Guest Mike Lee Posted November 23, 2007 Posted November 23, 2007 Classic... "Please understand that no-one will be supplied with pictures of or information about the interior electronics. Todd Sharp agreed not to do so with Mr. Dumble, and the respect for the artistry of Mr. Dumble commands to do as he agreed with the musician for whom he built this piece of art in the first place." Not to mention that all prospective original buyers had to sign a lengthy agreement to not allow photos, etc. of the insides. Used to have a copy/link to a .pdf copy of the agreement plus his "ground rules" (not allowed to ask when it will be done, etc.) but have since lost track of it. Because they're really... ...SOLID STATE?!?!?!? Now, that's, classic! Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the overdrive circuitry or at least a preamp gain driver for the overdrive WAS solid state. Alexander Dumble (he didn't like being called Howard) is known for encapsulating some of the circuitry of the amp in epoxy or silicone to conceal the components. Personally I think the Trainwreck in the YouTube clip sounds better over computer speakers than any recording of a Dumble I've heard - including Robben Ford's and Larry Carlton's tones.
sw686blue Posted November 23, 2007 Posted November 23, 2007 Is Alexander "Howie" still alive? Is he still building amps?
seeker Posted November 23, 2007 Posted November 23, 2007 Dumble has been known as Alexander and now Howard. He is still alive, but have heard he has some health issues. If he is building amps, it is definitely at a slow rate.Do believe some later Dumbles do have an FET on the input. Most of the goop is for hiding other things. I'm not a fan of most of the examples of Dumbles, but this one is kinda cool:Steelbender Dumble SampleStill prefer the Trainwreck sound. Recognize they are the polar opposites of amp design.Dumble - Complex, lotsa switches, heavy on preamp overdrive. Does benefit from being cranked, but not crucial.Trainwreck - Simple, Stripped down, and on the edge of outta control. Distortion first starts at the power tubes, which have to be pushed. Distortion then works it's way back thru the Phase Inverter, and only then to the preamp gain stages.
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