5E3x2 or Deluxe Reverb Build???

I love my 5E3 build, but I need more power to gig with. I'm guessing, the power of a Deluxe Reverb will probably cover most clubs and loud drummers, without using a mic. But, my main concern is hearing myself play. I own a good PA and a mic.:razz: When you can't hear yourself, dynamic playing goes out the window.

If I build a 5E3x2 (4 6V6 tubes in a 4x10 or 3x10) cab, what can I expect? Most importantly, does it keep the same characteristics of the 5E3 that I have (5E3 in a 3X10 cab)? How much louder is it? Is it a dependable circuit?

OR....Should I just build a Deluxe Reverb in a 4x10 or 3x10 (Bandmaster) cabinet?

6V6 tubes and 10" speakers are a must.:grin:

I forgot to mention, my style is a cross of Brian Setzer and Keith Richards, so they dynamics are IMPORTANT!!! I need to be able to turn the guitar's volume knob down to clean up the sound.

You could upgrade the 5E3 to 6L6's and a 5u4. The changes would involve transformers, filter caps, and a 10 watt bias resistor. Your output section would essentially be like a 5D5 Pro with around 25 watts of cathode bias power.

I started with a Weber Proluxe which already had the upgrades in place and converted it from fixed to cathode bias, adding an impedence switch so I could also use 6v6's and a 5y3 if I wanted to. You might look at the Proluxe drawings for ideas. It's turned out to be a very versatile amp.

Thanks for the good info, but I want to use 6V6 tubes. They have the sound I'm looking for.

I prefer 6V6's in mine. Still, it's great to have options. Maybe you could do a pair of 6v6's in fixed bias like the Tungsten Crema Wheat. I think it's output is in the same ballpark as a Deluxe Reverb.

4x6V6 will load the PI very differently then 2x6L6, if for no other reason then the extra grid reference resistors lowering the load by half. Also because the load is lower, the coupling caps will have to be bigger to keep the same bass response. I understand the desire to keep the 6V6's, but doing so will require a more significant redesign to maintain the amps character.

Changing to fixed bias is also a pretty radical change in the nature or a 5E3, however, you can get the same power out of a cathode biased tube as a fixed bias tube, you just have to use higher B+ at the plate and screen to do it.

Changing to fixed bias is also a pretty radical change in the nature or a 5E3, however, you can get the same power out of a cathode biased tube as a fixed bias tube, you just have to use higher B+ at the plate and screen to do it.

I'm using a Deluxe Reverb PT and a 40 watt multi tap OT (the Weber setup for 6L6's on the Proluxe). Do you think I could safely run 6V6's into an 8 ohm load? What rectifier would you recommend?

Thanks,

Paul

Hi all, i'm new to the forum but have read some great stuff here.

Try an AB763 (deluxe reverb ) front end into a 5E3 PI and output section, i've done this a few times for friends with 2 x 6v6, 4 x 6v6 and 2 x 5881's, a stellar sounding amp.

The 5881 build has plenty of headroom for gigs and has an adjustable / cathode bias switch, played through a 2 x 10 cab it's been loud enough for me anywhere i've played.

If you hunt around the web you may find a worked out schematic for a divided by 13 CJ11 and this is more or less what they have done with that model. As with any model filter node voltages can be adjusted to taste, mid control added if required.
Not Stricty a deluxe reverb, not a pure 5E3 but you can certainly get the vibe of both amps coming through, does a good blackface clean tone if dialed in right and can grind like a 5E3 when required.

As a confirmed 5E3 or 5E3x2 and tele player, these days when i gig i play one of these, they're just more versatile for the styles i play.

6V6's in a 5E3 or 5E3 x 2 are a must IMO, 6L6's or 5881's just don't cut it for tone in a 5E3 circuit for me but they do work very well in this one, go figure :-)

Just an idea, i can upload a schematic if you would like, the version i have built that is, not someone else' schematic.

Regards

Andy

I love 5E3's, a 5E3x2 to me is slightly different and i've built a few, they do have similar characteristics to their smaller brother but have a slightly different tone IMO, could be due to the bigger iron in the OT or slightly different pramp and plate voltages (although these can be tweaked to suit). i've played a victoria (stunning amp) and others i have tweaked and modded, they just don't seem to have the same majic as 5E3 through 2 x 6v6's i'm sure others will disagree.

I have put a switch on the V1 cathode (came from a post by Johnny Crash)
2k7/0.68 permanently at the cathode and a 1k2/25mf with a ground lift switch, gives either 2k7/0.68 or 830r/25.68mf (nearly original spec), works well and gives options.