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DIY bass amp
- Thread starter 6thplanet
- Start date
I think many diodes are quoted at 0.7v under a specific load, when used to increase the voltage of a 78** regulator they don't pull much load so the voltage is lower.
The voltage drop increases with load across the diodes if I remember right.
The voltage drop increases with load across the diodes if I remember right.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,062
- 5
- 221,098
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Just a "fun fact"; tube "testers" are pretty picky about heater voltage being to design spec. Those that offer a "life test" actually just drop the heater voltage ~20% to simulate loss of emissions from the cathodes. If emissions remain "good" under reduced heater voltage it is assumed the tube has good life expectancy.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,062
- 5
- 221,098
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Durability and longevity is yet to be seen (as it is with all new amps), but after using the one I picked up from you last week for two gigs this past weekend, it's quite an amp. The tube configuration gives it that warmth you just can't get from "non-tube" amps. I love my Bergantino HP2 and Forte D and they have their place in my set-up, but I have to say I love how your amp sounds and performs.
This amp reminds me a lot of the Ampeg SVT 7 Pro, but yours is a bit warmer, and lighter.
It's took me two gigs to get it dialed in to my liking, but once I got there it was phenomenal. I must add that the Greenboy fEARless F112 on top of the Acme Low B2 was a great combination with this amp. It really punched!
PS: Thanks for coming out to the gig yesterday.
Here are couple of pics, one close-up of the amp and one of the rig from yesterday. I had the Bergantino HP2 as a backup, but never needed (or wanted) to use it.
This amp reminds me a lot of the Ampeg SVT 7 Pro, but yours is a bit warmer, and lighter.
It's took me two gigs to get it dialed in to my liking, but once I got there it was phenomenal. I must add that the Greenboy fEARless F112 on top of the Acme Low B2 was a great combination with this amp. It really punched!
PS: Thanks for coming out to the gig yesterday.
Here are couple of pics, one close-up of the amp and one of the rig from yesterday. I had the Bergantino HP2 as a backup, but never needed (or wanted) to use it.
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Glamour shots of the family. They are done and it's time to get them out to their new homes. Hopefully everything is documented so anyone that wants to DIY one, can.
Hey Eric!
The amp is phenomenal! I had a gig last Saturday. It was a WAKY Reunion. We invited another group to open for us. The bass player is a good friend of mine and he wanted to bring in his Fender Rumble Combo because he said it 'thumped and punched" and cut through the rest of the group. I assured him that the WA2T700 would do that and more. I set it up and EQ'd it to his likings. Not only did he not bring in his Fender Rumble, but he said it's been years since his bass has sounded so good.
This thing is "killer"!!! My Bergantinos are now backups to this amp. Thank you.
PS: My Tuki Headcover should be in soon. I'll let you know how it works out.
The amp is phenomenal! I had a gig last Saturday. It was a WAKY Reunion. We invited another group to open for us. The bass player is a good friend of mine and he wanted to bring in his Fender Rumble Combo because he said it 'thumped and punched" and cut through the rest of the group. I assured him that the WA2T700 would do that and more. I set it up and EQ'd it to his likings. Not only did he not bring in his Fender Rumble, but he said it's been years since his bass has sounded so good.
This thing is "killer"!!! My Bergantinos are now backups to this amp. Thank you.
PS: My Tuki Headcover should be in soon. I'll let you know how it works out.
That is so great to hear! I'm a little biased, but since starting this project I've felt this amp sounded so good I wanted to share it.
I've taken it to a few music stores around town and have had nothing but great comments on how it sounds and looks. Most notably people say "this is how a bass should sound" ...and that's through different cabs and using different basses.
Granted there are a plethora of options these days, but I feel this amp has its own character that stands out from the rest. Definitely not implying it's for everyone, but its great to hear others enjoying what it provides.
I've taken it to a few music stores around town and have had nothing but great comments on how it sounds and looks. Most notably people say "this is how a bass should sound" ...and that's through different cabs and using different basses.
Granted there are a plethora of options these days, but I feel this amp has its own character that stands out from the rest. Definitely not implying it's for everyone, but its great to hear others enjoying what it provides.
I wonder how hard it would be to make the pre-amp fit into a stomp box similar to a Sushi Box pedal.
I think I might leave that to someone more experienced then me with a shoe horn.
I think I might leave that to someone more experienced then me with a shoe horn.
If anyone is in the Nashville area and have never been to The Low End music store, please go treat yourself! Holy moly, this place has an incredible selection of basses.
Brian, the owner, also has his own line of basses, truly remarkable stuff.
He also has a bunch of well known amps, as well as one of mine now. Bass players paradise...
lowendbassshop.com
Brian, the owner, also has his own line of basses, truly remarkable stuff.
He also has a bunch of well known amps, as well as one of mine now. Bass players paradise...
