Low wattage recording amp kit

[jaberwock]

I'm looking to build a really nice, one watt, or less recording amp, preferably Fender voiced. I tried a Carr mercury last time I was back in London and was super impressed, but they are staggeringly expensive in the UK; I was also amazed at how loud the two watt setting was, the half watt, and one tenth watt would be better suited to my recording environment. Any suggestions for a speaker ? my first thought was a Celestion alnico blue in a pine cabinet..... are there any guitar speakers that particularly suited to low wattage tone ?

Happy year of the Dragon Jaberwock

[triodecr]

I haven't personally played the Lil Devil but it looks interesting: http://www.hallamplification.com/main.html?src=%2F#2,1

They also have a VVR kit to power scale one of your own amps.

[jaberwock]

Thanks, very interesting........ miniature tubes !! I've never seen those before, would the VVR be similar to using a variac ?

Jaberwock

[seeker]

Thanks, very interesting........ miniature tubes !! I've never seen those before, would the VVR be similar to using a variac ?

Jaberwock

I actually have one, built by Dana Hall. It's a blast. Basically a very low watt version of the Trainwreck Express circuit. Reacts the same way; clean to mean with the guitars volume knob, and feedback on command. Those tubes were used in 60s-era missiles, so are pretty sturdy.

The VVR is more like London Power's Power scaling. Drops voltages internally at selected points, vs starving the whole amp.

If you get one, or any other low wattage amp, make sure you use effecient speakers. Makes a big diff. 100 db or higher.

[jaberwock]

Thanks, very interesting........ miniature tubes !! I've never seen those before, would the VVR be similar to using a variac ?

Jaberwock

I actually have one, built by Dana Hall. It's a blast. Basically a very low watt version of the Trainwreck Express circuit. Reacts the same way; clean to mean with the guitars volume knob, and feedback on command. Those tubes were used in 60s-era missiles, so are pretty sturdy.

The VVR is more like London Power's Power scaling. Drops voltages internally at selected points, vs starving the whole amp.

If you get one, or any other low wattage amp, make sure you use effecient speakers. Makes a big diff. 100 db or higher.

How readily available are those tubes ? I'm assuming they have to be N.O.S.

What speaker are you using with yours ? have you recorded with it ?

Thanks Jaberwock

[gorch]

Since you are living in the UK, watch out for the Harley Benton GA15 from http://www.thomann.de/gb/index.html. The Thoman brand Harley Benton receives a lot of positive comments and is supposed to be good value for money.

[jaberwock]

Just saw the Lexicon Signature 284 stereo recording amp in another post on this site; that looks pretty much ideal, although you'd be relying on the input stage for saturation, rather than the output tubes.

Jaberwock