That 750 Ohm resistor which serves as a dropping resistor in the power supply doesn’t simultaniously act as a screen grid resistor. In fact I have still to see a Tophat Amp that came Stock with screen grid resistors on the output tubes. In my point of view this is a major flaw in these otherwise fine built Amps.
A) It keeps the downstream B+ more stable as variations in the screen current won't pull down the B+ as much. B) Individual screen grid resistors can protect the entire power supply from a bad tube. C) Say you want max headroom in the preamp so you want to keep the screen node voltage high but that exceeds the max voltage of a given output tube. Screen grid resistors can drop the voltage to the screens without dropping the voltage available for the downstream (preamp) circuitry. There are other reasons but those are the most important.
Couple of corrections. Most of the yellow caps are not 150 series Mallory, they’re Cornell Dublier WMF series that are proper polyester film/foil, not metallized. Only the negative side of the PI and the bleed cap on the B+ that you thought not rated for that use… It’s a 630 volt cap on 380 volt supply…why is that not kosher?? I strongly prefer the audio taper treble. 7-10 is enough range for the hyper treble tone I’m never looking for!! As for the fat boost being footswitched… I don’t feel it’s enough of a lead boost to bother adding the footswitch. I did early on do that on some models…I found that by literally dragging the signal down the guitar cord of any reasonable length…you could hear a high end loss of frequency because the shorting in the pedal is at the end of the cable carrying some of the signal. Thus, stopped doing it. In that arrangement, you’re not simply triggering a relay inside the chassis, which wouldn’t have the same detrimental effect. Lastly, I definitely don’t like any post phase inverter MV. I prefer pre PI. Yes, you lose bottom end by lowering the impedance of the EQ section. That’s why I inform people and describe in the owners manual, the EQ correction needed at lower than 1/2 master settings. You lower the treble knob no higher than the master and at very low settings, less than 1/4…lower the mids too. You’re lowering the treble a lot and the mid some to balance with what little amount of bass is left, to re balance the spectrum as it sounds at higher output with normal EQ settings. You’ll be amazed at what a help that is… Here’s my philosophy on pre vs. post PI masters… I don’t think phase inverter distortion is good distortion. It’s bad, sounds over baked and splattered. PI’s imho are not meant as a place for distortion. Lots of different types, some provide a decent amount of gain, others effectively none. I prefer a cleaner PI generally, especially with a cathode biased no neg power section that breaks up easily. More to the point… Pre PI type give you a level control at the mouth of the PI that under higher preamp gain levels, helps control the distortion at the PI helping to prevent it from getting over baked. Then Freely breathing as god intended through to the mouth of the power tubes!! Post PI, under any circumstances but especially at higher gain settings where the PI is getting hammered…you’re now choking this over baked sound at the mouth of the power tubes…preventing them from causing the naturally occurring power tube distortion that is more pleasing than purely thinner preamp distortion. One is a better controlled distortion freely breathing on through and the other is choking down an overbaked bad distortion. In old non master arrangements, it all happens at roughly the same time…pre, PI and power tube distortion, in sync. But most rarely went past about 7 on the vol/gain knob, as they got ratted out🙏 Brian of TopHat
Hey Brian, As I said, very nice amp. Sorry, I missed the WMF print. Very nice choice. I probably shouldn't have mentioned the cap to ground on pin 8 of the rectifier. As I said, it was mostly theoretical and would be fine. Was just kind of talking out loud as I went. We'll have to agree to disagree on the Treble taper and choice of MV. Doesn't stop it from being a very good sounding well made amp. I get you on long cable lengths for footswitching the cathode. Relay/transistor woud be needed for longer runs, but that adds a layer of complication.
I'm one of your recent subscribers. Love the channel! (Also ... please don't succumb to using "ambient" background music. Can't stand it. You've been blessed with a great set of pipes, and that's all we need!)
Congrats on 10k subs! Brian Gerhard of TopHat has been in the biz for many, many years. He's an exceptional builder and like you, builds high end amps in the VOX flavor of circuits. He did an interview on Pete Thorn's channel last year and its a must watch with lots to geek out to. Seems that you and Brian would get along famously.
Congrats Lyle! Your deep knowledge of guitar amps and electronics is up there with the very best. And your attention to detail is top notch. A true professional. I thank you for sharing this with the YT universe. Looking forward to watch your channel grow with many more subscribers.
