Has anyone here ever modded an SP-10 Squire amp. I'm pretty new to all this and have an old SP10 amp that I'd like to modify.
what kind of mod are you wanting to do, or what do you want to change about it?
Rock On
Anything really, I've never been impressed with the bass or treble on it, and the distortion is horrible. It sounds very tinny.
I just want to mess about with it and see if there are any impreovements I can make to it.
Hi Dori.
I guess that the *best* mod you'll begin with, is to get a decent 12" guitar speaker, build a very simple box for it, and use your Squire only as a head, running your speaker wires straight to the better, improved, external one, unhooking the cheesy internal one.
You'll have better treble, lots of extra bass, and the distortion will improve a lot.
If you have the schematic, please share it with us.
Bye
JM
I picked up a used SP-10 in a pawnshop for $20. It sounded a bit weak & tinny and the overdive is terrible. The SP-10 uses a 6.5" speaker. I opened it to see what was inside and it's what I expected - a cheap, cheap speaker (8 ohms).
Jensen makes a MOD series of speakers and they make a 6.5" size 4 ohm. I found one new on eBay for $30. Today I installed it and what a difference!!! The amp is very, very clean. Add a modeling pedal and it smokes! Even the OD is a little better (but not much).
I'm very happy with the Jensen MOD speaker. Here is a shot of the inside of the SP-10 with the Jensen MOD speaker.
(http://www.oresteen.com/images/Amps/Squier_SP10/squire_sp10_with_jensen_speaker.jpg)
Tony
Orlando
Quote from: aoresteen on January 03, 2009, 10:01:55 PM
The SP-10 uses a 6.5" speaker. I opened it to see what was inside and it's what I expected - a cheap, cheap speaker (8 ohms).
Jensen makes a MOD series of speakers and they make a 6.5" size 4 ohm.
No concerns with the impedance change? Or did you make other mods to account for that?
No changes. The output can easily handle a 4 ohm load. If it were a 2 ohm load I'd be concerened but no issue with a 4 ohm load.
Hi Aoresteen. Great MOD (pun intended) ;)
Those Jensens are very good , that particular one is great for a tiny Champ; maybe small , but still a "real" guitar speaker, not a toy by any means.
Congratulations.
UPDATE!
I know this is an old thread but for continuity I thought I'd post here rather than start a new thread.
I went whole hog wild with my SP-10. I cut it down to a head size and had a custom 3 speaker cab made for it. Speakers are a 10" greenback and an 8" Jensen along with the 6.5" replacement Jensen:
(http://www.oresteen.com/images/Amps/Squier_SP10/3_Squier_SP10_Front_cut_down.jpg)
(http://www.oresteen.com/images/Amps/Squier_SP10/7_custom_cab_back_open.jpg)
(http://www.oresteen.com/images/Amps/Squier_SP10/9_Jensens_speakers_in_cab.jpg)
(http://www.oresteen.com/images/Amps/Squier_SP10/8_Celestion_g10_in_cab.jpg)
It sounds GREAT! I play clean jazz through it and it is LOUD! Total load is 4 ohms.
(http://www.oresteen.com/images/Amps/Squier_SP10/squier_amp_new_logos_2.jpg)
That's really cool! And made sense to keep this thread going, I appreciate you coming back and sharing. Any sound clips of this contraption? I love the cut down head, it looks great. I've thought about doing the same to my K-20X and still think I might some day.
Any reason you went with a 10", 8" and 6.5" in the cab? Was it just what you had on hand?
This does look great. I'm a bit of a minimalist and I just love small guitar head amps.
I made a small "travel" cab 26x23x17cm (10x9x6.5 inches) and fitted it with the same 6 inch Jensen MOD speaker. I just love this little speaker. It's great value for money, so I strongly recommend it!
I haven't played it with a valve amp yet, but I did try it with a current feedback ssd amp. The low E string sounds just great...
Quote from: joecool85 on November 02, 2011, 03:54:10 PM
.......Any reason you went with a 10", 8" and 6.5" in the cab? Was it just what you had on hand?
I was looking for a blended tone kida like your old Tri type stereo speakers. So I knew I wanted a 10" green back. The 8" Jensen seemed like a logical fit. No, I didn't have them on hand - had to spend cash to get them :)
The cab was made by J Designs. Good company.
http://www.jdesigncabs.com/
I liked this cab so much I had him make me a 15" matching cab for my 1959 Rickenbacker M12 amp opps its gots tubes!
