Home Made Fender 6G15 Reverb Tank Clone By Uncle Doug
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- čas přidán 3. 04. 2013
- The reverb unit was built from scratch using finger-jointed pine for the cabinet, scrap 16 gauge Sheet metal for the chassis, and NOS tubes and electrical components, all wired point-to-point. Circuit schematics are widely available on the Internet. Comparisons to the Fender Princeton were to the 1955 5D2 chassis model which was contemporaneous with the Gretsch G6155.
The tone on the video came out a little too loud and harsh due to the (unexpected) sensitivity of the microphone. In the future, we'll do some sound checks prior to recording.......but meanwhile, "Surf's Up !!!" - Zábava
I bought a 6G15 at a pawn shop about 35 years ago for $5. They thought it was an amp that didn't work. Probably the best find I have ever found.
If you found the same 6G15 today in any of the pawn shops in this area, it would probably be priced at $3500.....and still not work :)
That's awesome! I bought an old tube amp almost 30 years ago for $20. Probably some of the tubes are worth more now!
Damn...
ill give you $10.... you'll be doubling your money don't pass this up!
Now i can put a face to Uncle Doug's voice.
+Mike Choffin Hopefully, it won't ruin your enjoyment of the videos :) :)
+Uncle Doug Not at all, your videos are great and extremely educational. They have peaked and expanded my interest in tube base electronics. Thanks for your content!
You're welcome, Mike. Thanks for watching and commenting :)
THE REVERB IS SO GOOD
Omfg i know... its been killing me only seeing a cheek and a beard or the brim of a hat and beard XD
Uncle Doug in front of the camera! That reverb unit is a true beauty!
Future releases will make this "uncaged trigger unit" seem pale by comparison. Stay tuned for more daring adventures in the lurid underworld of vintage electronics.... :)
Oh my gosh my favorite youtube mystery star shows his face ,that's been hid for years like the Tool Time neighbor :)
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Doug, in-person. Great stuff!!
Such a distinctive voice ... knew it was Uncle Doug from the first word.
The Electromatic has a great sound.
Your idea of buying the chassis and (perhaps) a cabinet (there are some real beauties available at reasonable prices) sounds good to me. Buy what you can and then make the rest.....a good compromise. I warn you that this is not a cheap hobby. A really well-done, home-made amplifier can cost as much or more than a good used one.....but you will have the pride of accomplishment that cannot be bought, only earned with hard work and skill.
Hey, Quinn....good to hear from you. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos and really appreciate your favorable comments. One of our next productions will feature an explanation and demonstration of a Leslie Speaker Unit.....so stay tuned to the Dave & Doug network, the best is yet to come :)
All of my "clone" amps (as you will see on my channel) are built from scratch....lumber from Home Depot, components from Triode and Antique Electronic Supply, chassis metal from the scrap yard, etc. I have never used a kit, preferring instead to select each component individually, based on quality, price, and personal preference. On the other hand, I think the Weber kits are probably excellent, particularly if you get their metal chassis, which is by far the most difficult part to fabricate.....
Good to hear from you, Darryl. Keep watching......we'll try to post a new video every week featuring neat old amps and gear.
Thanks, D Mc, I really appreciate your kind appraisal. It could well be the Rolling Stones. Old tunes sometimes lodge in the back of the mind and then show up from time to time......like old friends whose faces you can't quite remember.
i just found this video finally i under stand how the reverd is divided thanks Doug
ian forster You're welcome, Ian.
Thanks, Firebird. I worry sometimes that we may go into too much detail, but comments like yours reassure me that we're on the right track. I promise more videos featuring old amps and effects from the late-40's to mid-60's range. Stay tuned :)
Oh my god that reverb is killer. Very nice.
Uncle Doug is an absolute genius and explains things so clearly
Amazing work- that's inspiring and must be gratifying. Also appreciating your playing. Thank you for sharing.
Another great video in the series, thanks. Keep them coming guys and take care.
That was the best explanation on how a Reverb tank works. Thank you so much!
No, Carl, as I say in the video, the output tube is a 6V6. I tried both it and the 6K6 and found that the 6V6 provided noticeably better tone and volume, which is probably why the re-issues all use 6V6's. Re, the analogy to a "carton of cigarettes", I was offering it simply as a familiar comparison to the tank's rectangular cross sectional and length ratios. I do not actually see a carton of cigarettes when I look at the reverb tank.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Rialto. Thank you for your kind appraisal.