Yeah, you're doing a great job with this Channel. Outside of Uncle Doug, I feel very comfortable watching and listening to your content. Brad's Guitar Garage sent me over here. I'm REALLY glad he did! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Congrats!! Bravo on the 10K, and I hope your channel continues to inspire people with clectronics, repairs, good music, good wine, good friends, and company!
Congratulations Lyle, keep the format, the wisdom and focus on work... It will blossom in few months double the subscribers ... Thanks for your content, cheers from Europe
Lyle - love the channel. Used to watch Brad (The Guitologist) but he went a little "off course" (Im trying to be diplomatic..)... was there for the fixes not the politics. Please don't ever change!
Thanks! I learn every time I watch these videos. I’m planning an 18watt-ish amp out of parts from a Hammond AO-44, I was going to make up an eyelet board but seeing this implementation has me going in the terminal board direction now. It’s great to see a well built example.
Congratulations!!! My favorite amp repair channel by far! And a top hat! I haven’t seen one of those since the 90s. I played a duo jet through it and I remember it sounded fantastic!
I don’t understand why you don’t have more subscribers? You are 1 of only a few true tube amp gurus on the web! The cap on the standby switch….is it necessary for SS rectification? I also agree with your assessment of the build quality. The ground buss wire for the stand up lugs is 18ga., plenty big enough. The heater wires aren’t too big. All in all a great built amp! Are they still being made? In the $2000-$3000 range they should be made this well! How do you find the time to make videos, repair off camera amps, have a home life and be there for your wife? However you do, keep it up! Wow that was a leading statement! My B12 is kicking in! Love from NW Colorado, where it is becoming spring = high mountain gardening. Like Minnesota we have 2 seasons! Winter & snowmobile repair! Thanxz
In an older video, don't remember which one, I showed this and said "for general use a 1.14mm will do but for jazz I find a 2mm gives a better sound." And some people thought I was serious.
@@PsionicAudio Ironically, your numbers are about right for guitar picks used for their original purpose. I find celluloid picks that are roughly 1.2mm to be optimum. Thicker isn't a deal-breaker for me and slightly thinner, say 1mm, is tolerable. Thinner than that reminds me of using baseball cards against bicycle spokes.
I find myself alternating between the Jazz III and the .77mm Tortex Flow. Different guitars, different styles, different sounds. I also have/use/like the 1.4mm Tortex Flow. It's in between the other two in terms of everything.
Congrats Magicbox Madman, 10K and counting. 5 amps and counting for me. AC30 From Hell, 67 Bassman, Vox Pacemaker, Park 150 and 69 Laney Supergroup. All amps lead to Brooklyn via Memphis from now on. May the champagne flow as freely as your solder. Best, Andy Cichon
Congrats Lyle - been watching since you were predominantly on facebook - it was one of the only reasons I logged in there, so I'm pleased to see you continue to grow here! Any thoughts on those heater wires sticking out in that direction, rather than tucked under the lip and further away from the rest of the circuit? Maybe nitpicky, but it seemed like it made a difference on tweed-style builds i've done. That's a really nice looking build though
👍🏼That’s fantastic. You’re not even that nice a guy. 😉 Love your videos. Makes me want to heat up the soldering gun and I’ve nothing to work on presently.
Congrats! I wondering how you get this organised. I think you must have a complete camera- and production crew to be able to post your video's at this frequency. Me, I don't have enough free time to see all the video's you are posting. Anyway , carry on the good work! ;)
Say, I am really enjoying your channel! I recently purchased a Morgan MVP23 (which had I seen some of your videos first, I may have not!) Are there any recommendations you might have for this model? (I have not had any problems to this point)
Congrats on 10k! Quick question while this amp is fresh in your mind...is the heater wiring here a larger gauge than the 22awg in the rest of the amp or does the depth perception just make it look larger?
I'm very impressed with the build of this amp. Now I want to hear it. :) I have played many Tophats and have loved the tone everytime. I'm curious if you think this is built better than Divided by 13 amps or Matchless? Curious who you think is at the top in terms of build quality and tone of all the amps you have been into and experienced.
