Champ 5F1, 5e1

[hamerfan]

I recently finished a Fender 5F1 clone with 3 mods.

I used a multi output transformer with 4 and 8 Ohm outlets. If you use the standard 4 ohm speaker, you can swap in a tung sol 5881, when switching to the 8 ohm tap. Caveat on the filament current draw! Much more leaness compared to a 6V6, great with humbucker guitars.

Changing or switching the Negative Feedback from 7k to 22k (stock) to 1meg brings you from smooth to raunchy.

I found a master volume between preamp and poweramp very useful to dial in some serious crunch at lower volume.

Just to give you food on thoughts about a diy project.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Champ 5F1, 5e1

sounds like a fun little amp. i have a switch on my old deluxe to switch between stock and no neg feedback, very nice option to have. not sure what you mean by

Much more leaness compared to a 6V6

the 5881 is thinner sounding than the 6v6? id have thought the 5881 would have less mids but more bottom

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Champ 5F1, 5e1

Hi Jeremy, a 1 meg resistor in the feedback loop did help to tame some fartiness with higher gain more then the no neg feedback circuit variant. The 7k makes a smoother overall sound like using the tone pot.
The 5881 has a tone on its own, not that sparkly like a 6L6GC, but not that low middy like the 6V6.