Hotrod Deluxe to Bassman/Plexi Conversion
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ธ.ค. 2018
- Here is a video describing (briefly) how to convert a Hot Rod series Fender into a Classic 59 Bassman 5F6-A with a Plexi channel.
I did a second one with some improvements, you can see here: • Hot Rod Deluxe to Bass...
*If you have interest in doing this conversion to your HR Deluxe or Deville, please contact me directly, as there are many details that I have not included in this video, but will gladly share. jloewenheim@gmail.com
Featured are some upgrades that mostly are a result of the great web pages put together by Rob Robinet. Notably, are modifying the normal channel to be voiced as a Marshall following the Plexi Preamp voicing, adding a pre-phase inverter master volume, making the bias adjustable, and having a 3-way negative feedback switch.
For a write-up, go to my site: sites.google.com/site/jloewen...
Missing from this conversion is the reverb (the tank is still in the cab). I wasn't sure if I really wanted it or not, but if I do, I will add it back in the way it was standard on the HRD using an op-amp.
Mistaken Description: at the 9:49 mark I erroneously mentioned that Screen Resistors were where the burned marks were on the board. This is incorrect, those are actually the resistors for the Dual Power rail for the (+/-)16VDC utilized by the opamps and relays. Issues with these often cause channel switching and other problems.
Things not mentioned:
-The adjustable bias setup: 15K Bias Divider (stock 5f6a), 50k pot, 39K pot to ground (connected to the wiper and far lug for a min of 39K). This varies a bit from Rob's recommendations.
-I used 1n4007 diodes on a terminal strip for the rectifier-Bridge since no CT
-I had to re-drill holes for the preamp tube holes (originals are too big)
-All Control panel holes needed to be reamed to 3/8" for new pots
-to mount the boards, I used Masonite (cut-up clipboards)
-I reduced to 2 non-plastic classic Switchcraft input jacks and reduced grid leaks from 68K to 33K
-Screen resistors are mounted directly on chassis
-Pre PI Master Volume follows JCM800
Also if you like my channel and this video on amps, I suggest subscribing to the following awesome channels:
-Uncle Doug: / @uncledoug
Uncle Doug has tons of other videos, probably the best teacher on TH-cam regarding amps
-The Guitologist: / @theguitologist
Brad runs an all-around great channel, loves to work on wonky stuff as well as standard guitar-related gear.
-D-lab: / @d-labelectronics
Terry is likely the best electronics technician working to repair tube amps on YT.
Related links:
Rob Robinette
-Safety! Rob's word on capacitor discharge and lethal voltages in tube amps: robrobinette.com/Tube_Amp_Saf...
Rob's site is likely the most comprehensive resource regarding classic Fender amps, and now amps work.
-59 bassman site: robrobinette.com/5F6A_Modific...
-Brad the Guitologist working on a Mesa (this guy has tons of awesome videos):
Part 1: • The Forgotten Mesa-Boo...
Part 2: • This Amp is an ABOMINA...
Part 3: • That's It...This Ampli...
Part 4: • Ahab SLAYS the Mesa-Bo...
-Uncle Doug on Biasing: easiest way to really understand how biasing works
• Biasing Single-Ended A...
• Biasing Double-Ended A...
• Biasing Double-Ended A... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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Nice video. I like the presentation style. Much clearer than the crap I throw online. :D
I wish I could put up what you are consistently doing.
Do as the Man says, get a used Fender pcb combo and have it the guts removed and replaced with a proper handwired Fender circuit, if you want reverb go the extra and get a valve driven reverb, new 3 spring tray and a little reverb signal transforner. The Fender cabinets and transformers are very good. I had a 1x12" blues deluxe rebuilt with just vol/ treble/mid/bass and reverb and it was the best decision for an amp I ever made.
Awesome videos! thks a bunch for all the effort and work you put into this series! kudos!
Very nice amp upgrade and I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for the plugs
I think anyone interested in doing amp work or understanding how it works should get to your pages.
I have both the 60 watt 2x 12 Deville and the pro junior. Happy with the Pro Junior.
Thanks for the note. I have all 3 and the blues jr.
In my opinion Pro Jr. sounds amazing stock, the others have a very narrow range where they can be dialed in. That changes once you make the conversion.