Homepage - The LowEnd Bass Shop
Welcome to the LowEnd Bass Shop where you will find high end bass guitars, various bass related gear, and professional instrument services such as repairs and upgrades. Our inventory is updated Daily! I am a one-man shop, so please text/email me. Don’t ever worry about following up if I missed a...
lowendbassshop.com
Met up for a jam with some friends and got to try my amp out on a Beringer 4-10 that was at the location.
Really nice sounding cab. Had plenty of low end punch and clean highs. Besides the weight of it, if your on a budget and one of these are an option, definitely would suffice.
Really nice sounding cab. Had plenty of low end punch and clean highs. Besides the weight of it, if your on a budget and one of these are an option, definitely would suffice.
Great to hear, Pep!
I did send one out to another TBer, so far he's really digging it. He'll post up his review in the near future.
I'm working on building a few cabs to go with the amps. There will be a couple 1/15's and at least one 1/12 up first.
I did send one out to another TBer, so far he's really digging it. He'll post up his review in the near future.
I'm working on building a few cabs to go with the amps. There will be a couple 1/15's and at least one 1/12 up first.
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,516
- 19,953
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Howdy, folks! I have been fortunate enough to have picked up a Woodring WA2T700, myself, and I have to say, I am extremely impressed! Eric has done something really special, here. First off, the design, construction, and execution are just amazing! It is certainly a far cry from what I would expect from a "DIY" project and more akin to a boutique builder who does this for their day job.
These heads look great in the photos here in this thread, but I'm telling you, in person, it'll really knock your socks off!
Of course, none of this matters (much) if it doesn't sound good and doesn't present a viable bass amplification option, right? Well, I am happy to say that this head sounds as good as it looks! My bandmates are used to me bringing in a ton of different gear (and some really, really good gear, at that!), and my guitar player was immediately smitten with the tone of the WA2T700 - as was I! Right out of the gate, with all knobs at noon, it just sounds like a fantastic "bass amp," with fullness, heft, plenty of clarity, and definitely some of that harmonic excitement I like from good tube gear. Dialing it in a bit improved things even more. The overdrive is quite good and quite functional, though I have been mostly playing it in the "clean to slightly pushed" range.
As expected, it has plenty of volume on tap. I have been playing it through my Bergantino NXTSE 212, which is matches perfectly, not only tonally, but also aesthetically!
After dialing it in and jamming with my band at a couple of practices, I was already very happy and impressed with the WA2T700. But as I started to play different instruments through the head, I was really amazed at how different (but still good) they all sounded. The WA2T700 does kind of have its own voice - in a full, yet clear, and round, yet crisp kind of way - but it absolutely lets the character of each instrument shine through. Sure, many other heads kind of do this, as well, but this is a real strong suit, IME/IMHO for this particular head.
I'm not sure how many of these Eric has left, or if he is planning on building more (I don't think he is), but if you can snag one of these heads, I highly recommend it! I am certainly very glad to have one, myself!
Life is currently in the "super busy" (but good!) mode, but I do hope to post some videos of the WA2T700 in action one of these days!
These heads look great in the photos here in this thread, but I'm telling you, in person, it'll really knock your socks off!
Of course, none of this matters (much) if it doesn't sound good and doesn't present a viable bass amplification option, right? Well, I am happy to say that this head sounds as good as it looks! My bandmates are used to me bringing in a ton of different gear (and some really, really good gear, at that!), and my guitar player was immediately smitten with the tone of the WA2T700 - as was I! Right out of the gate, with all knobs at noon, it just sounds like a fantastic "bass amp," with fullness, heft, plenty of clarity, and definitely some of that harmonic excitement I like from good tube gear. Dialing it in a bit improved things even more. The overdrive is quite good and quite functional, though I have been mostly playing it in the "clean to slightly pushed" range.
As expected, it has plenty of volume on tap. I have been playing it through my Bergantino NXTSE 212, which is matches perfectly, not only tonally, but also aesthetically!
After dialing it in and jamming with my band at a couple of practices, I was already very happy and impressed with the WA2T700. But as I started to play different instruments through the head, I was really amazed at how different (but still good) they all sounded. The WA2T700 does kind of have its own voice - in a full, yet clear, and round, yet crisp kind of way - but it absolutely lets the character of each instrument shine through. Sure, many other heads kind of do this, as well, but this is a real strong suit, IME/IMHO for this particular head.
I'm not sure how many of these Eric has left, or if he is planning on building more (I don't think he is), but if you can snag one of these heads, I highly recommend it! I am certainly very glad to have one, myself!
Life is currently in the "super busy" (but good!) mode, but I do hope to post some videos of the WA2T700 in action one of these days!
Humbling words, Tom! Glad you like it, which says a ton coming from you. I can only imagine the amount of equipment your exposed to. I figured if anyone would be totally honest about my amp, it'd be you. The fact that you wanted to buy it says it all. Much appreciated. Definitely look forward to any videos.
I do have 6 available...
I do have 6 available...
