18watt EF86 custom combo amp

AJMM custom hand built 18watt combo amp. Originally a 18 watt marshall design, rebuilt this amp MANY times trying to find something special. This build is based on the Vox 1960 style circuit, with custom phase inverter and EF86 tone tweaks. Has volume, 6 way tone switch and cut control plus special 'squish' pot.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• EF86
• VOX
• Marshall
• 18watt
• Matchless

[ajmultimedia]

NOTE: This G&L guitar is a VERY bright guitar - in most amps its got an extended upper range that needs to be reduced, and I'm using the bridge in brighter single coil mode. So I think this amp definately works better for single coils or other bright guitars. I don't think it sounds nearly as good with LP or other humbucker guitars.

[psymetal]

I built a couple of 18 watt lite type amps with the 6sj7 pentode. Not quite as much gain as a ef86, but a rich tone none the less. I tried the squish control in it and pretty much leave it almost out of the circuit barely on most of the time.

[ajmultimedia]

@psymetal Ya, I use that control mainly to 'tame' the output of the EF86 so probably wouldn't need it on a 6sj7 at all.

[bootlegapples]

@ajmultimedia

Hi, May I ask do you build amps commercially?

I'm really liking the squish effect.Not sure how much of that is the camcorder compressing but it sounds similar to the compressed effect I get when I push the power section in my amp(cathode biased/tube rectified) except you get it on your clean settings.Nice,much better sounding than a compression pedal,much.

thanks.

[ajmultimedia]

@bootlegapples Not at this time, I just do it for fun. The amp is very compressed, but not sure how much that is the squish control really - again, its mostly used as a way to tame the EF86, they just have SO much gain and IMHO massively overdriving any 1 stage, esp the Phase Inverter, gives a fairly nasty type of distortion so I kept experimenting on ways to lower the gain on the EF86 to give more clean headroom - other than just cruedly dumping signal or using Triode mode. Thanks.

[SuperTwangster]

You have the best clean sound I've ever heard, period. I love Fender amp clarity but this is the creme de la creme. Can't stop listening to it. Well done! Covet covet...

[ajmultimedia]

WOW - thanks a lot!! Esp nice coming from a guy named SuperTwangster! :)

[bedofrazorsqwerty]

Jenny, I got your number. I'm gonna make you mine.

[sliberty]

PLease elaborate on the squish control. WHat is it doing electronically. or better yet, point me to a schematic.

[fullwood13]

i am  awestruck! any chance of a schematic?

[grawgydawg]

Dude, I wish I could play like you...I just got me a Cave Valley amps 18W EF86...SWEET!

[moonbirdmusic]

Should have also asked you what speaker is in this sweet little beast -- thx.

[moonbirdmusic]

Wow - really like this amp. Single coil man myself so this is of great interest. Would you talk a little about your custom phase inverter ... what tube are you using?? Would also love to know more about your tone control and cut circuit. Which OT are you using?? What is the plate voltage on the EL-84's?? They sound just great. Really fine job!!

[richbrutus]

Great sounding amp. Do you have the schematics for it? I'd love to try and build it myself. I like it better than the Matchless DC-30.