Weber 6h50 build thread

[Surgeon]

So, new build starting now. Bought a weber 6h50 (Ted's take on the Dr504 although not a perfect clone) kit. I don't want this to become a "you can't do it right without the partrige trannys... I don't care, as long as the amp sounds great to me. i ordered the headsleeve in black bootleather, which will complement my 2203 very well.

So with that being said, I got my kit yesterday night, which means I spent most of my evening sorting and testing the parts. Only had time to mount the transformers so far. Sockets and more tonight probably.

This is what it looks like right now (yeah, not like much):

More updates as I go along....

**Edit**: Final pics here.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

What?!? No Partridge transformers?!?

Just kidding; I am sure it will sound monstrous.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

What?!? No Partridge transformers?!?

Just kidding; I am sure it will sound monstrous.

Hehe

That's the plan!

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Hiwatt's did just fine with the Drake's of the Biacrown era, I have owned a couple. I did a motorcycle seat in that same tolex, I really love it. Really looking forward to your progress on this, not a simple build.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Lots of work for very little yield yesterday night... I had to file the capcans' holes so the perimeter pins would be at a more comfortable distance from the chassis. Back faceplate also in place... not installing all the back's components as that will take up a lot of space I need to work inside (it's gonna be cramped in there).

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Looking good; and I agree -- looks like a tight fit!

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Yup, but the small chassis plus the 20" headsleeve are gonna make for one powerful but small head.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

It's a gorgeous looking head. I've always loved the 504 tone and power. Going to enjoy following this project. Can't wait for your review of the finished product.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Thanks doc, I'll take my sweet time (that's another way of saying that I don't have as much time to dedicate to the project as I'd like) and enjoy it more than I did last time.
Stay tuned for more progress.

 

[Nacho8807]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

That looks fantastic. I'm sure it'll sound even better.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

I don't want this to become a "you can't do it right without the partrige trannys...I don't care, as long as the amp sounds great to me.

That's the right attitude as far as I'm concerned

More updates as I go along....

Awesome!

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Super pumped to follow along.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Here's the little I could do tonight:

-installed the faceplates (but covered them with tape for protection) and a few components to hold 'em tightly in place
-Installed a much bigger pilot light than what they provide (better looking and more sturdy while building)
-did all the heaters (my least favorite part of the build)

The outside shots won't show much but the guts look like this:

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Tonight: tested my heaters (they're all working fine), wired the cap cans' perimeter pins (those tiny red links on the 6 caps bottom right)...tedious work really.
Wired the rectifier socket.

Funny, my heaters didn't work at all... I spent 10 minutes trying to troubleshoot it. The answer: The power cord I got with the kit was faulty... gotta remember: simplest explanation is usually the right one...

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

^ +1!!!

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

So, quick update:

It's coming along nicely. It looks a lot messier than it really is for two reasons:
1- All the unconnected primaries and secondaries are zip-tied together, making it look like there's a giant mess in the left half.
2- there are a lot of unconnected wires on the preamp tube sockets and cap cans pins. The reason for this is simple: Once I drop the turret board in there, there won't be any space left to work on the sockets. Therefore, I pre-wired every pin, making it look super-messy for the time being.

Anyhow, here are a few pics of where things are at. There is a lot less to do now and the PITA parts are over, now it's gonna be long lines, grounds and the turret board.

Cheers

Guts:

Cap cans and mini-board:

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Great! Your temporary mess is what my final product would look like!

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Thanks though I'm sure you'd be better than you think... If I can do it anyone can.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

And for another update.

This is what the guts look like before I get the board in and connect all these stray-wires:

And this is the turretboard that will go in:

Next order of business is going over the whole thing with a fresh print of the layout and double-check everything (including the wiring of the board). Then solder every last connection.

Then it's power-up time!

 

[J E C]

Re: Weber 6h50 build thread

Looks great! and like a lot of fun.