OdgeUK wrote: ↑Mon Jan 18, 2021 3:39 am
Really appreciate this! Thank you!
In hindsight... Would you still mod a 1959HW, or build a 12—series from scratch, with the Ed-spec components?
I am guessing you are asking this question seeking advice trying to figure out which way you want to go. To modify an existing amp or to build an amp from scratch? And the answer would depend on what your goals are and how much free time you have to work on amps. If you just want to get an amp as fast as you can with 12 series specs you could:
1. possibly order one from George at MetroAmp if he still builds custom order 12 series amps
2. if George does not build 12 series anymore, possibly order a custom order 12 series amp from Greg Germino or David Bray or someone else that builds point to point 12 series era replicas.
3. buy a Marshall 1959HW or similar (Germino Amp, David Bray, etc..) point to point amp and mod it yourself (if you already know how to work on tube amps safely)
4. buy a used amp someone built using one of George's or Valvestorms 12series or Superlead kits and mod it (if you already know how to work on tube amps safely)
Forgive me if in the following I ask a question or make a statement that implies anything incorrectly about your level of knowledge with tube amps but since I don't know what experience you have with working on tube amps, a question for you. Do you already know what needs to be done to be able to work on an amp safely?
If the answer is "no", then it would be best to have someone else build a 12 series spec amp for you unless it is possible to find a mentor that can teach you or an electronics class, etc. to learn electronics safety before you begin working on amps.
If you already have experience and the answer is "yes you already have experience with and know how to work on tube amps safely", then
If you have the free time to build an amp from scratch it looks like you can still get the parts you need to build a 12 series from scratch from Valvestorm. And the needed Transformers from George at MetroAmp and/or Patrick at Mercury Magnetics and/or ****** and/or Marstan.
http://valvestorm.com/12xxx%20Series
http://valvestorm.com/Transformers#12series
https://store.metropoulos.net/collectio ... ke-1203-80
https://www.mercurymagnetics.com
http://www.merrenaudio.com/marshall_power_transformers
http://www.marstran.com/JTM45-100-JMP10 ... RMERS.html
You would learn more building from scratch vs buying an existing amp and modifying it. That being said you also will have more opportunities/variables for possible issues you have to troubleshoot and workout along the journey of building the amp which can take a lot of your time.
If you don't have a lot of free time but know how to work on amps already and safely, and/or also if it turns out all the parts are not available to build a 12 series from scratch then buying a Marshall 1959HW (or similar point to point amp) and modifying it might be a better option.
You probably already know this but remember when trying to get the "Ed Spec, (a "stock" Superlead amp from that era)" from your amp and get "the tone", "the sound", you will never achieve the exact sound 100% because you will always be missing the key ingredient "Ed and his hands". That being said you can get hints of the magic! Good Luck and Have Fun on your journey!
My first project: 1959HW to 12xxx Courtesy of the Late Great Rockstah a.k.a. Edward Van Abrahamian
