NGD: Ears may offend

[MikeC]

Actually I just realised that a second mod done will increase the gain - that is the reduction of the reverb mixing resistor from 3.3M to 2.2M. This mod is easily undone!

[AiRdAd]

Cool set up. Congrats
I agree, a trem would be epic on that
As foot getting the sound you want.... What is it ? The Princeton can be tricky if you want dirt. It tends to have a bit to more of a fizzy break up. That said, they can sound wonderful just on the edge of that. Try an attenuator. Also I went thru a few speakers before I found one that was right.

Mostly getting a 'balanced' sound. This amp gets dirty fairly swiftly—I understand some of the tweaks Mike made to some components were intended to achieve earlier breakup. I'd actually prefer it stayed pretty much totally clean—and at the volumes I can realistically play at home it does. It's primarily user ineptitude though, I think. I haven't played electric really at all for a couple of years, so I'm kind of relearning how.

does the trem have to be drilled into the body Hamish?

It does. Doesn't bother me. I always intended to put a trem on it.

Can't wait to see pics of it finished!

[bigporridgeday]

There is only one mod done which would cause slightly earlier breakup - the negative feedback was reduced (not removed). This one resistor (5600) can be changed back to stock (2700). You could clip another 5700 across the existing 5700 to get very close to stock and then see how she sounds. FWIW, the PI in the Princeton is different to all the other Blackface amps and can produce unpleasant "blocking distortion" when pushed really hard! So I have installed a grid stopper on the PI to reduce this possibility. I have a list of the mods if you'd like it.

Thanks for that. Conway sent me the list of mods. I've been looking at it and thinking I might like to return one or two of them to stock at some stage. Which is not to criticise the amp—you've made a fantastic job of it!

[Conway]

The other thing you could try is a more efficient speaker for higher volume output before you hit the break-up point. With the first of Mike's Princetons, I used an Eminence Legend 1258. Livesound in Auckland has them for $189:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instrum ... 362131.htm

[bigporridgeday]

The other thing you could try is a more efficient speaker for higher volume output before you hit the break-up point. With the first of Mike's Princetons, I used an Eminence Legend 1258. Livesound in Auckland has them for $189:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instrum ... 362131.htm

Cheers—something to keep in mind. I think mostly I'm finding the amp quite bassy and I'd probably like to return the tremolo and reverb to stock. I'd like a bit more trem speed in particular. As I said, though, I'm very happy with the amp and should probably spend more time with it before I nitpick!

[Conway]

Don't be afraid to run it with the bass on 1 and treble on 8. Bit of extra mids via the back control can help too.

[Conway]

If you try it next to a stock Fender Princeton, even a FSR one, you'll realise just how good it really sounds.

[bigporridgeday]

Yep—afternoon at home so I've been spending some time with it, figuring out some settings. Sounding great!

[Jay]

If you try it next to a stock Fender Princeton, even a FSR one, you'll realise just how good it really sounds.

Did you and Slowy compare it to my one when he had it for while?

[bigporridgeday]

Rainy weekend, so got the Duesenberg tremola installed:



Looks right at home on there I think. Very easy install as the hole for the strap button screw on the trem endplate lines up perfectly with the original. Chucked a couple of strings on to check everything lined up down the neck, then drilled the mounting holes in the top.

Really enjoying this guitar. Couple of other things that need attention (slippy tuner, bridge saddles notched too much), but nothing I can't muddle along with for now.

[Bg]

Rainy weekend, so got the Duesenberg tremola installed:



Looks right at home on there I think. Very easy install as the hole for the strap button screw on the trem endplate lines up perfectly with the original. Chucked a couple of strings on to check everything lined up down the neck, then drilled the mounting holes in the top.

Really enjoying this guitar. Couple of other things that need attention (slippy tuner, bridge saddles notched too much), but nothing I can't muddle along with for now.

Did I call dibs on this yet?

[Bg]

No IIIIIIII Call Dibs!

Too late bro, too late.

[Bg]

Hi Conway, I just hope you aren't making a profit!! The 5E3 amp chassis is complete with bass reduction, gain reduction switch and VRM as discussed. I'm just waiting on BG for the tweed combo cab! I'll be in touch.

Spent so much time on this one, it had to be pretty much perfect. Its so good I even signed it. Brian Gretsch Godin Gibson.

[Sai Soe]

Nice!