Can you directly swap a Solid stace rectifier for a tube one??
Cheers
Joe
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The mod can probably be done. The question is: why do you want to do it? The rectifier is part of the whole package of an amp's tone. By swapping the rectifier from solid state to tube, you will get more 'sag', which may really throw off the amp's tonal balance. Better to have something like a Mesa which enables you to switch between both rectifiers so you have both options open.
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It's not just the rectifier that causes the sag, it's the filtering. If there's lots of mains smoothing in the powersupply, the capacitors will pretty much eliminate any sag from the valve rectifier, making it feel like a solid state rectifier.
Could be expensive! You'll need a new heater transformer to cope with the current demands from the new valve rectifier, other than that a point to point amp will make the job easier, PCB amps can be a pain as the solid state rectifier is on the circuit board!
Good luck!
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It is much easier to go the other way! Groove Tubes do a plug in SS rectifier for as a replacement. I tried it once, but went back to the tube one.
If you have an amp with ss rectification, you will need to make sure that the tube rectifier can produce enough power (unless you are really looking for sag). With tube rectification the amp will not sound as tight. That's what happens on my amp with swtchable rectifiers - not a mesa but a McIntyre from 1993 - a Bluesmaster, 2xEL34, about 6 12AX7's! - It has 6 active tone bands, pentode/triode, half power, switchable rectifiers, mid-cut on a footswitch, 2 channels (crunch and lead) and a master volume bypass - too many controls really!
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Cheers Guys.
The reason i ask is coz i want to buy another amp to A/B with my Marshall DSL50. I want a nicer clean sound tat i cant get without changing my distorted sound as the DSL shares the EQ. DOnt get me wrong, i love the DSL but hey, i cant help wanting more! :) I was in the market for either a Fender Blues Deville or Bassman. I need something that wont break up and sound big and sweet and glassy. I lve bth of the tones but the bassmanhasa Tube Rec, Jenson Speakers and Solid pine cab buts 45 Watt. The Deville however has 60watts and reverb and two channels but an SS Rec, Standard speakers and particle board cabinet. Tis a hard decision. They are both the new reissues and both sound great. The Deville was released in April so its different to the old ones.
Any reccommendations or other options for a clean amp (head or combo)
Cheers guys
Joe
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Any Fender is great for a good clean sound, especially the twins. Although I wasn't impressed by the new '57 twin, my HRDLX sounded way better for half the money.
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Electro Music had a Fender Twin head in second hand - that'd be loud clean and glassy! SS rectifier though....
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Any reccommendations or other options for a clean amp (head or combo)
Yeah, lose the Marshall and get a Rivera!
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Rivera amps are sweet. But i love my marshall and want clean. I think the blues deville is the way forward - i would prefer a new amp and as the new twins and bassmans arent as good (IMHO) i think i will get the deville. c--k on...
What is the HDRX btw???
Joe
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The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. 40W single speaker. Great little amp, very versitile with a good overdrive pedal. Sounds huge with an extra speaker cab. And it's very loud for a 40 watter.
(http://www.fender.com/products/prod_images/amplifiers/0213202000_md.jpg)
Here's all the info: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0213202000
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Hey rat, used to have one of those. It is cool but i need more headroom. And i would prefere 10's speaker wise. I really like the idea of a the Blues deville, i just need a roadie. lol