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Hey guys, long time reader, first time poster. I've decided to attempt an AC30 build and I was hoping you might offer some suggestions.
I've done some work on amps before (converted a Traynor YGM-3 to mostly AC15 specs, coverted a Hammond AO-35 to a Carmen Ghia clone), but I've never attempted a complete build from scratch. I'm planning on working slowly and taking my time. I'm also trying to use what I have on hand, which means making use of a Hammond AO-29 chassis. The AO-29 isn't *IDEAL* for an AC30 - it's 2x6V6 instead of 4xEL84 and narrow, but at least it's long - but I'm willing to do the necessary work to make it happen (like installing noval sockets where necessary). The iron on the amp isn't really going to work for this project, but that's OK - I was planning on getting some Vox transformers (if anyone has any affordable recommendations that will provide good sound, please let me know). I realize that this amp would probably suit another amp build better - like a Club Deluxe (AC30 front end into 2x6V6) or even a 2x6V6 style plexi amp. But I've been jonesing for an AC30 long enough and I want something that will really nail that sound.
Circuit wise, I was thinking something along the lines of Normal and/or EF86 Channel along with a Top Boost channel. I also might add the simpler tremolo grom the Pacemaker (I know one of the board members here has built an AC30 just like this one).
One thought on the chassis - I'm thinking of using a 36 watt chassis and build the amp "Marshall" style as opposed to the traditional Vox style chassis (except of course for the AC30HW which was built on a Marshall-style chassis). Any thought on a good source for a prepunched 36 watter? This will bring the price up, but I've seen a few in the $40/$50 range which might be worth the effort of gutting the Hammond.
Any thoughts, tips or comments are appreciated.
Cheers!
Jerry
I've done some work on amps before (converted a Traynor YGM-3 to mostly AC15 specs, coverted a Hammond AO-35 to a Carmen Ghia clone), but I've never attempted a complete build from scratch. I'm planning on working slowly and taking my time. I'm also trying to use what I have on hand, which means making use of a Hammond AO-29 chassis. The AO-29 isn't *IDEAL* for an AC30 - it's 2x6V6 instead of 4xEL84 and narrow, but at least it's long - but I'm willing to do the necessary work to make it happen (like installing noval sockets where necessary). The iron on the amp isn't really going to work for this project, but that's OK - I was planning on getting some Vox transformers (if anyone has any affordable recommendations that will provide good sound, please let me know). I realize that this amp would probably suit another amp build better - like a Club Deluxe (AC30 front end into 2x6V6) or even a 2x6V6 style plexi amp. But I've been jonesing for an AC30 long enough and I want something that will really nail that sound.
Circuit wise, I was thinking something along the lines of Normal and/or EF86 Channel along with a Top Boost channel. I also might add the simpler tremolo grom the Pacemaker (I know one of the board members here has built an AC30 just like this one).
One thought on the chassis - I'm thinking of using a 36 watt chassis and build the amp "Marshall" style as opposed to the traditional Vox style chassis (except of course for the AC30HW which was built on a Marshall-style chassis). Any thought on a good source for a prepunched 36 watter? This will bring the price up, but I've seen a few in the $40/$50 range which might be worth the effort of gutting the Hammond.
Any thoughts, tips or comments are appreciated.
Cheers!
Jerry
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