Turning a combo into a head

[aloha]

I know that many people would think that it is silly to turn a combo into a head. They would say: "Just buy a head, dude!"

But,

I've got this great little Gibson Goldtone 15 watt that sounds beautiful. The only problem is that it tends to lose out on the headroom. It just needs a tiny bit more. I know tubes and pickups and speakers can all help. I would love to hook it up to a 2X12" or a 15", or possibly a 12" and 10" combination cab.

Stock, it came with a Vintage 30 (16ohm, I think).

I'm wondering if these things would affect the volume the tiny bit that it could use to make it through a gig without weezing across the finish line.

Besides, the particle board they used in the original combo is shameful.

In short, it's a great amp that I wonder if a few tweeks could make incredible.

Thoughts?

Z

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Turning a combo into a head

The Goldtones came in a head version. I think Gearjoneser has one. They come up on eBay now and again as well.

I own the pre-cursor to them, the Trace Elliot Velocette. I know mine has a line out for an external cabinet. That might me a better option for you than transplanting the guts to another chassis.

 

[aloha]

Re: Turning a combo into a head

I was wondering that.

You know, the wood is just so crappy. It makes it heavy and probably less resonant. I was thinking that if I split them up, then maybe I could get better sound and more portability/versatility.

I only have the 15 watter (just like your velocette?); I think the 30 watt version is the one in head/cab form.

Thanks for your comment. I guess the idea of splitting the two isn't very common or interesting...

Aloha

 

[BG00]

Re: Turning a combo into a head

Splitting a combo is a very interesting idea, I have thought about doing it to my little laney 1x10 many times. here is what you need to do.

1. Get/build a new box that will be the head compartment. If you are building one you will want to figure out how to mount the amp chassis into the box in a way that will keep it secure, and also where the jack for the external speaker is going to go (usually the back, but somewhere else may create a unique item). Then you will have to decide if you are going to rout the box to give it a nice curved edge, I highly suggest this, as it will make it look very professional. Next up is the decision to tolex it or stain it, I usually do tolex for cabinets because it holds up better in the long run, however a good stain looks great. If you put tolex on, you will probably want to apply some metal corner covers to protect those edges.

2. After you figure all that out you will need to redo the wiring for the speaker connection, this is not as difficult as it seems. Your combo should have 2 wires that connect the amp to the speaker. You will need to unsolder them to the speaker or unclip them depending on what type of connection it is. If you just had to unsolder them you simply need to resolder them to a 1/4" speaker jack and then transplant the amp chassis and new speaker jack to the new head box from step one. If they are attached to clips you will usually have to cut the wires down then restrip them. Then solder them to the jack.

This has effectively created a head for you, all you need to do then is get/build a speaker cabinet to plug into. If you have any specific questions about building the head box let me know, I have built 4 guitar cabinets and can help you out if need be.