The 5e3 Project /Saga/Epic/ etc

[charlyg]

I have just received the first parts for my Fender Tweed Deluxe clone build. I have yet to get the tube sockets, transformers, knobs, and cab. I am looking at just putting in a head cab, as I have ext speakers I can use. I have found some good folks at Fenderplayersforum.com that have been helping out and I have a thread on it over there as well. The chassis is a blem from Weber. They normally go for 90 bucks, but I got it for 40 and can't find any blems. The board was wired by Revolver Amplification and is built to Hoffman specs. I have been advised to get the power transformer from Weber and the output transformer will be a Mercury Magnetics one.

Here's the first pic.

[jps]

Nice. If it were me, I'd make a case that has the chassis just like you have it in the pic, mounted horizontally.

[charlyg]

Great idea Jeff! In fact, maybe some nice wood instead of tweed?

The tube socket holes are on the back, so they would be horizontal, but as long as the air gets to them, it shouldn't matter. It seems to me that would be better than them hanging out the bottom anyway!

[jps]

Having the tubes horizontal would give them plenty of breathing room to cool off with a grill above and below the tubes. I think Fender got it wrong and Marshall got it right regarding tube positioning on their respective chassis. Did CLF forget that heat rises?

[charlyg]

I got the rest of the parts ordered today. The transformers, tube sockets, fuse holder. switches, light... All that is left to buy are the tubes and cab, although I may either make the cab(head), or have someone locally do it. I am using the best parts I can find, so I want it to look boo-teeky, as it should be a tone monster. I can't decide on what wood, but I've heard some good things about maple!

[jingle_jangle]

Two words: "Brazlian Walnut". Otherwise known as "Ipé". (ee-pay). Let your fingers do the walking. Worth the search...

[charlyg]

That's some pretty nice wood! However, I can only seem to find it in decking or flooring?

[johnallg]

Buy it direct!

http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/10838180 ... owimg.html

[jingle_jangle]

Flooring is what it's commonly used for--it's denser than teak and quite rot-proof, but finishes up like the finest walnut, albeit with a redder tone. It can be found in 3/4" thick pieces by widths up to 12", listed as flooring.

It runs about $8/bd. ft. in 4/4 which should be surface-planed, sanded and scraped like any fine hardwood. It will look better than the VOX limited editions, if you treat it right!

http://www.advantagelumber.com/exotic.htm

Please note the weight: up to 75 pounds/cu. ft., and specific gravity: 1.08...Ipé does not float!

[jps]

That's some pretty nice wood! However, I can only seem to find it in decking or flooring?

You might find in in a tree somewhere.