Absolutely beautiful work. Your wiring is art. I'd specify a clear plexiglass back to showcase how gorgeous and clean that board is. Just top shelf sir.👏👏👏👏👏👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪💪
@@theariesexperiment4642 Wow, thanks so much, AE :)
Really enjoy your videos Doug. You explain everything so well even I can understand.
I haven't seen an uncaged trigger unit like that in a long time. As always, I learned a great deal and was thoroughly entertained. Thanks Doug & David. Keep the videos comin'.
Hello Doug, Once again, thanks for this. Love your videos!!!
Please make more videos like these, it's always nice to see tube amplifiers from era even before I was born.
I also enjoy your way of explaining everything, Watching this, 13:43 minutes just flew by!
Thaddeus, I believe that Weber Electronics sells a kit to build a very similar reverb tank. They offer a simple kit with just the basic parts, or you can get upgrades including the reverb tank, tubes, better transformers, etc. at higher cost.
You did a great job on that. Sounds incredible.
Pretty cool… I’m looking to build a reverb unit to go with MY 1955 Electromatic Artist and found this!
Side note: my friend found it in his grandparents attic, and gave it to me. And I believe I watched Uncle Doug’s video on that amp to learn a bit more about the amp.
Thank you for your comments. I emailed Doug the other day and he is doing good - but getting old like me.
I think he is rebuilding something exotic and will, hopefully, post soon.
Awesome video guys! Really appreciate the details on the Gretsch and the Spring Reverb explanation.
+Jason Jorgensen You're welcome, JJ. Glad you enjoyed it :)
Fantastic build, sound and looks...
+Mr. Archonta Thanks, Mr. A :)
The two best guys together on CZcams. thank you
The first reverb tank I used was an Accutronics-Belton Model 4AB3C1B, but I didn't like the tone.....it was shrill and "tinny", so I replaced it with a MOD Model 4AB3C1C tank, which provided much better, more vintage-style reverb tone. The Mod tank is the one you hear in the video.
beautiful work. and damn that cabinet looks gorgeous. well done.
hey doug..nice work....today i built a reverb amp..i used the ever popular a044 hamond chassis...i added a 6k6gt....and rewired the 6gw8;s in order to accept 12axy and 12at7.....i also kept the 6ca4 rectifier instead of soid state...also i used he original can capacitor...its wonderful ive learned so much from your videos i cant thank you enough for sharing your knowdge!!!
Hello David! That was generous of you to have UD on back before he had his own channel. Great video! Thanks!
That is some amazing craftmanship
+Leo Berger Thanks, Leo :)
As soon as i heard that voice i instantly knew... Uncle Doug!!!! Love his videos!
Doug directed me to your channel.
Had to subscribe...Very informative.
Thank You,
Duke.
+crazyuncleduke9 I think you'll really enjoy David's channel, Duke. He is my mentor and guru.
Simply great! Much appreciate the effort of doing this wonderful vid.
Eva Bekkert Thanks, Eva. Glad you liked it :)
It's good to see you finally in a video Uncle Doug! Keep up the good work, hope that you're doing well!
I thought about hiring Nokie Edwards to stand in for me, but he was busy that day, so I had to do it myself :) Rusty and I are doing quite well, Andris, and sincerely appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks so much, Alva, and good luck with your project.
Wow! That unit sounds and looks great... And we finally got to see what Uncle Doug looks like. Amazingly you look exactly as I pictured you would. That's never happened to me before. You hear someone and then when you see them, they don't look anything like you imagined. Another great video, Thanks guys
+Bucyrus Erie12 Thanks so much, BE. I may look a little old in the video, but I'm much younger and slimmer now :) Glad you enjoyed the reverb unit, and the video.
Thanks, DV. I really appreciate your kind appraisal. Please note that I have almost 50 other videos featuring similar vintage amps and effects posted on my companion channel. Just click on my icon to check them out.
Hello ElPaso Tube Amps, That is so cool that you know Uncle Doug ( and Rusty ), my two favorite tube amp channel's. I have learned so much from watching both of your channel's that I am in the process of gathering the parts for my first tube amp build, a Fender 5F1 Champ. Thank you for the time and effort you take to share your wealth of knowledge to those who want to learn from the best, much appreciated. Take Care, C.
