Amp Project: Magnatone Troubadour 213

SixGunLover · Post by **SixGunLover** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:35 pm

Technically this isn't DIY as I'm looking at getting someone else to build it, but I thought this is the most appropriate category.

I'm looking into having an amp built for me - I'd try my hand at it myself but I don't know the first thing about electronics.

I was hoping the more tech savvy among you could take a look at these schematics I found on the web and let me know if they're functional and if it's a feasible project.

Basically the amp is a Magnatone Troubadour 213; 18W Class A, cathode-biased, 6V6s. The vibrato is expendable to me, but it's in the schematic.

If this is a no go or would be prohibitively expensive, I'd appreciate your input on what amps would get me in the ballpark. Fretted Americana do a modified asian-made clone for $895 USD, plus freight etc.

Finally, what would the best options for attenuation be for a custom made amp?

Thanks in advance to any who respond - I appreciate your input.

AmpShop · Post by **AmpShop** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:03 pm

Great amp!

Disregard the vibrato and you've got something very similar to a Fender 5E3.

However, the vibrato is in the circuit thus it contributes to the overall sound of the amp (to what degree is arguable). Getting the correct varistors would be the big problem, they're long out of production and scarce, although you might find someone on a US forum who'd sell you some.

SixGunLover · Post by **SixGunLover** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:31 pm

CustomAudioBoutique wrote:Great amp!

Disregard the vibrato and you've got something very similar to a Fender 5E3.

However, the vibrato is in the circuit thus it contributes to the overall sound of the amp (to what degree is arguable). Getting the correct varistors would be the big problem, they're long out of production and scarce, although you might find someone on a US forum who'd sell you some.

Thanks very much for the reply.

I do love 5E3/Tweed Deluxe type stuff - maybe that'd be a more convenient/realistic project. Wasn't there one second hand for sale on here? I'll enquire.

AmpShop · Post by **AmpShop** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:36 pm

I can put you in touch with the guy selling the 5E3 I built.

Alternatively, you could look at building a 213 and using a nice bias trem circuit instead of the vibrato - I'd be happy to take a on a build like that

AiRdAd · Post by **AiRdAd** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:51 pm

Ryan built my 5e3 clone. Everyone that plays it, loves it. Unique tried it the other day and commented that it was the best one he had played.

You would be hard pressed to get something better than what Ryan can do.

Aquila Rossa · Post by **Aquila Rossa** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:18 pm

AiRdAd wrote:Ryan built my 5e3 clone. Everyone that plays it, loves it. Unique tried it the other day and commented that it was the best one he had played.

You would be hard pressed to get something better than what Ryan can do.

When I was new here comments like this came across to me as a heavy bias by forum members toward both Ryan at CAB and Adrian Ash. Experience has shown me that both those guys actually have earned and deserve these kind of props. We are lucky to have them here in Auckland, they are both highly skilled, very experienced, mind-boggling knowledgeable, and extremely easy to work with. They also give a very fair go on pricing. Go for it.

vintage52 · Post by **vintage52** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Aquila Rosso wrote:
AiRdAd wrote:Ryan built my 5e3 clone. Everyone that plays it, loves it. Unique tried it the other day and commented that it was the best one he had played.

You would be hard pressed to get something better than what Ryan can do.
When I was new here comments like this came across to me as a heavy bias by forum members toward both Ryan at CAB and Adrian Ash. Experience has shown me that both those guys actually have earned and deserve these kind of props. We are lucky to have them here in Auckland, they are both highly skilled, very experienced, mind-boggling knowledgeable, and extremely easy to work with. They also give a very fair go on pricing. Go for it.

Exactly!

AiRdAd · Post by **AiRdAd** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:34 pm

I agree too, but ash and Ryan do such good work.

Wait till you hear my review of the jcm800 Ryan modded for me!

Aquila Rossa · Post by **Aquila Rossa** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:47 pm

AiRdAd wrote:I agree too, but ash and Ryan do such good work.

Wait till you hear my review of the jcm800 Ryan modded for me!

can't wait. clip too?
I will be sending my trusty old 800 to him for work soon too, after the guitars are done (Glyn is doing this work, he is awesome at guitar work too and within hobbling distance from my place. The three of them should join forces and create a monster). Nothing radical on the amp, just a few tweaks and perhaps a master volume because it is the 1987 model 800. How long until the review?

AiRdAd · Post by **AiRdAd** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:50 pm

I'll do it up tonight

RobRoyMcCoy · Post by **RobRoyMcCoy** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:53 pm

A pair of 6v6 in class A cathode bias will do a maximum of approximately 10w clean if everything is set up perfectly. It is probably class AB.

tubeswell · Post by **tubeswell** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:44 am

Maggies are valued for their 'pitch-shifting' vibrato, but those varistors are hard to find. They were specifically made for those amps back in the day, and the bidding starts at US$50/pair on e-bay. The vibrato in the 4-varistor Maggie sounds better than the 2-varistor one. If you're going to fork out for those varistors, you might as well go the whole-hog.

But an alternative method of getting the vibrato is to use a Hammond AO47 Saturable Reactor (triple transformer array), which was designed for Hammond organ vibrato, and which you can find on e-bay from time to time starting at US$20. That is was I used in this gizmo: http://www.nzguitars.com/forum/viewtopi ... 41&t=21856

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