MJ
180 posts
Sep 19, 2010
11:31 AM
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I recently finished building a valve jr. from parts I collected on eBay and elsewhere. It was a fun project that turned out rather well. I did a few harp type mods to it and used a Heybour OT that I had lying around. It Has a Weber VST 8" ceramic speaker that to me works great. I built the cab with birch plywood and constructed it in the shape of an older fender tweed cab. I think the acoustics from this shape is better than the cab that Epiphone uses for their Valve Jr. I say this because I have owned a couple of VJr combos and thought that the cab shape was close to good but not right on. Of course my opinion is totally subjective. I just wanted to share this with any Vjr enthusiasts.
On the whole I think that The sound and tone from my 6V6 5f1 is more to my taste, It is not as harsh as the EVJ which employs the 6BQ5. I am sure that others will find that the 6BQ5 is the sound that suits them more. That is what makes everyone different I suppose. What a drag if we all sounded the same. Of course the mic makes a difference as well. Not to mention the chops that are needed whether amped or acoustic. Enjoy life.
Last Edited by on Dec 11, 2010 12:10 PM
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Hobostubs Ashlock
1062 posts
Sep 19, 2010
3:02 PM
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looks nice MJ cost very much to build?
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Hobostubs
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tookatooka
1719 posts
Sep 19, 2010
3:13 PM
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Not being a valve amp user, could you tell me what the output wattage would be from this with the 8 inch speaker?
It looks a nice sturdy cabinet that would produce a very meaty tone.
One further question. Is the cabinet fully enclosed except for the speaker hole or do you have to provide ventilation holes in the back for heat dissipation from the valves?
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MJ
181 posts
Sep 19, 2010
6:19 PM
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Hobostubs, Thanks. It was not too expensive. The circuit board (Version 3)I got for under $20, the chassis for $15 or so. Plywood for the cab was under $20. The output transformer (8 ohm) I had in my box of parts goes for around $15 used. The speaker I have in it is about $70, but well worth it. It is not always cheaper to build your own. However, the experience is priceless.
Tookatooka, The size of the speaker does not determine the wattage. That is determined by the output transformer and other electrical considerations. The Valve Jr. is a single ended 5 watt amp. My speaker is 8 ohm 30 watt. The cabinet is partly open in the rear , for both acoustics and ventilation.
Last Edited by on Sep 21, 2010 7:41 AM
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N.O.D.
214 posts
Sep 19, 2010
9:44 PM
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Yo great thread i got bored with mine checked it out Man :)
This is the Epiphone VJ Clone sold Downunder,,Legacy 5 Watt
the Old Press Board cab was way to heavy and i wanted to
Lighten the load :)
$34 2mm Aluminium check plate belted with a Rubber Hammer:)
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on Ebay soon any Aussies want it:)
Last Edited by on Sep 20, 2010 5:54 AM
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MJ
184 posts
Sep 20, 2010
8:55 AM
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N.O.D. That looks nice. I wanted mine in a cab, as I was never able to match the head I once owned with a cab that gave me what I liked. I will say though that the Epi Lady Luck cab is very good for harp, only I really prefer having a combo. Lugging around too much gear is something I try to avoid, so having a head and speaker separate doesn't work for me.
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toddlgreene
1797 posts
Sep 20, 2010
9:02 AM
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That cab looks very cool, MJ! I love the wood look. How's the weight versus a stock Epi combo?
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Crescent City Harmonica Club
Todd L Greene, Co-Founder
Last Edited by on Sep 20, 2010 9:02 AM
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MJ
186 posts
Sep 21, 2010
8:13 AM
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toddlgreene The valve jr stock cab weighs 25 lbs according to specs. My valve jr rebuild weighs 23 lbs. Not a great difference. However I will add that my speaker has a 30 oz magnet,which is a bit heavier than the stock valve jr speaker.
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toddlgreene
1807 posts
Sep 21, 2010
8:59 AM
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Is that corner moulding I see in the top picture? I'm toying with the idea of building a slightly bigger cab for mine, so it will be a combo with a 10" or 12"(or maybe 2 8"s) instead of the single 8". This just inspired me. Thanks!
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Crescent City Harmonica Club
Todd L Greene, Co-Founder
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MP
859 posts
Sep 21, 2010
2:40 PM
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hey MJ,
now you need python tolex and a leather handle.
just a thought.......
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MP
hibachi cook for the yakuza
doctor of semiotics
superhero emeritus
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MJ
187 posts
Sep 21, 2010
4:32 PM
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toddlgreene... What you may be looking at is 3/4" edge molding on the front of the cab. It is a rather simple design that can be done with minimal tools. I have given it 3 coats of amber shellac. If I get a chance I will post a pic or the rear.
MP.. that would mean that I would give the full monty??
Last Edited by on Sep 21, 2010 4:33 PM
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N.O.D.
222 posts
Sep 23, 2010
1:44 AM
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Bro's check it out time to let out a secret this amp was constructed from 19mm solid pine and contructed the same strait butted srewed together no fancy, finger joints,
i built the cab to the stage in the last pick above counter sunk the screws just below flush with the surface,
I then with semi hard wood 2 ply cut it to shape
front sides top and bottom, i then clued the panels on with contact cement this hid those nasty end grain and screws,
the only screws visable are the front baffel board and bottom amp bolts:)
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Next Job my Fender Blues Junior:)
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