How complex is a '63 Fender Tube Spring Reverb Unit build?

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

I have a brand new Accutronics long pan 3 spring reverb tank listed on Reverb, but if it doesn't sell I might start putting together parts for a Fender style reverb unit build to work on over the next year. This would be my first build. Would I be in over my head? I'm not super tech man, but am not afraid of a soldering iron and multi-meter either.

I want Dwell, Mix, and Tone controls on the front panel, and the standard pre and poweramp set up found in vintage '63 Fender Reverb units.

 

[corliss1]

All reverb circuits, whether inside another amp like a Deluxe Reverb, or a standalone unit, *are* an entire amp in themselves. There is a preamp to drive the reverb tank, and a recovery to amplify the weaker signal. You can hook up a speaker to the reverb "out" on a Fender combo and get sound

So I wouldn't think of it as an effect build - it's a full amp build, 100%.

That said, the modern kits are pretty great, and you have forum resources if you get stuck.

WARNING: it's addictive.

 

[Dostradamas]

Seems about as complex as a tube amp. You need pretty much everything for an amp and the reverb tank you have.

Lots of kits and schematics out there

Blackface 6G15 Reverb Unit Guitar Tube Amp Kit

Amp Kit Difficulty LevelEasy HardIf this kit shows as out of stock please check here for more information.Please read our article 'Mojotone Amp Kit Building Primer' along with our amp kit disclaimer below before buying this kit.This Mojotone amp kit reproduces the surfy splash and incredible...

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Tube Reverb 6G15 Style Amp-Kit

Amp-Kit Tube Reverb 6G15 Style. The famous 60's tube reverb with its genuine sweet and full-bodied tone. Controls include DWELL, MIX and TONE. Fat…

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5G15 Amp Kit – Weber Speakers

www.tedweber.com

 

[Michael Smith]

It should be one of the simpler amp builds. Here is the layout diagram. Schematics are also available online.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2...c9-8fb6-3d25db81ea8e.pdf?13286571360534828114

 

[corliss1]

And remember, we aren't using ^^that layout diagram as we make sure the power cord wiring is up to modern standards. Do it the way Mojotone shows on this one.

 

[Michael Smith]

And remember, we aren't using ^^that layout diagram as we make sure the power cord wiring is up to modern standards. Do it the way Mojotone shows on this one.

Good point! I just linked to that layout diagram to illustrate there aren't a crazy number of components in the amp.

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

And remember, we aren't using ^^that layout diagram as we make sure the power cord wiring is up to modern standards. Do it the way Mojotone shows on this one.

Which one?

 

[Dostradamas]

Use this one

Not this one

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

Damn, for the Mojo-Tone kit and headshell price I might as well just buy a used Z-Verb or Fender reissue unit and pay the $200 extra for them to take the zap for me.

 

[corliss1]

Yes, it's rarely cheaper to build something unless you:

-want to use super cool parts and do it to your specs
or
-want some unobtainium item that has high collector value

 

[Michael Smith]

Which one?

Just like you would wire a "regular" guitar amp. Hot to fuse tip, then over to on/off switch then to one of the power transformer primaries. Neutral to the other primary. Green securely grounded to chassis. (I would omit the courtesy outlet). In Europe they have to switch both the hot and neutral.

 

[MrBassmans]

Just like you would wire a "regular" guitar amp. Hot to fuse tip, then over to on/off switch then to one of the power transformer primaries. Neutral to the other primary. Green securely grounded to chassis. (I would omit the courtesy outlet). In Europe they have to switch both the hot and neutral.

Using a chassis grounded power cord requires isolating the input & output jack's from the chassis, or you'll get ground loop hum. (The reissue jacks are isolated). There are some modifications on the internet using diodes for ground wiring in a reverb tank.

On my '66 Traynor tr-1 reverb unit (metal jacks mounted to chassis) I went the simple route, green ground wire to chassis, then use a Lehle P-ISO isolation transformer box from the reverb output to the amplifier input.

The P-ISO also comes in handy when you're jumpering the inputs on 2 different amplifiers simultaneously.

 

[MrBassmans]

My buddy has 3 original fenders, 2 blondes, 1 tuxedo, & 2 reissues. The RI's sound overly bright & brittle compared to the originals.

I haven't had time to chase down why, perhaps the 6K6 vs. 6V6 tubes.

 

[NTC]

My buddy has 3 original fenders, 2 blondes, 1 tuxedo, & 2 reissues. The RI's sound overly bright & brittle compared to the originals.

I haven't had time to chase down why, perhaps the 6K6 vs. 6V6 tubes.

You can use a 6K6 in these. I gave in mine, but I think it is still brittle sounding. May be the tank, may be the type of caps, construction method, any number of things.