Output Transformers

[bluemoon]

How important are they to an amp's tone. I am thinking of replacing the stock out transformer in my Blues Junior. Worth it?

[Monster]

They make a significant difference, but they're only a small part of the total equation. Based on the way you phrased the question, I'd probably say its not worth it. If you had given a lot of detail that showed you had optimized the other things that are easier, bigger bang for buck tweaks and knew what type changes to expect I'd say maybe. I'd suggest you're probably money and trouble ahead if you just start trying out and researching amps you might like better out of the box than tweaking yours. You'll never recoup your investment on modding the stock item. I say that as someone who frequently mods stuff.

[bluemoon]

Originally Posted by Monster

They make a significant difference, but they're only a small part of the total equation. Based on the way you phrased the question, I'd probably say its not worth it. If you had given a lot of detail that showed you had optimized the other things that are easier, bigger bang for buck tweaks and knew what type changes to expect I'd say maybe. I'd suggest you're probably money and trouble ahead if you just start trying out and researching amps you might like better out of the box than tweaking yours. You'll never recoup your investment on modding the stock item. I say that as someone who frequently mods stuff.

I have actually modified the amp significantly--changed out some caps, etc.; added a new speaker, JJ tubes. I love the amp right now. I also really enjoy modifying my amps. It is part hobby part search for a great tone. I am just wondering if I can improve it even more by switching out the output transformer. I would like to see if I can squeeze out a little more clean headroom.

[Monster]

In that case it might be worth it to you. You want an interleaved transformer, either one done similar to the vintage ones or an actual vintage piece. I pulled one from an old defunct Stromberg Carlson table radio for my Ceriatone Overtone build and it sounds fabulous. The hard part is finding a vintage one correct for the application.

[Liam]

In my opinion they make more difference than the make of power tube you use. Which might be seen as contentious, but given that you can get a Mercury Magnetics OT for less than the cost of a quartet of NOS Mullard EL34, and they don't really wear out, it's worth doing the experiment.

Liam

[TeleDog]

The OT is usually described as the "forgotten" mod, and one that can change the tone of the amp in one single shot.

HOWEVER, I would think twice before paying top $$$$ for some boutique transformers, there are very affordable transformers out there that deliver good tone for a little less cash. Oh, and don't fall for "kits"... you don't need to pay a load for some DVD that teaches you how to solder a couple things, you can get that stuff all over the net and with better explanations. The OT comes with the schematic so you know what to do, make sure you get one with the right tap for your speaker.

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by bluemoon

How important are they to an amp's tone. I am thinking of replacing the stock out transformer in my Blues Junior. Worth it?

Not worth it with a Blues Junior. An OT replacement would cost a considerable part of what the amp costed. You would be better off saving the money and buying a better amp.

[TeleDog]

Originally Posted by axepilot

Not worth it with a Blues Junior. An OT replacement would cost a considerable part of what the amp costed. You would be better off saving the money and buying a better amp.

Hmmmm...

[LPSGME]

Originally Posted by Monster

In that case it might be worth it to you. You want an interleaved transformer, either one done similar to the vintage ones or an actual vintage piece. I pulled one from an old defunct Stromberg Carlson table radio for my Ceriatone Overtone build and it sounds fabulous. The hard part is finding a vintage one correct for the application.

Can you describe the tone change that xformer made to your OTS?

Is that radio xformer large enough for that amp?

I just did some resistor and cap changes to my HRM, in effort to get a more horn like tone and a more fluid less driven character. But I'm wondering if any particular different transformer would further help. There are 2 amp manufacturers whose amps I feel have the tone I'm looking for, and I believe they both use MM xformers.

[bluemoon]

Originally Posted by axepilot

Not worth it with a Blues Junior. An OT replacement would cost a considerable part of what the amp costed. You would be better off saving the money and buying a better amp.

An OT for a Fender Blues Jr. is less than $90.

[Liam]

A Blues Junior with a Mercury OT IS a better amp...

[Led Zep Fan]

Mercury Magnetics

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by bluemoon

An OT for a Fender Blues Jr. is less than $90.

Looks like I'm standing corected here.....................I've always been under the impression that good OT's cost close to their weight in gold.

My misinformed opinion, and I retract it. Learn new things every day here...............

[ryanmichael95]

Originally Posted by Led Zep Fan

Mercury Magnetics

+1

[ryanmichael95]

Bud Purvine with O-Netics transformers is also a genius in the amp transformer world....works with Mike Soldano alot....his Hi-Def is absolutely mind numbing....

[SlyStrat]

From what I've read on numerous forums a new OT will make my Marshall JTM45 Reissue sound way better. I'm putting in a $125 Marstran.
Don't know about Fenders.

[Monster]

Originally Posted by LPSGME

Can you describe the tone change that xformer made to your OTS?

Is that radio xformer large enough for that amp?

I just did some resistor and cap changes to my HRM, in effort to get a more horn like tone and a more fluid less driven character. But I'm wondering if any particular different transformer would further help. There are 2 amp manufacturers whose amps I feel have the tone I'm looking for, and I believe they both use MM xformers.

I think my Overtone sounds as good as most of the real Dumble clips I've heard, but I've never played a real Dumble. I can't comment on any change in my amp compared to the OT Nik supplies, as I ordered mine without transformers knowing I'd put what I have in it, and I've never played another Overtone with the stock OT. Transformers are heavy and it saved some shipping from Malaysia. I think its very adequate to the job as the original amp had 2 EL-34s in it. Its an old Triad like in older Fenders, probably similar to what HAD would have used in Dumbles.

[TeleDog]

Ceriatone kits are nice, I've asked around and they rank up there with the best of them.

So, who's ready for a Trainwreck? lol..... Gee, those are so sweet, but very difficult to get them right or so I've heard. The trick is precisely in the transformers, that's what I've heard.

[Monster]

I have a Wreck clone as well (not a Ceriatone) and would agree that the transformers are an important component, but despite the KF mystique its still a fairly straightforward electronic circuit, and if built correctly should work okay. One of Niks clones should get you safely in the ballpark of the "true Trainwreck" sound, and if you hang at AmpGarage you can always upgrade to a better output transformer. My clone has the same transformers as a real "Wreck" and to my ear sounds almost identical to the real thing. I've heard real ones live, but never played through one, in the interest of full disclosure.

[TeleDog]

Can't get any more basic than a guitar pickup, however, we all know the difference between a PAF or some Seymour Duncan and a generic "crapbucker" made in China.

Lots of things can get you when it comes to amps. Every little detail matters. Heat dissipation, the location of the transformers, the wire used, the capacitors, the tubes, the grounding system, everything matters.

Oh, I got a few email replies from Nick and he seems to be a class act! Out of the stuff he has, I like the "Rock it" (rocket), fairly straight forward. I'm not much into "kits", I like to pick and chose every little part, but the amp does look interesting.

[5F6-A]

I'd say do it!!