No clips yet but I should have some soon since my studio is almost ready.
If you don't mind me asking, how expensive was it for the cab to be made? It looks very professional.
Quote from: joecool85 on November 03, 2011, 09:31:00 AM
If you don't mind me asking, how expensive was it for the cab to be made? It looks very professional.
I do not recall exactly. It was around $225 plus speakers + shipping. I am very happy with it!
Jeff did a great job on it.
The 8" Jensen is a CH line meaning 'Chicago'. They are the same as the Mod series but are sold in Europe as 'Chicago'.
I just got an email explaining this from Jensen tech support.
Congratulations.
As I mention everywhere, the *main* difference between Tube and SS amps is the kind (meaning $$$$$) of speakers fitted to each.
Day and night.
There even is a You Tube where they plug a 1/2W , LM386 based "Smokey" amplifier into a Marshall 4x12" cabinet.
Only comment: WOW!!
Well it all looks very nice and professional :dbtu:
Greetings. I'm a newbie here.
Happened upon this thread (and your terrific forum) via Google! Su-weet, I like it.
..Wanted to post a related thing I was working on (purely for fun and recreation). Kinda similar, a bit different, but I digress..
I was given one of these SP-10 amps recently by a brother that was cleaning house. I wasn't very excited about it at first, but decided, 'well, I've got an extra amp I can tinker with and tweak a bit.' .. So I did.
Basically, I re-housed the guts of the amp (transformer, switch, main board, and added speaker output jack) from it's original MDF+tolex box, into a solid die-cast aluminum enclosure. And, I can't exactly explain the reason for the improvements, but the result surprised the heck outta me! It's LOUD and the tone quality is good (surprisingly good, even when amp is pushed up to the 80% range or so of max output). This amp going into the same speaker cabinet is EASILY produces more volume than does my other 15W Fender SS amp. (These are both 'practice' amps - no giggling for this recreational guitarist at the time being).
Background stuff:
Let me offer some housekeeping type details here -- so readers can see a few more details and the context, etc. I've owned a pretty good variety and type of amps throughout my 50+ years (Fender, Carvin, Yamaha, Vox, etc), at some point, got kinda tired of dealing with/replacing tubes... expensive, fragile, inconsistent quality... so, I've learned to adapt my sound/tone via pedals/preamps/'gadgets' and go forward with a solid state power amp. Oh, finally, I am definitely no expert on the subject of electronics -- standard disclaimer applies!
How/what:
I just drilled holes to in the face of one side of the enclosure to be able to move the entire IC board in one side and poke the shafts of the volume+tone controls through holes. Then, I just put the nuts on and fasten the one screw (or bolt?) on the back of the IC board up to the top of the enclosure (for support). The board is fastened quite securely.
Also, the audio amp chip (TDA2030a I believe) is mounted on a small separate 'standalone' board with a capacitor. I drilled a hole in the top of enclosure and bolted it firmly there. Imagine: a near-infinite heatsink!
Enclosure used: Hammond 1590F Aluminum Diecast Case 7.4" x 7.4" x 2.65"
Parts Express #320-754 http://www.parts-express.com/hammond-1590f-aluminum-diecast-case-74-x-74-x-265--320-754
(this is just large enough to fit the IC board on a side of the enclosure).
Output to an 12" 8ohm (measured at 7.2 ohm) WGS speaker in custom built enclosure (by yours truly).
I use 14GA speaker cable (not hardwired) to run to the speaker cab. and I installed an 'old school' 1/4" jack on the side of the enclosure. Pretty basic, pretty simple -- but it works well enough.
More on the 'guts' and design of the SP-10 if you're interested.. The audio amp IC is a TDA2030a (long considered obsolete) and has a supply voltage max. of +/- 22V. I haven't found a schematic for this critter (only similar, but not exact same units), but by many deductions/inferences, it appears the transformer has a secondary voltage of somewhere between 16V and 12V; maybe 14-14.5V? I haven't measure it directly [yet]. In addition, there are two JRC 4558D op amps (used in the preamp section?), and these are rated for a supply voltage of 18V max. Every other component is a resistor and/or capacitor and/or a diode.
Fender (Squier) rates the built complete amp at about 10W output nominally. However, the TDA is capable of producing quite a bit more actually.
