Anyone Built a Tweed Princeton Enclosure

[pineapple49]

Just wondering if anyone has attempted to build a tweed Princeton enclosure, and if you have could you please give me detailed instructions on how to build one since this is my first amplifier project.

[pineapple49]

even the dimentions would be great thanks

[tubeswell]

Well according to this:

http://www.ampwares.com/ffg/index.html

The Narrow Panel came in two sizes:

1955: 12?" x 13?" x 8" (31.8 x 34.3 x 20.3 cm)
1955-1960: 16?" x 18" x 8?" (42.5 x 45.7 x 22.2 cm)

The Wide Panel was one size:

Wide panel, 12?" x 13?" x 7" (32.4 x 34.3 x 17.8 cm)

There was probably more besides.

I did see a narrow panel tweed champ cab plan somewhere a couple of months ago on the net (but I can't remember where) - try googling; the tweed princeton is probably just about the same. I built a 5F2A with a tweed deluxe sized cab (but it looks nothin' like a tweed deluxe cab - however the baffle is wide enough to get 2 x 8" speakers into it).

[pineapple49]

thankyou very much

[tubeswell]

5F1 cab plans

FWIW I stumbled across another plan for the narrowpanel tweed champ cab. I'd say the narrowpanel tweed princeton is virtually identical, maybe a smidgeon wider, (in keeping with the dimensions I pointed out earlier)

[code_m]

Just a few tips:

Make sure you have ALL the parts and tools you need. This is actually harder than it sounds. When planning an amp for the first time (at least I did) you tend to forget the size of holes you will need to cut (up to an Inch for tube sockets).

Find someone that has some electric experience with building a circuit. You may think you know enough (as I did) but likely will have lots of questions. This forum is very helpful as well.

Practice soldering with a nice gun. You'll need to find a way to solder several joints in just a few minutes. Make sure to look at precautions printed on the gun, such as on and off time, it's easy to use the gun for far too long.

Lastly think about the setup your using (you may have a layout, but you will adapt to your own use). For example, if your using a tag board, make sure you place it where all other parts fit. Or if your just using terminal strips, make sure you have enough room for the grounds.

GOOD LUCK!

[WMThompson]

Accurate Princeton 5f2a Dimensions

Hello,
I have an original Prince and I've built a clone, so I have the correct dim's.
3/4" pine
1/4" box joints
Height=16"
Width=18"
Side Width At Bottom=9"
Side Width At Top=7-3/4"
Chassis Cutout=11-1/2" long, 2-1/2" deep with a 1-1/4 radius on the inside corner
Front Baffle Mounting Panels=1/4" 3 ply pine plywood 1-3/4" tall,
cut out the recess for these with a dado blade or whatever you have
after you have made the basic box.
I would suggest using as close as you can to 1/4" because it just looks thicker and more vintage.
The roundover for the chassis cutout is 1/2"
Everything else is 3/4"
Be sure to blend the corners where the 1/2" RO meets the 3/4" RO because it seems that the tweed is easier to apply this way(maybe that's why Fender did this)also it looks cool.
You can strengthen the top by drilling a 1/4" hole 1-3/4" from the sides between the side and the chassis bolt and gluing in a hardwood dowel -I'd make about 4" long.
Fender did this to compensate for the weight of the chassis-I've seen these in pictures and I can feel them sticking out a bit.If I didn't make this obvious-these go on the chassis cutout side.
Also be sure to roundover the inside edges of the vertical sides next to the baffle about 1/8"RO. The originals have this, and I have yet to see a "reissue" have this.
Good Luck!
WT
If you want more info let me know.

[RWood]

WT,

This is fantastic info - lots of stuff that people wouldn't ordinarliy get from browsing the web and looking at pictures. I am planning a build, and this is just what I need.

On your clone, did you stick with an 8" speaker or go with a 10? Do you think the baffle would support a 12" or would the diminsions need to be bumped up?

Thanks again; I'd love to see pics of both your amps if you have any posted online.

Richard