I’m hoping this will clear things up for the night. Practical matters have brought about the decision to build a tube amplifier. In this case, I’m going to get a WeberVST kit as not to go it solo on the first attempt. The winner of much debate as to which circuit to start with is the ever popular 5E3, a Fender ’57 Tweed Deluxe circuit.

Unfortunately, this circuit isn’t quite ideal. The goal for our prototype is going to be about balancing loudness with clarity and transforming its bluesy rock tone into something a little smoother and less aggressive. We’re going to attempt lowering the gain in the preamp by using tubes with a lower gain factor and increasing wattage in the output stage which will include substituting some 6L6 variety for the standard 6V6s. The use of two separate volume controls seems to be pointless for our purposes as well. I think I’ll probably wind up setting up a treble and bass tone stack by dumping one of the volume pots.

Anyone care to buy a Marshall 2×12 4102?