Datasheet here: http://www.parts-express.com/pedocs/specs/ST-Electronics-TDA2030A-Specifications.pdf
So...
a). there may be a possibility to swap out the transformer and replace with one having a slightly higher voltage, to get more overall power. The TDA2030a and JRC4558D's can handle it -- at least in theory.
b). Haven't tried sending signal out to a 4ohm load, but will do that in future tests. Right now, the 8ohm speaker sounds fantastic to my ears.
I really can't offer any good explanation why the sound is more/better, but I might offer observations: for sure, there is less RFI getting inside that case! Also, I think the heat generated by the TDA2030 is being dissipated relatively efficiently... maybe these don't matter..? I don't really know.
I will try to add some pictures if anyone is interested. Haven't taken the time to get those and transfer them, but if people are interested I don't mind doing so.
Finally, let me add that I prefer "Fender type clean tones", so I prefer some light breakup, but believe most of the true 'magic' in guitar tone is just as much a product of the hands and fingers as much as amplification. I use a tube preamp (juggling between various 12AX7s and 12AU7s; with a NOS RCA 5963 being my favorite) and will readily admit I use a Joyo "American Sound" amp emulator/boost as well. Guitar: Peavey Predator (mostly stock, circa 1993).
PS. Sorry about the long post. Just wanted to offer some info that might help someone out.
Cool !!!! <3)
Point is, cheap SS practice amps often sound VERY good with good to excellent speakers.
Not much point in changing a cap here, a resistor tgere, where that is not the real bottleneck.
Congratulations.
Quote from: J M Fahey on November 03, 2011, 07:31:00 PM
Congratulations.
As I mention everywhere, the *main* difference between Tube and SS amps is the kind (meaning $$$$$) of speakers fitted to each.
Day and night.
There even is a You Tube where they plug a 1/2W , LM386 based "Smokey" amplifier into a Marshall 4x12" cabinet.
Only comment: WOW!!
In a Marshall 2x12:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFps-PY-hBA
Marshall 4x12:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG6rpoN56Lc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KSWa7N1xGY
Good speakers are the key!
Hi guys. Yes, definitely the speakers are the single biggest difference. There's nothing that messes up good tone and sound projection than a cheap and nasty speaker. Those things that are included in Fender's low-end amps are near criminal.
My box measures 25.5"W x 19"H x 11.5"D. It's solid wood (no MDF), and has no covering(s). It weighs about 25 lbs.
I used this guy's design as sort of a rough template: http://toddfredrich.com/building-a-1x12-guitar-speaker-cabinet.html
On the surface, mine appears pretty similar but I added some other finishing touches in the end.. AND, mine is airtight [eg. not ported]. I covered the sides and back with some water-based polyurethane and will probably just leave it that way. Later I may change my mind and try my hand at some tolex covering or the like... haven't decided.
Speaker is a 12" 8ohm WGS (British Lead? - ugh, I'll have to pull the back and double check.. http://wgs4.com/BL )
I used solid pine boards for sides+top and bottom. An example of the side boards used: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-1-in-x-12-in-x-6-ft-Common-Board-458511/100322336
For the front baffle and back I used what are edge-glued 'panels' of spruce (the individual boards are roughly 2-1/2" wide). The panels are available as 24"-30" wide by about 48"+ long I believe. Plus, those panels are kiln dried and glued together -- very stable material to work with. Just like a quality acoustic instrument, a solid spruce (or cedar) top makes a lot of difference in overall sound/tone. 8| Here is a link to one available at the orange+white mega store:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Edge-Glued-Panel-Common-21-32-in-x-18-in-x-4-ft-Actual-0-656-in-x-17-25-in-x-48-in-493554/202017000
(these are currently available as pine, although when I got mine there about 1 year ago, spruce was available so I snapped one up).
I ran about 12" of 14GA speaker wire from the speaker connectors out to the 1/4 jack on the back panel and all connections are soldered.
On the inside, I used spruce furring strips and everything was 'screw and glue' construction. Oh, I also had a good supply of those old school acoustic tiles used in every band room in every middle or high school in the country (well, when I was in school... :lmao:), and I lined most of the interior surfaces with that stuff too. I installed a set of casters, a strap handle and a metal grill -- the basic stuff to make it more robust and usable.
Overall, I am very happy with the result. [To me] It sounds amazing!
As Fender-type single coils+Fender solid state produces much twang / high-end screech if not reigned in, I designed the box around getting LOTS of low-end -- which it does. In fact, the low-end is so great, I have to really tame it by dialing-in the EQ carefully. It takes some time to get the tone 'right', but this box does it.
