Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

[Scott_F]

I'm about to build KGM a classic tweed tremolux. I know one or two of you have expressed an interest in this chassis, but they are unavailable.

My thoughts on it are to have some silk screened and stamped to my specs. I'd probably buy 5 of them, maybe sell one or two on ebay? I dunno.

My other option is to just use a standard 5F4 and put a faceplate on it to get the names of the controls right. Everything else on that chassis is perfect.

What do you think?

 

[Curly]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

OK, I'll play the devil's advocate and speak frankly

IIRC, the tweed Tremolux had a great tremolo but the problem was output -- I think the output was less than a Deluxe, maybe because half a gain stage went to the trem, or else the OT was a bit weaker, I don't know for sure.

I'd do one before committing to five.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

I agree with Curly, while the Tremolux is a great sounding amp, it is not suitable for most clubs, unless it is miked...

Then it's a great amp.

Problem is if another musician is playing loud, you'll never hear yourself..

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

http://cgi.ebay.com/1956-Fender-Tre...ryZ38074QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

How about a Tremloux circuit built into a Franklin chassis, combo cab and transformers? Hmm... I bet that would kick! Non-traditional looks though.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

Scott,
I have access to an original Tremolux from 1962, A Piggy back. I believe this is 35W. Would this be something you are considering? The major problem (at least for me) with a Trem is no Reverb. I think all the non reverb Fenders don't have enough gain. The Reverb circuit does something to the output. I don't understand all the techno stuff, but I know most Fender with Reverb sound more Gainy than Fenders without, so I think what I am saying is.......... put Reverb in the mother!!!!!!

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

No Dave, this is a tweed tremolux that is only 15-18 watts or so. Uses 6V6 tubes. The bumped them up to 35 watts when they went to the 60's.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

IMO if you change the output of the amp it is no longer a Tremolux...there is a magic to those tweeds and IMO the smaller ones have a mojo that can't me matched with a bigger one. If someone wants a Pro or Super with trem then cool but it ain't a tremolux.

If a tremolux is not loud enough...get of them!


On the chassis issue, and this is just my opinion...a face pannel on a tweed is just cheesy, either get proper chassis made or skip the idea all together...thats just me but...

Also, FWIW, that tremolux on ebay is WAY overpriced...you can pickup tweed Tremolux amps all day long for less than $1500...most of the time around $1200

 

[Curly]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

mind you, I love low powered amps *cranked*

a Deluxe will probably outsell a Tremolux ten or twenty to one, but how many people get a Deluxe/ clone, then complain that it doesn't have enough clean headroom :smack:

as much as I might like a Tremolux myself, that's why I'm skeptical

 

[jeremy]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

i think curly has the right idea. id do one and see how it goes. they are very cool amps but im not sure how much demand there is for them. the only real one ive heard sounded sweet but couldnt hold a candle to my 5E3 volume wise

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

I thnk the trick is to use 5E3 trannies in that circuit. First of all, there are waaaaay more options out there for 5E3 transformers (just look at mercury or allen's sites). Secondly, the OT is going to be just a wee bit stronger, but not too strong.

I have been thinking of modding the 5E3 that is sitting in my shop to these specs, but I'd have to add another preamp tube and I'm not sure where I'd put it.

I think the 3rd preamp tube solves some of the problems the Vibrolux had.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

but how many people get a Deluxe/ clone, then complain that it doesn't have enough clean headroom :smack:
(

Uh, that'd have been me. The TD was my first build ever and when I got done, it left me wanting a bit more headroom. But, it was my only amp at the time. As time has gone on, I've come to appreciate it a lot more than before. In fact, I've got that one in the shop and I am dedicated to providing that amp to someone someday with a well-broken-in speaker!

(new tubes of course when the time comes!)

The sound of my Gretsch and strat throught that little bahsted is freaking amazing. I can only imagine how the tremolux will sound.

I will probably end up building one using my Franklin chassis and trannies some day. I think that iron is just magical. I know that it'll be more stout sounding than a traditional TTremolux, but I think it might be the perfect combination.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

im sure ive mentioned to you that i put a red fang and 5v4 in my 5E3. really made a big difference in clean headroom, that and figuring out how the normal channel volume works when you are plugged into the bright.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

This first one will be with a traditional Weber jensen clone. Which one is up to KGM.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Tremolux Chassis Comment and Question

while you have the amp, get a 5V4 rectofier and try it. you may like it, you way not but for $10 its worth a try.