+Cass Virgillo You're welcome, Cass. Thanks for all your very nice comments and support.
You are amazing. I freaking love your drawing! Perfect for allowing dunces like me to understand. Thanks!
Ah wow, that's such a badass build!
Beautiful gear, and I love the technical background. I just wish the camerman hadn't gotten distracted by the testing equipment. I'm thinking of building one of those reverb units myself, so I found this to be a big help.
Why cant that guy live in my town??😭 Just brilliant stuff. Would love to have that reverb unit. One of those "hurry up and take my money" deals.
I love real spring reverb. Give it a good knock and listen to that pop/echo. Mechanical effects are always the best if they are feasible.
Paul TheSkeptic I agree, Paul. Thanks for your input.
This is a GREAT video! Very cool
Later versions of the Princeton did indeed have 2 6V6's, but the 1955 5D2, 5E2, and 5F2 Princeton chassis that was contemporaneous with the 1955 Gretsch in the video did not. The Princeton began its life as a single-6V6 Champ with a tone control, and gradually evolved into a much more complex circuit with two 6V6's, like the one you had in your shop. If you watch our EM Tremolo video, that amp is a clone of the 5F2-A (single 6V6) chassis.
Nice work.
very nice old technology! Would love to see more:-)
Great explanation.
Thanks, Mark. Your description of the Accutronics tank sounds like mine (see six comments down). I tried the Accutronics tank first, largely because of the name, but was not satisfied with its reverb sound quality. I quickly replaced it with the MOD tank in the video and was impressed with the improvement. To me, the MOD tank sounds much more like the original Fender reverb from the 1960's......which is what we're looking for. Good luck with your Revibe.
I'm very flattered that you would ask, MTB, but between the cost of materials and labor, the final cost would be as much (or more) than the price of a genuine Fender 6G15....and you would be better off (investment-wise) with a Fender unit. Weber offers kits for about $300 to build your own and you can buy (or build) a cabinet separately. While the original '61-'66 6G15's now cost over $1000, the '94-'08 reissues are often available on Ebay for much less than this.
I enjoyed it a great deal what a nice sounding reverb :D
Hi El Paso Tube Amps's, Like I've said before, a goto channel for tube amp information. For those who are in the process of learning, you can't beat year's of experience and know how. Thankyou for sharing and know that it is very much appreciated and well received. Keep one hand in your pocket, take care, be good, C.
The Fender Princeton does in fact have two 6V6's. I had one in my shop two weeks ago. It's the Fender Champ that has one 6V6.
Thanks, Brian. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the drawing. David and I have conspired on other, similar videos on this channel.....be sure to watch the one about the electromechanical tremolo. Then, if you click on my icon it will take you to another channel where I have posted 44 videos of vintage amps, jukeboxes, and other strange devices that I think you might also enjoy.
Gorgeous work. You should manufacture these.
It always amazes me that with all the technology we have today, so many people are going back to the tube amps to get that sound! Amazing too that they last for over 50 years. Today's crap will be buried in a landfill way before that long of time!
thank you for explaining how it works! i'm not familiar with electronics.
Great video
I'm hearing a resonance at one upper range. But the Dick Dale sound is definitely in there!
Beautiful beautiful wiring
Very amusing/informative video. Thanks.
Thank you, Mark
Thanks for sharing that. Now I see what you meant about adding reverb to an amp. Too much there to add. Thanks again.
Grady Bledsoe Yes, indeed, Grady. The stand-alone unit is the way to go.
Nhac, I would estimate that the electrical parts (transformers, capacitors, resistors, tubes, sockets, reverb tank, etc.) cost about $200 including shipping.
As usual, Doug, excellent job on the stand alone reverb. Unfortunately, I didn't hear the famous "fender reverb drip" that I love from those old stand alone reverb units.
What A beutiful sounding fender copy )))
I think you do some amazing builds. I use a pair of old-ish Fender Twins that have spring reverb but I do have some old British amps from the 50's without that I would love to build a stand alone reverb for. The kits are so expensive. I would prefer to source my own parts. I doubt my engineering skills are anything like as good as yours. The spring locking mechanism is brilliant and the whole look of it. It looks amazing. I absolutely hate using digital effects. Kids today would prefer an amp with built in effects to a valve amp. I would have no idea how to repair one .