This is infinitely better than Div 13 who make lots of very questuonable choices. I'm not a Matchless fan. Overbuilt to the point where any repair is expensive, and they bias their amps way too hot. Plus tons of rubber grommets throughout the chassis, all of which like to degrade (very expensive to redo all those). And they really don't sound as good as the amps they are based on. Yeah yeah, I know, opinions. But mine comes from servicing and playing all the "classic" amps most only get to read about. And I get to play them when they are working right - most people only get to play "vintage" amps that need service.
I can't answer who's "best." But I'll be doing a video this month on recommendations at different price point. If I can get caught up on the bench first.
@@PsionicAudio Oh I definitely respect your opinion as you get to hear so many circuits and brands. Thanks very much. I was thinking the Tophat was built better than the D13's as well. They go for a lot less used too which makes me want to consider them even more.
Congratulations!! Hey just curious, what were the lesser quality diodes you talk about in your videos used in the diode rectification? And what was the better diode to use?
Fine choice. Won't make any difference in most amps. Maybe some mega loud firebreatging ultra high gain monster, but I doubt it. But as they cost about the same as the 1N, go for it.
I have a Top Hat Club Royale 2x12, 2004 build. I have never understood the treble knob sweep. Pretty normal up to about 2 o'clock. The remainder of the sweep it sucks the life out of any bass, any mid, and reduces overall volume by perhaps 50 - 60% ... it sounds awful in that range. I just never go past 2 o'clock for that reason. Anybody have an explanation ??
Thank you for this quick reply sir ... electronics is like quantum physics to me, but I sure do enjoy watching watching craftspeople at the top of their craft and you are certainly there. And agree with commentary praising the "presentation" aspect of your channel. I absolutely find it relaxing ... soothing. Masterful !!@@PsionicAudio
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 82 วันนี้!! คู่เอก | ยอดไอคิว vs อับดัลลาห์](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hSsyTl_9bqs/mqdefault.jpg)
That 750 Ohm resistor which serves as a dropping resistor in the power supply doesn’t simultaniously act as a screen grid resistor. In fact I have still to see a Tophat Amp that came Stock with screen grid resistors on the output tubes. In my point of view this is a major flaw in these otherwise fine built Amps.
Shit, you're right. Sorry, momentary brain cloud.
I don't understand...the 750 ohm resistor drops voltage to the screens, why do we want or need the screen resistors at the sockets?
No need to apologize😉 Big fan of your Channel - keep up the good work👍🏽😀
A) It keeps the downstream B+ more stable as variations in the screen current won't pull down the B+ as much.
B) Individual screen grid resistors can protect the entire power supply from a bad tube.
C) Say you want max headroom in the preamp so you want to keep the screen node voltage high but that exceeds the max voltage of a given output tube. Screen grid resistors can drop the voltage to the screens without dropping the voltage available for the downstream (preamp) circuitry.
There are other reasons but those are the most important.
@@PsionicAudio Thanks Man
Couple of corrections.
Most of the yellow caps are not 150 series Mallory, they’re Cornell Dublier WMF series that are proper polyester film/foil, not metallized.
Only the negative side of the PI and the bleed cap on the B+ that you thought not rated for that use…
It’s a 630 volt cap on 380 volt supply…why is that not kosher??
I strongly prefer the audio taper treble. 7-10 is enough range for the hyper treble tone I’m never looking for!!
As for the fat boost being footswitched…
I don’t feel it’s enough of a lead boost to bother adding the footswitch.
I did early on do that on some models…I found that by literally dragging the signal down the guitar cord of any reasonable length…you could hear a high end loss of frequency because the shorting in the pedal is at the end of the cable carrying some of the signal.
Thus, stopped doing it.
In that arrangement, you’re not simply triggering a relay inside the chassis, which wouldn’t have the same detrimental effect.
Lastly, I definitely don’t like any post phase inverter MV.
I prefer pre PI.
Yes, you lose bottom end by lowering the impedance of the EQ section.
That’s why I inform people and describe in the owners manual, the EQ correction needed at lower than 1/2 master settings.
You lower the treble knob no higher than the master and at very low settings, less than 1/4…lower the mids too.
You’re lowering the treble a lot and the mid some to balance with what little amount of bass is left, to re balance the spectrum as it sounds at higher output with normal EQ settings.
