Vibro-King Clone

[schwac2]

Hello,

I am new to the gear page forum and couldn't find a thread on this topic.....I would love to build a vibroking clone but have run into a few issues: apparently, from what I can find documented on the net, this isn't a very popular endevor and as such I haven't been able to find the layout of the amp - I can find the schematic but not the layout.

The other item that I would love to find is a chassis - if it comes down to it I can build my own, but it would save me a lot of hassle if I could find one. I've been able to locate the OT and the choke from Mercury, and the PT and reverb T from other sources, so that is a plus.

I am also new to building amps so I don't really want to venture into designing my own layout quite yet. So far I've completed a tweed 5F4 Super and two tweed 5E7 Bandmaster (basically the same amp) and know the basics, but am not an expert by any means.


So if anyone can help me out, it would be appreciated. Also, any other advice on this build would be great.

Thanks
Casey

[drgonzoguitar]

Hey Casey:

You are going to have to create your own layout from the schematic. This is where things get interesting. Since you have built a few amps, you have a general concept of where things belong. This is a fun exercise! If you have a Fender Deluxe Reverb, pull it out and set it on the bench. Look at the schematic and start creating a layout by comparing the schematic to the actual layout. You will discover some interesting things in this learning process!

You might have to find a general chassis and make it fit. Again, a fun unique adventure in amp building. I built a AX84 P1 into a blown Kona solid state 2x10 combo amp. I had to rotate one of the 10" speakers to get the output transformer to fit. Again, adventures in retrofitting.....

Start reading up on some amp building theory! How familiar are you with on reading schematics? The first thing to do is get an understanding on how resistor, capacitors, tubes, and transformers basically function and interact with each other. For example:

Capacitors: 1) Used for tone shaping (in conjunction with resistors)
2) Used for filtering rough DC (post rectifier) into smooth DC

Resistors: 1) Voltage modification
2) Tone shaping (in conjunction with capacitors)
3) Current limiting

Tubes: 1) Recitification-AC into rough DC
2) Ampflication

Transformers: Step up/down voltage



SELECTED READING MATERIAL:

Schaum's Easy outlines: Electronic Devices and Circuits, MacGraw-Hill, 2006
http://www.amazon.com/Schaums-Outline-Electronic-Circuits-Outlines/dp/0071455329/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210954158&sr=8-1
- General electronics course in a book!

AX84 Tube amp Theory Document
http://www.ax84.com/index.php/oldprojects.html?pg=legacyprojects&project=p1&file=/media/ax84_m35.pdf
- This is a great general "how stuff" works in a amp document.

Aiken Amps: Tech Pages
http://www.aikenamps.com/
- Great resource of information! Read the Safety Tips under the introductory section.

I hope this helps. Its not the easy answer, but it is the most rewarding one!

Roy

P.S.
I got my electronics knowledge courtesy of the USAF (and a father who teaches electrical engineering)....