Princeton Reverb OT choice

[Martin Beer]

I'm about to order parts for a Princeton Reverb build, (though I'm using a different style chassis). I was planning on using the Hammond Fender replacement transformers since they're fairly easily available and not too expensive. I've seen a few mentions of using a Deluxe OT in a Princeton for increased lows and headroom, and the Deluxe OT costs only a little more. I'm tempted to do that, but does anyone have any good arguments for keeping it stock with the Princeton OT? One of the reasons I want to do a Princeton rather than a larger amp is that it will break up a little at gig volume. Would I compromise that by making it cleaner sounding with the bigger OT?

[TheTinMan]

Part of the answer depends on what cab/speaker the amp will be driving. Another part is how much you like bass response.

IME the stock Princeton circuit is fairly bass-heavy in a PR clone cab with a Weber 10F150-T. Sounds good - "classic" Blackface - but my Bass control never goes above "3".

An over-built OT will give you more clean headroom and tighter bass response. Run it into a 1x12" cab and you'll have a fairly loud amp with strong bass. But it doesn't sound like that's what you want.

BTW Doug Hoffman's PR output transformer is a very nice unit.

Cheers,

Chip

[JoeM]

I put a Deluxe OT in my Princeton. It's a Magnetic Components from Triode. Sounds good, but wasnt as much of a change as I thought it would have. The amp already has a 12" speaker, which made a bigger difference. Maybe it's more of the entire circuit kind of thing.

[Martin Beer]

I'll already be using a 12" speaker, as I'm adapting an extension cab I've got into a combo. My choice of transformer suppliers is a bit limited as I'm in the UK and want to keep costs down. If I buy from the US, I get hit with import duties and handling charges and it quickly gets expensive. So I'm looking at the Hammonds as several European suppliers stock them.
With my band, I'm usually using a Tele bridge pickup, so I'm not going for a very bass heavy sound most of the time. Unfortunately, I've never used a stock Princeton as you don't see many over here, so I don't have much to compare to. Is there a big difference in volume and headroom with the Deluxe OT, or is it more in the tightness of the bass?

[JoeM]

I couldnt tell any change in volume, maybe a bit tighter bass. Possibly later breakup, but that may not always be a good thing. Wish I could have done side by side comparison, but it wasnt a huge change. The amp sounded good with the stock OT too.

[txstrat]

My choice of transformer suppliers is a bit limited as I'm in the UK and want to keep costs down. If I buy from the US, I get hit with import duties and handling charges and it quickly gets expensive.

I don't know exactly about the taxes while ordering from Germany but these guys have rather good prices:
Tube-Town Online-Store.
I almost always order my stuff there. Might be worth to have a look.

[MWJB]

Martin try Allparts UK they often have Mojotone parts in stock, failing that Onlineshop Startseite in Germany carry Fender style transformers (some are US made, same as you get from Mojotone). BlueBell Audio in Dundee carry the Hammond line.

Princetons eat their OTs from time to time, the Deluxe OT will be pretty well bulletproof in a Princeton...so that's what I'd go for.

[TheTinMan]

Princetons eat their OTs from time to time

What is the basis for this statement? Actual experience with vintage Princeton Reverbs?

I'm asking because I would like to know if there is a history of real Blackface PRs blowing output transformers.

Also, Martin (the OP) specifically mentioned a Hammond as a possibility. Even if some of the output transformers Fender put in the originals weren't quite up to the task, I would have every confidence in a new Hammond OT.

Respectfully,

Chip

[MWJB]

Yes, plus remember that the Princeton OT is only typically rated for 15W-ish, they can make 20W under drive. Whether made by Hammond, Hyboer, Lenco, Mag Componens etc. I'd still go for the Deluxe OT because itis more than man enough for the job.

[Martin Beer]

After some consideration, I'm going to use Hammond from Tubetown in Germany, and go for the Deluxe OT. I've just made my eyelet board, and I'm planning out the chassis drilling, so I'm looking forward to getting stuck in to the project...

[Martin Beer]

The amp is finished, and I'm three gigs in to using it. I used the Hammond Deluxe OT, with the circuit otherwise stock AA1164. I'm well pleased with the volume and headroom of the amp - with a single 12" it keeps up with the hard hitting drummer I play with with just a touch of breakup, which is what I wanted. Cheers for the opinions, guys.

[txstrat]

Thanks for letting us know.

[tubeswell]

I love my PR clone, sounds especially good for surfin' or blues, and also real nice with a rangemaster type treble booster in front. I also have a 'DR spec' OT and 12" speaker on board, but also frequently plug in a 1 x 12" extn cab for gigs.