You’ll be amazed at what a help that is…
Here’s my philosophy on pre vs. post PI masters…
I don’t think phase inverter distortion is good distortion. It’s bad, sounds over baked and splattered.
PI’s imho are not meant as a place for distortion. Lots of different types, some provide a decent amount of gain, others effectively none.
I prefer a cleaner PI generally, especially with a cathode biased no neg power section that breaks up easily.
More to the point…
Pre PI type give you a level control at the mouth of the PI that under higher preamp gain levels, helps control the distortion at the PI helping to prevent it from getting over baked. Then Freely breathing as god intended through to the mouth of the power tubes!!
Post PI, under any circumstances but especially at higher gain settings where the PI is getting hammered…you’re now choking this over baked sound at the mouth of the power tubes…preventing them from causing the naturally occurring power tube distortion that is more pleasing than purely thinner preamp distortion.
One is a better controlled distortion freely breathing on through and the other is choking down an overbaked bad distortion.
In old non master arrangements, it all happens at roughly the same time…pre, PI and power tube distortion, in sync. But most rarely went past about 7 on the vol/gain knob, as they got ratted out🙏
Brian of TopHat
Hey Brian,
As I said, very nice amp. Sorry, I missed the WMF print. Very nice choice.
I probably shouldn't have mentioned the cap to ground on pin 8 of the rectifier. As I said, it was mostly theoretical and would be fine. Was just kind of talking out loud as I went.
We'll have to agree to disagree on the Treble taper and choice of MV.
Doesn't stop it from being a very good sounding well made amp.
I get you on long cable lengths for footswitching the cathode. Relay/transistor woud be needed for longer runs, but that adds a layer of complication.
@@PsionicAudio I believe the choice of MV and the treble taper is essential to what makes a TopHat sound like a tophat.
I'm one of your recent subscribers. Love the channel! (Also ... please don't succumb to using "ambient" background music. Can't stand it. You've been blessed with a great set of pipes, and that's all we need!)
I concur
Right on!
This wiring doesn't look like rat nests I've seen in other amps...!!!
Beautiful wiring indeed😎👍
Congrats! I've owned 3 Tophats through the years. Always thought they were fantastic. Brian builds one hell of an amp.
Congrats on 10k subs! Brian Gerhard of TopHat has been in the biz for many, many years. He's an exceptional builder and like you, builds high end amps in the VOX flavor of circuits. He did an interview on Pete Thorn's channel last year and its a must watch with lots to geek out to. Seems that you and Brian would get along famously.
Brian Gerhard at TopHat is a fine builder. Cut from the same cloth. Also he's next door in North Carolina.
recommended by Walter Becker and Lyle........ I'm sold.
Congratulations Lyle! This is no joke my favorite channel to watch.
Thanks Matthew!
Congrats Lyle! Your deep knowledge of guitar amps and electronics is up there with the very best. And your attention to detail is top notch. A true professional. I thank you for sharing this with the YT universe. Looking forward to watch your channel grow with many more subscribers.
Yeah, you're doing a great job with this Channel. Outside of Uncle Doug, I feel very comfortable watching and listening to your content.
Brad's Guitar Garage sent me over here. I'm REALLY glad he did!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Just subscribed. Thanks for all the info that you share. Best, Pete
Wow, the wiring is so neat!
Congrats!! Bravo on the 10K, and I hope your channel continues to inspire people with clectronics, repairs, good music, good wine, good friends, and company!
Congratulations Lyle, keep the format, the wisdom and focus on work... It will blossom in few months double the subscribers ... Thanks for your content, cheers from Europe
You deserve it... Great videos...
WooHoo!!
Lyle - love the channel. Used to watch Brad (The Guitologist) but he went a little "off course" (Im trying to be diplomatic..)... was there for the fixes not the politics. Please don't ever change!
Thanks! I learn every time I watch these videos. I’m planning an 18watt-ish amp out of parts from a Hammond AO-44, I was going to make up an eyelet board but seeing this implementation has me going in the terminal board direction now. It’s great to see a well built example.
You’re the best thing on TH-cam, Lyle. Thanks for what you do for us. 🎸
Congratulations!!! My favorite amp repair channel by far! And a top hat! I haven’t seen one of those since the 90s. I played a duo jet through it and I remember it sounded fantastic!