I had my HRD converted to a BF Bassman. Required keeping the Stock Speaker. It became an amp that day. Thanks to Jeff Andrews. But this entire genneration of Amps by fender was is a total disaster. the Conversion to the Bassman or Plexi is the correct fix. IMO that is. Cheers
thanks for the note, the HRD is a good starting point for many, but yes converting it either to tweed/plexi or BF is a good idea to really get the most out of it
I enjoyed your video. Great suggestions.
Those large 5w 470R resistors are a common problem, but I think you may have accidentally called them the wrong name. They’re not screen grid resistors (also 470R). They are dropping resistors Fender uses to drop the 48v down to 16v (used in switching). It's like using a forklift to hammer a nail. When I need to pull the PCB, I will mount those 5w resistors on standoffs to allow heat dissipation without cooking the PCB. I’ve subscribed. :)
You are correct, thanks for catching that. I also am not a fan of the 1w screen resistors. Nonetheless, out of the box, the HRD series is a pretty good bang for the buck amp. As I'm sure you know, they will eventually have problems, and then I think it is a good time to think about converting into something else....
@@jloewenheim I agree. Once you properly "set up" a HRD, they sound bloody awesome. I don't care for their sound out of the box.
You are right mate, this R470 use to work with zener diode to clamped 48V down to 16V that a lo of voltage drop over this resistors , the correct way is lowering voltage drop to reduce heat dissipation (Current=(48-16)/470, then calculate to power=2.178watts , so if reduce 48V down we gonna get lower heating, the easiest way is change C100uF to 15uF this help lowering dc voltage on rectifier to supply to these R, no more cooking. Hope this help.
That burnt board is under the solid state +&- 16vdc supply not the screen grid resistors.
I have an early Hot Rod Deluxe like yours (mine's 1st of the MIM's approx 2002)
Even with the particle board construction and my unpopular filters growing
little titties, it's still pretty cool. 😎 I dig the warmth of the old Eminence 12"
...and thanx so much for your upgrade mod/vid... Cheerios (not the cereal though)
Thanks for the video. I’m going to try this conversation. I want to use the same transformer. What about the rectifier? Can you touch on this please. Thanks
Yes, thanks for the note. You will need to "Upgrade" to a bridge rectifier since there is no CT, nor 5v secondary to power a typical rectifier tube. Please email me and I will send you lots of useful stuff that I have been supplying others with who have also followed my lead on this. my username@gmail.
I've got a 212 Blues Deville that has had so many problems with the circuit board that it's unreliable. I'm thinking this conversion is just the ticket. I might email you for tips. Especially what to do about the rectifier tube for the 5f6-a
Would be happy to assist, feel free to reach out. my username at gmail.com
I'm currently converting a Hotrod Deluxe to a mojotone bassman 5f6-a after seeing this video. How did you wire the transformers leaving out the rectifier tube. i know you said you made a bridge rectifier, do you have schematic for that. Any help would be greatly appreciated,Thank you !
do you mind emailing me, way easier to get you that kind of info and have a dialog in that format. my username at gmail.com
@@jloewenheim Thanks for the info I’ve been looking for this info since a friend gave me the amp part of a deville 2x12 with a burnt pcb!! will be emailing you when I start the project im interested in-the rectifier part of the build, nice job and cool mods👍🏾👌🏾
I am one of your subscribers that emailed you with the same questions.
Thanks so much.
Any tips on how to make a 1995 blues deville ltd with 5881 tubes sound better,??
There are a lot of directions that you could go. Do you mind emailing me so that we could discuss what you are really looking to do? username @ gmail.com
How much you think something like this costs in 2022 dollars? As a first project, you think I'm better off building a kit or modifying a 1st gen HRD? I have one I don't really care much about.
The mojotone 5f6a small parts kit is $185 US. www.mojotone.com/Tweed-Bassman-Style-Small-Parts-Kit?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmdGYBhDRARIsABmSEePuDjWy7v4kvK6eWUQfUp9U5b0xZ3Ikuttgijnu22jEvfI4-_J4ersaAqy5EALw_wcB
And then depending on what you have tool-wise, probably another $50-100 is you are starting with nothing.
This is a great amp to do this on because there is no real resale value on these amps, and you already have the most expensive parts: transformers and tubes.
