Worth a look for 5E3 fans

[MikeT]

I stumbled on this and so far have done 2 builds with this spec with real good results...check it out.

http://online.physics.uiuc.edu/cours...5e3_deluxe.pdf

[chuckb]

Hi MikeT, Idid the mods to my 5e3 as suggested in the link you provided but when I hook up the 56k resistor between the cathode and the secondary of the output I get alot of squealing. When the 56k is removed the amp plys fine. Any suggestions on what might be causing the squealing? Thanks in advance.

Chuck.

[fyl]

Wrong polarity, transforming feedback into feedforward. Invert your OT leads.

[chuckb]

Hey fyl, so all I have to do is switch the primary input leads around on the power tubes?

Chuck.

[fyl]

Yes.

[chuckb]

Hey fyl, ya,I changed the primary wires around and the squealing is gone now. I found the sound to be a bit darker though when I put the 56k resistor in place. I removed it and it brightened up a bit.The 0.033 uf cap that's on the standby switch,is it connected to the wire that goes to the rectifier tube and ground,or is it connected to the grounded side of the switch?

Charles.

[m-fine]

This seems crazy to me. First, 12ay7's from EH are readily available and are cheap while sounding very good. Second, why would you want to "fix" the distortion and frequency response that made the 5e3 legendary? If you want clean tones at high volume get a blackface. That is what Fender engineers with far more experience and knowledge than these kids designed.

[chuckb]

Hey m-fine, I was just experimenting with the different tones. I have the 5e3 put back to the original circuit now and I do love the tones I'm getting from it. I was just courious to see what was in store with the changes, not for me by the way. You are right the 5e3 is legendary and ,IMHO should be left that way. Why change it if it isn't broken. Thanks for your input.

Chuck.

[m-fine]

I am not saying all mods are bad. Certainly, the mods to grounding and sheilding to reduce hum and interference as well as corrections for the line voltage change make sense.

I also fully support mods to get get the individual tone you are after. That said, modding the 5e3 to reduce gain and adding negative feedback to get a cleaner tone with a flatter response seems odd since if that is what you are after there are much better circuits to use as a start for your tone search.

[chuckb]

Hey m-fine. I'm not searching for my tone as I have everthing I need. I have a Matchless Clubman with terrific cleans, a Bad Cat Hot Cat 15 with incredible cleans and a awesome gain channel,I just finished a 5f6a Bassman,a Matchless Lightning,and of course the 5e3. I like to try different tones and to experiment with the endless things you can do to change those tones. It's a hobby of mine and I like learning all I can about tube amps.I build all my own cabs and do all the tolexing and the like as well. Theres so much more to consider when searching for tone besides the amp as well,ie; speakers,types of woods,guitars,pickups,etc. I don't think anyone is totally satisfied with their tone because there's always something new that comes along that we have to try. But that's just MHO.

Chuck.

[Steve Conner]

As far as I know, these mods were worked out by a bunch of students for an EE class project, and don't have any credibility in the music community.