Great news! You value competence! Always learn something.
And to the next 10K. Most informative channel. I enjoy every vid. Many Thanks.
Thanks for these videos. They are a great source of knowledge for us learning the craft.
That is a beautiful, clean wiring job. I've never seen one that nice before. Congrats on 10K subscribes.👍
Congrats man. New subscriber. Enjoy your info
Congratulations from Spain! I enjoy your videos more and more. Thank you!
Congrats Lyle! I follow you and Uncle Doug and I've learned a lot from you guys although nothing can beat that particular UD sense of humor....😇
Congratulations Lyle! Very enjoyable videos. I think I have watched almost all of your videos fm start till the end. Keep on the good work.
I've always liked top hat amps. I've never seen inside one though. Looks lovely.
I found this channel yesterday and confess to binge watching into the wee hours. Excellent format and really interesting to watch. Much appreciation!!
Thanks so much!
Congratulations, Lyle! A well deserved milestone. You'll be at 15k or better before you know it.
Congratulations Lyle!! You are the top dog!! Love your channel brother!!
Thanks Brian! Now that the weather is nice we hope to see y'all soon!
congrats Lyle, you'll hit 20k in no time.
A week later, and 1600 more subscribers!
I don’t understand why you don’t have more subscribers? You are 1 of only a few true tube amp gurus on the web! The cap on the standby switch….is it necessary for SS rectification? I also agree with your assessment of the build quality. The ground buss wire for the stand up lugs is 18ga., plenty big enough. The heater wires aren’t too big. All in all a great built amp! Are they still being made? In the $2000-$3000 range they should be made this well! How do you find the time to make videos, repair off camera amps, have a home life and be there for your wife? However you do, keep it up! Wow that was a leading statement! My B12 is kicking in! Love from NW Colorado, where it is becoming spring = high mountain gardening. Like Minnesota we have 2 seasons! Winter & snowmobile repair! Thanxz
Congratulations Lyle, you worked very hard to get there.
Congrats on 10k Lyle! A nice milestone to wake up to!
Hey this looks like a very cool amp... can't wait to hear it!
Lyle you deserve it! Congratulations. Looking forward for the 100k subs
Congratulations , and thank you for a tip top informative and entertaining channel .
Congrats on 10K! Enjoying the videos.
You deserve 10 xs 10 k , great channel!
Guitar picks as spacers while attaching skirted knobs. I guess those flappy medium and thin picks aren't totally useless after all. 😛
In an older video, don't remember which one, I showed this and said "for general use a 1.14mm will do but for jazz I find a 2mm gives a better sound." And some people thought I was serious.
@@PsionicAudio Ironically, your numbers are about right for guitar picks used for their original purpose. I find celluloid picks that are roughly 1.2mm to be optimum. Thicker isn't a deal-breaker for me and slightly thinner, say 1mm, is tolerable. Thinner than that reminds me of using baseball cards against bicycle spokes.
I find myself alternating between the Jazz III and the .77mm Tortex Flow. Different guitars, different styles, different sounds. I also have/use/like the 1.4mm Tortex Flow. It's in between the other two in terms of everything.
I see big things for this channel Lyle. You're moving up and it's very much well-deserved. Congratulations on 10K
Thanks so much Brent!
Congratulations on that milestone!
Congrats, well deserved! Still hoping you do an AC10C1 one of these days. Would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.
Congrats! Keep it up man. I had a top hat ambassador and it was a pretty nice amp.
Congrats on 10k. You've definitely earned every subscriber!
Congratulations Lyle, steady at it . 👏
The “150Ms” are clearly WMFs. Sorry, that bugs me now. I got new glasses after doing this video. ;)
Congratulations on the10K Lyle.
Congrats Magicbox Madman, 10K and counting. 5 amps and counting for me. AC30 From Hell, 67 Bassman, Vox Pacemaker, Park 150 and 69 Laney Supergroup. All amps lead to Brooklyn via Memphis from now on. May the champagne flow as freely as your solder. Best, Andy Cichon
Thanks China!
Very nice work by TopHat! Congrats on 10K! :-D
I was going to watch 5min then get to work, but here I am at the end of the video again!
Congrats on the 10k, mate.
Thanks mate! Put a dog up your, um, how did that go again? ;)
Congratulations
😎👍❤🖖
Congrats on 10k. Well deserved!
