"I have found these are…"
#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!
3 tube 8 watter Valco style amp with swamp sound
I've had real good luck building this Valco 510-11 circuit. For those who would enjoy retrofitting old and good looking vintage cabinets, this design fits the bill. The sound is fat and stuffed to the brim with harmonics. What one could call a "bedroom" amp.
I would be willing to assist in sourcing the 3 common tubes, transformers, and related components. Total cost will be somewhere around $200+ however this circuit is fairly forgiving and used power transformers, sockets, knobs, & chassis not only make the amp look better, it's cheaper as well.
Uses a 5Y3GT, a 6SL7, & a single 6V6. The last one I built went into a suitcase. The preamp section was biased well below maximum, but acted so hot that with the modd'ed preamp volume when turned up added a vibrato. This design is extremely sensitive, simply hammering the neck plays loud.
In this small venue (Cigar Box Nation) I will be glad to share my schematics & links to the most reputable parts suppliers. This amp will not only fit a small foot print, but will preform well with a standard guitar & will allow you, the tube novice (and experienced builder alike) to enjoy the amp that Jimmy Page used to record Stairway To Heaven with.
Search the web for Valco 510-11 images. The drawing is tilted slightly, that's the one.
If there is some interest, I'll post a couple of pics of what I have, maybe a youtube clip as well.
Rest regards, Doug
- Attachments:
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Doug Christensen on
-
Understood. Going over the connections, from those fuses to re-soldering/ re-flowing the circuit board, there is so much stuff to get to just to get it all "taken care of". Even in this tiny amp....but one thing for sure, it would be a sweet re-cycle, that cab.
When I worked as an amp repairmen on the weekends there in Austin, I saw 2 y/o fenders failing with an "intact" input jack. When Fender moved away from SwitchCraft jacks, it was the beginning of the end for their reliability. That's only a single reason why I always take care of my "building block" component selection quality.
Looks like a larger speaker possibly would be a easy swap out also. Can't wait for juicy info on that bad amp...
-
-
-
Here it is finished. Just a quick cellfoan pic, better documentation coming. The paint was still tacky..
- Attachments:
-
-
Valco510Mod.jpg, 633 KB
-
-
-
-
Here is a video of my latest 3 tube mod'ed Valco 510-11 creations
-
-
-
Sold the one built here for 500 smakers. Working on 2 more currently. For some reason the ser#1013 has an incredible Billy Gibbons- Magnatone sound. Here is a link to listen .....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs35RvBGxIs&list=UU9W4Vl201YkwF...
I could put together a kit for those who want to give this amp a try. Punched out sheet metal chassis included. Just leave me a note here & I'll get back to you. So far I've had good luck with the Magnetic Components power transformers. This company is making their stuff in the USA and was the OEM supplier for the Valco way back in the mid 1940s.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, -Doug
-
-
Permalink Reply by Blind Lemon Cello on
-
Sounds AWESOME Doug!!!
And a Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours!
-
-
-
Has anybody tried to build this 3 tube 8 watter yet? I have serial numbers 19 & 20 all caged up & waiting for a new home.
Best, Doug
-
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- …
- 4
- 5
- 6
- Next ›
The Essential Pages
Recommended Links & Resources
- CigarBoxGuitar.com - the knowledgebase of the homemade music movement.
- Cigar Box Music - How-to-Build CBGs DVDs, How to Play CBG and more!
- 3-String-Guitar.com - John "Red Dog" McNair's unique take on cigar box guitars and their history - lots of historic photos!
- The Cigar Box Guitar Manifesto - the mission statement and rallying cry for the Cigar Box Guitar Revolution.
Discussion Forum
Zenith C845
Started by James Pobog. Last reply by James Pobog Nov 22, 2019. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Just got a radio/cassette player--My next move--HELP!!
Started by Andy Busch. Last reply by Tim Pannabecker Aug 25, 2019. 3 Replies 1 Like
Sweet Norwegian Transistor Radio - any tips?
Started by Elliott Fisher. Last reply by GARY KNIGHT Mar 25, 2018. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Battery valve radios
Started by Bird. Last reply by Bird Nov 22, 2016. 6 Replies 0 Likes
3 tube 8 watter Valco style amp with swamp sound
Started by Doug Christensen. Last reply by Doug Christensen Oct 17, 2016. 66 Replies 1 Like
hey guys just alittle info please
Started by gregory lazorchak. Last reply by Denis U Jul 23, 2016. 3 Replies 0 Likes
Hitachi Transistor Radio with Tape.
Started by David Wilson. Last reply by GARY KNIGHT Jul 4, 2016. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Mini Amp - Where Do I make Connections? What is missing?
Started by Brian Revels. Last reply by daniel clarke May 13, 2016. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Car radio Amp
Started by Orcabait. Last reply by GARY KNIGHT May 10, 2016. 1 Reply 0 Likes
1962 Silvertone Medalist 3217
Started by Monterey. Last reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted Apr 3, 2015. 11 Replies 2 Likes
New jack in an old radio
Started by White Raven. Last reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted Mar 30, 2015. 3 Replies 0 Likes
Suitcase Amp
Started by Gary Ross. Last reply by Gary Ross Jan 26, 2015. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Arvin 8 Transistor AM radio...
Started by Corbin. Last reply by Corbin Jan 15, 2015. 11 Replies 0 Likes
Low volume with your Hacked Radio --- Amp
Started by Corbin. Last reply by Corbin Jan 12, 2015. 4 Replies 0 Likes
DIY amp question
Started by Greg Thompson. Last reply by Greg Thompson Jan 10, 2015. 2 Replies 0 Likes
1964 Philips AM/FM Radio to guitar amp project
Started by Scott aka Farmer Ted. Last reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted Jan 8, 2015. 4 Replies 1 Like
Thank you beetle juice!
Started by Greg Thompson. Last reply by Jim Quinlan Nov 6, 2014. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Preamps
Started by John Newman. Last reply by 3 String Blues Aug 21, 2014. 3 Replies 0 Likes
Blog Posts
I'll be fashionable this summer =)
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Everyone can make CBG. And I did it =)
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
.✨. Cover Me ..♪♫•*¨*•. ~ the Delta Blues Outlaws
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Q&A with Arkansas-based talented blues musician Billy Jones, one of the very best authentic modern artists
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Big Power Bank for Small CBG =)
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
Latest Activity
Don't Worry Be Happy: 3D Printed Cigar Box Guitar
Cigar Box Guitar Slingers - Spokane, 198th Zoom Mtg 04/15/24. Only 1-finger chords, free songbooks here: https://www.cbgslinger.com/download CBG Songbook.pdf...
Frethound 4 String
" I was gonna say, "Sweeeeeeeeeet" as well, but that was taken. Very nice. I too love…"
" Any other questions, just ask. "
" Hello JD, welcome. I'm a fifty year failed six-string player that got into building and…"
Frethound 4 String
""Sweeeeeeeeet", love the burning on the Body, have a Build on the Bench at the moment,…"
CigarBoxGuitar.com Knowledgebase Articles
Events
Music
© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.
Powered by