Feel free to reach out directly to me username @gmail.com, I can provide a lot of resources
@@jloewenheim hey man mind if I email you soon? I’m gonna order the parts kit for a 4x10 deville. I just picked up a broken one for cheap. I did fix the usually problems but honestly it doesn’t sound very good. I built a tweed champ and a single ended plexi from kits last year so I think I’m up for it ..
@@petheato3291 Anytime, glad to help. I am actually converting one as we speak, was eventually going to post about the variations and some new upgrades that I like to add to the conversion.
We’re you able to keep the effects loop
Great question. I generally have not been adding/retaining either the loop or reverb, but there is a way to do it, and I have a method that I can go over.
On the horizon is a video showing how to set up the +/-16 v regulated voltages, so that the op-amps and relays can be utilized for these functions and channel switching.
Feel free to email me (username at gmail) directly if you want a further explanation.
Thank you so much....I will here.
I dont know what the hell is going on in that HRD but mine sounds 100 times better then that and its a 2004 some thing is very wrong with it to begin with so its good you rebuilt it ..also this is one of the most used live gigging amps today and the ones i seen live always sounded good so i think this thing had a serious issue to begin with. The deville and HRD and george benson amp are basically the same they are not twins and though they are similar to the bassbreaker it is still its own thing and very versatile.just my opinion.
Your feedback is very much appreciated, as is your watching my video. I agree, it is a great amp, and has been around a long time. That being said, there are many out there looking to get a slightly different sound out of their HRD/BJr amps that is tone-wise a little closer to the 50's Tweed BM and the Plexi.
@@jloewenheim I agree that's why i was watching your vid, i was thinking if i start having problems maybe i'll go with a alternative, i didn't mean to come off so defencive, after rereading what i wrote i realize i might have been overreacting a bit..I really enjoy your videos keep up the good work
Not to worry, love the dialogue, think you gave some great insight.
That’s kind of what I thought when I heard the before. I have a Blues Deluxe and it has a lot more clarity when you turn it up than that first sound sample. The bass does tend to get supper flubby at high volumes. Basically as I increase the volume I roll off the bass and it sounds great. I also own a Marshall DSL 40 and use the Blues Deluxe as a clean amp and the Marshall for distorted tones. When I can run Blues Deluxe at volumes that will distort it starts to sound a lot like the first two channels of the Marshall only not as tight. At that point though the volume is loud enough to peel the paint off the walls.
That tone from the original amp stock is sounding like it's from bad filter caps. Those IC brand are absolute trash and are known to be common failure points in those amps and that sound is what they sound like from that problem. There are several common failure points in those amps and it costs around $350 to have it taken care of if there hasn't been any damage to the PCB board or traces yet. Nearly all new Fender amps are not built well or worth what they charge for them. Some can be made better with a few upgrades but is not like the amps of old. That's progress for ya!
All valid points. The video was to demonstrate what one can do once these problems occur and how it is a good candidate to convert/build a tweed bassman in the existing cabinet and chassis.
As you may have concluded, I am capable of repairing the typical issues mentioned and others, including those that are related to the dual power rail and comparator channel switching circuits (for all issues, it is likely closer to the list price for a new HRD).
Nonetheless, thanks for watching an the feedback.
That amp has problems to begin with. They sound great when working properly
Agree, that was why I decided to do the conversion. if in new condition, I likely would have left it alone until problems occurred.
My hot deluxe doesn’t sound anything like that. Yours is farty as hell. Mines doesn’t distort until 7 and that’s if I play really hard. There must’ve been something wrong with yours.
All the more reason for me to do the upgrade, as mine was played out and tired
I heard some clear audio cut in when he played some sweet home Alabama chords, I think most of the fart was the camera mic.
Being that the HRD is the biggest sellin Fender amp in history, there was probably no need for the long intro to it.
I hear you, but also I wanted to make sure to give Fender credit where it is due. Thanks for the comment.
@@jloewenheim hey I found it helpful . I have a deville 4x10 and I think I’m gonna do this. I built a tweed champ last year so I think I’m up for it
@@timevett6761 deville is a slightly different animal, please feel free to email me and we can discuss if necessary. username @ gmail.com
Fender has a nerve cheaping out. I disagree that it doesn’t sound good… That’s just this guy’s opinion.
We all have bought them because they do sound pretty good, in particular the clean channel. The question is when they need to be repaired, is it worth it. That being said, it's hard to argue that the sound of the 59 bassman or the plexi is anything short of amazing