Great work Lyle! You deserve 10k more!
Best amp repair channel!!!
Congratulations!
CONGRATS !!!
Congrats!!!
Congrats :) nice looking amp indeed.
Well done sir !
Excellent channel!! I hope to become a local client when the Excalibre becomes available.
Congrats Lyle - been watching since you were predominantly on facebook - it was one of the only reasons I logged in there, so I'm pleased to see you continue to grow here!
Any thoughts on those heater wires sticking out in that direction, rather than tucked under the lip and further away from the rest of the circuit? Maybe nitpicky, but it seemed like it made a difference on tweed-style builds i've done. That's a really nice looking build though
👍🏼That’s fantastic. You’re not even that nice a guy. 😉
Love your videos. Makes me want to heat up the soldering gun and I’ve nothing to work on presently.
Congratulations from follower number 6783 😆😆
Congrats! I wondering how you get this organised. I think you must have a complete camera- and production crew to be able to post your video's at this frequency. Me, I don't have enough free time to see all the video's you are posting. Anyway , carry on the good work! ;)
Say, I am really enjoying your channel! I recently purchased a Morgan MVP23 (which had I seen some of your videos first, I may have not!) Are there any recommendations you might have for this model? (I have not had any problems to this point)
I've not had an MVP on my bench so I won't speculate. Hope it's great.
My color blindness has only ever noticeably affected me at the optometrist's office. That 58 always looks like 23 to me. Or maybe it's 57...
You deserve 10x more. No, really.
Congrats on 10k! Quick question while this amp is fresh in your mind...is the heater wiring here a larger gauge than the 22awg in the rest of the amp or does the depth perception just make it look larger?
Thanks! Looks to be 20AWG.
I'm very impressed with the build of this amp. Now I want to hear it. :) I have played many Tophats and have loved the tone everytime. I'm curious if you think this is built better than Divided by 13 amps or Matchless? Curious who you think is at the top in terms of build quality and tone of all the amps you have been into and experienced.
This is infinitely better than Div 13 who make lots of very questuonable choices.
I'm not a Matchless fan. Overbuilt to the point where any repair is expensive, and they bias their amps way too hot. Plus tons of rubber grommets throughout the chassis, all of which like to degrade (very expensive to redo all those). And they really don't sound as good as the amps they are based on.
Yeah yeah, I know, opinions. But mine comes from servicing and playing all the "classic" amps most only get to read about. And I get to play them when they are working right - most people only get to play "vintage" amps that need service.
I can't answer who's "best." But I'll be doing a video this month on recommendations at different price point. If I can get caught up on the bench first.
@@PsionicAudio Oh I definitely respect your opinion as you get to hear so many circuits and brands. Thanks very much. I was thinking the Tophat was built better than the D13's as well. They go for a lot less used too which makes me want to consider them even more.
@@PsionicAudio that will make a great video. Can't wait for that one. Really appreciate you!
Selling price for this is $1495.
Parts to make this are about $1300.
Congratulations!! Hey just curious, what were the lesser quality diodes you talk about in your videos used in the diode rectification? And what was the better diode to use?
Thanks! Fender uses 1N4006s which can fail. 1N4007s are the fix. Same size, maybe half a cent more.
@@PsionicAudio do you have any opinions on the UF4007’s?
Fine choice. Won't make any difference in most amps. Maybe some mega loud firebreatging ultra high gain monster, but I doubt it.
But as they cost about the same as the 1N, go for it.
I have a Top Hat Club Royale 2x12, 2004 build. I have never understood the treble knob sweep. Pretty normal up to about 2 o'clock. The remainder of the sweep it sucks the life out of any bass, any mid, and reduces overall volume by perhaps 50 - 60% ... it sounds awful in that range.
I just never go past 2 o'clock for that reason. Anybody have an explanation ??
The Club Royale tonestack is a variant of the Vox Top Boost circuit. So yes, it’s possible to get horrible sounds.
Thank you for this quick reply sir ... electronics is like quantum physics to me, but I sure do enjoy watching watching craftspeople at the top of their craft and you are certainly there. And agree with commentary praising the "presentation" aspect of your channel. I absolutely find it relaxing ... soothing. Masterful !!@@PsionicAudio