I will grab a few pics of the rehoused amp unit and the custom speaker box. I may not post them back up here today, as it could be a busy weekend for me, but check back I will get some pics up here eventually.
...Sorry about the long post :-[
Quote from: PhredE on March 07, 2015, 11:30:33 AM
...Sorry about the long post :-[
Don't worry, many of us sometimes also get longwinded here :)
Anyway, if you do it again, we'll have to send a cop to deal with you:
(http://recluse.me/images/644.jpg)
:lmao:
I will comply. I will comply!
OK, let's have a look at these things I referred to earlier:
Speaker cab.:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img661/9364/EYEvHp.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img673/7418/IJGHXa.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2707/NV3i5r.jpg)
SP-10 Amp "Head":
(http://imageshack.com/a/img910/7684/bQihti.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img673/4416/BhtUBJ.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/6717/ahoblS.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/5784/7fMESU.jpg)
Really nice build, cab and amp. :dbtu:
instant thorts;
- speakers don't actually need welding cable (but it does look cool).
- sticky tape for joint insulation. Experience shows that even backed up with cable ties, this plastic tape eventually falls off (leaving a sticky mess). Heatshrink is the go. :tu:
Quote from: Roly on March 08, 2015, 03:12:15 AM
Really nice build, cab and amp. :dbtu:
Ah, thanks very much. :) Well, I am a total novice/amateur, so even I had low expectations!
Quote
- speakers don't actually need welding cable (but it does look cool).
LOL, kinda happened by accident that way. I didn't have any other wire around at the time and was heading to the hardware store later in the day ( a local ACE in this case).
Anyway, I saw these big spools of 'speaker wire' and thought..."hey, I need some" -- so picked up some... and just went home stripped the ends, applied a little solder, and forgot about it. It's heavy gauge for the task to be sure, but at least I know there won't be a bottleneck from jack to speaker!
Quote
- sticky tape for joint insulation. Experience shows that even backed up with cable ties, this plastic tape eventually falls off (leaving a sticky mess). Heatshrink is the go. :tu:
Yeah, I am still tweaking this as I write. I can probably go back and do the heatshrink to several of those connections. There are too many I had to actually strip/connect, I used twist ties to get it up and test, and haven't done much since then... so, I will take your suggestion to heart and finish it up completely. I think the black electrical tape was to just group the wires bundles -- not finished, still playing with it. Plus, I totally agree, I am not a fan of plastic/vinyl/etc for purposes like these.
Sorry, for beating the dead horse on this thread. I'll pipe down for a bit. :-[ :)
Yeah, through the goat track of the connector, and onto the six lane autobahn to the speaker. :lmao:
Interesting use of acoustic tiles lining the cab; will be interested to hear how that turns out in practice. Most guitarists seem to favor cabs that are a bit more "lively" than for Hi-Fi.
Hi. Thanks for the replies.
QuoteYeah, through the goat track of the connector, and onto the six lane autobahn to the speaker.
Yeah, I'd say that's about right :lmao:
Quote
Interesting use of acoustic tiles lining the cab; will be interested to hear how that turns out in practice. Most guitarists seem to favor cabs that are a bit more "lively" than for Hi-Fi.
I'm glad you mentioned that. My brother (a musician [bass, keyboards, etc]) suggested those. I was pretty skeptical about the idea, but tried them and was pretty happy with the result. I tried polyfill too, but liked the tiles better. They tighten up the low-end nicely (sort of compensates for that 'boominess' of SS Fender amps). I still play with EQ and tone controls a bunch to be sure though. If I decide I don't like the tiles, I can always take them out and stuff some polyfill back in there. Honestly, it resonates/vibrates more than I ever imagined.
From my earlier years of classical guitar playing.. the body of a quality classical guitar is made of: 1. a solid piece of spruce or cedar for a top, combined with, 2. hard/solid pieces of rosewood/mahogany/etc.. for back and sides etc. (varies, of course).. eg, a 'bare' wooden box of good quality to carry the sound.
Consider.. If MDF is so great, why isn't it used to make quality acoustic instruments? And.. Back in the 'old days' (eg. before advent of electronic amplification), classical guitarists used to play concerts for hundreds or thousands of people -- with only a mere box of vibrating wood to project the sound!
I fixed all the broken links due to PhotoBucket shutting down posting images to forums. I now host the photos on my own domain.