+Paul Evans Hi Paul - thank you for your kind words. This video and a few others are made by "Uncle Doug" and myself. Doug and I worked together before he started his own channel so a few pieces of his nice builds are posted on my channel. I am sure you will enjoy his videos.
My 2 favourite CZcamsrs.....buy a long long way
Thanks, Carl.
love the covering
ian forster Thanks, Ian :)
Thank you !!
Hi Doug,I just finished building my 6G15 reverb clone to go along with the 5F2A amp I just completed. Everything checked out OK but had a bad 12AT7. Once I replaced it, the voltages were nominal then. I just finished installing the tolex cloth (PITA). I got the cheaper stuff and the saying, you get what you pay for...had some issues lining up the cloth but still looks OK. I'll get back and tell you how it works.Tom...
Addendum: Got the reverb unit working fine business...installed shorting plug into the footswitch jack but then realized that the footswitch turns off the reverb...doh ! Sounds awesome with the 5F2A clone. The only miss-wire was on the 'input' jack w/1M resistor. Thought I was going to have an issue with the cap pan being so close to the reverb tank but so far, so good...Tom. . .
This guy has got STYLE
I wish I had the wood shop to fabricate my own cabs, but I totally agree. I like to scour for components and see what works best. As far as cost goes, since I don't have the capacity to manufacture many one-off pieces that would be economical, the kits make stuff like this more appealing. I suppose I could just buy the chassis and do the rest myself...I have an extremely small effects pedal operation and I build all of my circuits on mahogany eyelet boards. Not very economical!
thanks uncle Doug
25Khz feedback.. that thing must be making every dog in the neighborhood crazy! ;-) actually i dont know if even dogs can hear that..
it was a fault in one of the valves which as you say could not be heard by humans, and it had not been near dogs when checked over.
very nice!
Fantastic!!!
Uncle Doug, my buds and I here in Chicago are blown away by:
1) the awesome Dani-Sonic line of circuit wizardry (and construction )
2) the ability in which your explanation seems to cut through the smoke filled room so that even we can understand what your talkin about.
3) cant seem to find the order form.
QM
OH MY GOD!!! Uncle Doug! Do I want to see his face?... I've paused the video just to think about it. Holy crap this is amazing! :DDD
Cool to put the voice to the face.
......so, I would conclude that it's a decision best made by the individual, based on their skill level, financial situation, and ability to improvise. For the first project, a kit would be the safest, surest route. Perhaps on subsequent projects, scratch building would become preferable. It's really up to you.
We all love Uncle Doug
i think fender made the best reverb ever black face silver face reverb amazing
ian forster I agree completely, Ian :)
love this unit made by fender i think yours sounds better i have all ways wanted to build one may as well
ian forster Give it a try, Ian.
Awesome....you do sound a lot like Uncle Doug.
I am Uncle Doug, JK. This video was created and posted before I had my own video channel.
Hi there! Amazing build! Do you have any advice on building this unit with a bias wiggler type tremolo circuit that would follow after the reverb? I'm looking for a way to achieve the Supro sound of reverb followed by tremolo in standalone unit such as this. Thanks!
I'll be honest, DM, I make a lot of these riffs up. To me it sounds like a cross between Buddy Holly and Bo Diddly. I'm sorry I can't be more specific.
any of uncle dougs stuff is as good as gold to me.
I just subscribed to your channel Elpaso, nice video.
chuck jones Thanks, Chuck :)
+Uncle Doug I thought I recognized that voice. :)
Yes, those are my dulcet tones, back in the early days before I had my own channel :)
+chuck jones I watch at least one Uncle Doug video every day.
Thanks, Bb :)
I am working now on my first but a little bit different reverb spring system,using 2 amps, reverb box with speaker and piezo inside connected with spring..I was thinking should I use modified dc motor instead of speaker, but this way is easier
I Like that STRAT👍
Thats Uncle Doug!
I love DOUGS AMPS ... I wish This Man would build Me A plexi Type 25 watter .... HEY ... A FACE TO THE GUY BEHIND THE MIC >>> LOLO >>> I SEE YA ... lolol ... One of the great AMP builders ... )))
Oh, that's NICE!
weaselsuit Thanks, WS. Glad you liked it :)
Interesting !
thanks fellas
+bustersinclair You're welcome :)