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Which Fender to build?

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2/1/2004 3:56 PM

Which Fender to build?

I want to build an amp for some warm clean sounds and am a little confused which Fender to build (I am more of a Marshall guy). It seems as thought the 5E3 is a vary popular amp but from what I have read, it breaks up easy. Not that I wouldn't mind a "dirty" sound at times but my main goal is something warm and clean. I was considering a BFDR but am not sure exactly what it will sound like. I did hear a 65' reissue and wasn't sure that I liked it, though the volume was low and I didn't get a chance to tweak it any. Any input/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

2/1/2004 5:08 PM

Hey Scott,

Well I'm sure you'll get all sorts of responses here, but I think a lot of us will attest to the fact that we love 5E3's, not for their stage volume, but because they sound great at bedroom levels without sounding like a Champ, for example. Ditto with the BFDR.

It really comes down to what you want to do with the amp you build. A BFDR is not an easy amp to build. A 5E3 is fairly straightforward and would be a good start for most guys, like me, looking to build their first amp. I built mine and I learned a lot!

But my recommendation, if you like the Marshall sound, is to build a Low Power Tweed Twin. It's about 50 watts, with some serious bass, and Marshall type overdrive. But then, you aren't going to get that sound at anything less than loud stage volume.

I use a Mojo Black Beauty in my 5E3 and it is very warm and clean, and loud. I've jammed with some loud drummers with it and it held up. I'm suggesting here that the 5E3 is great because you can pop in different speakers in no time, plus you don't have to buy 4, as you would with a Bassman. There are lots of slight modifications you can make to a 5E3 to get a cleaner sound.

But the bottom line is if you want a Super Lead volume, get a Super Lead!

Good luck.

2/1/2004 7:00 PM
Scott	Owen, I have already built two other amps with the help of others from this page. One was a Marshall 1987 and the other was a SLOD. I a looking for a clean sound, something warm and full. I don't mind if the amp can get gritty/bluesy if dimed but I am mainly looking for a clean amp. Thanks, Scott

2/1/2004 8:24 PM

if you can build amps with big power sections, and you're just looking for clean... (no mention of reverb...)

what about a black face twin? Not the whole thing... but how's this sound... single channel, single 12ax7, full TMB tonestack, phase inverter, and a quartet of 6l6GC's... or, for less power, just use a pair of 6l6GC's.

It'd be reasonably easy to build, less so than either of the amps you've already built.

2/1/2004 5:08 PM
scott c	hey scott, im in the same boat, so im looking into a tweed super, it has about 30 watts, bruce says he has kits.

2/2/2004 3:23 AM
bnwitt	Why not just build a 5F6-A Bassman 4X10? If you want reverb and trem I'd go with any of the AB763 amps with 6L6 tubes.

2/2/2004 7:51 AM
Rob	Hey do what I did and build both!! Yes the Tweed Deluxe is ALOT easier to build the BFDR is still a very cool sounding amp although I do have to admit the TD is my favourite..its simplicity and warm lush tone coupled with a great breakup, hard to beat

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