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Messages - Lex

#31
QuoteThat experiment would work, but I think what Phil means is that it may not sound great with anything due to the way the rest of the circuit is built.  I still suggest the sockets.  Then you can swap as much as you'd like.  If you find that you like more than one combination, you could build a little daughter board with switching to swap between the combinations as you talked about.  My guess though is that you will find one combo that works best and you'll stick with that.  Most circuits end up with a kind of "sweet spot" where things just fall in place.

Ok thanx, Im getting it.

I think most of my assumptions were correct.

So what I think that I need is 8 sockets, 2 switches, wire's, and few diodes, exchange them in the search for that 'sweet spot' (lucky me, I have just around the corner a shop with a lot of old school electric components) - the socket/diode Mod.

At the end, I still have a Zoom FX thing for all kind of sounds however I appreciate old school analogue handling and control.

Thanx all again, I got the answers.
I'll come back with the report over my achievement.

Please do not hesitate if you have other idea's about this small amp and possible mod's.

Greetings
#32
Hi Phil,

thanx for your explanation.

I had to read it 3 x to really understand what you meant.
Im not that good within electro-language-slang.

But I got your message.

QuoteAs Joe has already mentioned you can use Leds if you want as they have a higher breakdown voltage so distort later. the big gotcha with any diode dirt circuit is the dreaded fizz that often comes with the dirt and most of the low wattage bedroom amps don't bother to filter out the fizz and they often sound quite harsh.

Do you want to say just it's a too small / 'bad' amp for such experiment ?

Cheers
#33
Software / Re: Zoom G5 software
February 12, 2020, 07:21:40 AM
Hi,
as far as I know you will need an USB interface between FX and a PC.
When I got mine Zoom I got Behringer U-Controll UCA202 as a smallest and affordable for learning / experimenting.
It works good with Audacity.

Also very handy with the Zoom;
ToneLib ZOOM https://tonelib.net/zoom-quick-start/
It gives you the full control over the Fx box from your computer.

Cheers
#34
 Thanx, got it.

This socket is a great thing, I was not aware of it.

After your message I did my own research around this mod and I have learned that a lot of old SS amp's are based on the same principle.

And I found out that there are mode diodes / combinations that could be used;

  • 1N4001 silicon
  • 1N34A germanium
  • 1N4148/1N34A
  • Red LED/1N34A 
  • Red LED
  • Yellow LED
  • Yellow LED/1N4148   
  • 1N4148/2x1N4001
....
So if I understand it good, all this possibilities makes it kind of a pedal.
Now I wonder (only if my understanding is right) if would be possible to make an extra circuit board, to put different diodes and combinations and to have switch(es) for selecting?
Please, if this sound's silly .. it's only a thought of an amateur.

Thanx again,

Greetings
#35
Hello Phil,

thank you for the reaction.


Still a few questions;
   
QuoteJust remove CR1 & CR2 for clean.
   Or you could wire up a switch to switch those 2 diodes in or out of circuit for clean or dirt.


  •   this means for each diode 1 off/on switch?
    so when the switch is OFF, that means that same diode is disabled ?
  • for my purpose of learning: are those CR1 and CR2 a 'bad' diodes, are there a 'better' one for possible replacement - or it's just old school SS amp design?

edit: found an info at  http://www.tpub.com/neets/book7/27m.htm ,  is this diode mod about same/similar thing - "Rectifier action of CR1 and CR2. NEGATIVE / POSITIVE ALTERNATION ?


QuoteWith diodes out of circuit you will find there will be a lot more clean but being a small amp it will still distort when volume is high.


  • being a small amp as 'small' aka SS 15w or small because of the speaker?
    I will use a single 12" or (2x) 10" - so to an external cab.

Greeting
#36
Hello,

got schematics from Fender, however its not really good read (for an amateur)  .. cant find those 2 GAIN pot's for the orientation ..

It's in the attachment so I hope some good ppl would understand it and being ready to advice,

Greetings
#37
Quote from: joecool85 on February 04, 2020, 10:32:15 AM

You'll need the proper schematic.  According to Fender's list, you can get a PDF copy: https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/articles/212774686-Fender-Guitar-and-Bass-Amplifier-Owner-s-Manuals-and-Schematics-Hard-Copy-Archives

There is an email address to write to linked at the top of that page.  Send them a message and they'll send you the PDF.

Thanx , I'll check it there first

Greetings
#38
Hello good people from SSGuitar forum.

It's nice to see enthusiasts and professionals who are still in love with old stuff.
I've been reading for a few days several treads and now decided to post mine.
But first about my skills;
- Im a mechanic by default,
- I have some experience with electronics. I can repair electronic stuff, solder, exchange components and such.
But I dont know why certain resistor or diode or capacitor is placed somewhere and what that particular part is doing there.

I have one Fender Frontman / Bullet 15W Reverb Pr-241.
It's doing good, exept this well known BUZZZ ..
Found out that I need a really good grounding and I took a wire from the radiator and connected to the chassis.
Buzz gone.
Then I removed the wires from the speaker, removed (external) ground wire and connected to 12" Celestion. No Buzz and very good sound.
Well done Fender, this amp sounds good.

Now I have the second small SS amp, a Squire Champ 15GR Pr-CPR1.
Overall is working good, however it does not sound good as it's brother- the Frontman. A difference in sound as night and day.
This model has 2 GAIN pot's and no distortion switch and no AUX input.
Also Im not sure about the schematics, If I found on-line a good one as non of them are with 2 GAIN's.

Now what I would like to change or improve on this Champ amp:
1. First and most important:
- there is a 'light' distortion sound all the time, with or without Reverb, I can hear it all the time so also on the clean channel (the matter of a setup of 2 GAIN pots),
2. the overall sound is kind of 'shallow' .. 'flat'.., I miss the richness of the Frontman. Tried it also on 12" Celestion.
  - so a bit nicer, fuller, richer sound would be appreciated.

Both amps will be NOT PLAYED on stock speakers but on a external cab.

I found on this forum some good stuff about diferent kind of diodes and swapping them, however I could not spot the right part on my board to compare it.

So my humble question would be:
- if someone could 'guide' me to the right place on the board for exchanging diodes / resistors ... like I found in other treads regarded to Squier 15w.

I hope I was clear with my explanation (and my English).
If there are some other / more questions Im more than ready to answer them - only way to lean new things!

Greetings