Calling all reverb aficionados: Surfy Bear Build

[Bill Moore]

Working on SS devices, there are different methods that aren't necessary with tube devices.
I built a RS delay back in the 80's, that didn't work. After extensive troubleshooting I figured out that I had damaged an insulator for one of the TO 220 transistors, and the case was shorting to the PCB! New insulator, and careful installation, and it worked! (Very noisy though)!

 

[theprofessor]

I've been playing through this Surfy Bear unit a lot today, and I am simply amazed at the sound. They really got this thing right. Samples forthcoming, but possibly a week from now.

 

[SebC]

I'm so happy to know that it works and that it sounds so good! I am waiting for my kit and tank to arrive. I am going to do the build on a toolbox (seems to have become a classic for this build). Maybe I'll also create a thread of my build! Reading through your thread has already proved helpful. I am also considering ordering their surfy trem and put both into the box. We'll see...

 

[theprofessor]

I'm so happy to know that it works and that it sounds so good! I am waiting for my kit and tank to arrive. I am going to do the build on a toolbox (seems to have become a classic for this build). Maybe I'll also create a thread of my build! Reading through your thread has already proved helpful. I am also considering ordering their surfy trem and put both into the box. We'll see...

View attachment 493986

Thank you, @SebC . I'm very glad the thread has been helpful. Yes, do start a build thread. I'd love to see your progress. Cheers!

 

[OttoCorrect]

I've been playing through this Surfy Bear unit a lot today, and I am simply amazed at the sound. They really got this thing right. Samples forthcoming, but possibly a week from now.

I'm glad you got yours up and running after all!

Yessir, this is the one to have if you want that great outboard reverb tank sound. I used mine last weekend to play "Apache" and "Journey To The Stars" at a talent show my congregation put together. My playing was rusty and I was nervous (not having played in front of more than a couple of people in probably 7+ years) but watching the videos people took of the performance, I was very happy with my tone. Just my CV Tele (it has an aftermarket Bigsby-style trem I added specifically so it can surf) into a DOD Bi-Fet Boost feeding the Surfy Bear, then into my Quilter 101 Mini.

Excellent drippy surfy sound!

Now if only my playing was as good as the tone was...

 

[moosie]

Also good timing for me, going to take the plunge on a build, if the Weber combo 5H15 doesn't win me over first. Wallet says I'll be building a Surfy Bear in the immediate future.

[Edit] I just ordered a kit--time to make an enclosure!

Ah, I'm too late. Anyone on the fence about a Revibe.... go for it. I got mine running in early January, and haven't turned it off since. Possibly my overall favorite piece of gear. Can't believe I waited so long.

 

[Bill Moore]

Who says you only need one reverb unit? I want a 6G15, or Revibe also!
I have an old "Hot Springs" I built back in the day, used it for a time for PA reverb, and it worked great, but I don't like the sound with guitar. (The delay timing is wrong)! I have tried several stomp boxes, but only have the Boss FRV-1 now.

 

[theprofessor]

Here it is, all finished. I got the bevel-top knobs from Stew Mac, and they fit perfectly.

(link removed)

I also got an old-style embossed label maker to label the input, output, dwell, mixer, and tone. I like the way it looks with the tape. Kind of lo-fi and after-the-fact

 

[BorderRadio]

Here it is, all finished. I got the bevel-top knobs from Stew Mac, and they fit perfectly.

(link removed)

I also got an old-style embossed label maker to label the input, output, dwell, mixer, and tone. I like the way it looks with the tape. Kind of lo-fi and after-the-fact

View attachment 494929

Looks great professor, very cool enclosure!

 

[SebC]

Here it is, all finished. I got the bevel-top knobs from Stew Mac, and they fit perfectly.

(link removed)

I also got an old-style embossed label maker to label the input, output, dwell, mixer, and tone. I like the way it looks with the tape. Kind of lo-fi and after-the-fact

View attachment 494929

It looks absolutely awesome!! Congrats, and can't wait to hear your audio samples

 

[moosie]

Love the rusty Heathkit cab...

Well, maybe not rusty. But it sure looks vintage

 

[Bill Moore]

It looks good, does the power supply seem to like the incandescent bulb OK.

 

[theprofessor]

It looks good, does the power supply seem to like the incandescent bulb OK.

Thanks! Yes, I think so. It's a weak bulb at 3W, but it shines enough to tell it's on.

 

[RLee77]

For you pedal guys here's a demo of my favorite pedal, the Strymon Flint reverb + tremolo. 5E3 + Strymon Flint = serious sweetness and surf heaven:

Ack, I’m already teetering on the edge of buying one of those, and you just reminded me!

 

[RLee77]

Thanks! Yes, I think so. It's a weak bulb at 3W, but it shines enough to tell it's on.

If the unit sounds quiet with very little hum, you’re good. At 3w, that means 250ma from the 12v supply, which is fine from a current aspect, but the more current you draw from supplies the more ripple you get. If you notice hum, think about using a white led inside the jewel; one-tenth the current draw, and it may even be brighter, who knows.

Nice project, and congrats!

 

[theprofessor]

If the unit sounds quiet with very little hum, you’re good. At 3w, that means 250ma from the 12v supply, which is fine from a current aspect, but the more current you draw from supplies the more ripple you get. If you notice hum, think about using a white led inside the jewel; one-tenth the current draw, and it may even be brighter, who knows.

Nice project, and congrats!

Thanks very much, RLee77! Yes, it's pretty darn quiet. If I notice hum down the line, I'll consider an LED with a resistor.

 

[theprofessor]

I finally got a hold of a Zoom H2n today, and I made a recording with just a touch of reverb on my Surfy Bear, to demonstrate that it sounds good at rather low, non-surfy settings, too.

It's my SSS Strat (position 4) through the Surfy Bear into the Normal channel of a 5e3 (Hi input) with a Jensen P12P installed in my Hot Rod Deluxe extension cabinet. On the Surfy Bear, the Dwell is at about 3.5 (about 10 o'clock), the Mixer is at about 9-10 o'clock, the Tone is about 9-10 o'clock. Since I don't have a conventional faceplate, that's the best I can describe it. Essentially, everything is pretty low. I'll see if I can make some other recordings with slightly different settings.

 

[D'tar]

Excellent Professor. with the new coupling caps as well I presume? Sounds like a winner!!!

 

[theprofessor]

Excellent Professor. with the new coupling caps as well I presume? Sounds like a winner!!!

Thanks! Ah, yes. The Normal channel still has a .1μF, but every other one that's spec'd for .1μF is now .047μF.

 

[Mr Ridesglide]

Love it! The labels would be right out of the "book of AndyfromDenver"