Want to build a '65 twin head - please give some direction!

[jmfranc]

I really think I can build my own head identical (or close) to a early twin reverb. Can someone point me in a direction? Maybe some people who built their own? Haven't found any really useable forums. I found a source for lots of the items needed but would love to hear about other peoples attempts.

[gr8fullfred]

I see no reason to do that. It would take forever.
Way better to either:

Buy a twin reverb off of this board, Ebay or CL, there are many many for sale right now across the country. One on this board with the JBL D120s!

Go the Sarno SMS pre -"amp of your choice route" maybe a Mesa 50/50, a Mac or other power amp.

It would be way cheaper and faster to buy a twin, modify the head to black face, or Jerry like preamp tap and continue on from there.

JMHO

[jmfranc]

I already have the JBL's and modded Fender Blues Jr. and a mc250 but what I'd like is a project. A twin head project would be fun for a few months. That's why I'm doing it. I enjoy the woodworking for the "head" and I also enjoy doing electronic projects. I can get both with this one. But thanks for your response.

[strumminsix]

Might help: http://www.thevintagesound.com/ffg/show ... rb_sf.html

It says, 13" x 26" x 9"

That 14" height was in large part due to the reverb tank laying on front panel and piggy back connectors at the bottom, IIRC

Also, that 9" depth tapers in to about 7.5/8" from the top of the grill along the front panel!

[gr8fullfred]

You mean that you just want to build the cabinet and place a TR chassis in there?

That is not a bad idea at all, probably pretty easy if you have some basic wood working tools and skills.

If I were going to do that, I would get some really cool wood like flamed maple or quilted whatever and build a really nice hardwood cab ala some of the fancy boogies out there. And BTW I would build two and maybe sell one on this board. Good Luck...........

[TI4-1009]

I enjoy the woodworking for the "head" and I also enjoy doing electronic projects. I can get both with this one.

My kinda guy! Have at it.

[jester536]

My bro is building one right now. I believe out of Mahagony...dove tail joints...going to go with the cane front like a boogie...he does amazing work..I'll be sure to post pics when it's done. Not sure what you're looking for but I could certainly put you in touch with him or get any specific questions answered.

[TI4-1009]

Cab parts and supplies:

http://www.speakerbuildersupply.com

[hippieguy1954]

If I understand correctly, you want to build the amp as well as the cabinet for it? If so, what chassis are you going to use? A gutted twin or are you going to fabricate it? Will it have an angled face plate control pannel like the twin? Would be cool to design and build your own chassis style etc. You could even come out with your own line of combo amps! Just a thought.

[jmfranc]

I just love the guts of a hand built twin from around '65. Here's where I would get a lot of stuff here : http://angela.com/ and whatever NOS I can find. I'll slowly collect the parts - a reverb tank here, a transformer here, some good caps there.

It won't be fast but it'll be fun. I love just looking at my '71 mc250 and just imagining putting it together. Some of the solder looks sloppy but it just reflects the hand built nature.

I won't try to reproduce the fender look except for the inside!

Maybe I'll build a head with built in switch box and tuner

[waldo041]

http://taweber.powweb.com/store/kits.htm

peace,
waldo

[jester536]

I thought you were talking about just building the cabinet...now I get it. The DIY resources out there are amazing. Keep us posted on this project...sounds like a ton of fun.

[jmfranc]

Waldo - awesome link. Which 60s American would be the twin reverb?
6A20HP Head kit?

[strumminsix]

I thought you were talking about just building the cabinet...now I get it. The DIY resources out there are amazing. Keep us posted on this project...sounds like a ton of fun.

Ha! So did I.

[waldo041]

Waldo - awesome link. Which 60s American would be the twin reverb?
6A20HP Head kit?

actually it is the 6A80, the 6A20 has no middle control. i built the 6A20 and added the middle by eliminating one of the inputs. with the 6L6 option, you get around 35/40 watts, but i recommend swapping to a solid state rectifier as the circuit is actually built around a deluxe reverb.

peace,
waldo