THAT's The Sound I Want !

[Torchy]

I'm fairly new to the DIY stomper scene and have just found the ZVEX website (via a Fuzz Factory discussion). Now, the guy has a Nano-Head 1/2 Watt Tube Amp that sounds mental. It is exactly the sound I have had in my head for ages. Now, I do not want the schematic to pirate his work as the guy obviously puts so much of himself into these boxes, but I do want the sound. I dont want to be spoon-fed either, I'm trying to learn about tubes and the important thing is how THAT sound comes from one or two tiny bottles. Ive checked a few sites but cant find anything under 5 watts that is as small as this.

So, can any of the gurus on here point me in the right direction for a 1/2 watt tube amp project that sounds like this ?

http://www.zvexamps.com/nanohead%20dirty.mp3

[Peter Snowberg]

Getting that type of sound I think requires those kind of tubes with tiny plate strutures. Zach has said quite a bit around here about how it works and what went into the design. Just search the archives for "nanohead" and you may be amazed what you find.

Those tubes are super rugged Philips 6021Ws that he has a pretty huge cache of. Acording to what he's already said, he use a three stage preamp running with a B+ of ?230? (it's in the archives) and use stage four to drive a reverb transformer.

If you want to build something without the high voltage hastle, check out the threads on Slajeune's Sopht Amp.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=22068
http://www.diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=22194

Then check out his web site at: http://www.sopht.ca/

I'll bet that with a booster you could get something in the neighborhood, but those 6021s have their own tone.

Oh... I should mention that the Sopht Amp is 12 volts only and gives a whopping 40mW out! Hows that for less than 5 watts?

For a great little tube amp with probably about a watt of output, check out Doug Hammond's FireFly http://home.cfl.rr.com/dbhammond/ff.htm . Oh.... and Adam Alpern has some 6021 information at: http://amps.zugster.net/projects/sub-mini/

Take care,
-Peter

[Jered]

adding to what Peter said, also check out the AX84 website for all kinds of beginner amp building info.
Jered

[aron]

One other thing.... if it has THE tone you have wanted for ages....

Start saving up. It will cost you more to try and replicate it when you can just get it.

[Alpha579]

arons right, it would cost more...but then again, by building one, you gain valuable experience...

[Boofhead]

You could start by looking at some of  Doug Hammond's stuff,

http://home.cfl.rr.com/dbhammond/ff.htm

You can mod it however you want of course, but basic idea and ckt is there.

[Torchy]

Thanks for all the replies to what probably seemed an inane question  :oops:

The archives have answered a lot of my questions but those other links are excellent (thanks Peter). I checked and the nanoamps are £399 in the uk (ex-vat and delivery surcharges) - looks like its grovelling-for-a-raise-time again.

I'm learning so much, and most of it is from this site and the knowledge you all share so freely. Big thanks to all of you.

Looks like I got a LOT of reading to do  :lol:

[Paul Marossy]

I was initially going to suggest the Firefly, but I didn't know if you wanted something literally as small as the nano head, or just the sound. You can build the Firefly into a pretty small unit, but it won't be anywhere near as small as the nano.

[smoguzbenjamin]

400 quid for 40mW of output. Sounds like a great recording amp.... ZVex.... *slobber*

[Torchy]

Right, lots of reading done, decision made. First stab will be the Ruby-Tuby from the Sopht site. If that goes ok, and the experimenting doesnt blow me up I'll tackle the Firefly. Then its time for an AX84 derivative  :lol:

Learning curves ... love 'em  :lol:

[Paul Marossy]

I certainly do like my Firefly.  

[aron]

arons right, it would cost more...but then again, by building one, you gain valuable experience...

That is certainly true. However, one thing all of this has taught me is if THE TONE or guitar is staring me in the face, I don't care, I will buy it ( if I can afford it).